Author Archives: Edinburghfestivalsforkids

Just Festival 2013

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just Festival Edinburgh

This festival is one of the smaller, lesser known festivals happening in Edinburgh this August. It was formerly known as the Festival of Spirituality and Peace, and has rebranded this year as the Just Festival. From the 2nd – 26th August the festival aims to unite people of all faiths, with 450 activities across the city including music, poetry and theatre.

Nestled within the varied programme are some family events including the two below which look fun :

Andy and Mio’s Seaside Show – Storytelling and Puppetry with stories of the sea with harp music and games. Includes Mr. Punch’s Grumpy Holiday and Angels on Vacation.  August 8th and 22nd – Persian Tent at St John’s       15.00 – 15.45    by donation

What’s the Story – Professional storyteller Marie-Louie Cochrane is set to delight with her traditional tales all set within the magical Persian Tent. Suitable for all ages.                 August 15th 15.00 – 15.45  – St John’s       by donation

If you like eating cake (who doesn’t ?) – the event Intercake is worth checking out ! Celebrating the diversity of cakes, sweets and puddings – this cake sale, masterclass and pudding party features cakes from different cultures. Proceeds from sales will go to charities Mary’s Meals and  Waverley Care.       August 4th (16.00 – 17.30), 5th (10.00-12.00) and 6th (16.00-17.00)        Hall at St John’s

Playday 2013 – Wednesday 31st July

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I’ve been to this great free event for the past two years and loved it. Basically the council runs this Festival of Play for parents and children each year with the view that adults can gain some simple ideas for play they can do with their children back in their own home. It’s great – full of water play, sand, face paint, cardboard, glue, pens and much much more !!!

This year there is a venue change, and it’ll be up in the City Chambers Quadrangle and High Street on the Royal Mile, so nice and central ! The weather is even looking good at this point with the rain looking like it will stay away…..

See you there ?                                               12.30 – 4.00pm 31st July

Children’s Shows at the Free Festival….

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The Free Festival is celebrating its tenth anniversary this year with even more shows in a wide host of venues, and there are lots for children…

You can see the whole selection of children’s shows here, but here are a few top picks :

The PIrate Princess and the Magic Silver Telescope and Marvin the Monkey Visit the Moon– Interactive story sessions for children aged 2-6 – with songs, puppets, bubbles and plenty of action. From August 13-18th at 10.15 and 11.30  at Free Sisters (Three Sisters) Cowgate

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Huggers – For ages 3+, this cabaret comedy show has a revolving list of performers including magicians, comedians, street performers and musicians. The 11.15 showing daily is on the top deck of the comedy bus which should appeal to children even more. This event is free, but ticketed. August 1st – 25th at 11.15 and 2.30 – Free Sisters – Cowgate.

Zigzag Zit-Faced Zombies and the Giant Geriatric Generator – Maybe it’s because of the fantastic name, but I just think this looks fun ! Scottish author Stuart Reid introduces his book characters Gorgeous George, Grandpa Jock and Crayon Kenny – it will be yucky ! Ages 4+. August 1st – 25th  -13.15 at Free Sisters

CeilidhKids at the Fringe – If you and the kids like a bit of dancing, or its raining and you want them to get a bit of a run around – this looks good. Very simple child friendly dances to traditional Scottish music. August 1st-5th, 7th-12th, 14th-19th, 21-25th  Counting House at 10.00 and 11.00

Brilliant Botanics…

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Not only are the Botanics a great place to spend a day, wandering through all the beautiful gardens, watching for squirrels and feeding the ducks – but they are also providing lots of great events and activities during the summer/festival period and most of them are free….

Festival Colombiano – Celebrate the amazingly diverse plant life of Colombia and learn about the country’s culture. A fantastic mix of music and dance, food, children’s activities and a strong message about the stunning biodiversity of Colombia and why Edinburgh Botanics are working in this precious land. The daytime events include making beautiful jewellery from seeds, great music from Khantara, dance and helping to create a Paramo mural….Age 5+     Sat 3rd and Sun 4th August 13.00 – 16.00pm and its free !

The Little Fawn Caravan Theatre -This mini theatre space will host a repertoire of puppet shows. There will also be simple nature-themed shadow puppet making workshops available. Times vary depending on days, so check first. From Wed 7th August – Wed 21st August . For age 5+  (£5/£3)

Circus Cavalcade – Young people from all across the UK present a range of circus skills in their first performance at the Fringe. Plus join in the fun at a pre-show circus workshop for the family at 11.00am .Ages 1+. From 8th – 10th August everyday 12.30 – 13.15 and its free.

Blue Lotus : Summer – Combining contemporary and classical Indian dance, classical music and elements of audience participation, Blue Lotus: Summer explores the connection between Indian dance and the natural environment, reflecting the changing seasons. This dance performance is for all ages and on from 16th – 18th August everyday 16.00 – 16.45 and its free.

About Circus – Celebrating its 30th anniversary and 18 years at the Fringe, this circus will bring music, magic and mayhem performed by young people. From 18th – 26th August every day at 13.00 – 13.45pm and again its free.

 

Lots and lots of good stuff to be exploring at the Botanics…..

 

 

 

Pleasance Kidzone 2013

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For the 2015 version please follow this link

Every year the Pleasance have a great Kidzone, packed with activities for the kids and a few food stalls so parents can have a well deserved cup of coffee while the little ones run around. Its a great little space in the middle of all the festival hecticness and I like the fact you can bring the kids and let them run around and cause chaos and no one minds !

This year the Kidzone is returning and it’s going to be space themed – there will be arts and crafts activities (for a small charge), and the Cafe on the Green which serves kid friendly food…its open from 31st July – 26th August.

You could make a day of it by spending time in the Kidzone and seeing one the the many childrens shows at the Pleasance this year – my recommendations would be :

  • Aliens love Underpants – I mentioned this in another post – based on the very funny book, I’m sure the show will be great. (Age 3+)
  • The Just So Stories – Again I love this book and the incrediable stories – and this show is bringing four of these stories to life including why the moon pulls the tides and why the elephant’s nose is so long. With two showings a day, it’s worth checking out. (All ages)
  • My Brother The Robot – again I mentioned this in another post – by Tall Stories who have brought great productions to the festival previously – a story about a robot brother who causes a bit of mayhem ! (Age 4+)
  • The Golden Cowpat – maybe its because I like the name, but this show sounds fun – in a muddy magical adventure with songs and interaction.  (Age 4+)

If you’re looking for something a little more interactive for little ones – there is ‘Song Circle’ for 0-2 year olds and ‘My Yellow Ukelele’ for 2-5 year olds – ‘Song Circle’ presents classic nursery rhymes and a hamper of toys while ‘My Yellow Ukelele’ provides dressing up, singing and strumming- both with Scottish Folk singer Gill Bowman which all sounds like it could be lots of fun. Check it out here.