Family Fun at the Festival for Half Term – Children’s Festival
MEDIA RELEASE
Family Fun at the Festival for Half Term – Children’s Festival
Salisbury International Arts Festival is offering more events than ever before for children and families to enjoy; ranging from workshops and performances to a free Play Day during the spring half term. And with a specially produced programme sent home in children’s book bags throughout Wiltshire, 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 our best yet. There are so many more opportunities to see fabulous theatre, film, literature events and to get involved in workshops. We are delighted to continue our relationship with the Big Lottery who allow us to present so much free activity for children and their families.’
Theatre Shows
The shows cater for all age ranges, from Ball Pond Bobby which was developed especially for little ones by company DNA. We are delighted to welcome back Festival favourites the Long Nosed Puppets with Shoe Baby (for ages 2-7). Award winning Lyngo Theatre also make a welcome return with two magical shows The Dust Man (ages 5+) and What a Wonderful World (ages 2-5). For ages 4 to infinity we have The Sun Dragon, for adventurous children with active imaginations (and their families!).
A very special afternoon will be Illyria Theatre Company’s performance of The Mowgli Stories, a colourful retelling of The Jungle Book. Presented outside in the Wardrobe Museum Gardens this will be a wonderful event for all the family. Bring a picnic and spend a relaxing afternoon together with a tale more exciting than any cartoon!
Children’s Literature Events
From hungry creepy crawlies to villainous explorers this year’s literature programme has something for everyone. Why not try the Tree house Theatre’s interactive story sessions at local libraries or meet Andy Briggs to talk about his spy books Hero.com/Villain.net. Author Simon Adams talks about what life was like for people 100, 1000, or even 5,000 years ago with an exploration of his book Archaeology Detectives.
Workshops and Free Play
Join us during the half term week as the Festival celebrates play with funding from the Big Lottery. Imaginative play, messy play, creative play, physical play… there will be lots of opportunities for families to spend time together and have fun. A number of workshops inspired by this years theme of India and Water. Many of the sessions are free but please still call and book your place in advance.
Playday: The Big Play on Friday 29 May join hundreds of children and their families at the Greencroft for a day of fabulous play, and all for free.!
Family Events in and around Salisbury
Why not stretch your mind and legs with a gentle stroll around our beautiful town. There are fascinating facts to learn with the Salisbury Treasure Trail, hilarious comings and goings from our Street Theatre artists including PIG,a short show full of surprises that takes place inside a very long pig!, and magnificent wonders to behold in the Architects of Air.
Outdoor Events for Families
Family Festival-goers will be able to enjoy a host of outdoor events including: the free opening event of internationally-acclaimed French aerialists Transe Express who will take to the air, in the Market Square, in an amazing human mobile of drumming majors; Our Festival Finale will be a fabulous night of music and entertainment. With three great bands, 17 Hippies, Kissmet and Ku-Da-Mix pack a picnic, gather your friends and family and enjoy the celebrations in the beautiful Cathedral Close.
Booking Information:
Tickets can be purchased in person from Salisbury Playhouse, Salisbury Arts Centre, Salisbury City Hall, Salisbury TIC or the Festival Office.
Tickets can be purchased by phone or online:
Box Office: 0845 241 9651
To book online visit www.salisburyfestival.co.uk
ENDS
Notes to Editors:
For more information contact:
Rosa Corbishley
Communications & Development Manager
Salisbury International Arts Festival
87 Crane Street
Salisbury SP1 2PU
01722 332241 rosa@salisburyfestival.co.uk
The Salisbury International Arts Festival has a distinguished history of presenting international arts events both traditional and contemporary across 17 days of celebrations each summer. The Festival has developed into a major annual UK multi-arts event, presenting every major artform, in the stunning setting of Salisbury, Wiltshire.
The Salisbury International Arts Festival is supported by Friends Provident, Wiltshire Council and Arts Council England – South West.