RENOWNED storytellers and illustrators will soon be inspiring and entertaining children with the return of a popular festival in Malvern.
The Great Malvern Festival of Stories for Children will take place in October in a number of venues throughout Great Malvern, including Great Malvern Priory grounds, Malvern Library, Malvern Cube, and inside the belly of a whale.
The first four days of the programme is designed for local schools, followed by a family programme on Saturday and Sunday, which is open to everyone. The festival kicks off on Tuesday, October 22 and Sunday, October 27.
The festival, formed by Malvern Hills District Council in partnership with Boffy Arts and Events, is a celebration of stories, featuring a programme of professional storytellers, children’s authors, illustrators, puppet companies, musicians, and theatre.
Renowned storyteller Peter Chand will feature with his traditional stories from around the world.
Bestselling author and illustrator Jonny Duddle will also host a draw-along showing children how to draw their favourite real-life dinosaurs, plus dinosaur characters from Gigantosaurus – now an animated series.
There is also a whole host of other events, workshops, and activities throughout the festival.
Councillor Julie Wood, portfolio holder for tourism and economic development at Malvern Hills District Council, said: “We are delighted that the Festival of Stories will be back, celebrating our storytelling heritage and inspiring a new generation of storytellers, we encourage all families to pop along and enjoy all that is on offer.”
Steve Boffy, from Boffy Arts Events People, said:
“We are really excited to present the third Great Malvern Festival of Stories for Children.
“Since it began in 2022 we have seen interest in the event grow, especially with local school audiences. This year’s programme will be the most ambitious yet, featuring many new Storytellers, Puppet Companies and Authors.
“We have had to organise several additional performances on each of the school days just to deal with demand.
“We are also really pleased to be working with so many local partners, sponsors, and venues who I would like to thank for all of the support you are giving us. We look forward to a fantastic festival.”
The Great Malvern Festival of Stories for Children is part funded by the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.
Tickets can be bought from Malvern Theatres Box Office, with multi-buy ticket discounts. Visit www.visitthemalverns.org/storyfest for more information.
