Kidsfest – The Atkinson’s annual children’s festival returns this October half term with a week of activities, events and things to do with the family.
Working with Spookfest and the Children’s Comedy Festival The Atkinson is the place to come and discover, learn and play.
So what could you week entail….
Come and have an adventure with Dotty the Dragon on Saturday 22 October at 2.30pm. This enchanting fairy-tale (with a happy ending) tells the story of Dotty a baby fire dragon that lives at the top of a mountain with her grumpy dad, Mr Dragon. The people in the village below fear for their lives, for dragons eat children! Or so they believe. But, not Dotty, she would never eat children! Not ever…This clever new show comes to life with an irresistible blend of live music, fabulous puppets and high energy storytelling. Tickets: £9 (£7 children / £28 family) for ages 3-7 years.
Come and make your very own spooky lantern between 11am and 2pm in the studio. The Spooky Lantern Workshop is free to drop in and take part. The children who made the completed lanterns are then invited to be in the Spookport Parade on Friday 28 October (fancy dress a must!).
Join Comedy Club 4 Kids & CBeebies ‘Spot Bots’ stars in a brand new comic misadventure Bad Guys on Monday 24 October at 2.30pm. Tickets: £10 (£8 children / £32 family) for ages 5-11 years.
Derek, Ernie & Dick are really bored of being good. It’s just GOT to be more fun being a baddie. But being an evil scientist, pirate or cowboy is trickier than they thought. Can the bumbling brothers learn how to stay out of jail and be real Bad Guys? Why not come dressed as your favourite character and watch the show?
Our friends at the Southport Children’s Comedy Festival Children’s are hosting their Spooky Cartoon Workshop and Creation Trail here on Sunday 23 October, 10.30am – 12.30pm. The Atkinson will be taken over by cartoonist Paul Hardman, Creation Station and the Playtown team for a morning of art and creativity. Spooky creation trail, creepy cartoon workshops and Ghoulish face painting are just some of the things to expect on the devilish day out, it will be a truly spooktastic event. For all ages, recommended for ages 3+
With Halloween just round the corner Linaker Children’s Centre are having a Pumpkin Party on Monday 24 October, 1pm – 3pm in the Children’s Library – and you are all invited! The activity is free but we there will be a £1 charge for having a photo in the pumpkin patch!
On Tuesday 25 October we start the day at 10.30am -11.30am with Spooky Rhyme Time in the Children’s Library. Then at 2.30pm Image Musical Theatre presents Beauty and the Beast. Tickets: £9 (£7 children £28 family) Ages 5+
Wednesday 26 October is all about our younger visitors with Spooky Rhyme Time in the Children’s Library (10.30am-11.30am) followed by a performance of Sponge.
Sponge is a show about all things spongy: a child’s ability to soak things up like a sponge, a nice piece of cake or the squashy, squishy texture that fascinates children and adults alike. A performance infused with audience participation and improvisation, multi-sensory experiences and happy hearted inclusivity. Tickets: £8 (£6 children / £24 family) suitable for ages 0 – 4.
Before the show come and take part on our FREE sponge arts and craft activity workshop led by Linaker Children’s Centre in our Children’s Library 1pm-2.15pm.
Tim Quinn returns on Thursday 27 October to run his Comic Book Workshops. Tim scriptwriter and illustrator for world famous comic books gives tips and shows you how to create brand new, funny super-hero characters. The workshop costs £6 and times are 10.30am, 12.30pm and 2.15pm. Booking is essential.
We have music sessions for the under 5’s on Friday 28 October, 1pm with Music Playtime led by Sarah Marks. This original, lively, action packed hour – come and see what it’s all about! £5 (per adult and child) booking necessary.
On Saturday 29 October how do you fancy a new musical adventure for children ages 3+? With original songs, hilarious physical comedy and dance, Penguin! Elephant! is a magical new show about celebrating differences for anyone who’s ever waddled like a Penguin or stomped like an Elephant. There is a rap about fish fingers, some food-based mess and a magical balloon ride that will have children jumping for joy! However can you resist? Tickets: £8 (£6 children / £24 family).
Feeling hungry? What about joining us for a Spooky Tea Party on Saturday 29 October between 12pm and 4pm in the Bakery? The Halloween afternoon tea includes lots of ghoulish treats for all ages to enjoy. £6 per person.
Get creative and make your own Giant Spooky Shortbread . This edible activity is available from 12pm-4pm and is just £2 per person.
Join us for the Penny Dreadful Horror Writing event for live story-telling from the finalists of this year’s Spookport Children’s Writing Competition. Hear the 5-9 year finalists from 2pm-2.30pm and then the 10-14 year old finalists from 2.30pm-3pm.
The Dogs Trust visit our Children’s Library on Friday 28 October for a Be Dog Smart workshop! The free drop in activity runs between 10.30am – 11.30am and will teach your children all about approaching dogs safely. Please note: dogs will be on the premises and parents will need to be with their children at all times.
Our regular holiday activities are up and running for half term, including:
Arty Aprons every day, 11am – 3pm in the Galleries. Pick up an apron to explore the exhibitions using ‘tools’ such as binoculars tap measurements and sound pieces, available every Saturday and every day during the school holidays, for ages 3+.
Make It! in the Art Box on Monday 24 October 11am-3pm. The popular free drop-in creative activities are inspired by our galleries.
Hands On! in the foyer on Tuesday 25 October from 11am – 1pm & 1.30pm – 3pm. This is your chance to get up close to objects from the Ancient Egypt Gallery.
Come and step inside a very special house made of paper! Mrs Goodison’s House: Ancient Egypt Brought to Life is our very special interactive exhibition, especially designed for families. It is the brainwave of artist Carol Hanson who has created a magical world made up of some of her Egyptology collections collected hundreds of years ago. It is only on display until Sunday 30 October – so don’t miss it!
See the real objects from Egypt Mrs Goodison collected in our Discover Ancient Egypt Gallery and then find out about many amazing tales of shipwrecks, comic books, mechanno and motor racing in the Museum next door. Are you tired yet???
The gift shop sells lots of pocket money items and not on the high street gifts from handmade jewellery to scarves and candles, so if you need to slow the pace down – pay it a visit.
Then just put your feet up and have a piece of cake and a coffee to refuel before heading home!
So this half term, don’t worry about the weather or what to do, just come and see us!
The festival starts on Saturday 22 October and runs until Sunday 30 October – for more information just visit our website theatkinson.co.uk or all Box Office on 01704 533333.
Book for 3 events and get 20% off your total ticket price! The offer is for children’s theatre events only – please check website or ask Box Office for exceptions.
Posted on 6 October 2016 under General news
