We recently got sent some info on Sunflowerfest and more specifically what they’re doing to accommodate families. As a first time father I appreciate these kind of efforts and think this sounds like a lot of fun as well!
With more and more parents looking for affordable and entertaining summertime activities for the whole family, Sunflowerfest delivers! As well as the fabulous line up of both local and international acts, families can enjoy a full and exciting programme of family entertainment at this year’s festival at Tubby’s Farm, Hillsborough, 31st July to 2nd August. Every adult ticket admits 2 children of 15 years or younger for absolutely free and all the planned kids’ activities at the festival are free! The theme is inventive, `Victorian Steampunk Menagerie’ sure to capture young imaginations and the range of free family activities is huge. With interactive performances and workshops, creative making and doing, outdoor cinema and a family-friendly chill out space to get to know other festival goers being provided by The Big Lunch, this year’s Sunflowerfest is certainly shaping up to be an unmissable family experience.
“Sunflowerfest prides itself on being a festival for everyone – especially families,” said Rachel Overton, Director of the Kids’ Zone. “Our festival offers the whole family an opportunity to escape for the weekend and enjoy an all-inclusive festival filled with the very best music, arts, crafts and entertainment that Northern Ireland has to offer.”
A bonus for families coming to Sunflowerfest is the free hands-on, educational, and exciting activities for children and young at heart including interactive activities of art, craft, willow weaving, sculpture, kids’ yoga, and workshops with Ulster Wildlife and RSPB, among others – and with the entire festival taking on a Victorian steampunk carnival atmosphere this year, festival organisers promise big surprises this summer.
Theatrical kids can look forward to getting involved in interactive drama performances including an awe-inspiring steampunk version of A Midsummer Night’s Dream to be performed in Belfast Vernacular by the local Gambit Theatre Company, led by Tom Finlay. Young outdoor lovers will enjoy opportunities to get up close and personal with Ulster Wildlife’s native animal displays as well as RSPB’s unique bug hotel and local bird exhibit; they can roam the picturesque countryside and discover the natural environment in a safe, fun way. Budding artists can get hands on with arts and crafts for kids in the Kids Zone, and the whole family can enjoy food, fun and friendship with other festival goers. Joining in on the family-friendly fun, the Eden project brings The Big Lunch Neighbours Day idea to Sunflowerfest. Grainne McCloskey, The Big Lunch NI said, “Sunflowerfest is a unique chilled out weekend with something for everyone so we’re bringing a souk style communal space to share food, fun and friendship with some free steampunk inspired activities to interest all ages.”
Speaking on some of the unique offerings for families this year, event organiser Vanessa Magowan said, “This year we look forward to taking on our Victorian steampunk theme as well as working with our new charity partner, Habitat for Humanity and welcoming back some of our favourite organisations including RSPB, Ulster Wildlife and The Big Lunch in our schedule of activities for the whole family. We are also delighted to welcome back artist Gus Leuder who will create a stunning invisible forest soundscape for all to experience in the Enchanted Glade. We believe this mesmerising art installation will be especially popular among the festival’s younger guests as they experience the opportunity to speak and interact with the forest.”
As always, the music line up at this year’s Sunflowerfest covers all genres with a wide range of local and international acts confirmed for the festival’s five diverse stages… something to suit all tastes.
Day tickets for Sunflowerfest begin at £20 per adult with weekend tickets at £49.50. Weekend tickets in the family camping area are currently priced at £59.95 per adult. Each adult ticket admits 2 children aged 15 and younger free.
For further information or to purchase tickets click here
One Reply to “Preview: Sunflowerfest – Family Focus”
Comments are closed.