Family Festival Returns to Harrogate on 27th and 28th June 2023

The Family Festival is set to return to Harrogate this summer, bringing a weekend filled with exciting performances and activities for families. Taking place on the 27th and 28th of June at the Spiegeltent in Crescent Gardens, this vibrant festival promises to be a fantastic experience for children and adults alike.

Exciting Activities for Everyone

This year’s Family Festival features a wide range of activities, ensuring that there is something for everyone, no matter their age. From music and dance to science and storytelling, the festival aims to inspire creativity and fun among young attendees.

Sharon Canavar, Chief Executive of Harrogate International Festivals, shared her enthusiasm for the event:

“The Family Festival is a fantastic, fun-filled way of encouraging our children to explore the world around them. And I can’t think of a better setting than the Spiegeltent from which to stimulate young minds and help them discover the joy that music, dance, science, and storytelling can bring.”

Line-Up of Performances

The festival kicks off on Saturday morning with SPRUNG, a delightful show designed for babies and toddlers. Featuring puppetry, songs, and engaging storytelling, it serves as a perfect introduction to theatre for the little ones. As the day progresses, families can enjoy The Big Beatbox Jam. This energetic workshop led by flautist and beatboxer James invites audience members to join in, creating music together. Participants can make silly sounds, try out the microphone, and help build a track live, all while James remixes everything in real time for a shared performance experience.

The fun continues with Cut a Shine, a lively family ceilidh that promises upbeat music and easy-to-follow instructions, encouraging everyone to join in the dance and laughter. On Sunday, families will have the chance to participate in an Indian Dance for Families workshop, where colourful sarees and scarves will guide them through the rhythms and movements of traditional Indian dance.

The excitement doesn't stop there; Circus Leeds will wow festival-goers with thrilling performances featuring daring feats, strongman stunts, and record-breaking tricks. After the show, there will be a hands-on workshop for both children and adults, allowing everyone to try their hand at circus skills. Finally, Sublime Science will present a spectacular family show filled with amazing experiments, including Giant Smoke Rings, Mini Rockets, and foam volcanoes, ensuring that science is both fun and engaging.

The festival will conclude on Sunday with the Baby Broadway Family Concert, a delightful performance featuring professional West End singers. This concert includes bubbles, puppets, and plenty of dance opportunities for everyone, making it a fitting end to a weekend of fun.

Tickets and Information

Tickets for the Family Festival are available for £7 per performance, making it an affordable option for families looking for summer entertainment. They can be purchased through the Harrogate International Festivals website at harrogateinternationalfestivals.com or by calling the Box Office at 01423 562 303. Here’s a quick look at the schedule of events:

• SPRUNG (suitable for ages 0-3) | Sat 27 June | 9.30am & 10.45am

• The Big Beatbox Jam (most appropriate for ages 5+) | Sat 27 June | 2pm

• Cut a Shine Family Ceilidh (suitable for all ages) | Sat 27 June | 4.30pm

• Indian Dance for Families (suitable for children aged 3+) | Sun 28 June | 9.30am

• Circus Leeds (suitable for ages 4+) | Sun 28 June | 11am

• Sublime Science: Magic Tricks & Spectacular Science (suitable for children aged 5+) | Sun 28 June | 1.15pm

• Baby Broadway (suitable for children aged 0-7) | Sun 28 June | 3.15pm

The Family Festival in Harrogate is an excellent opportunity for families to bond over creative experiences while enjoying the magical atmosphere of the Spiegeltent. With an array of performances and activities designed to inspire and entertain, it is sure to be a memorable weekend for all who attend.