Get Creative with Kids' Carnivals
Fuel the fun factor with some festival fever
If your offspring love music, sports, art or theatre, check out one of the many annual children's festivals around the UK. Most offer something for all ages, including puppetry, face-painting, dance and drama. There are performances and activities to capture little ones' imaginations – you're sure to find something to occupy, entertain and inform.
Here's our roundup of some of the best children's festivals around the UK this year.
10 May - 1 June
Reading Children's Festival, Berkshire
The fun starts with a family day of workshops, activities and entertainment, and the festival also features canoeing, a community carnival, circus workshops, craft sessions, music, shows, games and more.
23 May - 1 June
Belfast Children's Festival, County Antrim
There'll be family fun and school-time capers for children up to the age of 12, in this celebration of art, film and theatre. Enjoy storytelling, performances, puppetry and discussions at venues across the city.
24 May - 2 June
Children's International Theatre Festival, Edinburgh
Britain's largest performing arts festival for children and young people features shows by the world's leading theatre companies for children. Aimed at those aged from 3 to 12, the festival brings together children, teachers, families and industry professionals in a celebration of theatrical talent. Official website »
25 May - 8 June
'The Spark' Children's Art Festival, Leicester
The festival is set to transform city parks and sports centres with music, storytelling, exhibitions, performances and workshops. There's even a water-theatre production of 'Sinbad' on the bill, complete with pirates, sea monsters and hairy dwarves.
3-11 June
International Children's Theatre Festival, Nottingham
Featuring storytelling, theatre, music and dance performances. Highlights this year include Dynamo Theatre Company from Québec, and Det Lille Turnéteater from Denmark.
Official website »
5-6 July
Kids Fun Ideas Show, Manchester
From science shows to dance workshops, circus tutorials to skateboarding stunts, the show features live entertainment and education. Exhibitors include Blackpool Zoo, The Jorvik Centre and UK Skatepark. Official website »
19-20 July
Tesco Children's Festival, Cardiff
This fun-filled weekend features theatre shows, live music, sport, entertainment, interactive workshops and the Mountain Bike Action Display team. Official website »
14 July - 15 August
Summer School for Children, Leeds Castle, Kent
Qualified staff entertain children aged from 8 to 11 with arts and crafts, heritage and history lessons and information on wildlife and birds. Official website »
8-10 August
Liverpool Children's Festival, Liverpool This is an arts and cultural event for children and young people, that's planned by children and young people. It's free and accessible to everyone in the city, and features workshops, activities, sports, performances and exhibitions.
8-11 August
Glastonbury Children's Festival, Glastonbury Abbey, Somerset
There are 20 shows each day from children's theatre companies, clowns, puppeteers and magicians. Make hats, masks and costumes in the craft marquee, learn to juggle and more. Official website »
15-18 August
Bristol Children's Festival, Avon
Keep the children happy with shows, games, workshops, activities, inflatables and much more at this charity event. Official website »
15-29 August
Kids Week, Greater London
This event is organised by the Society of London Theatre, which celebrates its centenary this year, and features an array of activities, workshops and shows. There's an exclusive programme of shows for the under-5s and plenty for those aged 5-16 too. Take a sneaky peek backstage, learn to dance, stage-fight or slap on stage make-up. Official website »
19-28 September
Bath Festival of Children's Literature, Somerset
Details of this year's event are still under wraps, but last year the festival welcomed authors including Jacqueline Wilson, Eoin Colfer, Julia Donaldson, Allan Ahlberg and Nick Hornby. Official website »
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8 May 2008
Ice-cream image courtesy britainonview/ ENCAMS/ Adrian Forrest