Andover, Hampshire – Andover Trees United is thrilled to unveil its Tall Tales and Seasonal Stories programme, running from October 2025 through April 2026. Set in the enchanting Harmony Woods, this year-long series offers families a magical blend of storytelling, seasonal crafts, music, and folklore workshops. The programme is presented in partnership with Amanda Kane-Smith of Merry-Go-Round Storytelling, bringing professional, interactive storytelling to every session.

About the Programme

Tall Tales & Seasonal Stories invites children, families, and the wider community to connect with nature, creativity, and local heritage. From immersive storytelling to hands-on craft-making, musical experiences, and seasonal celebrations, participants will explore the rhythm of the seasons while engaging with the natural world in a welcoming, safe environment.

Amanda Kane-Smith explains, “This programme is about more than fun and creativity. It’s an opportunity for children and families to reconnect with nature, experience the cycles of the seasons, and discover the stories and traditions that have shaped our local culture for generations.”

Why It Matters

In a world increasingly dominated by screens, opportunities for children to explore nature and take part in interactive cultural activities are becoming rare. Tall Tales & Seasonal Stories offers a vital space for imaginative play, outdoor learning, and intergenerational bonding, fostering curiosity, creativity, and environmental awareness.

A Calendar of Seasonal Fun

Families can enjoy storytelling, craft workshops, folklore traditions, and community music throughout autumn, winter, and spring. Each event combines creative activities with outdoor exploration, offering unique ways to connect with nature and each other.

Autumn Highlights

Room on the Broom – Storytelling & Craft Fun
Tuesday 28 October | 10:30–11:30am
Children (ages 2+) and parents join Amanda Kane-Smith for an interactive retelling of Room on the Broom, followed by making mini broomsticks and wands from real hazel twigs.
£8 per child (with adult) | £2 per additional sibling

Awesome Autumn – Storytelling, Pumpkin Carving & Bulb Planting
Thursday 30 October | 10:00am–12:00pm
Enjoy storytelling, pumpkin carving, and planting wild daffodil bulbs. Suitable for children (ages 4+) and parents.
£10 per child with adult (includes pumpkin) | £2 per additional person | £1 per extra pumpkin

Winter & Christmas Highlights

Lantern-Making Workshop – Saturday 13 December (Morning)

Winter Solstice – “Bring Back the Sun” Celebration
Sunday 21 December | 2:30–4:30pm
Includes storytelling, reindeer headdress making, tree dressing, lantern crafts, and a lantern lighting ceremony at 4pm.

Looking Ahead

The programme continues with New Year Wassail celebrations, spring storytelling workshops, community music events, and Easter activities, offering families ongoing opportunities to explore, create, and celebrate together.