The Department of Culture’s Bermudian Heartbeats Lecture Series continued its 2025 season with a thrilling evening of folklore and storytelling at the National Museum of Bermuda on Saturday, 25 October. Entitled “Haunted Tales of the West End”, the event captivated audiences with chilling narratives inspired by Bermuda’s ghost stories and traditional folklore. The evening combined historical intrigue and local creativity, providing an experience that celebrated the island’s oral storytelling heritage.
Minister of Tourism & Transport, Culture & Sport, the Hon. Owen Darrell, JP, MP, commended the success of the event, saying, “Storytelling plays an important role in preserving Bermuda’s culture, allowing us to share the stories that connect us to our history and our people. With its spooky seasonal twist, this event reminded us how creativity and tradition can come together to keep our heritage alive. Congratulations to everyone who made Haunted Tales of the West End such an engaging and memorable evening.”
The event featured performances from talented local storytellers, including Rajai Denbrook, Aziza Furbert, Dr Emily Ross, Quinceé Kaya Dill, Gordon Emmerson, and Alexander Winfield. The stories, many adapted from The Spirit Baby and Other Bermudian Folktales by Florenz Webbe Maxwell and Bermuda’s Favourite Haunts by John Cox, Mac Musson, and Joan Skinner were highlighted. The evening also showcased tales submitted through the Department’s Got a Spooky Story campaign by authors Mark Neale and Ellen Hollis.
Hosted by Nadanja Bailey, the event offered an evening of engaging performances and mysterious tales. A full recording of Haunted Tales of the West End will soon be available on the Department of Culture’s YouTube channel.