York Festival of Storytelling tickets and listings

The York Festival of Storytelling is a gathering of storytellers performing all kinds of wonderful stories in the true oral tradition of storytelling. We have a varied and colourful selection of events including events for adults and older children, literacy events for primary school age, events for very young children, Yorkshire tales for an older audience, a history pub tour for adults, Viking tales for all ages, puppet shows, Indian classical storytelling, two evening shows for families and adults, Celtic tales, Wild woman goddess tales, Medieval stories, music, magic, henna tattooes and Chinese tales, signed performances for the deaf, and refreshments available on Saturday.

We're bringing the ancient art of storytelling alive and celebrating York's heritage and tradition. Join us for an amazing event!

Performances run from Friday 3rd February 2012 1pm to 5pm and 730 pm to 9pm and from Saturday 4th February 11 am to 1130 pm.

TICKET SALES WILL CLOSE ON 2ND FEBRUARY FOR FRIDAY'S EVENTS AND ON 3RD FEBRUARY FOR SATURDAY'S EVENTS BUT YOU CAN STILL PAY ON THE DOOR, IF THERE IS SPACE. ARRIVE IN GOOD TIME FOR YOUR CHOSEN EVENT.

Please email helenmsant@yahoo.co.uk for a full programme or read summaries of events listed below:

Enter the Dragon with Noel Watkins (Fri 3rd Feb 1-2pm or 3-4pm Penn Room)

Celebrating the Chinese New Year, outgoing, inspiring storyteller, Noel Watkins, will regale us with tales of wit and wisdom from the far East. A lively, interactive 45 minute set, including chant, song and movement, aimed at primary school children; suitable for adults. £4/3/2 or pre-booked school parties welcome. Contact Helen to discuss on 07734155200

Tellin' t' Tale with Rodney Dimbleby (Fri.3rd Feb 2-3 pm Penn Room especially for senior citizens or Sat.4th Feb 1-2pm Fox Room)

One of the leading Shaggy Dog Storytellers of Hebdon Bridge, Rod Dimbleby delivers this fun session of folk tales and Yorkshire dialect stories, from the 19th and early 20th centuries. Senior citizens are especially welcome to this particular event. £4 /£3/£2 or residential home group bookings welcome. Contact Helen to discuss on 07734155200

Wee Folk with Ali Morgan (Fri 3rd Feb 4-5 pm Penn Room)

Favourite folk songs are given a twist in this fun musical session aimed at families with children aged 1-5. Can you cheer up the Boo Hoo Baby? Will Fox get his supper? Wheres the train going and why is it full of pirates? Join in with the songs, play with the puppets and find out how the stories end! With ukulele and concertina music, supplied by multi-talented Ali Morgan. £4 /£3/£2

Fairies in the Gutter with Ursula Holden Gill (Fri 3rd Feb 730-9 pm Penn Room) This performance will have a signer for the deaf present.

A unique complilation drawing on award winning actress Ursula Holden Gills childhood, half truths, downright lies and favouritefables. The essence of each tune and tale, whether about loss, bullying, judgement or love, is that magical people may be found anywhere even in the gutter! We simply have to open our eyes to see them. £5 adult /£4 conc /£3 child

The Songs of Odin and his Quest for Power Viking Tales with Adrian Spendlow (Sat. 4th Feb 11 am-12noon- Fox Room)

Journey with Odin the giant, on his magical, mythical, quests to become a god. Hear uplifting tales of him rising again from Ragnarok to sing of hope in a brighter world. A powerful performance delivered by leading York storyteller, Adrian Spendlow, acclaimed in Norway as "Moving, yet very funny." £4 adult/£3 conc/£2 child

On Mountains and Moons - Puppetry and story show with Shona Cowie (Sat. 4th Feb 1130 am-1230 pm- Meeting Room)

Featuring three folk tales from Yorkshire, Switzerland and India. Shona draws on holistic communication; traditional storytelling and a passion for international folk art. Each tale is animated with native puppetry and laced together through mountains and moons.£4/3/2

Ask The Oldest Animals with Catherine Heinmeyer (Sat 4th Feb 12 noon-1 pm Fox Room)

From the Welsh Mabinogion to the shores of Lake Malawi, heroes of myths and folktales often find that the human world has no answer to their troubles - they must turn to animals for help! Listen to some of these time-honoured tales and learn to tell one of your own!Ireland. £4/£3/£2

A Mystical Experience with Manasamitra (Sat 4th Feb

The Ghost Bear with Shona Cowie (Sat 4th Feb

Stardust and Sandwiches with Jane Oakshott (Sat 4th Feb

Wild Woman Tales with Helen M Sant and Catherine Heinmeyer (Sat 4th Feb

Magic, Monsters and Minstrels with Jane Oakshott and the music of Leeds Waits (Sat 4th Feb

Kingdom of Never Sleep with Adrian Spendlow and Mary Passeri (Sat 4th Feb

Curiosities, Folklore, History and Ghosts around York's Alehouses with Helen M Sant and Adrian Spendlow (Sat 4th Feb