Celebrated storytellers and authors will soon be inspiring young imaginations across the district with the return of popular festival in Great Malvern.   

The Great Malvern Festival of Stories for Children takes place from 21, October, to 26, October 2025, in a number of venues throughout Great Malvern, including Great Malvern Priory grounds, Malvern Library and The Theatre of Small Convenience. 

The first four days of the programme is designed for local schools, followed by a family programme on Saturday and Sunday, which is open to everyone.   

The festival, formed by Malvern Hills District Council in partnership with Boffy Arts and Events, is a celebration of stories, featuring a programme of professional storytellers, children's authors, illustrators, puppet companies, musicians, and theatre. 

The event will feature bestselling children's author Lucy Strange, Stories with a Worm, and Aardman character model making workshop including Shaun the Sheep, Gromit, and Feathers McGraw. 

The programme also includes:  

• Bhangra dancing interactive show 

• Tamar Eluned Williams – Storyteller 

• Grandly Strange Puppet Theatre presents JABBERWOCKY 

• Will Hughes Workshop – 'What Not to Give an Ogre for His Birthday' 

• Andy Stanton Mr Gum performance 

• Kev F Sutherland – Comic Art Masterclass 

• Tallulah Swirls Puppet Theatre Shadow Puppet Show and Workshop 

• Bestselling children's author Lucy Strange 

• And much more! 

As well as ticketed events there are free storytelling sessions, art activities, and stalls by local authors across the whole weekend.  

Tickets can be bought from Malvern Theatres Box Office, with multi-buy ticket discounts. 

Cllr Beverley Nielsen, Portfolio Holder for Economy and Tourism, at Malvern Hills District Council said: “It's great to see the festival of stories returning to Malvern, it's always really popular and such a wonderful opportunity for families to enjoy an impressive array of creative activities on offer.  

“I'd also like to thank our principal sponsors from business and industry, Lucart Hygiene Ltd and Charles Faram, who've helped us to grow this festival from small beginnings to the success that it's become in such a short time.” 

Steve Boffy, from Boffy Arts Events People, said: “We are delighted that after four years, the festival continues to grow and attract new audiences. We know that many local families look forward to this annual event as well as a growing number of visitors who travel to Malvern for this special half term treat. We look forward to welcoming everyone to a really exciting festival”. 

Visit www.visitthemalverns.org/storyfest(opens in a new window) for more information. 

The Great Malvern Festival of Stories for Children is part funded by the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.