At Storyhouse we have a series of festivals and events which we curate with the community. These include Storyhouse Queer, Storyhouse Women and Storyhouse Elders. We realise not everyone resonates with the word childless however we have worked closely with a focus group to discuss and agree on one word we could use. 

This event is for everyone living without children and will explore many aspects of this experience, so please don’t be put off from attending if childless is not a word you identify with. 

Storyhouse is an independent arts centre incorporating two theatres, a cinema, library and restaurant.

The building is used by lots of different types of people and is used by families with children.

Trigger warning: the children’s library is located to the right of the main entrance (the one with the steps and ramp). If you want to avoid this please use the sliding door entrance which is opposite Exchange Square (Chester Market and Picturehouse).

For the last three festivals we have held all events in the Garret Theatre and Garret Bar. Due to the growing size of the festival, we are now hosting events in both the Garret Theatre and the Main Theatre. This means more events, and more options in what you can choose to attend.

Please note that the Main Theatre is accessible from the ground floor, which is also home to The Kitchen ( Storyhouse’s restaurant). The Garret Bar on the fourth floor remains available as a private space for festival-goers to relax away from other Storyhouse visitors.

Of course! If you’re still in the process of making that decision, this event will be an opportunity to meet and hear from others living without children.

Please be reassured that no one will be asked to disclose their own ‘label’ unless they want to.

Having programmed and held this event three times now, we have received lots of positive feedback about the inclusion of the childless by choice community, including this quote from one attendee:  

I found the inclusion of the childless by choice community incredibly powerful too, as, in truth, I honestly hadn’t considered in any depth, the huge decisions and questions you face too in choosing a life without children, and I really think it helped to give more richness and depth to the conversations and topics – I really valued the inclusion of it, and the broadening of the conversations. 

Each year the focus group make it their responsibility to make themselves known and are ready to welcome and chat to people attending solo. If you would like a ‘book a buddy’ please email nicola@storyhouse.com and state what time you’ll arrive and confirm any access requirements you have. 

All of the audience is welcome to stay for drinks and food at the end of each day’s events and will be seated together. The tables in The Kitchen are long benches/sharing style, which makes it great for those attending solo.

Please book a seat at the table if you would like to stay for dinner. Book your space by calling: 01244 403 113 Option 3 OR email the.kitchen@storyhouse.com Either way please state that you are attending Storyhouse Childless.

Please note: dinner costs are not included in the weekend pass.

For the first year, we are hosting a meet up on the Friday night where there will be optional speed-friending. If you don’t like organised fun, please come along anyway to meet others who are attending the weekend. Book a place  here using your pass.

The Garret Theatre and Garret Bar can be accessed by a lift which is right by the entrance to the Main Theatre on the ground floor. There will be Storyhouse volunteers who can help you find your way around the building.

If you have access needs for theatre seating please email hello@storyhouse.com with requirements.

To find out more about accessibility at Storyhouse, click here.

You are welcome to attend as the focus group are keen for these events to educate and raise awareness for everyone in our community and society. We ask that you don’t bring babies or children into the events.

‘It has helped me so much’ . 

‘What powerful conversation, talented speakers and organisers and lovely amazing peeps’ .

‘It was a fantastic day…such an inspiring and supportive tribe’.  

‘Wonderful event…just to be able to listen to all the stories, knowledge and wisdom from both panel members and the audience throughout the weekend’.  

‘Thanks so much for a fab weekend’ . 

‘The whole experience has lifted me up & planted me on higher ground’.