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Hastings Storytelling Festival 2023: A Literary Triumph in Hastings

The Hastings Storytelling Festival, a nine-day celebration of storytelling, took place between 14-22 October, captivating audiences across all areas of the town. An annual celebration, bringing together authors, storytellers, and literary enthusiasts to share their love for storytelling in all forms. The festival is committed to promoting creativity and community engagement and this year’s success is attributed to the tireless efforts and support of its trustees, patrons, Lauren Child, Thomas Taylor, and Inua Ellams – and the dedicated local producers 18 Hours. Maria Ezobi writes. All images by Sara Lou Bowrey.
 
Renowned authors, storytellers, puppeteers and poets such as Billy Childish, Jordan Stephens, Lucy Hopkins, Tasneem Abdur-Rashid, Phil Okwedy, Little Angel Theatre and many more contributed to the high quality programme. They were supported by local artists and a varied schools offer with Zanib Mian, Emma Norrey, Kate Pankhurst and Radiator Arts.

Ploughing the Salt Sea Bev Lee Harling

Further community workshops were delivered with several groups in Broomgrove, working in partnership with the many local organisations which resulted in interactive digital storytelling to light up the neighbourhood. The festival drew a diverse crowd of Hastings residents and visitors from Eastbourne, Canterbury and Margate.  Chair of Trustees, Sandra Garner,  wishes to thank partners, sponsors and funders including Arts Council England, Hastings Borough Council (Levelling Up Fund), and several trusts and foundations for their generous support.

Billy Childish

For more information and updates on the Hastings Storytelling Festival, visit their website or follow their social medias @hastingsstorytellingfestival.

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