Downend schoolgirl in Bristol Storytelling Festival

A pupil from Downend School will be hosting the children’s section of the Bristol Storytelling Festival at the Bristol Old Vic tomorrow.

Ellie Newton-Coelho, aged 12, from Fishponds, was inspired after going to the festival last year and began to tell stories, drawing ideas from stories she had heard or read.

Her parents suggested she go to The Story Café, held once a month at La Ruca in Gloucester Road, Bristol. The cafe is for both professional and amateur storytellers, and Ellie is now a regular.

Tomorrow storytellers will gather at the Old Vic for the ‘half-marathon’ lasting 13 hours. There will be different sections including animal stories, local legends, a ‘woman’s hour’ and a ‘witching hour’.

During Ellie’s one-hour slot from noon she will tell stories and encourage others to come up and take part.

Entry to the festival is free but donations are welcomed. For more information go to www.bristolstoryfest.co.uk.