Scottish International Storytelling Festival

THE WORLD’S FINEST FEAST OF TRADITIONAL STORYTELLING

The Scottish International Storytelling Festival, produced by TRACS at the Scottish Storytelling Centre, is one of the most admired storytelling events in the world and the largest of its kind – both from a programming and participation perspective, encompassing a wealth of cultures, traditions and styles – a world of stories within the Festival City. 

Scottish International Storytelling Festival: Growing Stories
Fri 19 – Wed 31 Oct 2018

Stories are like gardens – they bring people together and grow but also need nurtured and cared for.

The 30^th Scottish International Storytelling Festival will celebrate Growing Stories with a feast of botanically lead events, from walking tours to intimate storytelling gatherings at the Scottish Storytelling Centre and throughout Scotland. 

Download the Programme from 2017   

“If you thought that August was the only month that Edinburgh has top quality international festivals, then you would be wrong.” (The Wee Review)

“enjoy the festival’s eclectic programme, the myriad stories at its heart and the colourful, charismatic storytellers who use their words to spin bridges between this world and theirs.” (Joanna Morris - Northern Echo)

Performance, workshops, talks and children’s events radiate out from Scotland’s capital as the best of Scotland’s storytelling talent merge with invited guests, offering a plethora of opportunities to celebrate and discover oral traditions and cultural diversity.

Great stories well told have the ability to evoke indelible images in the mind of the listener, offering visitors and locals a wonderful opportunity to enjoy the extraordinary tales, music and characters that bring both our contemporary and traditional culture to life.

'Storytelling Festival will delight young and old' (Press & Journal)

'A hugely underrated skill, storytelling is undoubtedly history brought to life and so much more' (Must Visit Scotland)

‘A tremendous celebration of Scottish storytelling and of the world wide connections which storytelling can bring’ (Liz Weir – Storyteller)

Audience Comments:

‘The workshops were well organised and very informative. Loved the storytelling performances – a window into different traditions and contemporary issues.’

‘A warm, friendly, invigorating experience, just perfect for autumn evenings.’

‘Totally different performances and so much talent, all moved me to laugh and cry.’

‘Amazing storytelling at its best - engaging, moving, emotional and funny. More please!’

View Storytelling Festival Videos