Event to create conversations and connections on living without children

A three-day annual event at Storyhouse exploring living without children will return this weekend including an opening and panel discussion hosted by a University of Chester academic.

Aiming to build community, share stories, raise awareness and make connections, Storyhouse Childless is back from tomorrow (September 12) to September 14, for its fifth year.

Since its beginnings in 2019, the event has grown in depth, diversity, and reach through keynote talks, panel discussions, comedy, performances, and workshops that reflect the complexities of non-parenthood.

The weekend, held at Storyhouse in Chester, is for anyone who does not have children, whether because of choice, circumstance, infertility, or not by choice. It is also for friends, family, and professionals who want to find out more about supporting those who do not define as a 'parent'.

Dr Dawn Llewellyn, Associate Professor of Religion and Gender at the University of Chester, will open the event by sharing her reflections on pronatalism - the ways society can privilege procreation, reproduction, and having children. She is also hosting a panel discussion on the intersections of race, religion, sexuality, gender and childlessness, featuring Yvonne John, Kate Hutchinson, and Hufsa Quershi.

Dawn, who co-founded and MCs the festival, is a member of the volunteer focus group, working with Nicola Haigh, Storyhouse's Community Project Manager.

The programme also includes journalist and broadcaster, Bibi Lynch speaking on the stigma of singleness and childlessness, plus a cabaret evening of theatre and comedy featuring Otherhood by Old Bird Theatre, a reading from Robert Nurden’s new play Empty, and a comedy line-up hosted by Chester's TOKEN Collective.

Other highlights include a vibrant Creative Power Hour led by artist Claire Beerjeraz, and a new strand of discussion groups introduced by Elizabeth Harkness of the Other Than Motherhood podcast.

In addition, the weekend features body mapping sessions, writing workshops, TEDX's Emily Monsell-Holden, and a discussion on the significance of art and activism in challenging pronatalism.

Dr Dawn Llewellyn said: “Storyhouse Childless is such a unique and special weekend. Even though I research childlessness, I learn so much from hearing the stories and experiences - whether light-hearted or challenging - and it’s a wonderful, rich, supportive event for making connections and making space for all the different experiences of childlessness.”

Nicola Haigh added: “Storyhouse Childless is not just an event - it’s a community, a platform, and a growing movement that challenges the dominant narrative around parenthood.”

The event begins on Friday, September 12 and runs through until Sunday, September 14.

To find out more and book a weekend pass or individual events, please visit: https://www.storyhouse.com/seasons/storyhouse-childless/