Scottish International Storytelling Festival takes place from 19 - 31 October 2018

What better time of year to hold a storytelling festival than the days leading upto the Celtic celebration of Halloween. Halloween (Hop tu Naa in Isle of Man) has its origins in the Celtic lands and marks the end of the summer and the beginning of winter. The festival is associated with the Celtic feast of Kala-Goañv (Breton), Calan Gwaf (Cornish), Samhain (Irish), Sauin (Manx Gaelic), Samhuinn (Scottish Gaelic) and Calan Gaeaf (Welsh).

It is traditionally a time of year when the worlds of the living and the dead were seen to be at their closest. It is a time when the creatures of the 'Otherworld' make their presence known to the people of 'this world'. It is a time when people would gather around the fireplace to share stories of the supernatural. So only fitting that the Scottish International Storytelling Festival should celebrate its 30th year in October for twelve days leading to the night of the 31st October, Halloween.

The festival is inspired by the Scottish ceilidh tradition of bringing the community together in a gathering filled with tales, anecdotes, music, songs and ballads. Some 96 Scottish Storytellers will be joined by 18 global guests to orate and create tales. From 19 to 31 October, events will be held at the Scottish Storytelling Centre (SSC) in Edinburgh and various other Scottish sites. More information can be obtained from the Scottish International Storytelling Festival website.

Image: The Armagh Rhymers picture from SISF webpage