ARE you sitting comfortably? Then I'll begin. Sitting cross-legged, eyes fixed on the man in front of them and listening attentively, children aged three and over gave their parents a moment's peace when they attended the Sting in the Tale storytelling festival at Walford Mill Craft Centre in Wimborne.

Storytelling is making a comeback with a rising tide of locals keen to ensure traditional Dorset tales don't die out.

Among the events happening throughout East Dorset and Christchurch are storytelling in atmospheric settings, workshops and an opportunity for parents to learn how to tell stories.

According to local professional storyteller David James, 54, the benefits are tremendous. Rather than reading from a book, he recites each story from memory.

He said: "I talk to their eyes and their hearts as I go along and change the story to suit the audience.

"Storytelling is the oldest entertainment form in the world. Everybody has a story, tales like the ones your granddad used to tell you. But this generation is going to be in trouble if we're not careful.

"Interactive families that sit round the table and eat and talk are becoming a thing of the past - a bedroom is not a bedroom anymore it's an entertainment module with a computer and television and no need to interact.

"Storytelling encourages active listening, interaction, imagination and reading. Adults tend to arrive at these events, leave their children on the mats and walk away but the magic of words draws them in and adults are often caught on the periphery, totally engrossed."

Well known local storyteller Tim Laycock is also involved in this festival and is working hard to keep local tales and legends alive.

Tracy Cooper, arts development officer for East Dorset District Council, said: "It's a chance for children to learn stories about Dorset and gives a sense of the place."

Organisers hope parents will go away from the event motivated to tell stories to their own children and hope the special workshops will give them resources to do so effectively.

The festival was launched with a special event at Walford Mill on Tuesday but the main event runs from Saturday until August 28 at the Priest's House Museum, The Earthhouse, Cranborne, Highcliffe Castle Tivoli Theatre and Walford Mill.

It was made possible thanks to a successful lottery bid from Awards for All by East Dorset Heritage Trust.

For further details on storytelling call Tracy on 01202 886201, or visit the website www.storyteller.me.uk

First published: August 19