Every February, the magic of storytelling takes centre stage in the UK during National Storytelling Week, and this year promises to be bigger and more inspiring than ever.
Running from 1st to 9th February 2025, this annual celebration organised by the Society for Storytelling invites people of all ages to immerse themselves in the transformative power of stories.
The 2025 theme, "Reimagine your world," is an invitation to find wonder and inspiration in the ordinary, sparking creativity and connection in a world that often feels fragmented.
Why Storytelling Matters
Storytelling has been at the heart of human communication for centuries. It’s how we share ideas, build relationships, and pass down traditions. But storytelling is more than just a way to entertain; it’s a tool to:
- Teach about the world: Stories help us understand different cultures, perspectives, and histories, broadening our horizons and fostering curiosity.
- Develop empathy: Hearing others' stories allows us to step into their shoes and see the world from their perspective, creating deeper emotional connections.
- Provide comfort and escape: In challenging times, a good story can offer solace, joy, or a temporary escape from reality.
- Enhance literacy skills: For children especially, storytelling is a fun and engaging way to build vocabulary, comprehension, and creativity.
Click here to download your guide and start reimagining your world today!
Exploring This Year’s Theme: "Reimagine Your World"
The 2025 theme encourages us to find extraordinary stories in the ordinary and to reimagine what’s possible.
Whether it’s seeing the world through a child’s eyes, exploring a forgotten local legend, or dreaming up futuristic tales, the theme reminds us that storytelling is limitless.
Professional storytellers often emphasise that every individual has a story worth sharing, and this year’s theme is the perfect opportunity to uncover and celebrate these narratives.
Here are a few ways to engage with the theme:
- Discover hidden gems in your community: Explore local history or folklore to uncover stories that have shaped your area.
- Create modern twists on classic tales: Reimagine a well-loved story with a contemporary setting or a fresh perspective.
- Draw inspiration from nature: Use the natural world to spark creative storytelling—what stories might a tree, a stream, or a mountain tell?
Storytelling in the Digital Age
In today’s digital world, storytelling is evolving. Podcasts, videos, and social media platforms have given storytellers new ways to share their tales.
Yet, there’s something uniquely powerful about oral storytelling—the way it connects people in a shared moment, transcending screens and devices.
Professional storytellers highlight that storytelling can combat isolation and foster a sense of belonging, particularly in an era where face-to-face interaction can feel rare.
National Storytelling Week is a reminder of the joy of gathering together, whether around a campfire, in a classroom, or at a local event, to share and listen to stories.
How to Get Involved
National Storytelling Week offers countless ways to celebrate, whether you’re a parent, teacher, or simply someone who loves a good story:
- Attend a local storytelling event: Libraries, community centres, and schools often host storytelling sessions featuring talented storytellers. Check your local listings to find events near you.
- Join an online workshop: This year, the National Literacy Trust is offering free, interactive online writing workshops led by award-winning authors and storytelling experts. These workshops cater to different age groups and provide a fantastic opportunity to learn from the best.
- Host your own storytelling session: Gather friends, family, or colleagues to share your favorite stories or create new ones together. You could even use this as an opportunity to explore this year’s theme.
- Explore storytelling traditions: Learn about oral storytelling traditions from around the world, and try incorporating some of these techniques into your storytelling.
- Encourage children to participate: Kids can enjoy activities like creating their own storybooks, acting out stories through role play, or using props to spark imaginative tales.
Free Downloadable Guide
To make this National Storytelling Week even more special, we’ve created a free downloadable guide filled with fun and creative storytelling activities.
Whether you’re looking for inspiration for daily storytelling sessions, games to play with children, or tips for reimagining classic tales, our guide has something for everyone.
Click here to download your guide and start reimagining your world today!
Let’s Celebrate Stories Together
National Storytelling Week 2025 is an opportunity to pause, connect, and rediscover the magic of stories.
Whether you’re sharing a bedtime story, attending an event, or creating a tale of your own, storytelling has the power to inspire, connect, and transform.
So, this February, let’s come together to celebrate the art of storytelling and reimagine the world one story at a time.
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