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Hastings Storytelling Festival

Hastings Storytelling Festival

Top line-up at Hastings Storytelling Festival

Returning for the fifth year, Hastings Storytelling Festival comprises a wide spectrum of stories for adults and children with an array of internationally renowned authors and storytellers. The festival (9-15 November 2015) has received the green light from funders, including its largest grant to date from Arts Council England.

“This year we are delighted that our wonderful patron Sir Quentin Blake (famous for his illustrations for Roald Dahl’s children’s books) has invited two of his friends and colleagues, Michael Morpurgo and David Walliams, to join the event,” said festival chair Dick Edwards.

“We are also looking forward to Will Self’s performance at the White Rock Theatre on Saturday 14 November at 7.30pm.” Author and social commentator, Will Self is known for producing work that is satirical, grotesque and fantastical, with subject matter often including mental illness, illegal drugs and psychiatry. He is a regular contributor to many publications and appears on British television in shows such as Have I Got News for You and Shooting Stars, as well as current affairs programmes such as Newsnight and Question Time, as well as being a frequent contributor to BBC Radio 4.

Some of the ‘stars’ of this year’s Festival have proved so popular they have already sold out. One of these is David Walliams, who rose to fame with Matt Lucas in the comedy show Little Britain. David is now a much-loved actor and author of several hugely popular children’s books, including The Boy in the Dress, Mr Stink, Gangsta Granny and Grandpa’s Great Escape. Along with Sir Quentin Blake, he will be participating in a Q&A session and will read extracts from his stories as well as signing books on sale at the White Rock Theatre on Saturday 14 November at 2pm.

“Proceeds from David Walliams’ performance will enable the festival to keep children’s events free for under-10-year-olds”, said Mandy Curtis, who produces the event with local events company 18 Hours.

Another event that looks likely to sell out is Michael Morpurgo, author of War Horse, Private Peaceful and many other children’s novels read by schoolchildren across the country. Michael will be talking about his work at Sussex Coast College Hastings on Friday 13 November at 4pm.

Salena Godden, spoken word artist and novelist, who writes about Hastings in her book Springfield Road, is appearing on Wednesday 11 November at the University of Brighton in Havelock Road at 7pm.

On Thursday 12 November, the Natashas Project uses the medium of dance to tell an important story about the dark and pervasive world of sex trafficking. The performance will be held at Kino Teatr in Norman Road at 7pm.

Children will enjoy plenty of free storytelling too: on Saturday 14 November, Nana Tsiboe performs at Hastings Children’s Library at 10.30am. Storyteller in residence Usifu Jalloh will visit local schools with his stories of Sierra Leone. Usifu will also perform at the Children’s FREE Storytelling Festival Day on Sunday 15 November at the Stade (noon-4pm) along with a host of other storytellers, including Norwich Puppet Theatre and Rex Dinosaur, a real life-sized T-Rex who will roam around being kept (only just) under control by his keeper. An animal-themed children’s parade departs at 3pm from outside Stade Hall. All are welcome to join.

“This is just a taster of what’s on at this diverse and exciting festival. Hastings is rapidly becoming one of the UK’s top storytelling festivals”, says Dick Edwards. “Keep an eye on our Facebook page for more details and ticket booking.” The festival website is currently undergoing new design, but will be live very soon.

Hastings Storytelling Festival

NB: The programme is subject to change.

More information on 18hours events here.  Like them on Facebook. Or follow on Twitter @18HoursEvents

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Posted 13:04 Saturday, Oct 24, 2015 In: Performance

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