LIST YOUR EVENT FOR FREE

Edinburgh International Childrens Festival Opens Tomorrow

Edinburgh International Children’s Festival opens with a fabulous line-up and a free family weekend at the National Museum of Scotland.

Edinburgh International Childrens Festival Opens Tomorrow

Article Source: Imaginate
Last Updated: 25 May 2018 16:23

Highlights:

• 14 productions from 12 different countries, including for the first time, South Africa

• A range of shows suitable for all - from babes in arms to teenagers

• Free festival opening weekend at the National Museum of Scotland, programmed by six Young Associates

• Record number of schools bookings with over 5,500 school pupils expected over 5 days

• 300 industry professionals attending from 23 different countries

The 29th Edinburgh International Children’s Festival (26 May – 3 June 2018), which is produced by Imaginate and funded by Creative Scotland, opens this Saturday 26 May with a family weekend at the National Museum of Scotland featuring free drop-in events throughout the building including live music, pop-up performances, storytelling, hands-on arts activities and more. In the Year of Young People, six Young Associates aged 17-24 yrs helped programme the Opening Weekend.

The festival is running from 26 May to 3 June and will welcome over 10,000 people over 9 days, with a programme of innovative theatre, dance, multi-media and puppetry performances from all over the world. From intimate, immersive theatre specifically designed for babies, through to high-energy and thought-provoking shows for teenagers, the Festival presents the gold standard of theatre for young audiences. The 2018 programme features 14 shows from 12 countries.

“In a year where Scottish children’s theatre has been under threat while being praised globally, the Festival is a great opportunity to celebrate our home grown talent. It is also a unique opportunity to welcome the best of what the world has to offer onto our Edinburgh stages for local audiences to enjoy. I have relished putting this programme together over the last 18 months and hope many children and their families will experience together the wealth of stories and visual treats on offer,” said Edinburgh International Children’s Festival’s director Noel Jordan.

The school programme is a sell out with over 5,500 school pupils expected over the week, including some from as far as Inverness, thanks to the Festivals’ subsidised transport policy.

The festival is also attracting industry professionals and artists – this year 300 delegates are coming from 23 different countries to see, discuss and book work and take part in professional development activities.

“I came to the festival because it has a reputation as the best festival in the world. It’s very unique that someone will curate 14 of the best shows from all around the world and put them in one place. We’re very lucky at the Opera House, we can have an international programme and festivals like these where it’s almost a one stop shop are absolutely perfect.” Jamie Dawson, Sydney Opera House, Delegate 2017

Some highlights from this year’s programme include:

Loo (for 2-5 yrs) by Ponten Pie (Spain)
Loo is a hot wind from Asia that moves the desert sand dunes, dries up wetlands and leaves ships buried in sandy oceans. Set around the bow of a wooden sunken ship, the show explores the changes this wind can cause with music, a set full of sand and stunning visual effects.

Ogo (for 2.5-6 yrs) by Théâtre des Petites Âmes (Canada)
Three strangers have received an invitation to travel with Ogo. But Ogo never comes. This magical show about strangers becoming friends thanks to a mysterious puppet is a wonderful tribute to creativity and imagination, accompanied by live music.

Expedition Peter Pan (for 7-12 yrs) by Het Laagland (The Netherlands)
A group of office workers find themselves transported to a strange world where marbles appear in briefcases and paper planes emerge from filing cabinets. Can they regain their power of imagination and rediscover the joys of play? A laugh-out-loud family romp full of joy, music, dancing and special effects.
Eddie & the Slumber Sisters (for 8-13 yrs) by Catherine Wheels Theatre Company (Scotland)

The Slumber Sisters, an all-singing trio whose job is to monitor dreams, decide to intervene when Eddie’s nightmares become increasingly wild and chaotic, following the death of her grandmother. This interactive show explores grieving with warm-heart, songs and humour.

Mbuzeni (12+ yrs and adults) by Koleka Putuma (South Africa)
Mbuzeni tells the story of four orphan girls and their fixation with burials. From one of South Africa’s most acclaimed young black female voices, this visually evocative journey explores tradition, burial rituals, African folklore, sisterhood and mortality.

There are still public tickets for sale for most shows, especially over the final weekend (1-3 June). For full programme and booking information, go to www.imaginate.org.uk/festival or call box office on 0131 228 1404.

Sponsored Links

Latest Edinburgh News

Historic sites across Scotland get ready to reopen their doors

Historic sites across Scotland get ready to reopen their doors

Historic Environment Scotland (HES) has announced that over twenty sites across the country are set to reopen their doors to visitors this weekend.

READ MORE
Diabetes Scotland will host a virtual event for young people 11 to 25 living with type 1 diabetes

Diabetes Scotland will host a virtual event for young people 11 to 25 living with type 1 diabetes

Join Diabetes Scotland for a virtual event about an exciting new programme supporting children and young people 11 - 25 living with type 1 diabetes - Together Type 1.

READ MORE
Dog Friendly Brunch Spot Set to Open its Doors in Edinburgh

Dog Friendly Brunch Spot Set to Open its Doors in Edinburgh

Sip & Bark, a vibrant dog-friendly brunch spot, is delighted to announce its grand opening next month in Raeburn Place, Stockbridge.

READ MORE
Easter Family Activities at the Palace of Holyroodhouse

Easter Family Activities at the Palace of Holyroodhouse

Come along to the Palace of Holyroodhouse this Easter for a range of family activities! £1 Gallery tickets will also be available to those receiving Universal Credit and other named benefits

READ MORE
Join The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo in the joy of adventure through Journeys

Join The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo in the joy of adventure through Journeys

This August, The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo will welcome guests from around the world to experience its new Show, Journeys.

READ MORE
Easter at St James Quarter Edinburgh

Easter at St James Quarter Edinburgh

Looking for an egg-stravagnza this Easter weekend? St James Quarter is giving guests the chance to win a host of foodie prizes, plus enjoy a basketful of family fun in the Quarter.

READ MORE
Spring at Virgin Hotels Edinburgh

Spring at Virgin Hotels Edinburgh

From Easter Brunch to Kids Easter Egg Hunt, there’s something for the whole family to enjoy this Spring at Virgin Hotels Edinburgh!

READ MORE
Edinburgh Playhouse celebrates Creative Learning initiatives this World Theatre Day

Edinburgh Playhouse celebrates Creative Learning initiatives this World Theatre Day

To marks World Theatre Day, Edinburgh Playhouse is highlighting the wonderful Creative Learning projects and initiatives that they have launched since Katie Mitchell was appointed in September 2023.

READ MORE
Iconic Noughties stars make cheeky comeback to launch limited edition IRN BRU flavours

Iconic Noughties stars make cheeky comeback to launch limited edition IRN BRU flavours

Noughties stars The Cheeky Girls, Gareth Gates and S Club 7's Bradley McIntosh have taken a sip back in time to mark the release of IRN-BRU's new 2000s-inspired flavours!

READ MORE
Edinburgh favourite Kilted Donut bring their US inspired treats to Bonnie & Wild for Easter extravaganza

Edinburgh favourite Kilted Donut bring their US inspired treats to Bonnie & Wild for Easter extravaganza

Visitors to Edinburgh’s Bonnie & Wild are in for a sweet treat during the Easter holidays as the popular Food Hall hosts an exclusive pop-up with renowned local bakery Kilted Donut.

READ MORE
Enjoy an Eggcellent Easter Break with Macdonald Hotels

Enjoy an Eggcellent Easter Break with Macdonald Hotels

Macdonald Hotels, one of the UK’s most popular independent hotel groups, invites you to join them for an Easter break to remember.

READ MORE
Free activities this Easter at Dobbies

Free activities this Easter at Dobbies

Dobbies is welcoming families along to 68 of its stores this Easter to enjoy an array of free activities, including its Little Seedlings Club workshop and Easter Holiday sessions.

READ MORE
Matt Cardle to Play Shakespeare in & Juliet at the Edinburgh Playhouse

Matt Cardle to Play Shakespeare in & Juliet at the Edinburgh Playhouse

Multi-platinum selling recording artist and award-winning West End actor, Matt Cardle, will play the role of Shakespeare in the upcoming UK and Ireland tour of & Juliet.

READ MORE
Deadline looms for 30th Scottish Thistle Awards public nominations

Deadline looms for 30th Scottish Thistle Awards public nominations

The search is on to find the best of the best in Scottish tourism as the Scottish Thistles Awards returns.

READ MORE
Fayre Play Celebrates First Birthday by giving away Incredible Prizes Across Edinburgh

Fayre Play Celebrates First Birthday by giving away Incredible Prizes Across Edinburgh

Fayre Play Edinburgh is gearing up to celebrate its first birthday in style by giving away £1000 worth of prizes through an exciting city-wide Duck Hunt this Easter!

READ MORE
Judy Murray to get tails wagging at Corgi Derby

Judy Murray to get tails wagging at Corgi Derby

Judy Murray OBE will start the third annual Corgi Derby – the popular “four-legged sprint with a difference” that kicks off The Virgin Bet Easter Saturday Raceday at Musselburgh Racecourse.

READ MORE
Easter Bank Holiday Celebrations at Gusto Italian

Easter Bank Holiday Celebrations at Gusto Italian

Gusto Italian invites guests to celebrate their bank holiday with a bottomless brunch and an Easter egg hunt.

READ MORE
Edinburgh Tastes The Tingle As Unique Shot Launches

Edinburgh Tastes The Tingle As Unique Shot Launches

WATTSHOT, the premium shot company, has landed in Edinburgh with the first ever gin designed to be drunk as a shot!

READ MORE
Eat Breakfast with the Easter Bunny at Hard Rock Cafe Edinburgh

Eat Breakfast with the Easter Bunny at Hard Rock Cafe Edinburgh

On Saturday 30th March, start your Easter Weekend right by fuelling up on Hard Rock Cafe Edinburgh's all-time breakfast favourites, featuring a complementary visit from the Easter Bunny.

READ MORE
Georgian fashions and majestic paintings go on display as The Kings Gallery reopens

Georgian fashions and majestic paintings go on display as The Kings Gallery reopens

A sword made for George IV’s historic visit to Edinburgh and other rare surviving items of Georgian clothing are among almost 100 works from the Royal Collection that go on show from today.

READ MORE
Springfest is back this April... with all things foodie as well as a host of entertainment and things to do!

Springfest is back this April... with all things foodie as well as a host of entertainment and things to do!

This year's FREE Springfest is playing host to two great Scottish chefs – Niall Murray and Rohan Wadke, who will inspire visitors with their FREE cooking demonstrations.

READ MORE
Fun family favourites leap into action on the big screen this Easter break at Vue

Fun family favourites leap into action on the big screen this Easter break at Vue

A host of brand-new family favourites are landing at Vue this Easter, meaning there are plenty of opportunities to spend quality family time at the big screen during the holidays.

READ MORE
Six by Nico announce New York themed menu

Six by Nico announce New York themed menu

Six by Nico's upcoming menu promises to take guests on a quintessential New York gastronomic excursion.

READ MORE
A taste of what is to come at Paisley Food and Drink Festival

A taste of what is to come at Paisley Food and Drink Festival

Spring is in the air and with it comes the return of one of Scotland's largest outdoor food and drink festivals to Paisley!

READ MORE
Fhior joins forces with Pomelo for a special Scottish Asian influenced pop up

Fhior joins forces with Pomelo for a special Scottish Asian influenced pop up

Two neighbourhood restaurants - Fhior on Broughton Street and Pomelo from Sciennes Road - are teaming up on Sunday 21st April to bring a fusion of their cuisines to Edinburgh city centre.

READ MORE
Award winning performance Pain and I returns to tour Scotland

Award winning performance Pain and I returns to tour Scotland

Award-winning performance Pain and I by Sarah Hopfinger, about living with chronic pain, and moving with care, returns to tour Scotland.

READ MORE
Spring screening for theatre lovers at Vue Edinburgh Omni & Vue Edinburgh Ocean

Spring screening for theatre lovers at Vue Edinburgh Omni & Vue Edinburgh Ocean

Theatre lovers have a lot to celebrate this World Theatre Day (27 March), with Vue screening some of the UK’s best stage productions throughout spring.

READ MORE
Edinburgh International Childrens Festival 2024 programme revealed

Edinburgh International Childrens Festival 2024 programme revealed

The Edinburgh International Children’s Festival launched its programme today, with an exciting line up of performances.

READ MORE
Award winning tour operator expands to Scotland

Award winning tour operator expands to Scotland

Taste & Tour have announced their expansion into Scotland, initially offering public tours in Edinburgh and corporate experiences across the central belt.

READ MORE
Scottish Building Society Foundation empowers Edinburgh Tool Library to drive social mobility in 2024

Scottish Building Society Foundation empowers Edinburgh Tool Library to drive social mobility in 2024

Edinburgh Tool Library received £4,985 from the Scottish Building Society Foundation, allowing it to continue the Cycle Kitchen despite funding being cut last year.

READ MORE

Sponsored Links

Sponsored Links

Popular Events

Hamilton
The multi award-winning cultural phenomenon 'Hamilton' is touring the UK for the very first time and is coming to the Festival Theatre for a 9 week season from 28th February 2024!
Taylor’s Of Edinburgh Present: Dalkeith Mega Value Carnival
Taylor's Of Edinburgh return to Kings Park, Dalkeith with their Mega Value Fun Fair from Friday 22nd March to Monday 1st April!
Lush Edinburgh Easter Party
Come visit Lush Edinburgh this Easter for a fun filled Easter Party. Activities include Bath Bomb Making, Easter Egg Hunt, Party Games & More!
Meet Zoé Brocaille - Author of ‘Journal d’une fausse Parisienne in London’
Zoé Brocaille offers readers a sharper focus and helps them identify what is important, what to fight for and when to let go. Come along and meet her at the Institut français d’Écosse on 18th Apr
A Play, A Pie and A Pint
A popular feature of the Traverse programme, A Play, A Pie and A Pint, Òran Mór returns for 2024.

Popular Listings

Corn Exchange Haddington Edinburgh Playhouse Festival Theatre Edinburgh Howden Park Centre Livingston Kings Theatre Edinburgh National Museum of Scotland O2 Academy Edinburgh The Brunton Theatre, Musselburgh Traverse Theatre Usher Hall