Festival Information
Scotland
Overview
Scottish International Storytelling Festival is an annual celebration of live oral storytelling, bringing storytellers and musicians from Scotland and around the world together each autumn. Rooted in the Scottish cèilidh tradition, performances are shaped by the connection between storyteller and audience, with informal and improvised elements making each event distinctive.
The programme ranges from storytelling sessions for adults to family events, talks and workshops, often combining stories with music, song, dance and traditional crafts. Its main Edinburgh programme is joined by partner events elsewhere in the city, Go Local activity across Scotland and selected digital events.
Programme
Browse the official programme and event listings. Check individual listings for current availability, venue details and booking information.
Festival Reach: 40,000+ annual participants
Official festival information describes SISF as reaching more than 40,000 participants across its core Edinburgh programme, partner events, Scotland-wide community activity and digital offer. This is a cumulative measure of festival reach rather than a fixed site capacity or confirmed count of unique in-person visitors; individual event capacities are determined by their venues.
Location
Scottish International Storytelling Festival is a multi-venue festival centred on the Scottish Storytelling Centre in Edinburgh’s Old Town. The Centre hosts the core programme, with the Netherbow Theatre serving as the festival’s main performance venue.
Edinburgh and across Scotland
- Edinburgh partner venues: additional performances, family events and activities take place at cultural venues around the city.
- Go Local: partner organisations and venues host storytelling events in communities across Scotland.
- Online: selected digital and on-demand events may also be included in the programme.
Locations and booking arrangements vary by event. Check the official programme listings before travelling.
Tickets
Basic Price Range: Free - £24
This approximate range covers free events, individual event tickets and the Festival Supporter Pass. Prices and available concessions vary by event; check official listings for current options.
Browse the official SISF programme and booking listings. Events are generally booked individually, with prices, availability and admission arrangements shown on each listing.
Options include:
- Individual event tickets
- Free events
- Family events and workshops
- Concession tickets
- Festival Supporter Pass
Festival Supporter Pass
The Festival Supporter Pass provides discounts on selected events at the Scottish Storytelling Centre. The organiser advises that it may be cost-effective for visitors attending six or more associated events. Check the official pass listing for current inclusions and exclusions.
Concessions and Personal Assistant Tickets
Selected events offer concession prices, including options for students, under-26s, arts workers and people who are unemployed or receiving benefits. Free Personal Assistant tickets may also be available. Eligibility and ticket types vary, so check the individual event listing before booking.
Important Ticket Information
Check the official event listing before booking. Prices, age guidance, concessions, accompanying-adult arrangements and booking conditions may vary between events and venues.
Accommodation
Scottish International Storytelling Festival is a non-camping, multi-venue festival. Visitors attending events in Edinburgh should arrange their own accommodation and check individual event locations before booking. If travelling to a partner or Go Local event elsewhere in Scotland, plan your stay around the venue listed in the programme.
Explore accommodation options through Edinburgh’s official visitor guide.
Packing Checklist:
Ensure you are fully prepared for your festival adventure with Festival Calendar UK's Packing Checklist.
Accessibility
The Scottish International Storytelling Festival takes place at several venues, so accessibility arrangements vary by event.
Scottish Storytelling Centre
- Wheelchair access and lift access to all floors
- Hearing loops at Reception and in performance spaces
- Free Personal Assistant tickets for performances at the Centre
Read the Centre’s official accessibility information before attending if you require specific access details.
For partner and Go Local venues, check the individual event listing and the venue’s own accessibility information. If you need help confirming arrangements for a particular event, please contact SISF.
