Hastings Storytelling Festival returns from 17–25 October with the theme Connections, celebrating imagination, creativity and the power of shared stories. Across nine days, venues, libraries, schools and public spaces will come alive with performances, author talks, music, puppetry and family events for all ages.

Families can enjoy Piers Torday’s brand new story Books According to Dog and Owl, meet award winning Syrian author Nadine Kaadan, hear live readings from Festival Patron Thomas Taylor and join Axel Scheffler at the White Rock Theatre for Gruffalo Stories with Gruffalo Granny, featuring live illustration and a book signing. Our free Children’s Day returns with a Gruffalo themed parade, puppetry, music, walkabout performers and high energy shows from CBeebies Pirate Gem and Long Nose Puppets.

The adult programme offers moving, thought provoking and uplifting events, including Bev Lee Harling’s intimate show Things I Know and Things I Don’t, bestselling author Dorothy Koomson discussing her gripping new thriller The Quiet Girls, and poet Zena Edwards exploring environmental poetics and resilience. At the White Rock Theatre, audiences can try haptic vests during an uplifting live music session from Sarah Jane Morris and Trio, before Deaf Rave take over with a high energy drum and bass experience.

A vibrant, inclusive festival for our whole community. Explore the full programme online https://www.hastingsstoryfest.org.uk

Description supplied by the event organiser.