> IW STORY FESTIVAL

 Newport, IoW
21-22 February 2020

2020 - The first ever IW Story Festival. Stories are all around us; not just in books and poems and plays and songs, but also in the news and history and the places we live. For two days, children and families were inspired by stories, creativity and - by some pretty impressive Storytellers too. I went along to lend a hand - and to get lost in a wonderful world of Storytelling.

The aim of this fabulous new Festival is to:
CREATE; whether through stories and poems, junk modelling or other crafts; for families and young people to have fun together and discover new talents. To let authors, poets, actors, illustrators, spoken word artists and others INSPIRE us to create our own stories; to discover new worlds and new ideas. And finally, to help all IMAGINE the amazing things we can do and the amazing things we can be. All this, and so much more, brought to life through the wonderful world of Storytelling!

The festival organisers curated an impressive programme of Story based workshops, talks and activities. World class authors, illustrators and performers joined Storytellers from the Island to entertain and INSPIRE. It was fantastic to meet so many talented and passionate creatives... 

The lineup included: Korky Paul - Artist and world renowned illustrator. Nick Sharratt - Illustrator, author AND onetime official illustrator for World Book Day. Sarah McIntyre - Illustrator and writer with an eye-popping collection of glasses, hats and outfits. 

Sarah MacIntyre

World Book Day costumes. Permission given when pictures taken.

As a volunteer, I was ready to help out wherever I could. My love of visual Storytelling was sure to come in useful somewhere! On the first day, I really enjoyed helping out in the crafty sessions run by the amazing Teresa Grimaldi. In the morning, we inspired children to make creative costumes for World Book Day and in the afternoon, we got crafty with junk! Huge fun and it's surprising what you can CREATE from a pile of old fabric, some egg boxes and a collection of paper tubes! These 4, 45 minute sessions were FREE - it was so rewarding to see the children walking away with (and wearing) their own story based creations.

Getting crafty with junk! Permission given when pictures taken.

A small, but very dedicated group of IoW based Storytellers made this Festival happen! Such a creative and fun bunch. It was a joy to get to know them.

Elspeth Giddens - A lovely Lady who get's things done!
Debbie Webb - An Author, Illustrator and educator.
Jules Marriner - A Storyteller, Illustrator and writer.
Sue Bailey - A wonderful Storyteller.
Peta Rainford - A children's writer and illustrator.
Geoff Banks - A passionate supporter of all things creative.

10 out of 10