Falkirk Storytelling Festival

A fun packed event in the heart of Falkirk town centre, Falkirk Storytelling Festival takes place in early October.

The Festival has its roots in storytelling but reaches out to cover music and performance.

Highlights of last year’s programme included: Scottish author Mary Paulson-Ellis the Times Bestseller and Waterstones Scottish Book of the Year 2017, best-selling author and inspirational speaker Dr David R Hamilton at Trinity Church. Tartan Noir best seller Lin Anderson well-being author plus Rowan Morrison, spiritualist Andrew Lindsey, acclaimed cycling author Alan Brown, the well-known wildlife writer and Scots Magazine columnist Jim Crumley and Steve Finan the journalist and celebrated author of Lifted Over the Turnstiles.

Children’s authors Victoria Williamson, Michelle Sloan, David McPhail, Lindsay Littleson, Danny Scott and Kelpies Prize 2017 winner Emily Ilett also made an appearance at the Howgate Shopping Centre in a series of fun-packed sessions for children. Trinity Church got in on the act with The Fun Gang children’s shows. On the musical front last year’s festival featured rapidly rising country music star Katee Kross, a special concert from American folk musicians Audrey Knuth and Larry Unger plus some of Falkirk’s finest writers and musicians.

The fun and educational Play Talk Read Bus double decker rolled up at the Steeple on Saturday 5 October bringing a bus load of free interactive activities and educational ideas for youngsters. Also on Saturday, The Howgate hosted a magical Myths and Legends Day featuring cosplay, film props, fantastic beasts and interactive storytelling and artist’s workshops.

A number of new venues saw The Wheatsheaf play host to Alan Brown, author of Overlander coast to coast cycling in the Scottish Highlands. The Therapy Workshop on East Bridge Street had a packed programme of author events and wellbeing workshops. North Star on Vicar Street hosted an all-day session including the ever popular Chords and Coffee in the afternoon followed by poetry and music from Ross Fairweather in the evening. Well known Falkirk based solicitor and crime author William McIntyre, creator of the Robbie Munro series of fast paced and funny thrillers appeard at the Gin Lounge. Café Nero on the High Street featured a very special storytelling event for mums and toddlers with an extra special guest appearance for those able to make it along. Waterstones bookshop also be hosted a number of free author events during the festival including an evening session with Lin Anderson.

Falkirk born author Alan Bissett returned to the festival with his hit play More Moira Monologues live in Behind The Wall.

A mini showreel of some of the highlights from last year’s event can be viewed here