Learn those all-important dragon slaying skills and discover if you have what it takes to become a criminal mastermind
Sword fighting, fairy tales and fun are on offer as the Children’s Festival takes place in the magical world of the Spiegeltent, one of Europe’s oldest travelling tents. Charlotte Woods, music and education manager at Harrogate International Festivals said the aim was to ignite children’s imaginations with a series of entertaining shows in the most captivating of settings. ‘We can’t wait to welcome you with balloons and big smiles at the ready!’ she added.
The fairy tale classic, Little Red Riding Hood, is performed by the Rainbow Factory, who will also deliver a storytelling session inspired by the modern classic, The Gruffalo. The award-winning author Hilary Robinson, best known for Mixed up Fairytales, introduces Where the Poppies Now Grow, her first in a series to help younger children engage with the World War One centenary.
Alan Windram, author of One Button Benny, tells the story of a robot with an emergency button through song and dance. That Poetry Bloke, Craig Bradley, offers a creative workshop of poetry, music and comedy.
Children can travel the world with Suitcase Stories following a lady’s adventures with tales of fisherman, fairies, feasts and beasts. In Secrets, Spies and Espionage hear the tales of secret agents during World War Two learn all about their daring missions, amazing training and see some of the gadgets they used.
Kate Wiseman’s books about Blaggard’s School for Tomorrow’s Tyrants features the world’s best school for trainee criminal masterminds, she’ll be quizzing potential subjects.
Made with Music is an introduction for under-fives to musical instruments and songs, under canvas at the Spiegeltent, and The Junk Orchestra play a supersonic recycled collection of re-invented objects rescued from the urban sprawl.
For action, History’s Maid Sword School is a must to teach you those all-important skills to slay a dragon. And Professor Boffin hosts an interactive Fun Science Show, teaching exciting scientific concepts using everyday objects with a few fireballs, explosions, whooshes and smoke.
There are only a handful of Spiegeltents left in the world. The unique hand-hewn tents are built of wood, mirrors, canvas, leaded glass and detailed in velvet and brocade. With limited capacity in the pop-up venue, audiences are encouraged to book early.
The Spiegeltent returns this year with support from Grants for the Arts and Arts Council funding and can be found in Harrogate’s Crescent Gardens on Saturday, June 30th and Sunday, July 1st. Tickets are £5.
For the full line-up and age guidance, or to book, visit harrogateinternationalfestivals.com Box Office: 01423 562 303.
