Busy Botanics….

The Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh is a fantastic place to go, especially if you are lucky enough to get some sunshine. It’s a great place for kids too, they can run around and feed ducks, chase squirrels and find hiding places amongst the beautiful trees and plants. Every year the Botanics also host some family friendly festival shows, so if you want a bit of a change of scenery, you can make a day of it and get away from the hustle and bustle of the festival central district !

Some of the shows they are hosting this year include :

Fraxi Queen of the ForeFraxi Queen of the Forest (Asylon Theatre)st –   For ages 8 + – Discover the cycles of nature through the story of Fraxi the ash tree and the people connected to her over several generations of one family.

 

 

Albert & Friends Instant Circus (Albertious Connundrum II)Albert and Friends Instant Circus – Albertious Connundrum ll – This circus returns once more to the Botanics with a free daily show between August 9th and 16th, 1.00 – 1.45pm. They are celebrating 20 years of this youth circus visiting the Fringe with its new show performed by a fabulous troupe of talented young people.

 

 Anonymouse (Ipdip Theatre) Anonymouse – This looks like a lovely little show for those of you with younger children, its suitable for ages 0-3…..”In a hole in the wall of a timber house, on the edge of a wood there lives a mouse –  Cosy in and enjoy the story of a furry little poet who has come to the woods for inspiration.”  Its is a musical and tactile performance by the people who brought Calvinball last year… Three shows daily: 11:00, 13:30 & 15:00 (35 mins)

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…..