Storytellin in and around Stroud in December 2011

Saturday 3 December

Winterfest. Transition Stroud invite you to a day of stalls, activities, food and entertainment – ‘inspiring ideas and practical workshops from across our community’. We also welcome the sublime storyteller Anthony Nanson, who will share some ‘Stories for our Times’. Bring your friends and neighbours. Venue: Riffs empty music shop, Threadneedle Street, Stroud. 10.00 a.m. to 4.00 p.m. www.transitionstroud.org

Thursday 8 December

Stroud’s Story Cabaret. Storyteller Austin Keenan tells legendary tales of Ireland’s ancient hero-gods, the Tuatha De Danann, in which the Sons of Turann struggle for honour and redemption. Folk-singer and guitarist David Metcalfe (of Fire Springs and Dark Tarn) sings stirring songs from Ireland’s troubled history of conflict, famine and faith. Plus floor spots welcomed – bring a story, song or poem (no reading!) – or just come to listen. 7.30 for 8pm. £6 (concessions £5). Five Valleys Foyer (British School), Gloucester Street, Stroud. Bookings: Star Anise Arts Cafe 01453 840021.

Saturday 17 December

Storytelling at Ruskin Mill. As autumn deepens into winter, we invite story lovers young and old to join us at the Ruskin Mill fireside. Sit back and enjoy wonderful stories from a Christmas bonanza of local storytellers: Fiona Eadie, Kelvin Hall, Allison Cumberbirch, Val Dean, Kirsty Hartsiotis, David Phelps, and Anthony Nanson. 10.30 a.m. to 12.30 p.m. Ruskin Mill, Old Bristol Road, Nailsworth. Children £3 (suggested minimum age 5); adults £4; family £10. Coffee shop open for drinks and home-made cakes in the interval.

Wednesday 21 December

Garden of Awen: Midnight Sun.A festive-spoken word showcase celebrating the launch of Places of Truth by Jay Ramsay and The Immanent Moment by Kevan Manwaring. Both collections feature poem sequences inspired by the deserts of Egypt. With special guests Adam Horovitz, Jehanne & Rob Mehta, Will Mercer, Josie Felce, Anthony Nanson, Herewood Gabriel, and more. Performance poetry, storytelling, acoustic music, and dance to mark the winter solstice. Dress to dazzle. Limited floor spots (3 mins) on winter solstice theme. Bring your wishes and prayers for the mandala of light. Lansdown Hall (The Space), Stroud. 7.00 p.m. £8 in advance/£10 on door. Free glass of mulled wine and mince pie on entry. Tickets: 01453 767576, info@lansdownhall.org; www.lansdownhall.org; www.awenpublications.co.uk