Annual international storytelling festival in Shropshire returns for its 21st year
Festival at the Edge brings together storytellers from around the globe and also features interactive workshops, international music, art and comedy. The festival takes place in Much Wenlock in Shropshire, alongside the Wenlock Edge woodland escarpment on 20-22 July.
“We believe that storytelling is the most accessible of all art forms both at an audience and at a participatory level,” said the festival organisers. “Festival at the Edge draws upon the heritage of the British Isles and reflects the multicultural nature of Britain today.”
This year there will be an exclusive premiere of Kate Corkery’s new story Sweet Shop on the Shore, the story of an only child struggles to make sense of the world. There will also be stories from Egyptian storyteller Chirine El Ansary, as well as Peter Chand who has told stories all over the world and runs storytelling workshops, and poet and storyteller Andy Hawkins.
Budding storytellers can join in with practical workshops which start at the beginner level and go on to teaching specific techniques such as telling stories for young audiences and telling humorous stories. Other workshops include flute making, tai chi and music sessions.
Music comes from Bang On, a samba percussion band with influences ranging from reggae to bhangra, alongside folk band Blackbeard’s Tea Party, Anglo-Turkish gypsy-funk band Dogan, the Boombox Karavan and many more.
The festival is family friendly and includes children’s performers throughout the weekend.
Weekend adult tickets are £90. Day tickets and family passes are also available and children aged seven and under go free.
