The 2024 Story Arts Festival Ipswich, themed “Reading is Magic” was a captivating experience set in the historic buildings and grounds of Woodlands of Marburg.
On Monday, August 5th, the festival kicked off with the arrival of the first 600 eager students, transported by bus to day one of the five days of immersive workshops and presentations led by celebrated authors, illustrators, and storytellers from Australia and New Zealand.
The event utilized eleven distinct presentation spaces, each offering a unique atmosphere—from the grand marquee housing the A Lot of Books bookshop to the period-furnished rooms in the mansion, the Poinciana School of Arts’ bright spaces, and the serene chapel. The diverse settings added to the magical experience, as each session was designed to spark the imagination of the young attendees.
Sarah Armstrong’s session was a standout, where she used vivid imagery and sound to transport her audience into the world of “Big Magic,” a story set among circus tents and ancient fig trees. Her interactive approach saw students enthusiastically participating in creating a live circus scene, complete with colourful scarves and spinning hula hoops.
Illustrators like Sarah Davis, Brent Wilson, Frané Lessac, Peter Cheong, and RJ Timmis engaged students in workshops that demonstrated the storytelling power of images. Many students proudly left with their own illustrated creations, and some schools were even gifted original paintings by Frané Lessac, made especially for them.
Storytellers like Allison McLennan, Zewlan Moore, Charlotte Barkla, and others brought their stories to life through movement and roleplay, encouraging students to become part of the narrative—whether as tall trees, marching ants, or participants in beastly battles. The sessions were lively and engaging, with students actively contributing to the stories.
For older students, authors like George Ivanoff, Katrina Nannestad, and Deborah Abela wove captivating tales about the inspiration behind their books, keeping their audiences enthralled with stories filled with amusement, intrigue, and suspense.
The festival also highlighted the creative power of poetry, with Steven Herrick delighting his audience with humour, and Joel McKerrow introducing slam poetry as a tool for mental health, particularly for the older students. McKerrow’s session was especially impactful, as he encouraged students to use poetry as a means of expressing their emotions and thoughts.
Between sessions, the grounds of Woodlands of Marburg buzzed with activity. Lee Fullarton led a collaborative rangoli art project on the lawn, inspired by her book “Mr Chippa the Woodblock Carver of Bagru,” while Louise Park had students engaged in “Boy Vs Beast” battles. Mark Greenwood added to the excitement with treasure hunts and a thrilling book launch on Friday, complete with a UFO appearance.
Break times were also an opportunity for students to connect, share their favourite moments, visit the bookshop, and meet the authors, illustrators, and storytellers in person for book signings. The Story Arts Festival Ipswich 2024 was a truly magical experience, leaving a lasting impression on all who attended.
