AWARD winning writers and storytellers are waiting in the wings for the up and coming Yorkshire Festival of Story.

Organised by arts charity Settle Stories, the ten-day festival, which kicks off on Friday, November 1 and runs until November 10, features a stellar line-up including broadcaster and journalist Zeinab Badawi; David Almond, author of children's book, Skellig; folklore scholar Jack Zipes and Jennifer Saint, author of Ariadne and Elektra.

The festival includes more than 50 workshops, talks performances and family-friendly events, most of which will be online, so people will be able to enjoy them from the comfort of their sofas; but some will take place at the home of the charity, The Joinery in Settle, and also at Barnsley Library.

Once again, the festival will aim to demonstrate how storytelling can be a force for social good, fostering empathy, sustainability, and inclusivity. of the world - and how diverse voices can change our perspective and spark real change towards a more inclusive future.

This year's festival will include an exhibition at Settle's Listening Gallery called Happy Ever After? It will invite people to reimagine the classic Cinderella story and to explore how different choices can lead to different outcomes, which it hopes will encourage reflections on personal responsibility and societal change.

There will also be writing workshops, which will take place in person, but can also be accessed remotely.

To close each day, participants can unwind with hypnotherapy or yoga - the sessions are designed to provide a peaceful conclusion to a day of storytelling, promoting mental and physical well-being.

Sita Brand, chief executive officer of Settle Stories, said she was very much looking forward to the festival. She said: “The theme for this year's festival challenges us to think deeply about the role stories play in shaping our world. Through the voices of our incredible lineup, we aim to inspire action towards a kinder, more sustainable, and inclusive future. We invite everyone to join us in this important conversation.”

To find out more about what is taking place, the full programme and ticket information, go to: yorkshirefestivalofstory.com.