Settle Stories’ Yorkshire Festival Of Story Returns In November With An Exciting Line-Up

The Yorkshire Festival of Story (YFOS), an annual celebration of the power of storytelling run by arts charity Settle Stories, is back with a bang this autumn, bringing enchanting tales, thought-provoking discussions, and incredible headliners to captivate audiences.

The theme of this year’s two-week festival, running from Nov 3rd to 19th, is ‘When Fairytales Speak Truth to Power’, which will delve into the profound question of how stories can achieve justice in our world.

With over 40 in-person and online events to choose from, YFOS offers something for everyone – from family-friendly workshops to adult-oriented music, talks and comedy shows. YFOS will explore storytelling in all its forms, shedding light on a wide range of subjects including injustice, social change and the nature of power.

This year’s headliners include:

Professor Jack Zipes, festival guest director, will lead the way in exploring the incredible potential of storytelling in achieving justice and change. Zipes is renowned for his expertise in folklore, fairy tales and their social and cultural significance, making him the perfect curator for this year's theme.

Prof. Zipes is also hosting the online event, Buried Treasures, which will take us on a journey through enthralling stories of writers and illustrators from the 19th and 20th centuries.

Jack says: ‘I’m proud to be a part of this year’s Yorkshire Festival of Story, the line-up is incredible and I’m looking forward to be talking story, myths and speaking truth to power.’

Marina Warner CH DBE - Join Dame Marina Warner in an imaginative workshop entitled A Living Almanac: Imagining, Orientating, Belonging. As a writer and scholar, Marina Warner focuses on myths, symbols and fairy tales, using them to shed light on contemporary issues. Her work explores the interplay between imagination, reality, and the societal impact of storytelling.

Marina says: ‘Humans are a storytelling species – we make up stories in the same way we make tools and food. The stories we inherit from one another stretch our experience far beyond what we can know at first hand. They can uncover truths and build possibilities and hope. But they’re also dangerous and can entrench prejudice and falsehoods. Handle with care!’

Reg Meuross - The award-winning, Meuross, will take the stage to share stories that urgently need to be told. His music has a unique power to move and inspire, Reg is a true modern troubadour, representing contemporary English folk writing at its best.

Usifu Jalloh (The Cowfoot Prince) - Experience the magic and nostalgia of childhood in a family event featuring Sierra Leone's Usifu Jalloh. Usifu will bring Skipton alive with his music, drumming, dancing and storytelling as he shares the warmth and colour of Africa, making this a performance for all ages that you won't want to miss. A delight for the whole family.

Jeremy Dyson and Andy Nyman - The dynamic duo behind the successful play and film Ghost Stories return with The Warlock Effect. Join the writers as they discuss their twist-filled novel that combines magic, adventure and espionage, promising a thrilling discussion of their journey in exploring the golden age of magic. They may even demonstrate the odd sleight of hand!

Amy White - In a special writer's workshop, The Story Code, Amy White will demystify the art of storytelling. With a track record of helping writers connect with their target audiences and achieve their goals, her coaching is invaluable for aspiring authors. This once-in-a-lifetime workshop has limited spaces, so book early to avoid disappointment.

Sita Brand, CEO of Settle Stories, said: ‘We have a wonderful line-up of incredible artists, storytellers, writers and esteemed professionals to bring us an event that will help us to look deeper into speaking truth to power. Let’s explore the power of storytelling while having fun!’
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Don't miss the chance to be part of this remarkable storytelling festival. YFOS invites you to embark on a journey where stories not only entertain but also inspire change and justice.

Yorkshire Festival of Story (Nov 3-19). For ticket information and the full event schedule, please visit: yorkshirefestivalofstory.com.