Storytelling Sessions

Join us for a fantastic line-up of storytellers! These are free storytelling sessions and there's no need to book.

Rowan McCabe: The Wild Animal Poetry Battle

Did you know that if a grasshopper was the size of a person, it could jump the length of a football field? Who needs superheroes when animals can change shape, turn invisible and run at 100 miles an hour. Join poet Rowan McCabe for a participatory poetry session celebrating the super-powers of our favourite animals. They will battle it out before our very eyes. But who will be crowned the ultimate Wild Animal Champion?

Rowan McCabe is a poet and workshop facilitator. He has written for Channel 4, BBC Radio 3’s ‘The Verb’ and his work has been featured in the Guardian and on BBC Breakfast. He regularly runs poetry workshops with young people and has run large scale projects for Newcastle Council, Apples and Snakes and New Writing North.

Dates and times:
Thursday 27th July
10am / 11.30am / 1.30pm / 2.30pm

Sunday 30th July
11am / 1pm / 2.30pm / 4pm

Duration: 30 minutes

Chris Connaughton: Monkey Tales

Hullabaloo favourite, storyteller Chris Connaughton, tells tales of naughty monkeys, foolish monkeys and a particularly wise monkey who gets the better of a very greedy crocodile!

A free, drop-in storytelling session suitable for little monkeys aged 4 years and above and their families and friends.

Chris Connaughton is Director of Intext Performance and an actor with over 30 years’ experience in all forms of theatre, television and radio. He now writes and produces work for young audiences as well as being the author of the ‘Beltheron’ series of fantasy novels for 9 year olds and upwards.

Dates and times:
Thursday 27th July
2.30pm / 3.30pm

Friday 28th July
10am / 11.15am / 12.15pm / 3pm

Duration: 30 minutes

Umar Butt: Tales from far far away

Unleash your imagination with Umar on a storytelling journey through magical worlds populated by caterpillars, butterflies, seals, alligators and porcupines! Born in Pakistan, raised in Glasgow, and now an honorary Smoggie, Umar is an internationally acclaimed performer and storyteller who weaves enchanting tales of friendship and adventure, exploring universal themes of belonging, family, and community.

As a co-founder of Bijli, Umar’s stories also promote diversity and intercultural understanding, making them not only a fun experience but a learning opportunity for young minds.

Dates and times:
Saturday 29th July
12pm / 12.40pm / 2.30pm / 3.15pm / 4pm

Duration: 20 minutes