This month, Leeds is set to host a brand new festival dedicated to the enchanting art of storytelling, promising a fresh and exciting cultural experience for the city.
The Leeds Storytelling Festival, organized by Leeds Libraries in collaboration with local arts groups Wrongsemble and LIVEwire Poetry, aims to celebrate and explore the diverse world of narratives in a family-friendly environment. Scheduled to run from February 14 to March 8, the festival features an extensive program designed to captivate audiences of all ages. The lineup includes a range of activities from interactive storytelling sessions that bring tales to life, to creative workshops where participants can learn the craft of story construction. Additionally, the festival will offer author talks, giving book lovers a chance to meet and hear from some of their favorite writers.
One of the highlights of the festival is its opening event at Leeds Central Library, which will host Kate Pankhurst, best-selling author of the ‘Fantastically Great Women’ series. This special session will focus on inspirational women in sports history, featuring interactive elements like dressing up, props, and a draw-along activity, making it an engaging experience for young attendees.
Throughout the festival, attendees can also enjoy theatrical performances and spoken word showcases, curated by the acclaimed teams at Wrongsemble and LIVEwire Poetry. These events promise to provide not only entertainment but also thought-provoking insights into various themes and stories.
For the younger audience, the festival includes activities like costume-making workshops in partnership with the British Library and mini-movie screenings from Leeds Young Film. Additionally, children’s book authors such as Hiba Noor Khan and Ashley Thorpe will hold talks, enriching the festival’s literary offerings.
The festival will culminate in a premiere of ‘Three Little Vikings’, a theatrical adaptation of Bethan Woolvin’s popular picture book, performed by Wrongsemble. This will be followed by an interactive session with Woolvin herself, where she will share her creative process and engage the audience in crafts related to the story.
Councillor Mary Harland, Leeds City Council’s executive member for communities, customer service and community safety said:
“Leeds Libraries are proud to partner with Wrongsemble and LIVEwire Poetry for the first Leeds Storytelling Festival. This collaboration offers a chance to bring stories to life in so many exciting ways, from interactive theatre to poetry, ensuring that every child and family can experience the magic of storytelling.”
Elvi Piper, Artistic Director of Wrongsemble said:
“We’re thrilled to be part of this exciting new festival and to bring our passion for family theatre to Leeds in such a special way. The Leeds Storytelling Festival will not only showcase the diversity of storytelling but will also create unforgettable memories for children and families.”
Matt Abbott, Founding Owner of LIVEwire Poetry said:
“The power of storytelling lies in its ability to connect us all through words, and we’re excited to be part of the Leeds Storytelling Festival. Through poetry and performance, we hope to inspire children and families to discover their own creative voices.”
The Leeds Storytelling Festival not only provides a platform for professional storytellers and artists to showcase their talents but also serves as a communal space where families can gather, learn, and be inspired together. With its diverse program and emphasis on community engagement, the festival is poised to become a significant event in Leeds’ cultural calendar, fostering a deeper appreciation for the art of storytelling.
The Leeds Storytelling Festival is a dynamic partnership among three of Leeds’ leading creative and community-oriented organizations: Leeds Libraries, Wrongsemble, and LIVEwire Poetry. This collaboration has crafted a festival that emphasizes imagination, diversity, and accessibility, all while honoring the city’s vibrant cultural heritage.
For updates, sneak peeks, and behind-the-scenes content, visit the Leeds Storytelling Festival and follow @LeedsStoryFestival on Instagram.
