Reflecting on a Week of Wonder: FEST Conference and Village Storytelling Festival 2024 in Glasgow

Glasgow, Scotland – 25th-27th June 2024: Glasgow played host to a vibrant celebration of storytelling at the FEST Conference and Village Storytelling Festival, drawing enthusiasts and professionals from across Europe and the world. From the 25th to 30th June, the city buzzed with the power of stories, creating unforgettable moments of connection, learning, and inspiration.

FEST Conference 2024: A Confluence of Storytelling Pioneers

The FEST (Federation for European Storytelling) Conference was a resounding success, bringing together a diverse group of storytellers, educators, and cultural advocates. With 130 delegates from 25 countries, the event featured a rich array of workshops, panel discussions, and performances that highlighted the multifaceted nature of storytelling.

FEST launched with a reception at Glasgow City Chambers. Bailie Linda Pike gave the welcoming address and we were treated to a story jointly performed by members of the four nations hosting team.

Conference Highlights

Innovative Workshops: Participants engaged in hands-on workshops led by renowned storytellers. From exploring traditional folklore to mastering modern storytelling techniques, attendees were equipped with new skills and fresh perspectives. There were several standout sessions including an opening provocation and discussion led by Peter Chand “Who’s Let into the Dairy,” which explored who decides which members of society get to tell their stories and are given a space to freely do so. Other highlights included a passionate presentation from Lithuanian storyteller Milda Varnauskaitė who talked about the highs and lows of her mission to bring storytelling back to her home country.

Expert Panels: Panel discussions tackled important topics such as the role of storytelling in education, mental health, and community building. One particularly impactful panel, “Future Thinking,” provided deep insights and discussions into platforming the next generations of socially engaged storytellers.

Networking Opportunities: The conference facilitated numerous networking opportunities, allowing attendees to forge valuable connections. Informal meet-and-greet sessions and evening social events created a friendly and collaborative atmosphere, fostering potential future collaborations.

Village Storytelling Festival 2024: Celebrating Community Through Stories

Running concurrently with the FEST Conference, the Village Storytelling Festival celebrated Glasgow’s rich storytelling heritage with a series of events that highlighted the diverse voices and stories of the community.

VSF launched with a bang at Glasgow School of Art with ‘The Stories We Are’, the Village’s community groups’ beautiful exhibition of stories and artworks!

The first performance of the festival at the CCA was The Village’s very own storytellers performing Against the Current; a reimagining of the story of St Enoch, often overlooked Mother of St Mungo, told through four women’s journeys to Glasgow. Together the performers led the audience to tread St Enoch’s forgotten path, whilst sharing their own stories along the way, celebrating resilience, homemaking, agency and belonging.

Festival Features

Storytelling Performances:
© Eoin Carey

The festival featured performances by both local and international storytellers, each bringing their unique tales to life. Noteworthy performances included “Women Who Gave No F*cks!”, by Story Jam. Mythic mayhem, human clap-o-meters and audience power! Tales to make you want to rip up the rules and riot! Two teams of stand-up tale-tellers slammed down stories of the super women and unstoppably imperfect goddesses who stalk through the world’s myths and legends.
“Smoke and Sickle” Emery Hunter’s retelling of the Selkie myth offering an exploration of identity, trust and manipulation was absolutely spellbinding. A beautifully crafted mix of BSL, visual vernacular and spoked word, she held the audience in the palm of her hand as we followed her mesmerising tale.

Late Night Story Shares: Intimate story circles provided festival-goers with the opportunity to share their own stories and listen to others, fostering a sense of community and mutual understanding. These sessions were particularly well-received, as they allowed for personal connections and the exchange of diverse experiences.

Workshops and Activities: In addition to performances, the festival offered a variety of workshops and activities designed for all ages. Family-friendly storytelling sessions and workshops exploring the use of Scots and Welsh language were popular among attendees, encouraging participants to explore their own storytelling potential. Of course no Village Storytelling Festival would be complete without The Village Fete – a celebration to round up a successful festival right in the heart of the community they serve. A completely free day of activity, stories, creativity and community performances in the original home of The Village Storytelling Centre, St James’ Church, Pollok.

A Lasting Impact

The FEST Conference and Village Storytelling Festival 2024 left a lasting impact on all who attended. Participants departed with new skills, fresh inspiration, and a deeper appreciation for the art of storytelling. The events not only highlighted the enduring power of stories to educate, entertain, and inspire but also reinforced the importance of preserving and promoting storytelling traditions in our rapidly changing world.

As Glasgow returns to its everyday rhythm, the echoes of last month’s stories continue to resonate, reminding us all of the connections forged and the creativity unleashed during this remarkable celebration of storytelling.