Families in Bolton can look forward to a free storytelling session at the Octagon Theatre Bolton this half term. The event, titled Sharing Stories – We are a Community of Storytellers, will take place on Tuesday 26 May 2026 at 2pm.
The interactive session is designed specifically for families with children under 10 years old. Attendees will be treated to tales from South Asian culture, which will also incorporate elements of Bhangra dancing. The event reflects the theatre’s ongoing efforts to engage with the local community, which includes a significant South Asian population that accounts for approximately 20 percent of residents according to Bolton Council data.
This storytelling event is the first in a three-day programme at the theatre. Subsequent sessions include Become a Storyteller on 27 May and Music Makes a Story on 28 May. These activities are part of the broader Sharing Stories project, a registered charity initiative that provides creative activities for over 500 families each year across the area.
The theatre, which is led by Artistic Director Lotte Wakeham and Creative Engagement and Impact Director Gareth Redston, has prioritised community outreach in recent years. This includes the 2024 launch of a Community Connectors programme aimed at improving accessibility for underrepresented groups, including South Asian communities. The Octagon continues to serve the public following a major redevelopment project that was completed in May 2021.
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