Folklore Reimagined: Rediscover the stories shaping our identities at the British Academy

From ancient traditions to contemporary customs, this Spring, the British Academy is inviting the public to explore how folklore shapes our identity in 2025.

Featuring Professor Ronald Hutton FBA and Professor Dame Marina Warner FBA, ‘Folklore Reimagined’ from April to May will investigate how folk tales and traditions forge connections between people today and communities of the past through an exciting programme of performances, workshops, exhibitions and talks.

The events will be hosted at British Academy’s historic home in central London, which re-opened to the public last year with three modern events spaces.

Season highlights include:

• British Academy Late: Folklore Reimagined (10 April) – A lively evening of discussions, performances, and workshops, featuring poet Simon Armitage Hon FBA and his band LYR, as well as panels on folk traditions, identity, and the evolution of social dance.
• Art Club: Crafting Our Culture (17 April) – A hands-on workshop exploring how traditional crafts can serve as expressions of heritage and tools for wellbeing, led by Dr Zena Kamash, a British Academy-funded researcher.
• The History of the Witch (23 April) – A fascinating look at the symbolism and cultural impact of witches, featuring leading historians Professor Ronald Hutton FBA and Dr Laura Kounine, alongside award-winning novelist A.K. Blakemore.
• Memory Through Melody: Celebrating Sung Histories (22 May) – A night of expert discussion and live performances, highlighting the power of oral storytelling traditions from around the world.
• Lore of the Land: Stories of Wetlands, Woods, and Weather (29 May) – A deep dive into how landscapes have shaped folklore, with insights from British Academy Fellows Professor Melanie Giles FBA and Professor Fiona Stafford FBA.

Professor Ronald Hutton FBA, Professor of History at the University of Bristol and Folklore Reimagined co-advisor, said:

"Countries aren’t just made up of people and places—they are shaped by the stories we tell, the traditions we pass down, and the customs that form the foundation of our cultures. From mermaids and witches to the lore of our landscapes, these tales offer profound insight into how we build our identities. Oral traditions, passed from generation to generation, play a vital role in preserving histories that written records often overlook.

By collaborating with Marina to shape this season, I hope to highlight how folklore research—and humanities research more broadly—can help us better understand ourselves in an increasingly complex world. I also hope these important stories continue to be reimagined and retold for generations to come."

Professor Dame Marina Warner FBA, Professor of English and Creative Writing, Birkbeck College, University of London, Distinguished Fellow at All Souls Oxford and Folklore Reimagined co-advisor, said:

“Stories, music, art, and play transcend boundaries. In a world marked by antagonisms, they serve as sites of productive encounter and exchange, enabling understanding difference. Folklore can help towards recognition of one another and build towards harmonious, fertile co-existence, offering a bridge between cultures.”

The full programme for Folklore Reimagined is now live. All events are free to attend in person or online, but booking is recommended. Visit the programme page for more details.