• Newham Libraries launches its inaugural “Festival of Stories,” a 12-day celebration from 11 to 22 November 2024.
• The festival will feature 50 free activities across multiple libraries, showcasing prominent speakers and authors such as Dame Zandra Rhodes, Paterson Joseph, Tom Percival and Vaseem Khan.
• Newham’s Festival of Stories is supported by funding from Arts Council England and contributions from partner organisations.
Newham Libraries is excited to announce the first-ever, Festival of Stories, an innovative 12-day celebration that promises to highlight the different narratives within our community. Taking place from 11 November to 22 November 2024, this innovative festival promises to immerse attendees in a variety of captivating stories.
This initiative was made possible by a generous £61,000 grant from Arts Council England and over £25,000 in-kind contributions from a range of esteemed partners.
The Festival of Stories aims to align with the borough’s cultural strategy of “putting people at the heart of creativity and culture.” By harnessing the power of storytelling, the festival seeks to break down barriers and biases, making cultural participation accessible and inclusive for everyone.
Councillor Charlene McLean, Cabinet Member for Resident Engagement and Resident Experience said, “I'm excited about how this festival will benefit our community's culture. Storytelling is important—it encourages creativity, builds empathy, and brings people together. It also entertains us, making us happy through performances and shared stories.
“By celebrating stories, we not only recognise different voices but also encourage future generations to share their experiences and dreams. This festival shows that we are dedicated to making culture open and welcoming for everyone in our community."
The festival will feature 50 free activities spread across 10 libraries and partner venues. Attendees can look forward to a diverse range of events, made possible through collaborative partnerships with renowned arts organisations such as Discover Children’s Story Centre, Sadlers Wells, UCL East, Newham Bookshop, Pen to Print, and Featherbed Tales. This collaboration will bring the festival to life, creating an engaging experience for everyone involved.
Key highlights of Newham’s Festival of Stories
- Dame Zandra Rhodes: The iconic British designer will appear live at Canning Town Library on Thursday, 14 November, to discuss her memoir, Iconic: My Life in Fashion in 50 Objects. She will share insights from her illustrious career in a conversation with writer Jack Parlett.
- Paterson Joseph: The acclaimed actor and writer will present his debut novel, The Secret Diaries of Charles Ignatius Sancho, at Old Town Hall, Stratford on 13 November. He will offer a captivating glimpse into the life of a remarkable historical figure.
- Tom Percival: Bestselling children’s author, artist and illustrator will share the craft of creating picture books and show us that even little people can have big feelings, on 16 November at Stratford Library
- Joy White: Author and lecturer Joy White will discuss her work on the socio-economic significance of the UK urban music economy, on 22 November at East Ham Library, with a focus on Grime music.
- Vaseem Khan: The award-winning author is set to introduce his upcoming series, Quantum of Menace, featuring Q from the James Bond franchise. Join him on 21 November 7 pm at Stratford Library
- Courttia Newland: The celebrated author and screenwriter will share insights from his latest works and his experiences in the literary and film industries. This will be in discussion with award-winning novelist Derek Owusu on 15 November at 6.30 pm at Forest Gate Library
Join us for an inspiring celebration of stories that reflect the rich diversity of our community. For more information, please visit: NEWHAMFESTIVALOFSTORIES.ORG
