Mid and East Antrim Borough Council in partnership with the Department for Communities are delighted to introduce an exciting programme of events for National Storytelling Week from Sunday 30 January – Sunday 6 February 2022.
The programme includes four children’s storytelling events, one adult’s storytelling session and two adults creative writing classes.
The events will take place in cafes and restaurants situated in Larne town centre, so all attendees can enjoy a hot cup of tea or coffee and delicious food!
Venues include: Ann’s Pantry, Aroma Coffee Shop, Barbara Ann’s, Shelly B’s, Creed Coffee, The Upper Crust and LJ7.
Children’s storytelling sessions will cater for ages between 0-4 and 5-11. Local children’s book authors Tim Bailie and Hilary Bailey will facilitate two storytelling sessions. Tim Bailie’s books ‘The Six Legged Spider’ and ‘Mouse and the Moon Rocket’ include important issues such as bullying, disability, differences, poverty and family support. Hilary Bailey’s book series ‘Skye’s Waggy Tales’ are based on her springer spaniel Skye’s true adventures, and may include some other stories too.
Janice Witherspoon is a professional storyteller, passionate about nature and the earth. Enjoy stories of strange pots, naughty monkeys and fishy goings-on in the forest amongst other tales of wonder and magic. Vicky McFarland's pre-school story sessions include stories, songs, play and sensory engagement for children and babies up to five.
In these relaxed story sessions, Vicky uses her engaging style to draw in the children, encouraging participation and contributions.
An Adults storytelling session will be facilitated by Colin Urwin, a professional singer, songwriter and storyteller. Colin’s stories are almost always set in the Glens of Antrim and often based on historical events and local legend, they are a portal to a bygone age of superstitions and ancient beliefs and practices.
Creative writing sessions will facilitated by talented Larne based writer Angeline King and Belfast based creative writing facilitator Naomh Cullen. These evenings provide the perfect opportunity for budding writers or hobbyists to take pen to paper and let imagine take over. Suitable for beginners and experienced writers.
Mayor of Mid and East Antrim Borough Council, Councillor William McCaughey, said:
“I am delighted to see our local cafés and restaurants involved in this exciting and worthwhile project to mark National Storytelling Week 2022.
“Listening and engaging with stories, whether in written or spoken form, helps children of all ages to learn about everything from the world we live in to history and heritage, folklore and fairy tales.
“Well done to the organisers for bringing together a fantastic line-up of acclaimed authors, artists and musicians, and for catering for children and adults alike through the range of events on offer.”
Registration for each event is recommended to avoid disappointment. To register for an event and see more information please go to:
