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National Storytelling Week

Unleash your imagination this National Storytelling Week as you delve into enchanting worlds and riveting tales!

Saturday

30–7

January–February 2027

Last updated February 7, 2026 · by the Holiday Calendar Team

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YEARLY DATENational Storytelling Week UK (Sat on/before Feb 1, 9-day)

OBSERVED INUnited Kingdom

CATEGORYPop Culture

SUBCATEGORYBooks

INTRO

Introduction

PHOTO

Unleash your imagination this National Storytelling Week, beginning on January 30! Since ancient times, stories have been at the heart of human interaction, a respected tradition passed down through generations. Originating in the UK in 2000, this event has blossomed into a worldwide celebration of all things storytelling. Throughout this week, we recognize the captivating art of storytelling and its power to transport us to fantastical worlds, tell of bold and daring adventurers, and even teach us profound life lessons. Grab your favorite book or gather round the fire and get ready for an amazing adventure that awaits!

TIMELINE

National Storytelling Week Timeline

Fairy Tales Boom

The 19th Century was a boom for storytelling, with authors like Hans Christian Andersen and Brothers Grimm popularizing fairy tales.

Radio Storytelling

The Golden Age of Radio began, bringing storytelling to a new medium allowing families to gather around the radio for stories.

Storytelling on TV

Television becomes a major source of storytelling with popular series such as "The Twilight Zone" captivating audiences.

Public Storytelling Events

The National Storytelling Festival was founded in Jonesborough, Tennessee, focusing on the preservation and enrichment of oral storytelling.

National Storytelling Week Begins

The Society for Storytelling in the UK launched the first National Storytelling Week to celebrate and promote the tradition of storytelling.

Digital Storytelling

Amidst the global pandemic, many storytelling events and celebrations moved online, using digital platforms to continue the tradition of storytelling.

GET INVOLVED

How to Celebrate National Storytelling Week

Create a Story Circle

Gather with friends and family in a circle and begin a storytelling game. One person may start a story, and it moves around the circle with each person adding their own piece to the tale. The plot twists and turns await!

HOST

Host a Virtual Storytelling Event

Use online platforms like Zoom or Skype to host a virtual storytelling event. Share folktales or family stories, or choose a theme for everyone to share their own original tale.

ATTEND

Attend a Storytelling Workshop or Webinar

Look out for online workshops or webinars about storytelling techniques. This can be a great opportunity to learn from experienced storytellers and gain insights into improving your own tales.

CAMPFIRE

Campfire Storytelling Night

Nothing beats the ambiance of cracking fire on a cool night for storytelling. Spend the evening under the stars, roasting marshmallows & sharing stories around a campfire. A spine-chilling ghost story is just the cherry on top!

WRITE

Write a Picture Storybook

Try writing and illustrating your own short story. Let your creative spirit flow–you never know where your imagination might take you! If you have little ones in the family, this can be a great communal activity and a perfect keepsake.

WHY THIS DAY MATTERS

Why We Love National Storytelling Week

It preserves traditions and cultures

Traditional tales that have been passed down through generations are an integral part of cultural heritage. By engaging in storytelling, these stories are kept alive and continue to teach future generations about their cultural origins and values.

Storytelling invokes creativity

National Storytelling Week is a wonderful opportunity for everyone to tap into their inventive minds and return to a world of curiosity and creativity. It could also spark new ideas and dreams, whilst also teaching the important skill of narrative building.

It connects people together

Even in a time where physical gatherings might be restricted, storytelling brings people close together in spirit, from virtual storytelling sessions to interactive story circles. It can create bonds between people of all ages and from all walks of life, through shared listening and telling of stories.

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