What Are The Best Family Events At The Raworths Children's Festival In Harrogate This October?

Trying to find something to do with the kids that the whole family will actually enjoy can feel like a mission. It needs to be fun, engaging, and preferably not involve staring at a screen for hours. Well, good news. The Raworths Children's Festival is back in town on October 18th and 19th, and it's packed with events designed to get little imaginations firing.

Part of the larger Harrogate International Festivals, this two-day celebration of literature and creativity is all about bringing stories to life for children. Forget stuffy readings; think dancing, roaring dinosaurs, Greek myths with a modern twist, and even a bit of ballet. It's a proper cultural festival where the whole family can get stuck in.

A festival for every imagination

So, what's the big deal? The Raworths Children's Festival, held at The Crown Hotel, isn't just about sitting quietly and listening. It's a full-on experience. This year's line-up features a brilliant mix of talented authors and performers who know exactly how to capture a child's attention. The whole point is to foster creativity and a love for stories through a series of brilliant events.

It's a cornerstone of the community, providing a space for education and fun to mix perfectly. The festival is a multi-art event, meaning it blends different types of arts, from literature to dance, ensuring there's something for every kid, whether they're a bookworm, a performer, or a future scientist. It's the kind of family outing that leaves everyone feeling inspired. This is where the magic of the arts really comes alive for a new generation.

From panto queens to prehistoric pals

The schedule for the two-day festival is bursting with amazing storytellers. The organisers have pulled together a fantastic group of authors who are ready to share their tales. Let's have a look at who is stopping by.

• Mama G is bringing all the sparkle. A storyteller and panto queen, she's all about songs, dancing, and celebrating being exactly who you are. Her session is perfect for the little ones (aged 3+) and promises to be full of joy and energy. It's a wonderful introduction to the arts for the youngest members of the family.
• Fancy a bit of ballet? Royal Ballet star Steven McRae is on hand to show that dance is for everyone. His book isn't just about the steps; it's about courage and creativity. It's a chance for children (aged 5-11) to see the power and fun of ballet, straight from one of its biggest stars.
• For anyone who loves dinosaurs (and which kid doesn't?), author Anne Brusatte and her husband, world-famous palaeontologist Steve Brusatte, are bringing the prehistoric world to Harrogate. A palaeontologist is a scientist who studies fossils to learn about life long ago. They'll be reading from their book, My Grandparents Were Dinosaurs, and mixing fantastic stories with actual science. Kids (aged 4+) can even get hands-on with a creative art activity. Expect a lot of roaring!
• If a bit of mystery is more your family's thing, Susannah Lloyd's session is a must. Her book, Badgers Are Go!, is an interactive mission to find out who might be a badger in disguise. It's all about using your imagination, spotting clues, and making up your own stories. It's perfect for budding detectives aged 6-10.
• And for the slightly older kids (aged 8+), author Tom Vaughan is mixing ancient Greek myths with modern-day chaos in his book, Hercules: Hero to Zero. It's a hilarious and action-packed way to get acquainted with the legends of the past, blending classic literature with laugh-out-loud fun. These events are designed to make learning an adventure.

More than just a good story

This festival is a massive part of the town's cultural calendar for a reason. It's more than just a series of fun events; it's about building something lasting for the community. The whole programme is designed to support the local arts ecology, which is just a way of saying it helps create a healthy environment where creative ideas and talents can grow. It's a collaboration that shows a real commitment to the next generation.

Rachel Tunnicliffe, Senior Partner at Raworths Solicitors, which sponsors the event, put it perfectly. She said:

"We are thrilled to welcome such an array of talented children's storytellers to Harrogate. We are immensely proud to play our part in helping to nurture the next generation of young creative minds in our town, which is what the Children's Festival is all about."

The sentiment is shared by the organisers at Harrogate International Festivals. Sharon Canavar, the Chief Executive, knows how much these events mean to people. She said: "The Children's Festival is hugely popular with youngsters and families alike, and we are delighted to welcome so many brilliant authors here. Together they will help inspire the next generation of budding young writers. It's going to be entertaining, educational and a barrel load of fun!" This focus on outreach and education is what makes it such a special event, connecting families with the wider world of arts and literature.

How to join the fun

Getting involved couldn't be easier. The Raworths Children's Festival is taking place at The Crown Hotel in Harrogate on October 18th and 19th. It's the perfect half-term treat for the whole family. Whether your children are into ballet, dinosaurs, or solving mysteries, there's an event that will spark their interest. It's a chance for them to meet real authors, ask questions, and see that stories and science can be incredibly exciting. This is the kind of cultural festival that creates memories.

Tickets are available now and can be booked through the Harrogate International Festivals website or by calling their Box Office. Don't miss out on this fantastic opportunity to dive into a world of imagination and literature.