Our Festival of Stories takes place over two days (September 16th & 17th) in Jedburgh. Here’s a quick guide through the weekend for those with young families (and note that everything here is free to attend / participate in but sign up is needed to secure your place)
Saturday:
Two Bookbug Sessions will take place in Heron & Willow at 09:30 (sold out) and 10:30. Ideal 20-30 minute story sessions for 0-3 year olds.
At 11 (sold out), 12, and 1 there will be Debutots session in the Town Hall. These are creative play and story telling sessions for 1-7 year olds. More on your feet and active than the Bookbug sessions.
For those a little older (8-14 ideally) there will be a two hour Drama Workshop, also in the Town Hall run by Borders Youth Theatre. The group will play games and create pieces of work based around local stories.
Sunday:
The big event of the day is the Fancy Dress Story Party. From 10:30 til 12:30 everyone is invited to the Town Hall. Fancy Dress is optional but encouraged. There will be live music from Katie Forbes and Ayliffe Rose, PAYF Facepainting in aid of Jedburgh’s Out Of School Service plus other creative activities including making your own miniature castle, bookmark and badges. Three young people will receive book tokens (top prize £50!) for the best fancy dress. Adults welcome to dress up too!
At 12:30 in the Town Hall the show Will & The Whisp takes place. Author Ross Mackay shares the stories from his exciting novel, whilst also sharing the secrets of magic tricks with the audience. Great for young people 9+.
Alternatively, there will be a screening of The Goonies at 1pm. Classic!
Finally, a special event at the Town Hall. Discover the historic legends of Scotland’s most famous monarchs, including Mary, Queen of Scots & Robert the Bruce, with Carnegie Medal winning author Theresa Breslin. Theresa’s work is often aimed at young people but is, in fact highly enjoyable for all ages. Don’t miss out!