Inspiring the Next Generation with CREDO: A Transformational Day at Theatre Royal Wakefield
- jacob01052
- 5 days ago
- 4 min read
On 8th September 2025, something remarkable happened inside the historic Theatre Royal Wakefield. Over 750 young people from across West Yorkshire stepped into a space built on belief, courage, and possibility for the first-ever Inspiring the Next Generation with CREDO Arena Event.
And what unfolded was more than an event; it was a movement.
A celebration of ambition.
A spark that will stay with students long after they’ve left the theatre walls.
This arena event was the realisation of a vision Luke Staton wrote down many years ago:
“One day, I’d love to create an environment like this for young people.”
That dream came alive, and it left an unforgettable mark.
A Day of Energy, Empowerment, and Real Inspiration
The day brought together Luke’s signature high-energy storytelling, powerful mindset coaching, and deeply human messages of courage, resilience, and self-belief. Students experienced:
Keynote talks from Luke Staton
Live spoken-word poetry from Joey, whose performance invited connection, reflection, and imagination
Music, storytelling, and real-life success stories
Themes of belief, resilience, and aspiration were woven throughout the entire day
The atmosphere was electric, so much so that one member of the Theatre Royal Wakefield team said:
“I’ve never seen anything of this calibre.”
Every young person is left with something powerful:
their own copy of CREDO — free of charge.
This wasn’t just a takeaway. It was a tool for life, something they can return to again and again.
This gift was made possible through the generosity of Yorkshire-based businessman Darren Craven, who, through Synergy Procurement Solutions, funded all 750 books for the entire audience, ensuring every student had something tangible to carry the message forward.
Batley Multi Academy Trust: Incredible Feedback From Schools
One of the biggest groups in attendance came from Batley Multi Academy Trust, led by CEO Sam Vickers. Their support was crucial in enabling students from Batley and the surrounding communities to participate in the day.
The feedback from Batley schools has been overwhelmingly positive, praising the atmosphere, the impact on student confidence, and the unique opportunity the event created for young people to reflect, grow, and believe in their future.
Teachers described the day as:
“Transformational”
“A turning point for our pupils”
“Exactly the kind of inspiration our young people need right now”
Moments of connection, reflection, laughter, and belief filled the theatre. Students leaned in, listened intently, and walked away with a renewed sense of possibility.
Removing Barriers: No Tickets, No Cost, No Limits
One of the most powerful aspects of the day was this:
No student had to pay to attend.
No one was left behind.
Thanks to the generosity of a remarkable group of sponsors, every cost was covered; the theatre, the books, the experience itself.
This meant that every single young person who needed to be in that room was in that room.
Opportunity was not determined by circumstance.
This barrier-free approach is at the core of Inspiring the Next Generation... belief should be accessible to all.
The Sponsors Who Made the Magic Possible
The event was brought to life by an extraordinary group of organisations and individuals who share Luke’s passion for young people, empowerment, and possibility. Their contributions were essential in creating this arena of inspiration.
Principal Sponsors
Synergy Procurement Solutions — Funded 750 copies of CREDO and has supported ITNG for years with deep belief and commitment.
Home Instead — funded travel on coaches for all schools in attendance.
Ischebeck Titan - Generously donated funding to ensure the theatre costs were covered.
UK Football Trials - Generously donated funding to ensure the theatre costs were covered.
Core Sponsors
Forward Frontier
Tom’s Potatoes
FatFace & The FatFace Foundation
SurrealDB
Becoming Better (Brian Barley)
Energy Support Solutions Ltd
LightsOnXP
Your Y
Cleenol
Pier Solutions
Hello Happy
Watchtower Solutions
Doors 2 Floors
Newberry Experience
Alistair Skinner – eXp UK
These sponsors didn’t just support an event; they invested in young lives. Their belief helped remove financial barriers, open doors, and give every student a chance to hear a message that could change the trajectory of their future.
A Ripple Effect That Will Last for Years
Stories shared throughout the programme show the long-term impact of ITNG events:
Students keep symbolic gifts for years to come
Young people finding the confidence to take brave new steps
Students overcoming adversity with belief and resilience
A Message for Every Student Who Attended
The heart of the entire day was rooted in one idea:
“Your starting point does not define your destination.”
Whether a student left with renewed hope, a clearer sense of direction, or simply the belief that they can take the next step forward, the event achieved its purpose.
Because when young people believe in themselves, everything becomes possible.
Looking Ahead
The 2025 Inspiring the Next Generation with CREDO event was a powerful reminder of what happens when community, business, education, and belief come together.
It wasn’t just a day.
It was a spark.
And for many students, it will be a defining moment.
We have secured funding from our amazing sponsors to bring more events like this in 2026.
