…an intrinsic part of the festival
Over the years all corners of the town have been filled with tales of wonder from around the world. We’re delighted to bring another packed programme of storytellers and spoken word events: from morning storytelling circles with Ean Richardson, to early evening storyrounds with Mo Keast and Tom Goodale, late-night ghost stories, workshops, and much more to enchant and enthral.
Here’s a Taster of what’s in store
Corinne Harragin, Simon Roth & Joy Becker : Troubled Waters
A new piece of contemporary oral storytelling & live music exploring endangered freshwater worlds through river legend, folklore and myth.
Daisy Black
Yde and Olive: a remarkable 13th-century tale of disguise, high adventure, public baths, gender fluidity, straight-talking angels, and the power of queer love.
David Heathfield
workshops & performances, including Tell a Child in Gaza’s Tale: powerful, funny, and poignant folk stories shared with and by children and teachers in Gaza.
Debs Newbold
Sidmouth favourite, Debs, is joining us for a few days with performances including Dauntless: Grace O’Malley, Pirate Queen and more.
Hannah Moore
The Wisdom of Fairy Tales: a creative workshop exploring timeless lessons through classic stories.
Hannah Moore & Amy Cox – Storms & Silver Hands :
In this dark and starry adventure, traditional storyteller Hannah Moore weaves the fairytale of The Handless Maiden with true stories that speak to the heartaches and the great hopes of today. Amy Cox, cellist and singer, brings mesmerizing music to draw listeners deeper into the stories’ twists of fate, devils, magic, and call of the wild.
Janet Dowling
Sidmouth’s resident storyteller brings us two events. Talk and Tale – folktales of fossils and dinosaur bones; and Lust and Revenge – an “echoback” story-play inspired by the passions of the night sky.
Kestrel Morton & Heulwen Williams
Workshops & stories including the Toad King: a musical retelling blending a Scottish Traveller story with three Grimms tales – exploring gender identity with humour, heart and a touch of magic.
Mike O’Connor and Barbara Griggs
Alan Dall and the Sea of Stories, Music in the Words workshop, and a book talk on Storytelling in Cornwall.
Peter Chand & Kirsten Milliken
Evocative, sensual stories for adults from the Indian subcontinent and Scotland.
Spoken Word
Poet Ilse Pedler returns with daily poetry sessions at the Royal Glen Hotel, ending with a Friday showcase. Read her 2024 festival-inspired poem.
These events are included in All-in-One & Season tickets. Where space allows, individual tickets will be available on the door.
If you like Storytelling, also check out the Manor Pavilion Programme