18 Hours Events

07/10/2026

A quiet moment behind the scenes with Bev Lee Harling at The Stables Theatre and Arts Centre, where her newly evolved show ‘Things I Know and Things I Don’t’ will be performed later this month.

Over the past year, Bev has shaped this piece through scratch performances, audience conversations and careful development, listening, refining and adding new layers to the story.

This October’s performances bring the show to its fullest form yet, with new elements woven into the wood and steel tree created with sculptor Leigh Dyer, and brand‑new visual moments that deepen its poignancy.

Funny, intimate and deeply human, the show explores memory, music and the landscape of Fairlight, asking what we pass down and what remains when language falls away.

Two nights only - Friday 23 & Saturday 24 October, 7.30pm at The Stables Theatre.

Tickets available at hastingsstoryfest.org.uk

Supported using public funding by Arts Council England, alongside generous support from our partners and sponsors.

29/09/2026

Hastings Storytelling Festival is just around the corner and our town is about to come alive with stories in all their forms.

From live performances and creative, hands-on workshops to puppetry, music, walkabout theatre and free family events, there are so many ways to explore this year’s programme.

Our festival booklet is now out across Hastings in local businesses, venues, libraries and eateries, so pick up your copy and start planning your October. The full programme is also live on our website, with tickets available to book.

hastingsstoryfest.org.uk

Supported using public funding by Arts Council England alongside generous support from our partners and sponsors.

24/09/2026

The Hastings Storytelling Festival booklet is out NOW!

You can find copies in local businesses, venues, libraries and eateries across town, so pick up your copy featuring original cover artwork by AXEL SCHEFFLER and explore everything happening this October.

The full festival programme is also live on our website, with tickets available to book. We cannot wait to share nine days of storytelling in all its forms with you.

www.hastingsstoryfest.org.uk

Supported using public funding by Arts Council England

Great design by Erica Smith

Programme featuring:
Piers Torday

Dorothy Koomson
Kate Corkery

Thomas Taylor - author/illustrator
Sarah Jane Morris
Deaf Rave
Bev Lee Harling
Nadine Kaadan Author & Illustrator
Axel Scheffler

Nose Puppets
Applause Touring
Circo Rum Ba Ba
Xanthe Gresham Knight Storytelling
Sambalanco
Donna Fox
Tor Freeman
Nightingale Music
National Literacy Trust

22/09/2026

Exciting delivery today.

The Hastings Storytelling Festival booklet has arrived after weeks of planning, writing and pulling the programme together behind the scenes with the 18 Hours Events team.

Huge thanks to Erica Smith for the fantastic design work.

We’re very excited to finally reveal the one‑off artwork Axel Scheffler has illustrated especially for this year’s cover.

Booklets will be out across Hastings this week, so pick up your copy!

Close‑up images coming soon.

Supported using public funding by Arts Council England

22/09/2026

Thanks so much for supporting and sharing Hastings Observer

Our full festival programme is out this week. Visit https://www.hastingsstoryfest.org.uk

Hastings Storytelling Festival returns in October with many free events

10/09/2026

Have you met the Gruffalo Granny yet?

The newest Gruffalo story from with Macmillan Children's Books is out today, have you got your copy yet?

We cannot wait to welcome Axel Scheffler back to Hastings this October as part of Hastings Storytelling Festival. Join us for live illustration, storytelling and a chance to meet Axel at a book signing as he brings Gruffalo Granny and all the Gruffalo family to the stage.

Saturday 24 October, 2pm, White Rock Theatre

Book now at hastingsstoryfest.org.uk

09/09/2026

📣 We’re delighted to share that Hastings Storytelling Festival has received Arts Council England funding for 2026.

Thank you Arts Council England this support means we can bring a full nine‑day festival to Hastings this October, including our free Children’s Day at The Stade, author talks, spoken word, puppetry, walkabout theatre, live music and creative events for families and adults.

Two special events are already on sale. Axel Scheffler returns to the White Rock Theatre with three Gruffalo stories, including the brand new Gruffalo Granny, plus live illustration and a book signing. Bev Lee Harling brings her beautiful show ‘Things I Know and Things I Don’t’ to the The Stables Theatre and Arts Centre

Follow for updates as we get ready to announce the full programme.
Tickets available now at hastingsstoryfest.org.uk

07/09/2026

We’re proud and excited to be bringing people together through storytelling this October.

Have you SAVED THE DATES for

SAT 17 OCT - SUN 25 OCT

Stay tuned for our 9 day programme of theatre, illustration, puppetry, music, spoken word, author events, community activities and school workshops.

Visit hastingsstoryfest.org.uk and follow us for updates

03/09/2026

A little moment of magic from last year’s festival.

Axel Scheffler brings the Gruffalo stories back to Hastings this October, including the brand new Gruffalo Granny.

Families can enjoy live illustration, storytelling and a book signing at the White Rock Theatre.

Saturday 24 October, 2pm, White Rock Theatre

Tickets available now at hastingsstoryfest.org.uk (link in bio)