The Somewhen Storytelling Festival is taking place on Saturday 3rd and Sunday 4th June, at the Isle of Wight Steam Railway, in Havenstreet.
One of the festival organisers, Holly Medland said,
“It’s a fantastic venue, but not the easiest place to reach if you don’t have access to a car.”
Shuttle bus to and from Newport
Festival organisers are addressing this issue thanks to the Freshwater, Totland Yarmouth minibus (the ‘FYT bus’), which is providing a free minibus service from Cineworld car park in Newport, to the Isle of Wight Steam Railway on Saturday 3rd June at 10.30 am, 12.30pm and 4.30pm; returning from the IW Steam Railway to Newport, Cineworld at 12pm, 4pm and 9.45pm.
On Sunday, the FYT bus will leave Newport at 10.30 12.30 and 2.30 returning from the Isle of Wight Steam Railway, Havenstreet to Newport Cineworld at 12pm, 2pm and 5.45pm.
Holly said,
“If you live in Freshwater, you can join the FYT bus at 10 am each day as it will be leaving West Wight Sports Centre’s FYT bus stop then on both days and returning to Freshwater after the last drop off in Newport, arriving in Freshwater at about 10.30pm Saturday and 6.30pm Sunday.”
BSL Interpreter
Festival goers who are familiar with sign language, will be glad to know that Mary Connell, BSL Interpreter, whose career has featured being regular interpreter for the BBC News and winning BBC Communicator of the Year alongside signing countless shows for many London theatres including opera and for Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre, will be bringing to life the words of some of our storytellers for Deaf BSL users at this year’s Festival.
One of the things she is most looking forward to is signing for the Ceilidh on the Saturday evening. Mary said,
“It will be great fun.”
Saturday night session
Holly Medland continued,
“If you have children, make sure you book a babysitter to take advantage of the Saturday evening session as it is for over 16s only.
“It’s is a chance for adults to enjoy some quality storytelling from festival headliner, Nell Phoenix, the barn dance and tales around a campfire without interruption from little ones.”
Something for everyone
People involved with John’s Club will also be assisting at the festival, helping to direct people to the different events. Holly continued,
“There are a variety of different styles of stories so everyone should be able to find something that appeals to them.”
Tickets priced to make the event as affordable as possible
Thanks to a grant from the National Lottery fund, tickets have been priced low to make the event as affordable as possible, with an adult weekend ticket being only £30, children £15.
Day and evening tickets are also available.
All tickets can be purchased online via the Website, reserved by phone at 07546 121 643 or bought on the day at the Isle of Wight Steam Railway.
News shared by Sue on behalf of the Somewhen Festival. Ed
