Leeds Libraries are delighted to announce the inaugural Leeds Storytelling Festival, in partnership with Wrongsemble and LIVEwire Poetry. It's a city-wide celebration of storytelling designed especially for families and children.
Running from February 14 to March 8, this exciting new festival promises to spark imaginations and bring communities together through the transformative power of stories.
Featuring an exciting line-up of activities, events, and performances, Leeds Storytelling Festival offers something for everyone, and includes interactive storytelling sessions, creative workshops, author talks, pop-up events, and live theatre and spoken word showcases curated by the acclaimed Wrongsemble and LIVEwire Poetry teams.
The festival launches with a special appearance by Kate Pankhurst, best-selling author of the Fantastically Great Women series, at Leeds Central Library. The event will focus on the incredible women who have fought for the right to take part in sports across the globe, and will include dressing up, lots of props and a draw-along.
Other programme highlights include costume-making workshops with the British Library, theatre from Coalesce, mini-movie screenings from Leeds Young Film, and children's author talks with Hiba Noor Khan and Ashley Thorpe.
There will be poetry for young people and parents/carers programmed by LIVEwire Poetry, and theatre performances from Blanket Fort Club and Wrongsemble, who close the festival with a premiere of Three Little Vikings, inspired by award-winning author/illustrator Bethan Woolvin's picture book.
This will be followed by an interactive session with Bethan, where she will be reading from Three Little Vikings, and sharing some creative crafts in her unmistakeable style.
The festival is a collaboration between three of Leeds’ most creative and community-focused organisations: Leeds Libraries, Wrongsemble, and LIVEwire Poetry. We have designed a festival that champions imagination, diversity, and accessibility while celebrating the rich cultural tapestry of the city.
Visit Leeds Storytelling Festival and follow @leedsstoryfestival on Instagram for the latest announcements, sneak previews, and behind-the-scenes fun.