Spring Festivals…

The weather might not be in total agreement, but Spring is definitely on the way. With the Science festival just finished, there’s plenty more to keep us busy in the next few months…

Royal Botanic Garden EdinburghStarting with the Spring Festival at the Botanics…once again come and join in with the Edible Gardening Project as they get started in the vegetable patch for another year. Be inspired by nature and learn all about gardening in an environmentally friendly way. With information for budding gardeners, fun family friendly activities and fresh garden tasters. From 1pm – 4pm on Saturday 28th and Sunday 29th April…..

 

Monday 30th April sees Edinburgh host the annual Beltane Fire Festival which you may know holds a huge place in my heart, having been a performer for many years – its a huge spectacle with drumming, fire and magic…it all starts around 9.20pm as the sun goes down and the May Queen comes over the Acropolis. It does get busy up the hill, but older children will find it truly unique.

For a totally family friendly event, try the Family Beltane event on Sunday 6th May 12 – 3pm at the Scottish Storytelling Centre. This tradition allows parents to share in the magic of the Beltane story with their little ones through storytelling, face painting and arts & crafts. Held on a different day from Beltane Fire Festival 2018 itself, it allows older children and parents to enjoy the Fire Festival on Monday 30th April, while also getting to enjoy the story with their little ones in a family friendly environment without making it into one long day.  This event is geared towards children of five years old and above and all children must be accompanied by an adult.

Brilliant Botanics…

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…..