5/5/2026 1:31:29 PM
4 mins read
Spalding-born award-winning storyteller, writer and event producer Ryan Gilmartin joins Moulton-born musician, composer, orchestrator and guitarist Dave Malkin to bring local history and heritage to life amid the beautiful gardens of Springfields Horticultural Society
Springfields Horticultural Society is delighted to announce a very special outdoor storytelling event set within the stunning gardens of Springfields — a relaxed, family-friendly event that invites visitors of all ages to slow down, step away from screens, and rediscover the joy of shared stories.
An Experience for the Whole Family
This daytime event pairs the natural beauty of Springfields’ gardens with the warmth and imagination of two exceptional local artists — brought together to create an afternoon as rooted in this landscape as the stories they tell.
Ryan Gilmartin — award-winning storyteller, writer and event producer, born and raised in Spalding — has spent his career breathing life into the histories, myths and characters of the local landscape. His work as a writer and event producer means he brings not just words, but a complete and carefully crafted experience to every performance. With warmth, humour and deep knowledge of the area, Ryan’s storytelling transforms the familiar into something surprising and unforgettable.
Dave Malkin — musician, composer, orchestrator and guitarist from Moulton — brings a rich and textured musical dimension to the event. A versatile and accomplished artist, Dave’s compositions and live playing weave seamlessly through the storytelling, deepening atmosphere and emotion in a way that only truly local music can. Together, Ryan and Dave form a partnership rooted in this community and shaped by the very places and people their work celebrates.
Each session features an immersive programme of stories, poems and riddles created especially for Springfields Horticultural Society — bespoke works that draw directly on the history, character and spirit of the gardens themselves. Designed to invite deep listening and genuine connection, the event draws visitors into a shared world built from the landscape around them, making each session feel both intimate and alive.
“We wanted to create something that truly reflects the spirit of Springfields — a chance for families to gather in this special place and experience it through story. Ryan and Dave have such a gift for drawing people in, and we know this is going to be a wonderfully memorable afternoon. Events like this are at the heart of what we do: bringing the community together and helping people connect with the gardens in a new way.”
— Becky Kirtland, Education and Outreach Co-ordinator, Springfields Horticultural Society
Supporting a Charitable Cause
The gardens at Springfields are owned and lovingly cared for by Springfields Horticultural Society, a local charity dedicated to preserving this cherished green space for the enjoyment of the whole community. Every ticket purchased directly supports the charity’s ongoing work to protect and maintain the gardens for future generations.
“Springfields is a place that belongs to our community, and events like this storytelling afternoon are a wonderful reminder of why we work so hard to preserve it. We are incredibly grateful to Ryan and Dave for helping us share the history and heritage of this place in such a joyful way. Attending is not just a treat for the family — it is also a meaningful act of support for the gardens we all love.”
— Adrian Jansen, Chair of Trustees, Springfields Horticultural Society
Event Details
Location: Springfields Gardens
Format: Outdoor daytime storytelling event — three sessions of 30 minutes each Session times: 11:00am • 12:00pm • 1:30pm
Suitable for: Families and all ages
Ticket price: £3.41 per person (inclusive of booking fee)
Book now: https://bit.ly/4t9gSFd
Please note: Spaces are limited. Early booking is strongly recommended.
Come along, bring the family, and experience the gardens in a completely new way. Don’t miss your chance to be part of this special event.
