Traditional storytellers and musicians will entertain audiences of all ages at the East Anglian Storytelling Festival over the midsummer weekend, 19–21 June. The grounds of the Food Museum will transform into indoor and outdoor stages, including a beautiful yurt and a medieval barn, for a celebration of summer solstice at this unique folklore and storytelling festival.

The festival is small and family-friendly, with lots of activities for kids. As well as storytellers and musicians from all over the UK, there will be interactive workshops, nature walks, Dungeons & Dragons, maypole dancers, and a festival parade. There’s also storytelling around the firepit by night, and plenty of opportunities for festivalgoers to tell tales themselves throughout the weekend.

“Join us and enjoy the simple pleasure of being told a story of myth, magic, legend and folklore,” says festival organiser Sarah Lloyd-Winder.

There are plenty of free family activities for Stowmarket residents, who have been finding out, over the last five years, just what a treat is waiting for them right on their doorstep.

The festival is devised, programmed and run entirely by local storytellers. In addition to the festival weekend, it also offers local performances, workshops and outreach activities throughout the year. The weekend kicks off at 4pm on Friday 19 June, when the giant Ceres will be sewing Story Seeds and leading a colourful parade outside the Food Museum.

The East Anglian Storytelling Festival, From 4.pm on Friday 19th June to Sunday 21st at 3pm https://www. eastanglianstorytellingfestival.co.uk/