Step into Stories Returns to Bewdley for 2025

Join the Step into Stories festival in Bewdley on 12 April 2025 for a magical day of storytelling, author talks, and workshops. Featuring Sam Sedgman, Jim Smith, Ann Sei Lin, Ian Douglas, and more! Find out more and book your tickets today.

Step into Stories Returns to Bewdley for 2025

13th Mar 2025 | Our news

Step into Stories with Bewdley Festival is back for 2025, bringing a packed day of storytelling, workshops, and literary adventures for children and families. Taking place on Saturday, 12 April, this much-loved festival transforms Bewdley into a haven for young book lovers, with activities across key locations, including Bewdley Museum, Bewdley Library, Riverside Elim Church, and St Georgeโ€™s Hall.

A Day Full of Storytelling and Creativity

The festival features an impressive lineup of authors, illustrators, and performers, with sessions designed to spark imagination and creativity in children of all ages.

๐Ÿ“š Workshops & Author Talks:

  • Ann Sei Lin leads an origami workshop, blending storytelling with hands-on creativity.
  • Jim Smith, the writer and illustrator, will be hosting a fun, stinky-themed draw-along session.
  • Sam Sedgman, author of the award-winning Adventures on Trains series, will travel into Bewdley via the Severn Valley Railway, sharing his passion for mystery and locomotives.
  • Carolyn Ward will guide young minds through an interactive maze-making session.
  • David Gibb brings music into the mix with a songwriting workshop.
  • Lucy Ann Unwin leads a session on using your voice for change.

๐Ÿ—บ๏ธ Story Trails & Interactive Fun:

  • Follow the Story Tale Trail, a self-led adventure weaving through Bewdley.
  • Join the Big Bewdley Book Swap, where children can exchange books and discover new reads.
  • Try your hand at solving a mystery adventure around town.
  • Enter the poetry competition on the theme of Steam Trains, with winners announced by Worcestershire Young Poet Laureate.

๐ŸŽญ Live Storytelling:

Storytelling takes centre stage throughout the day, with Ian Douglas and Jessie Wild performing lively tales in the Bewdley Museum Sawyard and running a storytelling workshop for older children.

Events at Bewdley Museum

As part of the festival, Bewdley Museumโ€”home to The Garden Kitchenโ€”will host a series of exciting events:

๐Ÿ“ Education Room:

  • 10:30 โ€“ Carolyn Ward: Amazing Mazes (age 6+)
  • 12:00 โ€“ David Gibb: Songwriting Workshop (age 5+)
  • 14:00 โ€“ Lucy Unwin: How to Be a Revolutionary (age 7+)

๐Ÿ“ Sawyard:

  • 11:00 & 13:00 โ€“ Ian Douglas: Storytelling (All ages)
  • 12:00 & 14:00 โ€“ Jessie Wild: Storytelling (All ages)

๐Ÿ“ Pipe Room:

  • 10:30 โ€“ 13:30: Quiet room available for families needing a calmer space.
  • 14:00 โ€“ 15:00 โ€“ Ian Douglas: Storytelling workshop (age 10+)

Tickets & More Information

Tickets are available at boxoffice.bewdleyfestival.org.uk, with family-friendly prices ensuring everyone can join in the fun.

For more details, visit Step Into Stories or follow along on social media:

  • Instagram/Threads: @step_into_stories_festival
  • Facebook: @stepintostorieswithbewdleyfestival
  • Bluesky: @stepintostories.bsky.social

Mark your calendars and get ready for a day of storytelling magic in the heart of Bewdley!

Whatโ€™s On at The Garden Kitchen

See what weโ€™re baking, cooking or planning this season, and how to get involved.

Roast beef, mixed local vegetables, and roast potatoes served inside a large Yorkshire pudding with a side jug of gravy.

Treat Your Mum to a Giant Yorkshire Pudding Roast

Join us this Mothering Sunday at Garden Kitchen Bewdley for a proper Sunday dinner. We are serving slow-cooked roast beef, fresh local vegetables, and gravy, all inside a giant Yorkshire pudding.

Reopening 14 February

Reopening 14 February

We reopen on 14 February after our winter closure. Pop in to The Garden Kitchen at Bewdley Museum for coffee, homemade cakes, breakfast and lunch.

Roast beef, mixed local vegetables, and roast potatoes served inside a large Yorkshire pudding with a side jug of gravy.

Treat Your Mum to a Giant Yorkshire Pudding Roast

Join us this Mothering Sunday at Garden Kitchen Bewdley for a proper Sunday dinner. We are serving slow-cooked roast beef, fresh local vegetables, and gravy, all inside a giant Yorkshire pudding.