Pontio celebrates its third annual storytelling festival this February, with a magical afternoon of tales told by two of the UK's leading contemporary storytellers.

From 2pm on Saturday 25th February, the magical and rustic setting of Hendre Hall, a beautiful converted barn, will be home to the Hendre Fable Fest.

First on stage is a familiar face to the local community - award-winning Cath Aran from Bethesda. As well as performing at storytelling festivals around the world, including at Galway, Dublin, Calgary and Much Wenlock, Cath appeared at the International Children’s Festival Agor Drysau in Aberystwyth and at Pontio's first Hendre Fable Fest in 2010.
Cath invites youngsters to sit with her on the magic carpet as it flies from place to place in her imaginary world, visiting castles and giants, witches and fairies. Told in her unique way, using different faces and voices to enrich the story, Cath takes the children on a wonderful journey with her thrilling tales from the world of magic.

The second part of the afternoon is for adults and children over 12 years. At 3.15pm the stage will be given over to international storyteller Michael Harvey. Hunting the Giant’s Daughter is a lively show, layered with Welsh jazz influenced songs and music, and is based on Culhwch ac Olwen, the oldest surviving Arthurian legend in Welsh in The Mabinogion. The story is a rip-roaring magical quest across Wales, through old deep forests, blustery mountains and starlit landscapes. A young man falls head over heels in love, but all he knows is her name. Luckily, his cousin is King Arthur, with a host of skilled warriors at his fingertips, experts in questing and adventure. As the young man faces a seemingly impossible list of tasks, Arthur himself steps in, risking his kingdom and maybe even his own life in the process!

Michael Harvey weaves Welsh poetry into this thrilling, imaginative telling of the story, around a delicious mix of traditional Welsh and contemporary jazz influenced music created by Stacey Blythe (accordion, harp) and singer Lynne Denman.

Michael Harvey is an award-winning contemporary storyteller. He has worked at major international festivals in Britain, Europe and North America, telling traditional stories from the Celtic countries and beyond, with humour, skill and a great sense of enjoyment.

Dyfan Roberts, Pontio’s Arts Development Officer, said: “Since childhood we have all loved a good story and what better way to celebrate the art of storytelling. Come and be whisked away by these talented and well renowned storytellers and experience something amazing. Nobody is too old to enjoy a good story and at only £2 per show, how can anyone resist?

Hendre Fable Fest, Saturday 25th February 2012, 2 to 6pm at Hendre Hall, Aber Road, Tal-y-Bont, Bangor LL57 3YP.
£2 per show or the discounted price of £3 for both  (children under 4 years go free). Tickets available from 01248 382828 or online at www.pontio.co.uk. Tickets also available at Palas Print Pendref, Bangor or on the door.
Food, drink and children’s crafts available all day