The Festival first invited Richard to Maindee in 2001. We only had a small budget so we did not have many tents for performers. Richard was sharing a small tent with a silk screen workshop. Not ideal by any means – but the idea was that it would be sunny and Richard would gather some children and adults together then take them off under the trees to tell stories in the shade.

What happened on the day was somewhat different. The sky blackened, thunder and lightning came – then a monsoon-style downpour drowned the site and our afternoon programme.

Richard is back this year for a second go, complete with rain proof yurt this time. Nothing can stop you enjoying his marvellous stories this year – we hope!