Welcome to The 13th Annual National Storytelling Week

Sat 26th Jan - Sat 2nd Feb 2013

In the beginning was the word, so we are told... and the man who gathered the words spoke and lifted life through parable, fable, saga, tale and story – each an experience, one way or another. Welcome to the world's widest vistas – in the country of the mind, on the rivers of the tongue. Here is the moment and all time; here time disappears. Come to the place that is... and isn't, more than so many times. Where in the end, as light fades on breathe and gathers silence, there is only the sound of a sigh and the "Wow" factor...

Over the past thirteen years we have gone from strength to strength, encouraging all areas of the community to take part in creating and enjoying storytelling – this most ancient of communicative arts. National Storytelling week has an audience of an estimated 17,000 people.

National Storytelling Week is about giving out – to all cultures – stories, parables, fables and legends that give a twinkle to the eye, raise a question in the mind, and have survived the brightness and the shadow of man’s imagination.

And 2013 is looking great!

Storytelling can be found enriching lives everywhere: from nurseries to schools, from bereavement aids in hospitals to strengthening communication in the business sphere, from reminiscence centres to support groups for those with special needs, and in theatrical performances.  The sharing between teller and listener empowers, feeding the imagination from one generation to the next.

Here are just a few of the events happening during National Storytelling Week...

Sunday 27 January 11-4pm
CADW, official guardian of the built heritage of Wales, are holding storytelling events in Beaumaris Caernarfon, Caerphilly, Chepstow, Conwy, Criccieth, Denbigh, Kidwelly, Raglan Castles, Blaenavon Ironworks, Caerleon Roman Fortress, Castell Coch, St David’s Bishop’s Palace, Tintern Abbey and Tretower Court

Saturday 2 February 11 – 2pm                                                  
Storytelling Day at Kensington Palace: Royal Stories, Travelling Stories and a story hunt!

Friday 1 February, 8pm
Matlock Storytelling Cafe presents Twisted Tales for Lovers at the Imperial Rooms, Matlock

Click here for a full list of events during National Storytelling Week...

Find our more about the history of National Storytelling Week

To find out more. Contact Del Reid, coordinator, National Storytelling Week.