Scary faerie tales were in the line-up for a library storytelling event Wednesday 21 March.

Professional storyteller Allan Davies was at WGC’s main library to entertain youngsters aged six to 11, and their parents.

Allan has been involved in storytelling and arts festivals around the country, as well as leading numerous educational workshops, for many years.

Children were also be able to write their own tales and illustrate them.

The event was part of a countywide programme to support the BBC’s reading and writing campaign.

County councillor Keith Emsall, executive member for community safety and culture, said: “Stories, even ones you might know already, can take on a life of their own with the help of a professional.

“Hopefully this session will inspire those attending to enjoy making up their own tales as well.”

Article from Herts24

Robyn Arya reports that singer-songwriter Lior was one of the star performers at the annual Port Fairy Folk Festival which attracted a crowd of about 15,000 music lovers to the Victorian seaside town over the Labour Day holiday weekend.

He delighted fans at two concerts as he sang his hit songs including the popular Bedouin Song from his Autumn Flow album.

Backed by musicians on violin, guitar and drums, Lior demonstrated his beautifully powerful voice and melodic songs and received loud applause.

The sell-out festival featured more than 500 acts in folk, blues, country and world roots music.

For those who did not have a ticket, performances were also held on outdoor stages in the main street. Adding to the atmosphere were buskers and a craft market.

Among the top acts at the festival were Christine Anu, Eric Bibb (USA) Luka Bloom (Ireland), Banditalian (Italy), Habib Koite Bamada (Mali), Shane Howard and the legendary Joe Camilleri and The Black Sorrows.

Kristen Pritchard reports on Armstrong School’s presentation of a humorous faerie tale

King Dumb and his Knights defend themselves against who they believe are imposters: Swashbuck Valpariso and his Worfle friend. From left to right are are: Swashbuck Valpariso (Ben Reckow), Worfle (Devin Wolle), King Dumb (Sam Carlson), Sir Prize (Shane Olson), Zob Proper Knight (Isaac Carreon), Zob Proper Knight (Seth Basmoen), and Sir Cumference (Adam Bruton). Photos by Kristen Pritchard

“The Clumsy Custard Horror Show” will be coming soon to St. James for public viewing, entertainment and laughter on Friday, March 30 at 7 p.m. and Saturday, March 31 at 3:00 p.m. at the Armstrong School Auditorium.

The play combines humor, double meanings, hidden identities, and surprises into a Medieval setting where one kingdom battles against another.

“The feel of the play is a humorous faerie tale,” director Nicole Meyer said. “It follows that faerie tale feel but it has more of a dumb humor.”

Meyer said the actors at Armstrong have fun performing in a play with dumb humor. Last year when the school put on a humorous rendition of Robin Hood, the students fed off the laughter from their teachers and other audience members.

This year when Meyer first went over “The Clumsy Custard Horror Show” script with the Armstrong students, the time was filled with giggles from the students.

“The humor is fun for the kids,” Meyer said. “I like doing a little spin off of something different.”

Not only do the Armstrong students enjoy performing a play with such humor, but Meyer also said they’re “just an incredibly talented bunch of kids.” She said she couldn’t be happier with the students she has acting in the play this year.

One of the big questions throughout the play audience members will probably be asking of the characters is “who’s side are you really on?”