General News
9 May, 2025
Festival returns
THE Warrnambool Storytelling Festival returns next month with a star-studded line-up of south west talent encompassing more than 35 events over two weeks.
The festival will run from Friday, June 27 until Sunday, July 13.
Now entering its fifth year, the 2025 event will again feature a diverse array of artistic performances, all of which unite on the shared ideal of telling fascinating, inspiring and evocative stories.
Warrnambool Storytelling Festival committee chair Philip Liebelt said this year’s events will again focus on telling many stories across many mediums.
Music, film, art and literature will coalesce across topics including culture, philosophy, religion and faith, the human experience, history and environment.
There will also be comedy, magic, poetry and costumes to attract and entertain people of all ages.
“We will explore a range of storytelling in a range of different ways,” Mr Liebelt said.
“On the first Sunday of the festival we will have a number of events at the Emmnuel hall. We had our biggest ever festival last year and we are confident we can go even bigger this year.”
Mr Liebelt was one of the founding members of the Warrnambool Storytelling Festival, who saw the concept have success elsewhere and knew there was a contribution the south west could make.
“When I retired and returned to Warrnambool in 2019 I had been in the Glen Eira City Council area for five years, and they have a thriving storytelling festival there,” he said.
“I saw how well that went, and I was keen to bring something similar to Warrnambool.
“There are a lot of wonderful groups here but a lot is not done together, and I thought it would be great to have a united event which drew on as many groups as possible.”
In order to reach as many people as possible, and to make the festival as affordable and accessible as possible, the festival events are held across several locations.
“If people want to go to one thing, they can. If they want to go to all of it, they can,” Mr Liebelt said.
“There will be some children’s events, but this is not a festival just for children. I’d be very surprised if anyone can’t find a story which intrigues them.
“I’m exciting by this year’s program, particularly the Stella Day Out session at the Lighthouse Theatre on June 28 where we will have four shortlisted authors together for the afternoon.
“The Passion of Saint Nicholas on July 11, with Geraldine Quinn, will also no doubt be popular.”
To learn more or view the full program of events visit www.warrnamboolstorytelling.com.au.
