Essex Children’s University has put together a fabulous cultural trail for families, designed to inspire and provide new experiences for all aged 5 and above over the summer holidays. We are delighted to announce that Essex Book Festival is taking part, kindly hosted by our friends at Colchester Arts Centre. Pick up a Cultural Trail leaflet at schools or participating venues, or visit essexchildrensuniversity.co.uk for more info.

Here’s an overview of the venues taking part and events in the Summer Programme.

Sat 29 July 6.30-8.30pm
Summer Workshop with Adey Grummet
The Pimlott Foundation, Old Barn House, Great Horksley

The Pimlott Foundation offers talented young people the opportunity to perform alongside professional musicians producing concerts ranging from classical to musical theatre. pimlottfoundation.co.uk

Suitable for all ages. Free

Tues 1 August 10am-4pm
Crime and Punishment
Colchester Castle

Find out how the castle was used as a prison and explore the darker side of Colchester’s past. Other family events throughout the summer include Roman Army Camp, Shining a Light on Roman Colchester, and Wartime at the Castle. cimuseums.org.uk

Suitable for all ages. Free, drop-in –castle admission fees apply

Thurs 3 August 10.30am / 11.30am / 12.30pm / 2pm / 3pm
Mini Museums
Hollytrees

Become a curator for the day and create your own miniature museum in a display case. Booking required – call 01206 282941 for tickets. Other family events throughout the summer include Twinkly Mobiles, Tick Tock Clocks, It’s a Wrap. cimuseums.org.uk

For ages 5+. £3 per session

Tues 8 August 2-4pm
Animation Taster Workshop
Signals Media Arts Centre

A practical workshop using a range of animation techniques to make a short animated film. Call 01206 560255 or visit signals.org.uk. Signals Media Arts Centre runs workshops and courses in a range of activities – visit their website for more details.

For ages 7 +. Free, booking required

Weds 16 August 12pm / 1.15pm / 2.30pm
Go Live! Animal Encounters
Natural History Museum

Meet some extraordinary animals and discover more about the animal kingdom. Which mammals, birds and reptiles will you see?  Book by calling 01206 282941. Other events during the summer include Fantastic Fossils, Go Live! Feathers and Fangs, Natural Colchester. cimuseums.org.uk

Suitable for all ages. £3 per person (ages 2 and under free)

Weds 23 August 2-4pm
Puppet Making Workshop
University of Essex

Make your own puppet and learn how to be a puppeteer. Booking essential at universitypuppetworkshop.eventbrite.co.uk

Suitable for all ages. Free

Tues 29 August 11am & 1pm
Essex Book Festival presents…
Colchester Arts Centre

Two fun and interactive workshops with Lorraine Gregory, author of Mold and the Poison Potion. We kick off at 11am with Putrid Potion Workshop, a creative writing workshop with a twist! Explore the inspirational world of potions and poisons in children’s literature before creating your very own revolting recipe. Then at 1pm we have the Super Stinky Pongorific Gameshow. Discover more about this much overlooked sense with some entertaining and possibly very smelly games, facts and experiments! essexbookfestival.org.uk/events

Suitable for 8-12 year olds. £3 per child per workshop (adults free)

Sat 16 September 11am-1pm & 2pm-4pm
Roman River Festival: Family Festival Day
CLIP Sound Factory, Firstsite

This year’s Roman River Festival runs 9 September until 1 October, and is a music festival with something for everyone. On 16 September they will be holding a Family Festival Day, a fun and experimental drop-in music session for all the family. romanrivermusic.org.uk

Free

From September…
Colchester Art Centre

Families are welcome at Colchester Arts Centre: the little church with big attitude. Every other Saturday (and some Sundays) from September they will host shows and workshops, music gigs and comedy for children of all ages, their families and friends. Watch out for their Christmas Show this year – Goblins Peter and the Wolf. Book early, as it’s selling fast! colchesterartscentre.com

And Throughout the Summer Holidays

Roman Circus Centre

The Roman Circus Centre and Tea Rooms are open throughout the summer (Tues-Sat), with guided tours, roman board games, and quiz sheets. Find out more at romancircus.co.uk

Make It at the Mercury Theatre

A creative learning and talent programme for young people aged 3-25, offering exciting and inspiring drama and theatre activities, from backstage tours to summer schools. Find out more at mercurytheatre.co.uk/make-it

Essex Libraries

Animal Agent: Summer Reading Challenge in all Essex Libraries
Read books and catch the crooks this summer, and earn stickers, a certificate and even a medal when you complete the challenge. Find out more at libraries.essex.gov.uk

Firstsite

Develop creativity and engage with art with a range of courses, classes and drop-in activities. Find out more at firstsite.uk