You know it’s officially autumn when the stage is set for the Orkney Storytelling Festival.
This celebration of the oral tradition has gone from strength to strength since it was revived in 2010 and it has become a keenly anticipated part of the local events calendar.
Known as the ‘little festival with the big heart’, it welcomes storytellers and audiences from around the world, all keen to hear a traditional tale, well told.
This year’s festival will be held across Orkney between 23 – 26 October. Here are four reasons why it’s well worth a visit.
1. A packed programme
The festival organisers have pulled together a fantastic array of events for visitors to enjoy this year.
There’s a graveyard storytelling tour, an open mic night, the chance to learn all about famous Orkney folklorist, Walter Traill Dennison, and of course the Grand Finale, bringing local and guest storytellers together for a special celebration.
That’s just a taste of what’s happening over the four-day festival – view the full programme on the official website.
2. Location, location, location
The festival always takes advantage of Orkney’s incredible array of venues, with island hops and special spots playing host to storytelling sessions.
This year events will be held in places like the St Magnus Kirk in Birsay, the old school in Quoyloo, the Barrier View Café in Holm, the atmospheric Betty’s Reading Room in Tingwall, and the fabulous Stromness Town Hall.
There’s also a trip to Papa Westray’s Kelp Store scheduled, with the island’s rich heritage set to take centre stage.
3. Something for everyone
Storytelling survives by being passed down through the generations and this year the festival will host a Children’s Storytelling Workshop, with plenty of fun-filled activities for storytellers of the future.
Creative games, story-building activities, and lively tales will be on offer, giving young folk the chance to craft and share their own adventures.
Aptly, it will be held in the Stromness Library in the heart of the town much-loved Orkney writer George Mackay Brown called home.
4. The Vikings are coming
The Orkneyinga Saga is central to many of Orkney’s stories, exploring our Norse heritage and Viking connections.
This year master storytellers, Jerker Fahlström from Sweden, and Iceland's Hjörleifur Stefánsson, will host two sessions full of legends, ancient sagas, and Norse myths, bringing them to life with their powerful, immersive style. One will be held in the St Magnus Kirk in Birsay too, a location that was at the heart of Norse power in the islands.
These are events not to be missed.
Tickets for the 2025 Orkney Storytelling Festival are available to buy now – visit the official website to book and to find out more.