Our Story

Latitudes Storytelling Festival began as a nameless kernel of an idea several years ago, inspired by other festivals and people in other places. The idea morphed, changed, and bounced off sounding boards, but it never seemed to find the right home.

Until Trinity United Church in Kitchener needed something unique with which to celebrate its 100th anniversary in 2006. The festival was birthed, after a very long gestational period, as a way of celebrating the stories of this historic building in downtown Kitchener, and the community it has served for a century and more.

Latitudes is a festival of stories from around the world, whose goal is to build up strong ties of community among people of different cultures and faiths. We aim to facilitate a safe and respectful atmosphere in which stories from many cultures can be told.

In 2007, the Latitudes Storytelling Festival was held in Victoria Park, in conjunction with the K-W Multicultural Festival, which celebrated its 40th anniversary.

On June 21 and 22, 2008, our third festival will be located on Roos Island in Victoria Park in downtown Kitchener, again hosted by the Multicultural Festival.

Our core committee is made up of faces from all walks of life, from writers to engineers, from students to empty nesters, young and old and everything in between; we come together with the shared vision of a community that celebrates its cultural heritage through stories.

If you are interested in attending the festival, or would like further information, please contact Lori-Ann Livingston by e-mail at latitudes@canada.com.