Scottish International Storytelling Festival Begins Today

The 35th Scottish International Storytelling Festival kicks off today (October 18th), featuring over 130 events across Edinburgh and Scotland.

The 35th Scottish International Storytelling Festival kicks off today (October 18^th), featuring over 130 events across Edinburgh and Scotland.

From theatres and bars to cafés, pubs, and parks, audiences can enjoy a diverse array of traditional, contemporary, folkloric, and mystery tales, thanks to funding from the Scottish Government’s Festivals EXPO Fund and Creative Scotland.

Since 1989, the festival has fostered cultural connections, and this year, in honour of the 35th anniversary of the fall of the Berlin Wall, it invites storytellers from Berlin’s Storytelling Arena, as well as guests from Ireland, India, and across the UK.

Gaelic audiences will see the premiere of "Cath Gailbheach nan Eòin: The Desperate Battle of the Birds," narrated by James MacDonald Reid in English and Gaelic, featuring live electric cello music by Ryan Williams.

The experimental folk duo Burd Ellen will present "Oran Mhoir," a multi-media performance involving costumes, film, and storytelling.

Credit: Neil Hanna 

Another highlight is "The Dream of Al-Andalus," told by Sef Townsend and Inés Álvarez Villa, accompanied by flamenco guitarist Danielo Olivera and Moroccan musician Omar Afif, celebrating the cultural richness of medieval Spain.

Irish storyteller Nuala Hayes will honour Peig Sayers and present Stories and Songs from Ireland in relaxed sessions in Aberdeen, Edinburgh, and Dumfries on October 25^th.

The festival's opening weekend, aligned with local school holidays, meaning there’s plenty of family-friendly activities like crafts, storytelling, and face painting, including a sensory adaptation of "The Bouncy Billy Goats Gruff" and performances such as "A Jaunt Round Auld Reekie" and "Into the Woods: In the Footsteps of Thomas the Rhymer," narrated by Julia Munrow.

To celebrate its 20 years as the world’s first UNESCO City of Literature, the festival will host a conference from October 22^nd-25^th, connecting various literary cities with writers and organisations in Edinburgh.

The Global Lab will offer online workshops covering themes such as intangible cultural heritage and emotional literacy through storytelling.

The Scottish International Storytelling Festival runs from October 18^th to October 31^st, with family event tickets priced at £5.

The Festival Supporter Pass also offers discounts for multiple events and various festival-related amenities.

For tickets and the full program, visit here.