Brighton Fringe Festival provides numerous opportunities and experiences for families. There is fun for all ages with comedy, theatre, discos, circus, mini festivals, storytelling, puppetry, live music and more.
We round up just some of the family-friendly highlights.
Perfect Picnics
One event sure to be enjoyed together is the Fringe City Family Picnic which boasts performances, crafts, games and more while you eat your own food. The event is free and held at the Royal Pavilion Gardens at 1pm on May 5 and 26.
Another picnic for younger members of the family is Jane Hissey’s Teddy Bear’s Picnic held at Brighton Toy and Model Museum. Jane Hissey is an award-winning author who wrote and illustrated Old Bear. She will be reading from her books, showing original artwork and getting children involved in bear-related crafts. After this a healthy picnic will be provided for all. This happens at 11am on May 6. Child £10 with accompanying adult free. Additional adults are £5 each.
Discos and Comedy
Taking your child to a special disco just for children is one of the highlights of the festival. Baby Loves Disco's Beach Beats is a day clubbing experience like no other with dancing, face-painting, games, summer tunes, free juice and snacks, and fun for 0-6 year olds. It is held at Tempest Inn on May 13, 20 at 12.30pm and 3.30pm. £9 or group of four tickets £32.
To occupy children aged six and older take them to the Comedy Club 4 Kids which showcases the best stand up and sketches for children and their families. Comedians have promised to take out the rude bits so there is no need to worry. Comedy is definitely focused towards children and may inspire budding comics in your household. The event is held at Komedia Main Space on May 12 at 2pm. £8.50 or £6.50 concessions.
Youth Culture
For older children and teenagers B.Fest provides an opportunity to explore youth culture with live music, gaming, visual arts, films, skate, debates and workshops. www.b-fest.org.uk gives details of the programme of events which runs from May 26 to June 2. All events are free and run at the Brighton Youth Centre.
Theatre and Circus
There is an abundance of amazing theatre this year at the festival. Oliver Jeffer’s iconic tale of a lost penguin, Lost and Found, will be adapted for the stage using puppets by Little Blue Monster Productions. The adaptation features new music and an utterly charming tale for children aged three and up to enjoy. It is held in The Warren: The Hat on June 2 at 10.30am and on the following day at 10.30am and 2.30pm on June 3.
If circus is your thing a perfect half-term treat is Spiegelcircus – encouraging audience participation, amazing skills and many laughs. The event takes place at the beautiful and original Spiegeltent in the Old Steine Gardens on May 29-31 and June 1-2 at 1pm. £5.
This is just a small selection of the wide array of events for families at the Brighton Fringe Festival. For more information pick up a Family Guide today!
Written by Tanya Taylor