YOUTH & CHILDREN

We have some great workshop and activities for young people throughout the weekend and many of the themes tie into the Folk Festival. For example, things like recycling and environmental awareness and also giving young people the chance to perform are at the forefront of our workshops. 

Take a look below to see some of the different activity options we have for young people during the weekend in previous years, hopefully allowing all ages to immerse themselves in the world of folk music and giving them some incredible memories to take home with them. 
 

THE HUB

The Hub is a music-making area exclusively for young people attending the Festival. There are workshops throughout the day, run by experienced musicians and tutors, and it’s also the home of The Hub Band Project 

The programme includes workshops and Q+As for young people aged 11-18 led by the fantastic artists who are performing at the Festival. In recent years we have been lucky to have masterclasses by musicians including Sam Sweeney, Darlingside, Rhiannon Giddens and Le Vent Du Nord. Other attractions at the Hub include the Hub Band Open House and the Hub Youth Folk Club. The Open House will be a drop-in session for socialising and informal music-making for 11-18 year-olds and the Youth Folk Club will be a tea-time sharing session for tunes, songs, storytelling and other performances.

CHILDREN'S MUSIC & DANCE WORKSHOPS

Ages 8-12 are welcome at our friendly music and dance workshops. No experience is needed to participate in singing and dancing workshops, whilst the music sessions are tailored for players who have some experience and can bring their own instruments. This year there will be the chance to learn song, clog and ceilidh dance, easy tunes and beginner’s guitar. Adults must remain with their children.

MUSIC-MAKING

Coldham’s Common has its own fun music and instrument-making workshops for children. Previous workshops have been led by Emma Durkan and sessions have given children aged 8-12 the chance to try playing fiddle, with instruments provided, and to create their own band, whilst Emma Hardy has previously led instrument making workshops. Younger children can enjoy music, song and games, and there will be a concert and procession on Sunday.

PLAYGROUND & PADDLING POOL

Kids can enjoy the playground and paddling pool at Cherry Hinton Hall; jelly shoes recommended for anyone using the pool. Under 14s need to be accompanied by a responsible adult, as the facilities are not supervised. The area closes at dusk and is cleared at 10pm.

CHILDREN'S ACTIVITIES

Suffolk at Play run our children’s activity area at Cherry Hinton Hall. The activities throughout the weekend range from tree planting and creating recycled artwork to musical performances and fairy dancing.

Other activities have included didgeridoo workshops, kaleidoscope making, paint by numbers and the much loved Folk Idol! An opportunity for kids to get up and have a go at performing themselves. A breast-feeding and nappy-changing area is also available as well as a dedicated Lost Children’s point. The activities are intended for children of all ages but mostly up to 16.

STORYTELLING

Join our magical storytellers as they take you on adventures to far-off lands to meet an array of some of the most interesting people, animals and mystical beings you ever dreamt of. Previous storytellers have included John Row and Alex Ultradish.

FACE PAINTING

In previous years Coldham ’s Common has been home to the Face Painting Faeries, the team are ready to turn you into magical creatures and walking works of art. Dazzle your friends and surprise your family!

CHILDREN'S PAINTING

Makendoo run painting and making workshops for children 5-12, painting and making hats, masks and banners which can be finished off with feathers, glitter and ribbons. Children leave the workshop carrying, wearing and waving their artworks, lasting souvenirs of a great day out.

Spare Room Arts are an arts company who specialise in arts workshops in far-flung and unusual places! We believe you don't need a fancy studio space to be creative. Art can be done with anyone and by anyone, whether you're four or 94 we have an exciting workshop you can take part in. With a bit of encouragement and guidance we believe there is an artist in all of us!

CITY RESIDENTS CHILDREN'S CONCERTS

We will hopfully be able to share our our wonderful children's concert performer for 2024 shortly.   

 

 

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