Hastings Storytelling Festival returns from 17 to 25 October 2026 with the theme Fishing for Stories. We're shaping this year's programme in partnership with artists, venues and community groups, and we'll share full details soon, subject to funding.

While the wider programme is still in development, we are delighted to announce two confirmed events.

Festival Patron Axel Scheffler will return to Hastings with a brand new family event celebrating The Gruffalo and the upcoming new title Gruffalo Granny.

We are also pleased to present Bev Lee Harling’s 'Things I Know and Things I Don’t' at the Stables Theatre, a moving and imaginative show inspired by her father’s memories, music and connection to the natural world.

Both events are available to book now.