Gruffalo Granny comes to Hastings Storytelling Festival 2026
Hastings Storytelling Festival returns this October in celebration of the National Year of Reading with a vibrant programme of storytelling, music, literature and performance for all ages. Produced by 18 Hours in partnership with the Hastings Storytelling Festival charity, this year’s theme Connections, celebrates imagination and the power of shared stories across our community.
Gruffalo Granny, the brand-new story from Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler, has just launched and is already making headlines; Hastings is one of the first places where families can experience the story live. Festival Patron Axel Scheffler appears at the White Rock Theatre on Saturday 24 October for Gruffalo Stories with Gruffalo Granny, reading all three Gruffalo tales, drawing live on stage and meeting families at a book signing.
On Sunday 25 October, the town comes alive for Children’s Day, a much-loved annual celebration that’s free for all. The Stade hosts a full day of puppetry, music, walkabout acts and creative workshops – everyone is welcome to dress up and join this year’s Gruffalo-themed parade. Line up from 2.45pm to parade with local drumming groups and alongside vibrant hand painted costumes created by carnival artist Donna Fox.
Pirate Gem from CBeebies brings her Swashbuckling Adventure show, alongside Long Nose Puppets, Circo Rum Baba’s Pesky Pirates, Nightingale Music and Mermaid Tales on giant seahorses. Axel Scheffler has also invited guest author and illustrator Tor Freeman to join the celebrations.
The 2026 programme also offers a diverse line up for adults. At the Stables Theatre, Bev Lee Harling presents Things I Know and Things I Don’t, blending story and song in an intimate and heartfelt performance. Bestselling author Dorothy Koomson appears in conversation discussing her gripping new thriller The Quiet Girls. At the White Rock Theatre, an evening with Sarah Jane Morris and Deaf Rave invites audiences to try haptic vests as they listen and dance to an uplifting session from Sarah Jane Morris and Trio, before Deaf Rave take over with a high-energy drum and bass set. The festival also welcomes poet and performer Zena Edwards, whose powerful spoken word work explores identity, resilience and connection.
Families can enjoy events throughout the week. On Saturday 17 October, award winning children’s author Piers Torday shares his latest story Books According to Dog and Owl at Hastings Library. On Sunday 18 October, children and families can take part in The Norman Quest, a digital treasure hunt created by artist Kester Sheridan. Inspired by the Bayeux Tapestry, this outdoor adventure invites players to explore the Robsack or Downs Farm neighbourhoods using an app on a smartphone to discover virtual Norman themed items and unlock questions and facts that bring Norman history to life. Nadine Kaadan and Festival Patron Thomas Taylor also offer readings and creative sessions for young audiences.
As part of the National Year of Reading, 18 Hours is working with the National Literacy Trust to offer author visits and creative storytelling sessions to local schools, including West African drumming with Emmanuel Okine and storytelling with author Sam Copeland.
The Hastings Storytelling Festival runs from 17 to 25 October 2026 at venues across Hastings and St Leonards. Events are a mix of free and ticketed, with all children under 10 attending for free. The full programme, booking details and updates are at hastingsstoryfest.org.uk.
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