Telling Tales in Balingup festival and parade returns after hiatus to inspire children to dream up stories

The return of a children’s storytelling festival in Balingup this year has seen families immersing themselves in the world of creative literacy again. Originally held in 2010, the annual Telling Tales in Balingup event returned during the recent school holidays following a four-year hiatus due to the pandemic. Mother of four Cassandra McCredden said her children came home ready and inspired to write and dream up their own stories. “The most delightful thing about the whole day was seeing four children spontaneously and without prompt, eagerly open their books and start dreaming up stories and drawing pictures,” she said. “The day seemed to light a creative fire in them all.” Children from ages four to 14 were guided through various workshops and presentations by Western Australian published authors and illustrators, encouraged to unleash their inner creative and create tales of their own. Presenting over the weekend were authors and illustrators James Foley, Renae Hayward, Deb Fitzpatrick, Steve Heron, Gabriel Evans, Josh Langley, Rebecca McQueen and Leanne White. Mrs McCredden highlighted the interactive workshops, which included performances with puppetry, photography, drama, poetry and oral storytelling. “There were multiple workshops for different ages with illustration and storytelling, and kids were able to learn from published authors and illustrators — a rare treat,” she said. A parade was led by Jesse the Wind Wanderer for the children to walk together dressed up in their creative costumes. Mrs McCredden said it was not only kids who got involved in the parade. “(There were) plenty of adults dressed up as their favourite book character,” she said. “The festival is another example of how the town of Balingup operates so smoothly on the back of some very passionate volunteers who are enthusiastic about the arts.” Mrs McCredden said the organisers and volunteers clearly love to share their passion for the arts with others. “I would love to see this festival take off in years to come,” she said. One volunteer even mentioned to Mrs McCredden it is great to see a local event that’s just “for the young ones”.