Hastings Storytelling Festival

Our guest on 2 November was Sandra Garner, a trustee of the Hastings Storytelling Festival, who spoke to the club about the history, purpose and aims of the Festival which is for both adults and children. The festival is in its 6^th year and runs from 7^th to 13^thNovember 2016. Initially conceived by the founder who saw two boys next to each other communicating by text rather than spoken word, the festival is aimed to preserve the age old tradition of storytelling by the spoken word, art, dance and theatre. There is a full programme for the week with some venues in more deprived areas of the town and a number of actors will be taking the lead. Quentin Blake, the illustrator, is heavily involved and will be interviewing Dame Jaqueline Wilson, the author of many children’s books. Other events include workshops, a resident storyteller who will visit 5 primary schools, speaking head gas lamps telling ghost stories in Robertson Street and a midnight run around Hastings – more of a stroll -with Imogen Butler Cole meeting storytelling actors on the way. The week culminates with a children’s day at the Stade with theatre, stories and a parade when children can show off what they have made in the week’s festival activities. Whilst adults may have to pay for some events child under 10 goes free.

This year, talking gas lamps were an additional part of the festival. The two lamps, placed by Debenhams, in Hastings told various ghost stories and were an unusual but interesting means of communication.

Funding is critical as with all festivals and grants have been given by the Lottery, Big Local, Hastings Council and smaller local charities. Sandra was delighted to be presented with a cheque from President Glyn Parry. Chris Folley gave the vote of thanks.

More information, including the full programme can be found at www.hastingsstoryfest.org.uk and on Facebook hastingsstoryfest.