The Wise Words Festival in Canterbury runs for 10 days covering 2 weekends at the end April/beginning of May. The festival incorporates poetry, story telling, talks and music including family events. So having seen a family day advertised in conjunction with City Sound Project last year we thought we'd try a taster... there were lots of events listed on the website some free but many required pre-booking and payment in advance. So I booked the boys on to the Shake, Rattle and Roll drum workshop which was only £3 each and the tickets were emailed through.
We found the Secret Garden, which in itself is worth a little visit as usually hidden from view. It was decorated with ribbons, hanging frames, and I particularly liked the archway of books which added to the feel. There were various Tee-pee's, Bell Tent's and Yurt's set up for events. There was a little pallet stage with some dress up and a chalk board for the tots as well as a few craft sessions going on.
The Drum Workshop took place inside a bell tent and although I think there were a few more than expected all the kids got an African drum. They all had a great time learning different rhythms and rhymes, and performing at the end. I thoroughly recommended giving it a go this year.
Afterwards we purchased some refreshments (Gin cocktails were rather lush if your not driving), there were a variety of food and drink outlets and had a chill in the garden while the kids had a run about. Altogether we were probably there about 2 hours. This year if you choose the right day there are a few more free sessions and drop in craft sessions including puppet making and Mayday crowns so you can probably make more of a day of it than we did but recommend you book at least one event.
This year the festival runs from 28th April to 7th May. The free events include 'Mayday Dancing' on 1st May, 'Stories Woven from Wood' and the 'Lantern Parade' on Saturday 6th May which we unfortunately couldn't get to last year. Get busy making the lanterns for this at various workshops on both weekends. And the 'Sunday Kichen Session' with coffee and croissants on 7th May! So try something new; the kids will love it!
Our Top Picks for 2017:
For Pre-schoolers - 6, is 'The Three Muskteers ' starring Three Half Pints of CBeebies fame at only £5 a ticket! (1st May)
For all ages 'Storytelling on the River' take a journey on a punt with stories of myths and legends with Emily Henessey. (6th&7th May)
For 7-11 yr olds 'Tongue Fu for Kids' a combination of spoken word, poets, rappers and comedians. (30th April)
For 12+ 'Poet in Da Corner' a combination of poetry, grime and movement inspired by dizzi rascal. (30th April)
For all ages 'Storytelling on the River' take a journey on a punt with stories of myths and legends with Emily Henessey. (6th&7th May)
For 7-11 yr olds 'Tongue Fu for Kids' a combination of spoken word, poets, rappers and comedians. (30th April)
For 12+ 'Poet in Da Corner' a combination of poetry, grime and movement inspired by dizzi rascal. (30th April)
