Region to host storytelling event

SCOTLAND’S international storytelling festival is coming to Dumfries and Galloway next month. Audiences from all over the region are invited to join storytellers, musicians, and artists, to hear stories that celebrate the ‘Lights of the North’ and connect the world’s northern arc, through the power of storytelling. It’s kicking off on Thursday October 2 with Mairi Campbell’s Living Stone show, with performances at the Ryan Centre in Stranraer, and at the Moffat Theatre the following day. Later in the month storyteller and visual artist Claire Hewitt will display a selection of artworks from her recent exhibition Swan Woman at the Stove Cafe in Dumfries. Claire will also join Finnish storyteller Anna-Maria Toivonen, above, one of this year’s international guest storytellers for an evening of traditional stories and songs about birds, woven into the Swan Woman’s magical tale of transformation. Looking ahead to this year’s event, Scottish International Storytelling Festival director, Donald Smith said: “I’m very inspired by the chemistry of this year’s programme. Northern stories come from the forests, mountains and oceans, while drawing on an eerie imagination, surreal humour and hidden connections between human and natural spirits. Inner and outer journeys collide with unexpected magic. And Scotland is a hub and a crucible of this unique northern brew!” For more information about the festival visit: www.sisf.org.uk.