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Oxford Storytelling Festival 2026 – Transitions Retreat
28 August to 30 August
About Oxford Storytelling Festival 2026 – Transitions Retreat
The Oxford Storytelling Festival offers a feast for the senses, bringing together storytelling, spoken word, poetry and song in a beautiful setting at Waterperry House and Gardens.
The festival creates a welcoming space where people can connect with one another and with stories of the land, featuring some of the UK’s finest storytellers alongside talented musicians and entertainers.
Alongside the festival, Transitions Retreat offers a residential weekend for people experiencing significant life changes, providing space to reflect on the past and gently begin shaping what comes next.
Across the weekend, participants move through a deliberate journey: looking back to gather wisdom from the story that was, spending time in the present and turning towards the story to be.
The programme draws on four inner figures — the Magician, Lover, Sovereign and Warrior — as a framework for exploring perspective, tenderness, self-worth and the courage to move forward.
The retreat also incorporates Shadow Work, meditation, stillness, time walking the grounds and opportunities to rest and reflect.
The shape of the weekend
Friday evening — Participants arrive, settle in and begin with an opening circle, introducing the reflective atmosphere that will shape the weekend.
Saturday — The focus turns to the story that was, gathering insights from the past before marking a gentle letting-go of what is ending.
Sunday — Participants turn towards the story to be, concluding with a ritual in which each person is seen and celebrated by their small circle.
Throughout the weekend, there is time for meditation and stillness, walks around the grounds and space to rest.
Held with care
The retreat takes place within small groups led by experienced facilitators and supported by a wider team. Participants have an initial conversation before attending to ensure the timing is appropriate for them. Every activity is offered as an invitation, with participants free to pause, sit out or step away whenever they choose.
Meet the facilitators
Rachel May has extensive experience supporting people through periods of transition, having worked as a doula and birth educator before retraining in end-of-life care and mindfulness. Her work now focuses on intimacy and Shadow Work. Rachel founded the Oxford Storytelling Festival in 2018 to help people connect with the power of story.
Rob Browton is a business psychologist with more than 25 years of experience working with groups. Following a decade exploring depth psychology, he trained as a Shadow Work facilitator, focusing on creating spaces where participants can exercise choice and agency while exploring their experiences.
What to expect
- A magnificent Georgian house, full of history and wonder.
- A grand tipi full of stories and magic.
- Musicians with songs collected over the ages.
- Spoken word and poetry creating a link to the modern days of words.
- An ‘open mic’ if you are feeling brave!
- An area of therapies and relaxation.
- Amphitheatre for evening performances.
- Traditional crafts to observe and try out.
- Areas for young people to explore and perform.
- Evening entertainment in our very own amphitheatre.
- Delicious, homemade food and drink.
- Fireside storytelling into the night.
- Beautiful grounds and gardens to enjoy.
- New things to try and old things to remember.
Reviews
“The shortest distance between one human being and another … is a story.”
Anthony de Mello
“After nourishment, shelter and companionship, stories are the thing we need most in the world.”
Philip Pullman
Tickets
Please see important booking information below.
Booking information
Ticket prices:
£450.00 – £550.00 per person (depending on room type) — fully residential, with your own private room and all meals included.
Dates & times:
Friday 28 to Sunday 30 August 2026 at 4.00pm