The idea
We're creating the Woodhall Spa Festival of Storytelling—a three-day celebration in Jubilee Park bringing professional storytellers, workshops, and performances to our village in summer 2026. This accessible festival for all ages fills a vital gap in our area's cultural provision, benefiting families, children, older residents, and visitors alike.
This festival will offer an immersive animated story experience, professional performances, interactive workshops, a storytelling evening, free family activities including story walks, and a souvenir zine produced by local schools.
By bringing this festival to Woodhall Spa, we'll help children with literacy and confidence, offer our older community opportunities for social connections, promote appreciation of the arts and bring visitors to the village, boosting the local economy.
Jubilee Park has a track record of hosting regular community festivals and music events, proving our ability to deliver quality events.
What we'll deliver
- An immersive, animated story experience (The Flight of Millicent Stanley)
- Professional storytelling performances
- Interactive workshops for children and adults
- Author readings, including local authors
- An indoor storytelling evening for adults
- A souvenir zine created in collaboration with local schools
- Free family activities including story walks and creative play areas
Why it's a great idea
The Woodhall Spa Festival of Storytelling will create a cultural destination within our village, and will strengthen community bonds and boost wellbeing.
Cultural access: Families currently travel to Lincoln or beyond for arts events. Our festival brings professional performances directly to Woodhall Spa, removing barriers for those without transport or on limited budgets.
Community: The festival creates precious opportunities for local residents and visitors to connect. Our community story-sharing space will help preserve local heritage, from local history to personal memories.
Economic boost: Three days of visitors will support local cafés, shops, and B&Bs, benefiting small businesses and raising our profile as a tourist destination.
Education and wellbeing: Children develop literacy and confidence through storytelling. Older residents combat loneliness through social participation. Research shows arts engagement significantly improves mental health and community cohesion.
Steps to get it done
- Establish zine project with local schools
- Design and build interactive festival activities
- Book 'The Flight of Millicent Stanley' through producers, Electric Egg
- Commission professional storytellers and authors
- Recruit community volunteers to help with programme development and event activities
