Spoken Ink storytelling yurt returns

An agony in eight fits, a hungry walrus and a Cheshire cat dancing to the tune of a lute - just a few of the peculiar delights awaiting visitors to 'Midwinter Stories' in Hyde Park this December.

Guests of all ages will be able to experience an intriguing programme of festive storytelling in a specially designed yurt, protected from the elements by warm drinks, sheepskin rugs and a welcoming stove.

Organised by The Royal Parks and Spoken Ink, 'Midwinter Stories' takes place on Saturday 19 and Sunday 20 December at 3pm, 5pm and 7pm each day. Tickets are £7 and are available through www.royalparks.org.uk.

Alistair Raphael, Arts and Events Manager for The Royal Parks said: "Following the success of 'Ghost Stories' in Green Park at Halloween, we are delighted to welcome the Spoken Ink yurt to Hyde Park for some more contemporary storytelling.

We hope events like these will remind visitors that there is always fun to be had in The Royal Parks - even in the coldest months of the year!"

Aisling Bea, one of the Spoken Ink performers said: "I've never performed anywhere like this before. It's such an amazingly intimate setting that you completely forget that you're in London."

Media enquiries:

For further information or images please contact: Sylvi King, The Royal Parks on 0300 061 2128 or sking@royalparks.gsi.gov.uk

Notes to Editors

About Spoken Ink:

• Spoken Ink is an online audio story site devoted to the short story. For further details please visit www.spokenink.co.uk
• Tickets cost £7 when the following promotional code is entered: Royal Parks. Tickets cost £10 when bought through www.spokenink.co.uk without the promotional code
• The performance will be an hour long
• Warm clothes and flat shoes are advised
• Mulled wine and mince pies are included in the ticket price

About The Royal Parks:

• The Royal Parks is an executive agency of the Department for Culture, Media and Sport. The Royal Parks are: Bushy Park, The Green Park, Greenwich Park, Hyde Park, Kensington Gardens, The Regent's Park and Primrose Hill, Richmond Park and St James's Park.
• For further information please visit: www.royalparks.org.uk