Story fun at Chichester's very own Story Factory!

Story Factory Chichester returns with a brand-new workshop '“ and it's beastly!
Story Factory funStory Factory fun
Story Factory fun

Providing sessions in creative writing, art and music in one imagination-stretching day, Magical Portals and Mythical Beasts will be the umbrella theme for the next Story Factory workshop.

Co-founder Vicky Edwards explains: “Taking place at the end of half term on Friday, October 27, the focus will be on stories that allow a full and free creative rein.

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“From Platform 9 ¾ to Alice’s rabbit hole and Narnia’s Wardrobe, stories of portals to magical lands – filled with mythical creatures – continue to delight and thrill. Focussing especially on descriptive writing and rhythm, specialist practitioners will support children in writing about and illustrating their accounts of a trip into a strange new realm. Story Factory’s resident musician Mike Fry will facilitate the musical element, including the ever-popular Big Song Writing Challenge.

“With plenty of fun and games along the way, there will also be storytelling sessions in the Cosy Corner for younger children.

Founded in 2014 by Chichester writers Katy Lassetter and Vicky Edwards, Story Factory aims to celebrate and encourage children’s creative flair. Suitable for children aged (approximately) six-13.

“Guest experts help youngsters to explore stories through words, art and music. Past guests include authors, publishers, illustrators, story-massage practitioners and newspaper editors, all of whom have loved being part of such inventiveness and originality.

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Abi McMahon, a previous guest expert from Summersdale Publishers, said: “From the moment the children arrive they are bursting with ideas for stories – it’s like being at the centre of a what-if whirlwind.”

Tanya Hatton, mum of a regular Story Factory attendee, said: “It’s a wonderful opportunity to bring together children with energy and imagination, as well as talented grownups, to generate a fabulous result!”

Vicky added: “Sussex Arts Academy (SAA), which aims to provide easier access to the best in arts and cultural education for young people across West Sussex, plays an important part in this creative event. SAA has helped Story Factory Chichester to secure funding from the National Association of Decorative & Fine Arts Societies (NADFAS), a leading arts charity that opens up the world of the arts for everyone to enjoy, learn, participate in, and preserve.”

David Sword, director of operations for SAA, said: “Sussex Arts Academy is delighted to be supporting Story Factory Chichester again. Children need access to good arts enrichment programmes and we fully endorse Story Factory’s inclusive approach.”

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The workshop will take place on Friday, October 27 at St Wilfrid’s Church Community Hall, Sherborne Road, Chichester (10am-4.30pm), with a sharing of work presented for parents of participants at the end of the day. For further details, see https://www.facebook.com/StoryFactoryChichester/ and for booking email katy@chichestercopywriter or call 01243 533421.