North East Storytelling Festival

North East Storytelling Festival

The Elphinstone Institute, in partnership with Woodend Arts Association, will host a Traditional Storytelling Weekend at Woodend Barn, Banchory, from Saturday 26 April until Sunday 27 April, 2003, following the success of the first event of its kind held last year.

The Elphinstone Institute is an initiative by the University of Aberdeen to introduce the study of cultural traditions into its research portfolio, especially the traditions of the North and North East of Scotland. Events celebrating the traditional life of the North East are a key part of the work at the Institute.

Dr Ian Russell, Director at the Institute, said: "Last year we created something very special and I'm confident that the magic of this will be rekindled. It's going to be a fascinating festival - friendly and full of wonderful stories.

"The weekend is a unique celebration, bringing together outstanding storytellers from Scotland, Ireland and England, including Scottish Traveller traditions. There will be talks by Stanley Robertson exploring traveller tales from the North East of Scotland, and Dr Vanessa Toulmin on storytelling traditions among showland families in England. This promises to be a great weekend for everyone," Dr Russell added.

Workshops will feature Bob Pegg and Sheena Blackhall, both established writers and performers, who work extensively in schools throughout the region. Ewan McVicar and Sheila Stewart will share traditional tales, and Patricia Flynn and Mick Quinn from Northern Ireland will bring a unique Irish touch to the event. They will be supported by local storytellers from the North East.

For those who like to hear and tell stories, and enjoy a ceilidh atmosphere, which includes songs and music, this is an event not to be missed. Informal and friendly, it will be just the place to encourage less experienced storytellers as well as welcoming old hands.

Children need stories too, and stories need children. Stories are an essential part of growing up and as part of the event a special children's storytelling day will take place at Crathes Village Hall on Saturday 26 April.

There's something for everyone - from workshops to storyrounds, from talks by experts to ceilidhs featuring the guests - great 'craic' to be had by all.

The festival, supported by the Scottish Storytelling Centre and the Grampian Association of Storytellers, is directed by Dr Ian Russell and bookings can be taken by contacting the Woodend Barn on: (01330) 825431 or by calling the University's Elphinstone Institute on: (01224) 272996.

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