"Another world is not only possible, she is on her way. On a quiet day, I can hear her breathing."
― Arundhati Roy

Sometimes. Often. Being alive now in Bristol 2025 feels like a lot: disconnection, alienation, too hot, too wet, random changes happening consistently, too complex, too little, too late. Switch on your phone to unimaginable violence. Where is the off switch?

Some people say we live within a story and are the story’s characters. So, who’s the writer? Can we tell them to “Switch this story up”?

THE STORY GATHERING is an interactive workshop where participants can experience “switching it up” as characters or citizens within this story. We invite you to join 50 participants to immerse yourself in this narrative, supported by professional storytellers, musicians, and artists who will guide the day.

To participate, bring yourself as you are—with courage, playfulness, and a willingness to try something new.

Mafia Weekend CIC is back with the fifth edition of this interactive experience, which has sold out every year. The themes for this Story Gathering will revolve around local river restoration, human separation from the natural world, and local organic food growing.

Mafia weekend CIC instagram: https://shorturl.at/jmv2y

Activities include:

-chilled, no-pressure group singing (can feel a bit awkward at the start, but ends feeling awesome)
-interactive stories from world-class storytellers
-live music
-choice between creative writing & printmaking workshops
-talks from people doing good things in Bristol
-a fun & accessible ceremony to celebrate nature & the start of autumn
-guided group discussion
-silly games
-accessible breathwork & stretching

More details to be announced!

Lunch: Your ticket includes a hearty hot vegan lunch. The vegetables are sourced from local organic Bristol food producers (Sims Hill Shared Harvest), and the meal will be prepared by a professional chef.

The meal will be gluten-, dairy-, and nut-free.
Please email [email protected]

Who’s this for?

-anyone aged over 18 who fancies an enjoyable autumnal storytelling experience in a cosy setting
-someone who needs a bit of motivation & social connection
-people aged 18–25 interested in activism, storytelling, and nature
-people aged 55+ who want to explore what it means to be an “Elder” today

I M P O R T A N T:
This is a closed interactive storytelling experience. Attendance from the start is essential. Latecomers arriving after 15 minutes will not be admitted (it’s like going to the theatre). Please make evening plans from 5pm so that we all start and end the workshop together.

We actively encourage neurodiverse, disabled, and racially minoritised or underrepresented people to participate.

See you there. Let’s co-create a story our grandchildren can be proud of.

Entry requirements: 18+ — Read more — Read less