Story: Lydia Flanagan
Photos: Lydia Flanagan & Catherine Brown
On the evening of Saturday 22nd October, off the city roads in the wide wooded open spaces of Parkwood springs, magic starts as families come together for the 5th Annual Beacon Festival of fire displays and storytelling.
Hot beverage in hand, we journey through the decorated woods of Parkwood Springs, as story-teller Shonaleigh begins her magical stories to gathered families as part of the Annual Beacon Festival.
We are led from the entrance and into the woods by Lord Fox and co, their flaming beacons in hand, passing quirky ornaments hanging in trees that set the mood for the evening. We reach the edge of the hill that overlooks Sheffield, on a crisp autumn evening, providing a perfect earthy atmosphere to bring to life the soulful story of Lord Fox, told so fabulously by storyteller Shonaleigh.
Also joining the stone stage were local schools Sacred Heart and Watercliffe Meadow who sang cheery songs and told poems of their love and appreciation for grandparents.
Stories told, we’re escorted by Lord Fox back through the woods and stop at a clearing delicately lit by fairy lights, where a cockney fellow plays a mouth organ (harmonica) then captivates his young listeners with his lively magical stories, followed by riddles and humour.
Sun now set, we head for another clearing towards the edge of the wood, Lord Fox and friends begin dancing with their fiery batons to old traditional music accompanied by accordion and drums.
Families and friends watch, their faces lit with fire.
In all it was a beautiful evening with a powerful atmosphere that brought back the wonders of old fashioned entertainment. I recommend the event for next year.