A cosy evening, a warm blanket, a cup of your favourite drink, and the company of loved ones. Together, they spend quality time in pleasant company, sharing different stories. More at edinburghski.
As it happens, storytelling generally enjoys great popularity around the world. It can form the basis of blog content or help people unwind after a difficult day at work. This is because oral narration is somewhat reminiscent of a bedtime story, where children are completely absorbed in the tale’s events while getting ready for sleep in their favourite bed, hugging a teddy bear. The brain processes the recounting of any story in a similar way.
In Edinburgh, they took this a step further and created an entire festival dedicated to storytelling: The Scottish International Storytelling Festival. Preserving the glorious tradition of oral narration, the event draws audiences into a world of intriguing happenings. Skilled storytellers weave various details into their tales, capable of captivating the attention of the whole room.
Furthermore, performances are often accompanied by live music. This allows the listener to be transported to another era or place. The main tools in this process are simply the power of imagination and the mastery of words. Believe us, this is quite enough to gain maximum enjoyment and, of course, to fully experience that incredible energy shrouded in true magic.
A History Begins and a Gradual Growth in Audience
The festival was founded in 1989. Since its creation, public interest in the event has only increased.
In the first year, it was attended by 700 spectators. By 2022, the number of guests exceeded 39,000 people.
Regarding the venue, the festival is mainly held at the Netherbow Theatre in The Scottish Storytelling Centre. However, partner venues are also involved, including city museums and galleries, the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh, and the National Library of Scotland.
The Traditions of the Festival
In addition to the above, it is important to note that The Scottish International Storytelling Festival has its specific rules. In particular, the festival usually lasts about two weeks, and only in October. It is essential that the event’s climax coincides with Halloween.
All this might suggest that the stories told during the festival are connected to the supernatural. However, it should be said that by no means does every narrative feature such a theme.
It is simply that most of the programme is imbued with a certain mystery and a slightly darker tone. This creates the desired atmosphere and, of course, greatly engages the listeners.
A Magnificent Platform for Cultural Exchange
Furthermore, it is fair to mention that the traditions of Scotland are only part of the themes explored during The Scottish International Storytelling Festival. The event is attended by guests from all over the world, and each of them has stories to tell about the legends or customs of their homelands.
Thanks to this internationalism, the festival is further enriched, especially by the numerous cross-cultural events. They effectively create the conditions for cultural exchange.
Other Festival Activities
The concept of the festival might lead to the association that performers simply tell stories and the audience listens. But this is only a part of what happens at The Scottish International Storytelling Festival. The event also hosts engaging masterclasses, tours of Edinburgh’s ancient streets, and more.
Thus, The Scottish International Storytelling Festival is a unique festival with a very unusual concept. The incredible idea of recreating the atmosphere of telling captivating stories has been hugely popular with the public. While such a pastime might seem dull at first glance, attending the festival just once is enough to be convinced otherwise.
Moreover, listening to different stories allows you not only to fully relax and distract yourself from everyday problems but also to learn many new things about the traditions of Scotland or other countries.
The Scottish International Storytelling Festival has become so beloved and popular among audiences that it is a preferred way to spend a weekend. The combination is wonderful: autumn, ancient Edinburgh, and a whole world of thrilling, slightly mysterious legends.
It seems the organisers chose the timing and theme of the festival exceptionally well, as a better combination is hard to find. A wonderful time of year that naturally suggests thoughts of mysticism and mystery. Talented storytellers whose tales inspire awe. And, of course, a pleasant, friendly atmosphere.
All of this has turned The Scottish International Storytelling Festival into one of the most visited events in the Scottish capital. People attend in whole families, listening to fascinating narratives and participating in other activities that have become an integral part of the festival.