Long-running Oxfordshire music festival expands and rebrands programme for 5-11 year olds.
More events and activities, including special performances
Children are set to be well and truly entertained at this year’s Towersey Festival (26-29 August 2016, Thame, Oxfordshire) as the long-running annual event introduces an exciting new programme of family-friendly activities.
Under the banner All About Children, the expanded programme promises a range of events, activities and workshops designed specifically to keep 5-11 year olds engaged and amused throughout the four-day summer fest’.
There’s outdoor skills and learning, from den building to an exploration of wildlife habitat, as part of Hill End Forest Village, while a special family concert led by Johnny And The Raindrops promises raucous sing-a-longs and lots of dancing.
For those with an interest in performing singer Marion Fleetwood, from acclaimed folk/ rock act TradArrr, will lead The Children’s Festival Choir through their paces before an appearance alongside the group on The Big Club stage, and the Towzer! Band show their musical chops at the Family Grand Ceilidh – which this year takes place in the larger Festival Dance House. Other music-making workshops include ukulele lessons and a session with The Conservatoire Folk Ensemble, who close the festival on Monday (29 Aug).
Look out too for photography workshops with the official Towersey Festival photographer and football skills with Thame Leisure Centre’s team, plus storytelling, Kindergym, Zumba, arts and crafts workshops, dance activities, creative writing, and an adventure trail.
Towersey Festival’s Lioux Heap said: “Previously, our children’s programme has been located in one particular area, but this year, we’re spreading out across the entire festival site with a wider range of activities that mix fun with life skills. And with special events, like the family concert and ceilidh, we’re placing children and families at the very centre of the festival.
“There’s lots more exciting new stuff, such as henna design, bhangra drumming and ‘Morris Minors’ dance workshops,” Lioux continues. “We’re also adding some ‘chill time’ for children to come and play board games, do a jigsaw puzzle, read a book, and for the conscientious pupils we’ll even be running a Homework Club, so they can get their assignments completed before returning to school after the festival!
“Our aim is for All About Children to be an amazing four days of entertainment, activity and learning, and a brilliant place to spend the last few days of the summer holiday – a real ‘Festival Holiday Club’ experience.”
Established in 1965, Towersey is one of the UK’s longest running independent music festivals. Among this year’s headliners are Billy Bragg, The Wonder Stuff, Kate Rusby and Midge Ure. They’re joined by the Ukulele Orchestra of Great Britain, Tom Robinson Band, Edward II, 9Bach, The Young’uns, Nizlopi and Nell Bryden.
Alongside the music, the festival also includes a packed programme of adult and youth workshops, and an expanded Creative Quarter, plus daily street theatre performances, real ale and cider bars, street food, craft and musical instrument stalls, films, spoken word events and dedicated dance tent. The festival also includes the annual lantern procession (Mon 29 Aug) featuring an array of colourful and ingenious creations made by young festival-goers during workshops running over the weekend.
Tickets to the festival are on sale now with Adult Day tickets from £30, Youth £21, Child £14 and under 5s free. Weekend Festival tickets are £115-£57 (Tier 2). Camping available from £10 (adult/youth) or free for children (5-11 years). For further information and to book tickets, see: www.towerseyfestival.com
LISTINGS
Friday 26 to Monday 29 August 2016
Towersey Festival
The Thame Showground, Kingsey Road, Thame, Oxfordshire OX9 3JL
Tickets:
Weekend Tickets (4 days)
Tier 1: [SOLD OUT]
Tier 2: Adult £115; Conc £110; Youth £81 (12-17yrs); Child £57 (5-11yrs); U5 free.
Tier 3: Adult £126; Conc £110; Youth £88; Child £57; U5 free.
Tier 4: Adult £136; Conc £115; Youth £99; Child £57; U5 free.
Camping £25 per Adult and Youth (Children free).
Day Tickets:
Fri / Sat / Sun – Adult £40, Youth £28, Child £18, U5 free; Mon – Adult £30, Youth £21, Child £14, U5 free.
Camping £10 per person, per night, (Children free).
No booking fees.
Car Parking: Free.
Bookings: 01629 827016
Web: www.towerseyfestival.com
Twitter: @towerseyfesti #Towersey2016
Facebook: Towerseyfestival
NB: Concession = students, Job Seekers and those 60+. Proof of status must be shown on ticket collection. Youth = 12-17 yrs inclusive. Child = 5 -11 yrs inclusive. Under 5 = FREE. Car Parking free (space permitting).
Towersey and Thame Residents: Special price Weekend Festival tickets are available to residents of Thame and Towersey. For details and bookings see: www.towerseyfestival.com/tickets – Residents Tickets. Or available in person from Bizzie Lizzie Flower Shop, Upper High Street, Thame.
DAY-BY-DAY HEADLINERS:
Friday 26 August 2016:
Billy Bragg
Kate Rusby
Lynched
Rusty Shackle
Steve Tilston & Jez Lowe
Topette
Saturday 27 August 2016:
The Wonder Stuff
Ukulele Orchestra of Great Britain
Edward II
Kris Drever & Ian Carr
Josienne Clarke & Ben Walker
Damien O’Kane
Family Concert with Johnny and The Raindrops
Sunday 28 August 2016:
Midge Ure
Tom Robinson Band
9Bach
Nell Bryden
Nizlopi
Andy Kershaw
Bob Fox
Monday 29 August 2016:
Conservatoire Folk Ensemble
The Young’Uns
Roy Bailey
Rory McLeod
TradArrr
Children’s Festival Choir
- For full-line up of all acts, see festival website: www.towerseyfestival.com
For all media enquiries relating to Towersey Festival 2016, including act interviews, images and content, and review tickets, contact us:
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