The Press and Journal (Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire)
Fest bringing storytelling to our doorsteps
The Scottish International Storytelling Festival will be visiting the Highlands, north-east, and islands.
It will form part of the world’s largest celebration of storytelling, with more than 240 events planned across Scotland, and around the world online from October 14-31.
This autumn, the festival is inviting audiences to join them around the hearth as it launches its 2022 festival theme – Keep It Lit.
It symbolises the fire where memories are shared, where the torch of oral storytelling is passed on.
The festival is based at the Scottish Storytelling Centre in Edinburgh.
However, many events will be happening outside of the capital. This includes events in the Highlands, north-east, and islands.
The highlights include Map of Stories, which celebrates distinctive stories, folklore and memories arising from each community. Shows will feature in Edinburgh before touring to its region of focus, including the north-east, Western Isles, and Orkney.
In Aberdeen, several events are taking place through Aberdeen University and will be held in the Sir Duncan Rice library.
In the north-east, two events are taking place through the Grampian Association of Storytellers at Culter Village Hall.
The Orkney Storytelling Festival will see the isles hosting a four-day feast of traditional stories from Scotland and beyond.
The Western Isles, Uig Storytelling Festival is set to feature events in Gaelic and English set in the spectacular and historic Uig – home of the Lewis Chessmen.
Argyll, Across the Water, Story and Song from Erin to Alba will see Colin Urwin, and Heather Yule come together to share dramatic songs and tales of shipwrecks, selkies and other strange creatures.
At Oban, Feast of Fools join storyteller Daniel Serridge at his dinner table of foolishness as you choose the tales he regales from a menu that includes disgusting banquets and measly meals in celebration of all things fishy.
Additionally, the festival will also be hosting several online events for those unable to make it in person.
Scottish International Storytelling Festival director Donald Smith said: “We are responding to the cost of living crisis with 145 free events and reducing ticket prices.”