Families are promised a huge dose of fun during the Festival with a vibrant programme of family friendly events for all ages to enjoy; ranging from workshops and performances to a fabulous free Play Day during the spring half term. And with a specially produced programme sent home in children’s book bags throughout Wiltshire arrive in early May, we hope everyone gets to hear about them.
Caroline Peacock, Festival Manager and programmer of the Children’s programme says: ‘this year’s events are just wonderful. There are so many more opportunities to see fabulous theatre, film, literature events and to get involved in workshops. The Big Play this year comes to us thanks to QinetiQ. We are delighted that this national company with strong local roots has helped us present such a popular day and made it free for the many families and children that enjoy it.’
Theatre Shows
The Festival’s programme of family theatre is as special as always with a mix of poignant tales, and laugh out loud entertainment. Join us for Heartbreak Soup, a humorous and pathos filled tale of two boy’s as they wait for heart transplants. Puppetcraft present Mousehole Cat for ages 4 to 104, with carved wooden puppets, live music and song. Enjoy comedy for the whole family we present Sticks, Stones, Broken Bones; watch in amazement as household junk is transformed magically into exciting and funny shadow puppets
For lovers of theatre don’t miss The Globe Theatre as they present Shakespeare’s tale of mistaken identity and disguise, As You Like it at the stunning site of Old Wardour Castle.
Stories and Literature events for children
The Festival has a stunning line up of authors and personalities for every taste in your family. From the wild wild West with The case of the Deadly Desperados by Caroline Lawrence to children’s classic, Babbette Cole. Lovers of Strictly and So You think You Can Dance? will long to meet with judge Arlene Phillips, get your dancing shoes on! We are also delighted to present illustrator Deborah Allwright with a hands on workshop and a talk.
Music
Music is the language of many of the Children’s shows and Brocante Sonore will have all the family tapping their feet and bouncing to the rhythms; for lovers of STOMP this show from France is a fabulous family production where nine musicians/actors make a huge tangle of pipes and toolboxes groove in the most marvellous way, turning the exciting set into an orchestra of sounds.
Workshops
There are more workshops than ever at this year’s Festival so take the opportunity to try your hand at a huge range of activities. If animated films are your thing get in quickly as our Animation Workshop sells out fast every year. In 2011 the Festival theme is China and Dance and we have a wonderful range of workshops inspired by these. If you ever wanted to cha cha, tango or break-dance then we have a class for you, on our wonderful Lets Dance! Day, with many classes for the whole family so have fun and get fit too! Experience China with a Chinese Kite Family Workshop as Mr Li Xu, from the Kite making capital of China, will be running a daily workshop in dragon kite making.
Free Play: Family Events in and around Salisbury
Playday: The Big Play takes place on Tuesday 31 May. Join hundreds of children and their families at the Greencroft for a day of fabulous play, and all for free! Join us during the half term week as the Festival celebrates play with sponsorship from QinetiQ. Imaginative play, messy play, creative play, physical play… there will be lots of opportunities for families to spend time together and have fun.
Outdoor Events for Families
Family Festival-goers will be able to enjoy a host of outdoor events including:the free opening event of Argentinean aerial artists Voala in Salisbury Market Place. Book now and pay less with our Early Bird Discount to Party in the Close on 4 June ending 27 April; with music, dancing, workshops and street theatre, the Cathedral Close will be transformed in an explosion of vibrant sights and sounds to delight your family with plenty to see and do. Bring a picnic, have a wander then let us end your evening in style with spectacular fireworks. Performing are three great bands, Soothsayers and the Red Earth Collective, Caught in the Crossfire, as well as the infectious grooves of John Peel’s favourite, the Kanda Bongo Man
Travel to Salisbury with our travel partner South West Trains - who run direct trains to Salisbury from London Waterloo, Southampton and Exeter. You can save money with our GroupSave discount - 3 or 4 people travel for the price of 2 when you travel together at off-peak times. For more information and to book your tickets, visit www.southwesttrains.co.uk or simply call 0845 6000 650.
Booking Information:
Tickets can be purchased in person from Salisbury Playhouse, Festival Office or the Salisbury TIC
Tickets can be purchased by phone or online:
Box Office: 0845 241 9651
To book online visit www.salisburyfestival.co.uk
Ends
For more information or images please contact Rosa Corbishley, Salisbury International Arts Festival - rosa@salisburyfestival.co.uk or 01722 330 914 or 07912 109 132
Salisbury International Arts Festival
§ The 39th Salisbury International Arts Festival runs from Friday 20 May – Saturday 4 June 2011
§ The 2010 Festival featured 11 premieres and exclusives of which 9 were commissions by Salisbury International Arts Festival
§ The annual 16 day Salisbury International Arts Festival blazed into life in 1974 with a performance by Paco Pena and is a leading commissioning and producing Festival which attracts over 60,000 attendances each year and contributes £3m to the regional economy
§ Salisbury International Arts Festival won silver in ‘Tourism Event of the Year Award’ run by Enjoy England Tourist Board at the South West Tourism’s ‘Tourism Excellence Awards’
§ Salisbury International Arts Festival is supported by Principal Sponsor Friends Life, Sir Christopher and Lady Benson, Wiltshire Council and Arts Council England – South West. National Media Partner is The Telegraph Media Group and travel partner is South West Trains