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Under a Hill, a King Lays Sleeping - Storytelling with Bernadette Russell

  • Butser Ancient Farm Chalton Ln Hampshire, PO8 0BG United Kingdom (map)

Unearth Hampshire’s hidden magic with tales of giants, witches, and sleeping kings!

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Single ticket £20.50

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Come join local author and storyteller Bernadette Russell for a wild and magical evening of Hampshire myth and folklore - featuring the tales of the King asleep beneath a hill which is perhaps a slumbering dragon, the giant Ascapart and his battles with Bevis of Hampton, an enchanted stone circle and a ghostly horse, our local witches and their spells, incantations and potions, the Otherworld and the Bentworth Thorn, and the grampus that lives in a Yew Tree.  

Come and let yourself be re-enchanted by this beautiful region full of chalk downlands, heathland, forest and coastline, bustling with rich legends and fairytales. With stories, songs, and poetry this will be a night to remember- guaranteed fun and packed full of ancient wisdom too!

Bernadette has told stories at many prestigious venues including the Royal Albert Hall, Royal National Theatre, and the Southbank Centre. She is storyteller in residence at the ancient Lesnes Abbey Wood where she runs regular her storytelling events for adults called "Rough Magic", as well as family storytelling sessions and workshops. She is proud to have been telling stories at Butser since 2021.  

"Bernadette's stories are truly magical... a rollercoaster of emotions and an amazing night!" audience member for "Beowulf Retold" 2025  

There will be a bar selling locally produced cider, mead and a range of alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks. Hot drinks and snacks will also be available to be purchased from our shop.

ABOUT THIS EVENT

  • Enjoy local legends celebrating the lore of Hampshire with remarkable storyteller Bernadette Russell within a truly special atmosphere.

  • Suitable for adults and teens (14+)

  • All profits will go to supporting the ongoing educational and research work of Butser Ancient Farm

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INCLUDED IN YOUR TICKET

Two hours of listening to beautiful tales by storyteller Bernadette Russell. Visit the farm as we approach summer and settle around the roaring hearth in a huge Iron Age roundhouse. Hear epic stories and gaze into the crackling fire, while visiting a truly unique setting.

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USEFUL INFORMATION: Please wrap up warm with sensible footwear as it can be chilly at the farm during the winter. You may wish to bring a blanket or cushion to make your seat more comfortable. Please bring a torch as it may be dark returning to your car to the end of the event.

TIMINGS: This special event starts at 7pm, so please arrive at 6:45pm. The event will finish at 9pm.

FIRES: Please note there will be open fires in the house during this event.

CASH: There will be a cash bar at this event and the opportunity to buy hot drinks, snacks, and gifts in our shop.

ALCOHOL: No alcohol to be brought into the event.

ANIMALS: We are sorry but dogs (apart from assistance dogs) are not invited to this special event.

REFUNDS: We cannot offer any refunds on tickets unless Butser Ancient Farm needs to cancel the event due to unforeseen circumstances.

SPECIAL EVENT: This event is not included as general admission for our annual pass holders. This ticket is for access to the timed event only and does not include full admission to the Farm.

COVID-19: We will be complying with any relevant Covid-19 government guidance in place at the time of the event including the latest guidance on mask wearing. If you have any Covid-19 symptoms or have been asked to self-isolate, please do not attend.

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