As I write this, the grass is being laid out and the huge blue and pink tents are being erected for the BBC area at Potterow which returns this year. If you read this blog last year, you’ll know I’m a huge fan…..the BBC area is FANTASTIC !! They have lots of free events for children and its a great space to go and hang out during the day as there is a ping pong table, a huge screen showing films/performances etc, deck chairs, food stalls, ice cream and kids activities….

As before, there are a number of events which are ticketed and you can apply for free tickets here but a limited number of tickets are also available on the day for events should you not be successful in the ballot.

A few of the family events have been announced and look great, and you have until this Sunday the 27th July to apply for tickets :

• Family fun with Ian Stirling (Friday 1st August) 3.30pm – An afternoon of fun suitable for all the family. Featuring some of the biggest names in family entertainment, including silly sing-alongs with Dean Friedman, Bec and Tom’s Awesome Laundry and a visit from Dinosaur Zoo.
• Authors Live with Nick Sharratt (Friday 1st August) 11am – draw along with Nick Sharratt -Many of his famous characters, such as Tracy Beaker and Daisy, will feature! With his expert tips you’ll have everything you need to create your very own cast of story characters!
• Absolute Genius’ Fran Scott (Saturday 2nd and Sunday 3rd August) -Join Absolute Genius’ Fran Scott as she delves into hard drives and behind screens armed with imagination, explosions and a sprinkling of fire, to show us the incredible things computers can create. If you like your bits and bytes with BANG, this show is for you! Most suitable for children aged 6 – 12.
• Family fun with Cook and Line (Monday 4th August) 11am – Featuring some of the biggest names in family entertainment and hosted by Cook and Line from CBeebies’ Swashbuckle.
• Behind the scenes of Strange Hill High (Saturday 9th and Sunday 10th August) – Come and meet TV puppeteers Tim Jones and Nick Kellington as they take you through the weird and wonderful world of Strange Hill High’s rod-puppetry.
• Rastamouse and Da Easy Crew (Saturday 16th and Sunday 17th August) – Rastamouse and Da Easy Crew, aided by their co-creator Michael De Souza, recount stories using words, rhythm and music. 
• Deadly doodle (Saturday 23rd and Sunday 24th August) – Inspired by the amazing animals on Deadly 60, CBBC’s Michelle Ackerley shows you how to create some astounding animal art! 

Fingers crossed !