Fringe for Bairns 2016 – Three Sisters 31st July – 3rd August

Returning for a second year, Fringe for Bairns is a four day long series of free events for children featuring a whole host of activities and shows including a  kids ceilidh, balloon modelling, face painting, magician acts, outdoor cinema and not to forget a petting zoo- all located in the courtyard at the Three Sisters on the Cowgate.

For more details and to see what day certain activities will be, check their facebook page for updates…

So far it looks like the Five Sisters Zoo will be there on Wednesday 3rd August from 11am – 2pm with the petting zoo which is sure to be popular…

All of their childrens shows will be running during these days too, highlights including:

Show ImageBaloonaticsWelcome to the wild and wacky world of Baloonatics. This show is for anyone aged 5 to 105 (older people are welcome) who likes being silly, doesn’t want to be a grown up, has a good imagination and loves balloons

 

Show ImageBubble Show with Milkshake and Dr BubbleCome see every bubble trick imaginable. Big, Small and sculpted bubbles, the bubble carousel, the square bubble, smoke bubbles, caterpillar bubbles, tight rope bubbles, the bubble blizzard, bubbles in bubbles and children in bubbles.

 

Show ImageScience MagicPrepare to enter the magical world of science. Forget Harry Potter, Dónal is the real wizard. He will show you how to put a skewer through a balloon without popping it, mix potions to create your very own volcano, set paper on fire without burning it, turn water upside-down without spilling it, conjure an invisible force to blow out a candle, make a cola bottle explode in a fountain and more.

Its a great way to catch some festival shows early before full festival hecticness begins…

FREE festival featuring some fantastic children’s shows !!

The free festival is now in its 11th year and appears to be going from strength to strength…with over 360 shows in 22 venues around the city we are again spoilt for choice! What’s even better though is that there are loads of children’s shows featuring at the free festival which is perfect for those of us trying not to spend a small fortune during festival season.

I’ve picked out a few shows I think look particularly fun….

The Worlds Worst Birthday Party – Marvellous Maddy is having the worst birthday party ever and she needs your help ! Be prepared for lots of dancing, giggles and pranks…..      31st July – 10th August, 12-17th, 20-25th August       12.45               The Free Sisters (Cowgate) – The Yurt Locker

The Very Scariesome Tooth Fairy – A tale told in rhyme – a story of missing teeth, dishonest dentists and dodgy dealings in the fairy underworld.              31st July – 12th August    The Free Sisters (Cowgate) – Maggies Front Room

The Little Leaf – A story about a curious little girl who stumbles upon a lonely little leaf hiding in her attic. Together they set off on a great journey.        August 14th – 24th  The Free Sisters (Cowgate) – The Staff Room

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. And this year they are doing a few events at Gorgie farm which would make a great and very busy day out !

Gorgie Farm on 2nd, 8th, 11th, 23rd August at 2pm

Counting House August 1-12th, 14-19th, 21-24th at 11am and August 1-12th, 16/17th, 23/24th at 10.00am too.

Huggers – The popular cabaret show returns this year and it too is visiting GorgieShow Image Farm during the weekends of the festival….this show brings a variety of fringe performers together for some child friendly entertainment – it does recommend booking (free) tickets early for this one.

August 1-23rd – Free Sisters (Cowgate) – Maggies Chamber

August 9th, 16th, 23rd – Gorgie Farm

There are other free festivals too, such as PBH’s Free Fringe featuring children’s shows (I don’t know how anyone finds the time to fit all these shows in !)….two that stand out in this one are :

Princess Taz and The Fearsome Forest – In this puppet show join clowns Elf and Harry retelling the life and adventures of the legendary Princess Taz aqnd her pet Rapdragon.  August 2-16th (not 15th)  Cafe Camino

Albee Vector the sound collector – This show has a great name ! – its a show bursting with all sorts of sounds. Help Albee to make noises and collect them into jars….  August 2nd – 23rd (not 11th)   Hispaniola (Drummond Street)