SOLD OUT Ghost Stories in the Garden
Step into the heart of an ancient tradition this Halloween night at Chelsea Physic Garden.
Rooted in the ancient Celtic festival of Samhain, Halloween marks a time when the veil between the living and the dead is believed to thin, allowing spirits to roam freely. Historically, communities gathered to share ghostly tales and folklore, connection with ancestral wisdom and the mysteries of the season.
As darkness descends upon London’s botanical garden, three storytellers will share tales of this season:
- Olivia Armstrong: Opening the night, Olivia will explore traditional Halloween customs and folkloric narratives that have echoed through time.
- Helen Haxell-White: Following Olivia, Helen will shed light on lesser-known ghost stories from East Anglia and rural communities, revealing the eerie folklore that shapes these regions.
- Giles Abbot: Finally, Giles will turn to darker Gothic ghost stories of London and beyond.
As you immerse yourself in these tales in a room once used by the Apothecaries, enjoy a warm mug of mulled cider (or non-alcoholic alternative), enhancing the atmospheric experience. To connect with the season, participants will also have the opportunity to create their own protective charm inspired by the stories shared.
Join us for an evening of storytelling, history, and seasonal rituals in the enchanting surroundings of Chelsea Physic Garden this Halloween night
Storytellers:
Olivia Armstrong
Olivia is a professional storyteller, based in London and originally from Northern Ireland. She has an extensive repertoire of traditional folktales and historical stories, and is frequently commissioned to create site-specific original stories.
She has worked with many of the major names in the cultural sector – from the British Museum, Westminster Abbey and Buckingham Palace.
Helen Haxell-White
Helen Haxell-White is a storyteller who runs creative writing workshops on the paranormal in Somerset, where she is based. Originally from Suffolk, ghost stories and the paranormal have been under her skin from an early age. Helen can often be found after dark, exploring historical monuments and dark woods to get her heart racing and feel the fear for creative inspiration.
Helen is currently finalising her ghost story anthology, titled 33 Ghosts, which is a collection of flash fiction for the digital age.
Giles Abbott
Giles Abbott is a professional storyteller who began his career after losing his sight in 2000. Specializing in British and Norse folklore, history, and Shakespeare, he has performed internationally. As the UK’s only professional blind storyteller, he also teaches voice at London colleges and runs workshops for businesses.
Giles has won gold medals for his voice recordings and continues to share his art worldwide.
Date And Time
Thursday, October 31, 2024 @ 08:00 PM