Our Story
Forging Fantastical is a not-for-profit arts organisation from Swindon run by volunteers, developing a diverse programme of small-scale informal arts events that feed the imagination and are quirky, friendly, fun and interesting! We specialise in storytelling shows aimed at adult audiences, including folktales, historical and true tales, legends, myths, fairy tales and wonder tales. Some stories raise questions about social or environmental issues in society and some stories are more whimsical and/or comedic. There's a real mix and every show is different. We programme some of the finest Storytellers from across Britain. We started in 2023 and have grown a wonderful audience of local people as well as people who travel quite some way for our events. We curate our programme thoughtfully including support slots for emerging tellers where possible and champion oral storytelling for intimate audiences, typically of between 40 and 50 people depending on the venue. Tickets for our events pay for the fees and travel of storytellers, venue hire, marketing costs, Company House costs, insurance and helping us with planning ahead with our programme. We do not have any paid staff and Directors don't take any renumeration for their time. Annually any surplus income is donated to our chosen charity Swindon Hardship Fund, who help local people and families who are really struggling. Swindon Hardship Fund We don't have a fixed venue, we have pop up events in different spaces. Our favourite venues:
How it started Rebecca and Chris attended storytelling events for adults and really enjoyed them, finding themselves driving or getting trains for hours to enjoy shows. At the time, Swindon felt to be missing some of the more unusual and informal arts events that other places enjoyed and they wondered if as well as going to see storytellers elsewhere, they could also bring storytellers to perform in their town. Rebecca had 15 years experience of programming creative events with communities outside Swindon and thought it might be worth testing the water. She thought if it were successful it would not only be a great addition to Swindon's cultural life, it would also help to sustain the art form of oral storytelling itself by creating performance opportunities. With Chris on board, they put together their first event in 2023 and received lots of encouragement to go forward. |
