A Feast of Tales: The Stolen Smell and The Feast by the River – British Library

One of our most popular storytellers, Vanessa Woolf brings to life two wonderful folk tales, The Stolen Smell and The Feast by the River.

Expect to be transported back to ancient Prague in this interactive storytelling session full of magic, music, and objects to look at, hear, touch… and maybe even smell!

Suited to ages 8 – 10 and their families.

The event accompanies the British Library’s Fairy Tales exhibition, which will be open on the day. Separate booking required.

Part of Jewish Culture Month 2026

Vanessa Woolf tells stories that are happy and kind with lots of joining in, often using props and music. She has created stories for children for some of the UKs biggest museums, festivals and galleries. She’s curated afternoon of family stories with Guy Garvey for the Southbank’s Meltdown Festival and hosted an afternoon of spooky tales for Shakespeare’s Globe and told a season of stories on board the London Eye. She’s worked with publishers of some of the UKs most loved children’s books (including Paddington, Elmer and the Mr Men) to create dozens of literary festival workshops in the UK and internationally.