Tucked away just inside the Woodford Folk Festival’s Welcome Gate, hidden in plain sight, is the Children’s Festival – a separate space dedicated to the amusement and entertainment of children under 12.
From arts and crafts to circus workshops, playing with insects to learning how to belly dance, there’s something for every young person – and those who are young at heart.
Entry to the Children’s Festival is free with any valid ticket to the Woodford Folk Festival and a full programme of activities, games and performances across all six days of the festival means you’re unlikely to ever hear the words ‘I’m bored!’ from the small people in your life.
With a Season Camping ticket to the Woodford Folk Festival that’s just $29 for kids aged six to 12, and kids five and under are for free, visiting Woodfordia can be an affordable family holiday during what is traditionally a very expensive time of the year for accommodation and entertainment (not to mention Christmas!).
Children’s Festival Manager Becky Wandell says, “It’s one of the hidden gems of the wider festival programme and a magical place of wonder and enchantment. Children can learn, create and perform, and parents can rediscover their inner child,” she said.
THINGS TO MAKE, SEE AND DO AT THE CHILDREN’S FESTIVAL
The Woodfordia Children of the Future – Have your photo taken and paint a self-portrait, and then watch as your masterpiece is displayed in a gallery during the festival.
Nest Box-Viewing – For future Steve Irwin’s catch the Nest Box-Viewing with Micro-Batman, Yellow Robin and Scarlet Robin giving a close up view of the special creatures living at Woodfordia.
Bzzz Let’s be Entomologists – Learn from an entomologist (and how to say entomologist!) about the magical insects that are so valuable to our ecosystem.
Learn to jig with The East Pointers – Fan of The East Pointers? Bring your kids along to the band’s folk dance workshop, or listen to this fantastic Canadian folk family talk about what it takes to make a family band.
Jinibara Speaks – Learn from Traditional Custodians of the Jinibara Nation, Uncle Noel and Uncle Kenny, as they teach the Indigenous language of the Jinibara people in three interactive sessions.
Kirsty and Kester – Sunshine Coast dance duo, Kirsty and Kester will this year tell the compelling story of Kirsty’s mother Judit and her escape from Hungary during the failed revolution in 1956. Told through dance, this is a personal piece of history not to be missed.
Monkey and Friends Cabaret – Not only are there monkeys in the jungles of Woodfordia, but a Beethoven Bottle Blowing Band and a trumpeter who calls on the stars to come out too.
TAILOR-MAKE YOUR CHILD’S FESTIVAL EXPERIENCE
A chance to perform –The Juggling Jamboree, Bollywood Dance, Let’s Make a Song and Bellydance Time workshops are the perfect programme picks for those comfortable with being centre stage. At the end of the festival parents will see how their child has blossomed in a farewell performance to show off their new skills.
Games of Skill – For the thinkers who like to take on a challenge, they can put their opponent to the test in a Chess tournament – and the winner will take home a trophy!
For the crafty – Every child’s creativity is nurtured in workshops like Painting With Bubbles, Play With Clay, Felt-making, Origami, Figures on Sticks, and Paint Your Face.
Little artists have the opportunity to showcase their masterpieces in the annual Children’s Festival Parade too.
For the active – Blow off some steam in Dynamic Theatre Drama Games, Circus Moves, Breakdance and Hip-Hop, and It’s the Way You Move.
Food and drinks are available inside the Children’s Festival, as well as feeding and changing facilities.
Toddle on down to the Children’s Festival from 8am-5pm daily to lead your children on a journey of fun and discovery – and don’t be afraid to rediscover your own inner child while you’re there.
Full details for the Children’s Festival will be released together with the rest of the programme on October 2018.
All tickets, including vehicle passes, to the 2018/19 Woodford Folk Festival must be purchased prior to arrival and are only available online here.
