Young Storyteller of the Year 2009 was a triumphant day of storytelling. Once again young people took their place on the platform and told with skill, confidence and energy. The audience of 150 cheered their support and encouragement and each young person told their ten-minute story. Though still young, but beyond the age range of the event, Tim Ralphs and Rachel Rose Reid kept the enthusiasm going until the final moment as comperes for the day.     Photos | Videos

The standard was high and the judges, Katrice Horsley, Martin Manasse and Shonaleigh had a difficult task. They were driven to create new categories of Highly Commended for the runners-up in each section.
Winners | Young Storytellers Tour in May

This year has seen several new groups being set up to train and encourage young storytellers. Following the excitement of this year – which one participant called “the greatest day of my life” – we are looking forward to entries from new groups or individuals from across the country for 2010.

YSOY has always had an international flavour and this year we had a visit from five young Swedish storytellers who took part in the Many Voices workshop on the Sunday and then visited Birmingham schools on the Monday - click here for photos. One of them, Wiqtor Ådahl, performed as a guest storyteller whilst the judges carried out their deliberations - click here for his report on the weekend. We are hoping for a return visit to Sweden in June.

There is a lot of interest in YSOY from groups in Europe and we anticipate a more international flavour in future YSOY.

Overall winner
Wilf Merttens

Under-18 winner
Jake Evans

Wiqtor Ådahl