Wednesday 28 April
FolkTales – featuring music from Kid Carpet and Electric Alice plus stories from Saikat, Anthony Nanson, and Alex Michelson – at the Scout Hut, Redcliff Backs, Bristol. 8.00 p.m. £4 on the door. Further details: www.myspace.com/folkhut
Friday 30 April
What a Performance! Verbal and musical antics at St James Wine Vaults, Bath. The usual unusual … and this time … Cricket! David Metcalfe - transatlantic numbers. … folk, blues, and beyond! GreenallRaynes are ready for ’serious farce’ mission! Annnnnd you could be a spot on the floor – poets, raconteurs, musical notes. You know it makes sense! 8.00 p.m. Donation
Sunday 2 to Monday 3 May
Butterfly House Opening – Berkeley Castle. Children’s activities all day plus storytelling for all the family from Fire Springs. Contact: 01453 810332; www.berkeley-castle.com
Sunday 9 May
Songs of Praise – from Bath, featuring Anthony Nanson and the Bath Storytelling Circle. BBC1. 4.30 p.m. (Check the exact time because it seems to be a moveable feast.)
Monday 17 May
Bath Storytelling Circle upstairs at the Raven, Bath. 7.30 for 8.00 p.m. Entry free. Contact: David 01225 482170
Thursday 27 May
Stroud Story Circle at a private venue in Stroud. 8.00 p.m. Entry free. Contact: Kirsty 01453 840887
Friday 4 June
Didgeridoo and Aboriginal Stories – with Sam Bloomfield and Anthony Nanson. Star Anise Arts Cafe, Stroud. Contact: 01453 761938
Monday 21 June
Bath Storytelling Circle upstairs at the Raven, Bath. 7.30 for 8.00 p.m. Entry free. Contact: David 01225 482170
Friday 2 to Sunday 4 July
Beyond the Border – International Storytelling Festival. Britain’s leading festival of storytelling returns to St Donats Castle on the South Wales coast for another spectacular weekend featuring storytellers, singers, poets, musicians, writers, and artists from around the globe. This year’s programme includes ‘In the Footsteps of Marco Polo’ – storytellers and musicians from Italy, Turkey, Georgia, Armenia, and ancient Babylon – as well as stories from Celtic Britain, Africa and the Caribbean, Traveller’s Tales, Stories & Food, the Green Stage (including Tales to Sustain), outdoor concerts in The Blue Garden, indoor concerts in the magnificent Bradenstoke Hall, and much more. Tickets: (0)1446 799100; www.beyondtheborder.com
Monday 19 July
Bath Storytelling Circle upstairs at the Raven, Bath. 7.30 for 8.00 p.m. Entry free. Contact: David 01225 482170
Tuesdays 3, 10, 17, and 24 August
Children’s Activity Day – Berkeley Castle. Children’s activities all day with storytelling for all the family from Fire Springs. Contact: 01453 810332; www.berkeley-castle.com
Thursday 16 September to Sunday 19 September
Tales to Sustain – ‘Silence, Stillness, Community, Sitting with Uncertainty’. We’re facing changing and challenging times. The world is becoming a new and unfamiliar place. As storytellers and environmental artists what can we do? Can we find ways of using our skills and stories to make a positive contribution to the changes ahead? This is the fifth annual gathering of people working with these issues: a chance to be sustained, recharged, inspired, and to share good practice. There will be facilitated sessions as well as time to just be. Venue: Rookery Farm, in North Somerset, a beautiful tranquil six-acre paradise with gardens, lakes, and secret nooks and crannies. Accommodation: camping with compost loos and running water, plus a few indoor spaces (first come first served). Locally sourced organic food. Beautiful workshop and contemplative spaces: yurts, tipis, and the land. £175. Early booking is essential, since places are limited to 30. Contact: Jane Flood 07825 296554, wordsandwebs@talk21.com