The Settle Stories Festival: Pioneering Storytelling in Yorkshire!

People love stories. Increasingly we’re downloading stories to listen to at home or on the go with apps like ‘audible’. Even in the world of big business, corporates are beginning to understand that they must communicate their ‘story’ to win over consumers. 

Story is the most powerful way to activate our brains. Stories allow us to access experiences that are not always possible in ordinary life. They ignite our imaginations and inspire us to take action. It’s no surprise that this age old art form has seen a revival in recent years.

The Settle Stories Festival – the largest story festival in the north of England is at the forefront of the revival in the UK. Starting out with just 10 events at their 2010 festival, they’ve inspired their audiences over the years. The result is a festival that will boast 50+ events for adults & families in 2016. This year there will be music, comedy and ideas.  With such a wide variety of events, one thing is guaranteed. Everyone performing at the 2016 Settle Stories Festival has a fascinating story to tell. 

Sita Brand, director of the Settle Stories Festival says:

‘No matter what your age, stories help you look at the world differently, get more from it and give more to it. At the 2016 Festival, international artists will tell age-old folk tales that transport us to other worlds and those with fascinating real life stories will challenge our perceptions of current affairs. All of this taking place in the stunning Yorkshire Dales town of Settle, the perfect place to get away from it all -if only just for one weekend!’

EVENTS FOR ADULTS: 

At this festival, adults can discover how global thinkers like David Babbs, the founder of 38 Degrees (the UK’S largest people power organisation) use story for radical change. Then relax into the mystery of the Arabian Nights with Arabic Storyteller Alia Alzougbi or dance the night away with Gypsy folk band Barbarella’s Bang Bang.  They can even discover the story of Matthew Wilcock -winner of televisions ‘The Great Pottery Throw Down’.

EVENTS FOR FAMILIES:

Classic tales will be brought to life for little ones this year.  Inspired by the tale of ‘Alice in Wonderland’, children can join storyteller Sita Brand, for a journey ‘Down the Rabbit Hole’ and meet Alice’s sister Lorina. They can travel back in time to over 800 years ago to

Sherwood Forest and meet Robin Hood and his bold brave band with storyteller Dave Tonge. There’ll even be the chance to dress up as a fairy or pirate and join Captain Hook and Tinkerbell for stories and tea at the ‘Party in Neverland’.

Booking information:

There are many free events. Until March 1st “Online Saver Passes” are available giving people up to 60% off tickets – the more you buy, the more you save. Tickets can also be purchased for individual events.

To book go to www.settlestories.org.uk/festival  or call the Box Office on 05603 845693.