Books / Storytale Festival
Storytale Festival opens the page on Chapter 6
Storytale Festival is back for a sixth chapter, this time heading to MShed on October 26 for a packed day of literary events aimed at children and young people.
Initially set up by Ellie Freeman in 2019, the festival is now co-run by Freeman in conjunction with children’s author Kate Frost (Time Shifters) and Nicola Kear of Grounded Cloud, with support from a multitude of local creatives to bring the event to life.
Since its inception, Storytale has aimed to bring affordable and inspiring activities, readings and workshops to the budding authors and illustrators of the future.
is needed now More than ever
Storytale craft activity with illustrator Lucy Freegard
Throughout the day, events are split into age-appropriate categories, 0-5, 6-9, 9-12, teens (13-15) and YA (16+).
For the youngest visitors, Colourful Minds will be leading craft sessions, and picture book authors Sam Clarke (Pink Trucks) Kael Tudor (One Goose, Two Moose!) and Duncan Beedie (Heavy Metal Badger) will be leading interactive readings.
There will be a pantomime performance – Oh Yes I Am with Mama G, as well as drama workshops from Story Adventures, scientist storytellers, and books for animal enthusiasts courtesy of Justin Anderson (Super Swifts!) and Andy Seed (Interview with a Panda!)
Storytale event with author Anna Houghton
Creative Waves will be encouraging children to make their own collages and comic strips, while middle grade authors Sophie Kirtley (Can You Solve a Mystery?) and Ash Bond (Peregrine Quinn and the Cosmic Realm) will be respectively exploring puzzles, maps, fantasy, and villains.
Black Lives Matter activist Jen Reid will be reading from her book, A Hero Like Me. And for poetry fans, CARGO will be organising a poetic history walk, led by award-winning local poet, activist and educator, Lawrence Hoo.
Paul Coomy doing an author book signing at Storytale Festival
Looking ahead to 2025, Storytale are appealing to authors with a passion for writing middle-grade fiction to participate in a Writer’s Day.
Expressions of interest are welcomed, and early-bird offers will be made available for those signing up to receive updates as plans take shape.
Storytale Festival 2024 is at MShed on October 26, with all events either free or capped at £2. Follow the latest updates on @storytalefest, or visit www.storytalefestival.com for more information.
All photos: Storytale Festival CIC
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