This year’s festival celebrated the art and tradition of storytelling in all its forms. It invites everyone—whether they are listeners, readers, performers, or creators—to reflect on the deep human need to share stories and how those stories shape our understanding of ourselves and the world around us. It emphasises the timeless importance of stories in forming connections, preserving culture, and igniting the imagination. Storytelling highlights the power of narratives to connect, inspire, and share experiences across cultures and generations. Whether through oral traditions, written word, visual art, performance, or digital media—these stories honour those that capture the imagination and evoke deep emotions.