The 2009 Festival welcomes you to the blog!  See below for a full listing of events, workshops and activities happening in Burton upon Trent, Uttoxeter and across East Staffordshire between Saturday 9 and Saturday23rd May.  Allow us to flag up one particularly unmissable event - A Night of Storytelling with the amazing Jan Blake, on Friday 22nd May – we’re absolutely delighted that she’s joining us for this year’s event. 

Preparations are well underway, with story collecting happening around the borough and storytellers from around the UK converging on the borough in a few weeks time.  Plus we’ve plenty of home grown talent to shout about, with the Tales from the Bridge storytelling group and more!  If you’d like a copy of the full festival brochure or to know more about our work, contact East Staffordshire Borough Council’s Storytelling Development Worker, Naomi Wilds on 0775 352 8919 or naomi.wilds@eaststaffsbc.gov.uk 

Look forward to seeing you at the Festival!

Saturday 9 May, 7.30pm

Brewhouse Arts Centre, Union Street, Burton on Trent

The floor is open, inviting storytellers from near and far to share their tales.  This popular, informal start to the festival features storeis from around the world and close to home, told by members of Burton upon Trent’s monthly Tales from the Bridge group, plus anyone else who’d like to give it a go!  Compered by the Tales from the Bridge group. If you’d like to tell a story, simply let Roisin or Margaret know when you arrive. Coffee, tea and cake will be on sale from the coffee bar.

Cost: Free

Booking advisable, on 01283 508100. For more information call Naomi on 0775 352 8919

Sunday 10th May, 2pm and 3pm

Stapenhill Gardens, off Stapenhill Road, Burton on Trent

As part of the popular Spring Festival, you’re invited on a walk inspired by the Washlands, taking in stories of St Modwen and Burton’s magical water, plus tales of the wild creatures on the flood plain. For ages 7+, plus parents and carers. Please dress for the weather.

Cost: FREE

For more information call Naomi on 0775 352 8919 or email naomi.wilds@eaststaffsbc.gov.uk

Wednesday 13 May, 12 noon – 2pm

Uttoxeter Project (MIND), Carter Street, Uttoxeter

For the third year running, and back by popular demand, Peter Chand visits Uttoxeter’s MIND Storytelling Barbeque!  Peter hails from Wolverhampton and is one of East Staffordshire’s favourite storytellers, known for his lively humour, quick wit and big heart. This year he is joined by Staffordshire’s own Maria Whatton, to spin a series of tales from real life alongside myths, folktales and legends from across the world. Tasty burgers and salad available from the barbeque – weather permitting!

Cost: Free

For information call Alex or Rachel on 01889 568440

Thursday 14 May, 4.30 – 5.30pm

Burton upon Trent Library, Riverside, Burton on Trent

Enjoy stories for busy hands, with paper and pens provided!  Whether you like drawing, folding or tearing paper, there’ll be plenty of stories to keep your ears entertained, while your hands get moving in this special after school session with storyteller Sally Tonge.  Suitable for children aged 7+, their parents and carers.

Cost: FREE

For information, call Burton Library on 01283 239556

Thursday 14th May, 7pm

Uttoxeter Library

Launching a series of more regular events for story lovers in Uttoxeter, this evening offers a tantalising mix of traditional tales, told by Maria Whatton, with gentle workshop exercises to encourage you to have a go!  There is no pressure to tell stories, you’re welcome to simply come along and listen, but for any adults who would like to give storytelling a try, this is a great way to start off, in a supportive, informal and welcoming environment.

Cost: FREE

Booking advisable with Uttoxeter Library on 01889 256371

Friday 15th May, 4pm – 5pm

Uttoxeter Library

Join Giles as he transports his listeners on a whistle stop tour round the globe!  Giles tells stories from around Britain, Europe, Africa and North America and as well as amazing characters, he’s known for his voice like chocolate!  Suitable for children aged 8+, their parents and carers.

Cost: Free

For information, or to book a place, call Uttoxeter Library on 01889 256371

Saturday 16 May, 10am to 2pm

Brewhouse Arts Centre, Meeting Room

Maria Whatton and Peter Chand have a wealth of experience as ‘story collectors’, speaking to people from all walks of life around Britain and in India, gathering stories as they go.  They have also both developed storytelling performances which weave together traditional and real life stories.  This workshop gives you the chance to find out about story collecting techniques and explore the ethics surrounding story collecting and retelling.  Find out more about how stories connect us, link us to the past and guide us to the future as well as telling stories yourself.  Have a play!

Cost: £5

To book, call the Brewhouse Box Office on 01283 508100 or for more information, call Naomi on 0775 352 8919 or email naomi.wilds@eaststaffsbc.gov.uk

Saturday 16 May, 6pm – 8pm

Burton upon Trent Library, Riverside, Burton upon Trent

Maria Whatton and Peter Chand have been commissioned by the Web Festival this year to collect tales from people of all ages and walks of life across East Staffordshire, weaving these together with traditional stories into an amazing night of family storytelling at the library. Join them for an evening in which fact and fiction combine, steering you through life’s sometimes smooth, sometimes choppy waters. Tasty refreshments will be provided at the interval.

Free – but booking essential, places limited.

To reserve your ticket, call Burton upon Trent Library on 01293 239556

Tuesday 19 May, 1pm to 3pm

Tynsel Parkes First school, School Road, Uttoxeter

Over the past few months, storyteller Debbie Guneratne has been leading fun and informal workshops in Uttoxeter for tots aged 2 – 4, their parents and carers.  This special session celebrates the Tiny Arts programme, wih a session for parents and carers who would like to develop their confidence telling stories to children. Come into a magical world, where stories are to be explored!  Free, with limited creche places available.

Places must be booked in advance. Call Maria Banks on 07834 197632