Belfast Children's Festival

Friday 26 May 2006

Saturday 03 June 2006

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various

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Event

Step into the enchanted world of a luminarium, behold a pop-up book spring to life or be gob-smacked at an exhibition of fantastical beasts… Kids can do all this and more at the Belfast Children’s Festival, which runs at venues throughout Belfast from 26 May-3 June.

Now in its ninth year, the Belfast Children’s Festival, organised by Young at Art, is renowned for its unique blend of quirky events and innovative programming. This year’s festival, East & West, draws inspiration from near and far, with more than 100 exotic, exciting events to inspire and stimulate the imagination.

Prepare to see Custom House Square transformed by Amozozo, the latest luminarium by Architects of Air. An extraordinary expanse of air-filled architecture, Amozozo will transport visitors into an enchanting world of captivating colours and soothing sounds (26 May-2 June).

In their UK premiere, Korean company Tuida presents A Sweet Story in a Big Book, a stunning show that magically brings the pages of a beautiful pop-up book to life. Follow its young heroine, Amugae, as she explores the world on her quest for happiness and good fortune (1-3 June, Old Museum Arts Centre).

Let your imagination run wild with a visit to the fantastical Victorian Lady Beast Hunters exhibition at the Old Museum Arts Centre (26 May-3 June). Documenting their exploits and displaying the weird and wonderful items they’ve collected, the exhibition’s main attraction are the fabulous creatures they’ve caught and stuffed.

If you’re coming to Belfast for just one day, make sure it’s Festival in a Day at the Waterfront Hall on Sunday 28 May, where you’ll find a host of delightful workshops and performances all under one roof. Decorate your own kimono, samurai hat or Chinese lantern, or compose your own music in the Wheelworks ArtCart. Parents with little tots can boogie with their babyBangra-style at Baby Bollywood - following the success of last year’s Baby Rave, the Waterfront auditorium will once again be transformed into an ambient environment complete with DJ, music, lighting and projections, all with a Bollywood twist!

Have you ever seen a double bass player dance the can-can? Catch Graffiti Classics at the Waterfront Hall from 26-28 May for a zany introduction to musical styles combining brilliant playing with amazing dancing, singing and comedy.

Festival favourite Replay Productions promise to take you on an underwater adventure with their latest show, Bath Time. This wonderfully imaginative piece features a cast of wacky characters, delightful songs and gallons of fun to highlight environmental issues (27-29 May, Waterfront Hall).

Monkeyshine Theatre makes a welcome return to Belfast Children’s Festival with The Grandmother, a tribute to Grandmothers all over the world. This beautiful story is told through a stunning mix of puppetry, imagery and spoken word (26-27 May, Old Museum Arts Centre).

The Old Museum Arts Centre will also host two shows from Teater Patrasket, Snow White in Black and White and The Bear Who Asked Why (29-30 May). This is renowned Danish company Teater Patrasket’s first visit to Northern Ireland and not to be missed!

At the Waterfront Hall, Plutôt la Vie offers a taste of European theatre clowning with A Clean Sweep, while Banyan Theatre Company celebrates the 200^th anniversary of Hans Christian Andersen with a humorous adaptation of The Emperor’s New Clothes (both shows 29-30 May).

Belfast-based company Cahoots NI presents The Weatherwatchers (2-5 June, Drama & Film Centre, QUB) and Wing Ding Productions, a group of Performing Arts students from Belfast Institute of Further and Higher Education, perform Georgeous, at Tower Street Theatre, BIFHE on 26 May.

Expect spellbinding tales from Africa, the Caribbean and around the world from Master Storyteller TUUP at the Waterfront Hall from 27-29 May. This year the Reading Zone features acclaimed authors Frances Thomas (29 May, Indian Community Centre) and Matthew Sweeney (3 June, Ulster Museum). The free Drop-in Zone offers a comfy space with beanbags and over 500 books at three locations: Belfast City Hall on 27 May for the Lord Mayor’s Parade, the Waterfront Hall on 28 May and the Old Museum Arts Centre from 29 May-3 June.

There's something for children of all ages to enjoy, and with tickets starting at just £3 and discounted family tickets available, everyone can join in the fun.

For a free festival brochure, telephone 028 9023 0660.

Box office: 028 9031 2264 or book online at www.belfastchildrensfestival.com