NATIONAL STORYTELLING WEEK
National Storytelling Week
Stories bring us together. They help us understand who we are, where we belong and the people around us. Whether they’re shared around a campfire, in a library, at the kitchen table, in a theatre or on a walk through your neighbourhood, stories have the power to connect us across generations, cultures and communities.
Established in 2000 by Del and Pippa Reid, National Storytelling Week is an annual celebration of storytelling, held from the last Saturday in January. It provides a nationwide opportunity to celebrate the power of stories. Each year, schools, libraries, museums, arts organisations, community groups, storytellers, families and friends come together to discover, share and celebrate the stories that shape our lives.
We’re collaborating with a growing network of organisations and businesses that also champion storytelling. Together, we’re helping more people discover the joy and power of stories. Whether you’re planning a public event or simply sharing a favourite family tale with someone you love, everyone can be part of National Storytelling Week.
2027 Theme
Every Story Has a Place and Every Place Has a Story
30 January - 7 February
This year’s theme invites us to explore the connections between people, places and stories. Celebrate the places that matter to you, uncover forgotten histories, imagine new worlds, or simply share the stories that make somewhere feel like home.
Every place has stories waiting to be told, and every story belongs somewhere, rooted in memory, imagination, history or hope.
Ways to get involved:
There are so many ways to take part in National Storytelling Week.
Host an event
Organise a storytelling session in your school, library, workplace, community venue or online. Invite people to gather, listen and share.
Find an event
Join one of the many events taking place across the UK. Discover professional storytellers, enjoy local celebrations and experience the magic of live storytelling.
Share a story
Tell a story to a child at bedtime, ask an older relative about their memories, swap favourite tales with friends, or share a story over a meal. Every story shared helps strengthen the connections between us.
Celebrate your community
Collect local stories, explore your area’s history, invite people to share memories of where they live, or create opportunities for neighbours to connect through storytelling.
Why Storytelling Matter
Storytelling is one of humanity’s oldest and most powerful art forms. It sparks imagination, builds empathy, supports learning and strengthens connections between people.
National Storytelling Week is open to everyone. Through free resources, shared activities and an annual theme, we invite individuals and organisations across the UK to celebrate storytelling as a living tradition that belongs to us all.
This National Storytelling Week, gather, listen and share.
Because every story has a place, and every place has a story.
National Storytelling Week logo
Storytelling Resources
Please download our latest National Storytelling Week Resource Pack for anyone who would like some ideas or guidance on telling themselves or supporting storytelling in their community. The packs are full of pointers, background information, tips on how to use storytelling in different settings and video links.
To download our resource packs, please fill in the form below.
Be part of the Society of Storytelling
Whether you are joining or rejoining our Society, we hope you will gain a number of positives from it, not least the chance to interact with fellow Tellers and enthusiasts but also opportunities to participate on collaborations beyond the initial brief of storytelling.