Come along if you dare.

Flickering firelight in the woods is the setting for a Halloween event returning to Martineau Gardens for the third year running. The community garden in Edgbaston has teamed up with the Traditional Arts Team once again for an exciting night of Stories for Halloween which takes place on Friday 31st October. Storytellers will perform as visitors walk through the woodland from 6pm – 9pm.

Following the successful midsummer Storytelling Festival at Martineau Gardens on the longest day of the year, the Storytellers are inviting visitors to return for a walk through the woodland as darkness falls, children welcome if they dare! Enjoy the drama of live storytelling performances with tales of ghosts, spirits and fairy-folk. There will be hot soup available to buy.

The two and a half acres Gardens, though only two miles from Birmingham city centre, are a green oasis with plenty to explore including woodland, glass houses, a formal garden with trees and shrubs from around the world, an orchard, vegetable beds, a wildflower meadow and a play area.

Caroline Hutton, Director of Martineau Gardens said: “This is a chance to experience the Gardens in the dark. As night falls, daylight gives way to a different atmosphere, and though some of the stories may be a little spooky, a warm welcome awaits visitors to our Storytelling Event.”

Graham Langley, Storytelling Director of Traditional Arts Team said: “On the night in which cracks are said to appear between this world and the world of the spirits, they come amongst us in the dark led by the Lord of Misrule. Only storytellers have the power to keep them at bay.”

Entry to Halloween Story Night is £5, and accompanied children are free. Tickets available in advance from www.wegottickets.com or on the gate (subject to availability). The Gardens are at 27 Priory Road, Edgbaston, Birmingham, B5 7UG. Located five minutes from the MAC and opposite the Priory Hospital. Information at www.martineau-gardens.org.uk or by calling 0121 440 7430.