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The full programme for the Festival of Play, presented by Scala, is now available https://www.scalaworcester.co.uk/scala-festival-of-play/  

This one-date, free, festival will include circus, aerial arts, gaming, dance, street games, drumming and visual arts. 

Taking place from 10am – 5pm in and around The Arches and The Hive, this free festival is for children and their grownups. 

The full programme for the Scala Festival of Play has been announced, at https://www.scalaworcester.co.uk/scala-festival-of-play/ Worcester’s newest family festival takes place on 23 May from 10am – 5pm in and around The Arches and The Hive. 

The day-long festival will offer circus, aerial arts, gaming, dance, street games, drumming and visual arts and is presented by Scala, Worcester’s newest arts venue, currently under development in Angel Place. 

Hannah Phillips, Chief Executive and Artistic Director said: “We can’t wait for families to join us in May for the Scala Festival of Play. There is something for everyone to get involved in from playing games to messy play, from hands on workshops to quiet inclusive spaces and artworks. With music to listen to whilst you picnic, storytelling, gaming and pop-up dance performances we are looking forward to introducing families to the kind of creative fun you can expect from Scala once it opens”.  

Expect activity across Festival of Play Zones including the Doing Zone, Making Zone, Play Zone, Gaming Zone and the Storytelling and Sensory Zone. 

Find the Doing Zone at Arch 27 and in the University Grounds and expect to get active and get involved. Autin Dance Theatre will entertain with their Street Games, fun and accessible party games from around the world with live music and dance that everyone can join in with. These participation events include BSL Performance and Interpretation.  

RoguePlay will wow with their impressive aerial and circus skills, and youngsters can have a go at aerial hoops as well as enjoying performances by the professionals. Worcester’s own Drumlove will lead drumming workshops, pop in and have a go. 

Eric Scutaro, a Venezuelan choreographer, dance performer and activist invites Festival goers to try out Vogueing and Waacking. In the Doing Zone look out for a Flashmob from Dancefest a playful, high-energy performance for the whole family. Inspired by the spirit of games and play from the 60s to the 90s, dancers bring bold moves, music and joy into unexpected spaces – right beside you, around you, and far away – experience a celebration of movement that invites everyone to play. 

Arch 26 and Arch 28 are the venues for hands-on activities and the Making Zone. Visual Artist, Curator and Creative Catt Standen will be making colourful installations and interactive points including pavement chalk drawings and wish ties within the festival, as well as hosting creative drop-in sessions for all abilities. 

Also in the Making Zone, Clay Play offer an opportunity to unleash your inner artist making clay creations with the support and guidance of Kay Mullett of Care Ceramics CIC. A hands-on workshop everyone can get involved in, with the chance to take home creations. 

Festival goers looking for some outdoor fun head to the Play Zone outside The Hive. Play Worcester, a charity with a big playful mission to champion children’s right to play, invite visitors to create with their big, blue, blocks. Create pirate ships, dens, giant marble runs, follow your imagination wherever it takes you. 

Join Open Theatre for playful, inclusive sessions using movement, rhythm and interaction to explore new ways of expressing and connecting. Designed for a wide range of learning styles and needs, these welcoming sessions will invite young people and their families to collaborate, build confidence and discover what they’re capable of. And if bubbles are your thing, expect Giant Bubbles with Storm in a Teacup. 

Plus, Talulah Blue will be delivering workshops with hula hoops and stilts and look out for Vamos’s Crimplene Crusaders who will be out and about to keep standards high. 

The Gaming Zone outside The Arches offers plenty of Digital Fun. Visitors can level up their festival experience with The Gaming Pad, the ultimate gaming entertainment hub. Bringing cutting-edge gaming directly to the event, this custom gaming van promises to be a thrilling digital playground. 

The Storytelling and Sensory Zone can be found inside The Hive, along with a marketplace and a quiet space.  Design a brick to add to the Artists’ Clubhouse Wall of Happiness, join Sampad for Lori, a playful, interactive performance for younger children and families and for those needing a time out, artist Kim Piffy invites you into the Wishing Tree. This UV sensory installation offers a calm, immersive space to relax and unwind beneath the ultraviolet light. Pause, breathe, and create a leaf carrying your very own wish, a small moment of magic and reflection within the Festival of Play. 

Festival goers are encouraged to bring a picnic and enjoy music on the grass behind the Arches. 

Accessibility is at the heart of the Festival. Across the site visitors will be able to access changing places and accessible toilets, seating as required, both quiet and sensory spaces, and can request a well-being kit including ear defenders and fidgets. All staff and volunteers will be able to advise visitors on these facilities on the day. 

Scala Festival of Play is FREE to attend. For more information visit: https://www.scalaworcester.co.uk/ or follow on Instagram and Facebook @scalaworcester. 

Scala is Worcester’s new arts centre, currently under development in Angel Place. Scala’s vision is to be a centre for creativity in Worcester City Centre, where everyone feels welcome. 

Scala is proud to be part of Local Voices, Creative Choices: an ambitious two-year programme that will develop the cultural life of Worcester, with arts projects, festivals and new creative opportunities. Eight city partners are coming together to help build The Arches, Angel Place and Scala as a thriving creative quarter; lead an extensive skills and development programme for students and emerging artists; and present six festival events in collaboration with the local community. 

On Friday 22 May, Scala will present a Festival of Play day for schools, focused on working with children and young people with learning disabilities.