The Gathering 2012

30th March - 1st April 2012

Keynote speaker: Alan Garner

Every year, the Society holds an annual conference with a programme packed full with storytelling performances, workshops, and the Society's Annual General Meeting.

Known as "The Gathering", the conference seeks to provide a space where members and non-members alike can get together and explore various aspects of our craft. It is also the ideal place to bring friends and introduce them to the wonderful world of storytelling.

The theme of this year's Annual Gathering is Wise Enough to Play The Fool. Held at the University of Chester, on the Chester Campus, this year's keynote speaker will be the great folklorist and novelist Alan Garner. His keynote keynote speech for the Annual Gathering of the Society for Storytellers will be By Seven Firs and Goldenstone: An Account of the Legend of Alderley

Alan Garner, whose work draws deeply on folk tales and myths, grew up on Alderly Edge in Cheshire. His 1960 debut novel, The Weirdstone of Brisingamen was subtitled A Tale of Alderly and he has often returned to the legends that surround the Edge in subsequent books.

The weekend, which concludes on April Fool's Day, will also feature workshops with Simon Heywood, Eric Maddern, Lynn Cullen, Pippa Reid, Christine McMahon, 2012 Storytelling Laureate Katrice Horsley, Shonaleigh, Pete Castle and Tom and Ed Croft.

As well as the Society's AGM on Sunday morning there will be fun and games, story rounds, dancing, performances (including a return of the Taster Tales session that proved so o popular last year). The outing will be on Saturday afternoon, and the keynote speech in the early evening before dinner.

On Sunday there will be a chance to tell a short story at the Parting Shots.

See the full programme of Gathering 2012 events

Online booking available now, or Download a postal booking form [PDF 90KB]

If you have any questions about The Gathering 2012 send them to gathering@sfs.org.uk