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I’ve got some exciting news! Something that I’ve been desperate to share with you all these past weeks. The amazing team at Wilderness are offering a family ticket to their award winning art and outdoors festival to one of my lucky readers (you!).
The Wilderness festival is the quintessential weekend for the free-spirited festival lover and is held at Cornbury Park in Oxfordshire on the 10-12th August 2012 . You’re free? Oh great!
The festival brings together music, food, theatre, talks and debates, cinematic happenings, late night parties, wellbeing and the great outdoors. Have you seen how utterly gorgeous and magical it looks?
I know, I know! It is inspired. Here is the official musical line up:
RODRIGO Y GABRIELA performing with C.U.B.A, WILCO, SPIRITUALIZED, SHARON JONES AND THE DAP-KINGS, THE TEMPER TRAP, CRYSTAL FIGHTERS, STORNOWAY, BENJAMIN FRANCIS LEFTWICH, LIANNE LA HAVAS, CLOUD CONTROL, GIANT GIANT SAND, GRANT LEE BUFFALO, JENNY O, FIELD MUSIC, FATOUMATA DIAWARA, MILAGRES, TO KILL A KING, JAKE BUGG, LONDON FOLK GUILD. Eeeeeek!
You can find out everything Wilderness has to offer over at their gorgeous site www.wildernessfestival.com (how stunning illustrations are those illustrations btw?)
This competition is to win a family ticket (2 adults, 2 children and camping worth £260!) and they’ve got some absolutely amazing things on for families. In fact it’s been hailed as the ultimate children’s festival experience, so let’s find out what’s happening for the little loves of our lives shall we?
The team at Wilderness explain “We want to ensure that everyone attending Wilderness, no matter what age, can enjoy the unique offerings we have across the weekend. Our curators have raised the bar this year to create the phenomenal ‘Little Wild Ones’ area that will have all kinds of activities for kids. Wilderness will have opportunities for everyone to take part in something that they wouldn’t normally have the chance to experience, and for us that’s key.” Sounds good!
Embracing the Wilderness spirit, the ‘Little Wild Ones’ area will be a hive of inspired children’s activity. The Flying Seagull Project returns with a range of entertainment based in a beautiful gypsy-esque, open-sided pavilion tent, complete with vintage horsebox and Willy Wonka style stage. Kids can also discover the magic of nature with a rainbow trail led by the Fairyland Trust. Families will embark on a fascinating journey as they enter a wonderful land of fairy folklore and natural history.
Let their imaginations run wild with a host of spectacular activities and workshops including jewellery making with Amy Surman, a Socktopus puppet workshop, which promotes creative recycling and will hold a dancing parade on the final day, and Witchwood School of Rock – the biggest little rock school in the world. The ‘Little Wild Ones’ also welcomes Hartbeeps – a unique blend of original music workshops and mini productions in this interactive experience.
The fabulous Bushcraft Company will be delivering their outdoor adventures influenced by nature, where children will be able to learn bushcraft skills from lighting fires to woodland playing games, shelter building and carving techniques. They’ll also be offering a twist on babysitting with an exclusive kids-only overnight camp where parents can drop their children off at 5pm for them to enjoy a night of walks, games, campfires and cooking with experienced Bushcraft staff. They’ll be back to meet their parents by 11am the next morning – a treat for both children and mums and dads.
Are you sitting comfortably? The Roald Dahl Museum and Story Centre will take adults and children on a trip to the author’s mythical world with poems from ‘Revolting Rhymes’ and ‘Dirty Beasts’, and continuing with the literary theme, enjoy live storytelling music, arts and crafts and yoga from Barefoot Books.
The ‘Pop-up Garden’ will ensure all the family get green-fingered with hands-on knowledge of gardening, the Kite Studio will offer creative clay and print making workshops and Meet the Species returns to Wilderness to engage children with the environment around them, as they identify species in and around the site.
Wilderness is also pleased to welcome Tea Potty Shed with the T Potty ladies and their old-fashioned sweet shop. Children can learn how to weigh out sweets and count out pennies in return for some tasty treats. Also across the festival weekend families can spend some time together and take part in drumming, storytelling, face painting, fairy crown making, cinema, pottery and hula-hooping.
As you would expect at a festival, the fun doesn’t stop when the sun goes down! Let the stars guide you on an enchanting woodland fairy trail, filled with beautiful secret fairy houses and the mesmerising Fairy Queen, who will tell old tales of ancient folk law about the nature that surrounds.
And if this isn’t enough for you there will be family friendly entertainment from the Suitcase Cabaret who will host an army of brilliance from comedy to music and activities including, horse riding, fly-fishing, Zumba! classes and Guerilla Geography available across the festival site. Wilderness also welcomes back The Bearded Kittens to host the famous ‘Not Your Average’ cricket match on the lawn, complete with lashings of Pimms and piles of cucumber sandwiches (ooooh Pimms!), and Future Cinema make their Wilderness debut with a Bugsy Malone takeover complete with a massive splurge fight.
Ok so let’s recap, we have fairy queens, splurge fights, horse riding, old fashioned sweets, art activities, bushcraft skills, Roal Dahl stories, rock workshops. I totally agree this does sounds like the Ultimate festival for children and who am I kidding… for me too!
Imaginative, enchanting, creative, fun and wild. We want to go! What are you waiting for? All you need to do to enter is follow the instructions on the Rafflecopter below! Good luck!
As the eternal optimist I am still waiting for summer to come… it is coming, isn’t it? I’m holding out for the fact we’ve still got July and August to get our fill of fun in the sun… bbq’s with friends, strawberry picking and summer festivals!!
This year we are heading off to Shambala festival (23 – 27th August bank holiday) as a family and we cannot wait. We are really keen now that Littlelish is nearly 3 to take her to family friendly festival, to soak up some music, culture and community vibes and after a little research it seems Shambala is the perfect festival for us.
Originally created as “a place to party, free your mind, lose your heart, learn, discuss and be inspired and see what is achievable as a community” it has the hippy in me screaming “Yes!”. Set in a secret rural location in Northamptonshire the festival is independent with a focus on sustainability, community and creativity!
“Pioneering, intimate and truly innovative Shambala Festival has perfectly blended creativity and participation for well over a decade. Shambala is a special place where you play, revitalise, make lots of new friends and return to the world fuelled-up on the beauty of being alive. As well as being known as a “legendary party”, it is also a haven for cutting edge theatrics and performance, a think-tank of ideas, and an award winning green event.”
Well I was sold at that, what about you? No, well there is more, much more…
In fact there is so much going on I can barely contain my excitement. I am going to get my whole years culture fix! With over 200 bands performing (all genres of music from Reggae to Folk), comedy, theatre, circus, film, open air art, dance and craft workshops I don’t think we are going to struggle for something to do! We are going to be well and truly spoiled for choice.
And all of this set in the most beautiful natural surroundings with compost toilets, free showers and a special family friendly campsite!
As this will be our first ever festival with Littlelish we are happy that the people at Shambala really seem to have thought about families. According to their website (which is fantastic and full of information btw) they have there very own kids field full of excitement for little monkeys. Art activities, action packed fun – circus skills, trampolines etc and entertainment in the form of music, circus shows and comedy for kids.
As well as this they even have an early years workshop tent tailored to the 3-5yr olds, a special kids cafe and sandpits and climbing areas throughout the festival ground. Plus when you’ve had a busy day exhausting every possibility Shambala has to offer you can settle down for a bedtime story in the Family Camping Yurt – I love it! It really sounds like they have thought of everything and we cannot wait to put it to the test.
So if you hadn’t heard of Shambala what are you waiting for? There are still some tickets left and they have extended the deal to pay 50% now and 50% on August the 1st until June 14th (not long now folks!). Tickets cost £119 for adults for the weekend, teens (15,16,17 ) £79, Children (5-14) £29 and children under 4 – FREE!
We cannot wait to report back to you on just how much fun it was but why not come and see for yourselves? Let us know if you are planning on visiting Shambala :)
Monkey Music – the UK’s premium music group for pre-school children – has recorded a special charity song to celebrate an amazing summer of sport. Performed by young children, aged 7, 8 and 9, and written especially for Monkey Music, the Anthem, ‘The Day is Here!’, tells the exciting story of a running race.
‘The Day is Here’ will not only provide a fun sporting interlude during Monkey Music classes across the UK but also, by selling it online to the families and friends of Monkey Music’s 10,000 children, Monkey Music also aims to raise much needed funds for music therapy charity, Nordoff Robbins.
Nordoff Robbins is a national specialist music charity, delivering 50,000 music therapy sessions a year to a broad range of people in schools, hospitals and care homes across the UK. Their qualified music therapists specifically help people with a range of challenges including autism, dementia, mental health problems, stroke, brain injury, learning difficulties, depression and in some cases clients have threatening or terminal illness, such as cancer.
Angie Coates, Founder of Monkey Music, said;
“Both Monkey Music and Nordoff Robbins offer children fresh opportunities and life changing experiences through music. We believe that by working together we can raise awareness of the benefits of music for everyone. It’s lovely to use 2012 and the summer of sport to engage the very youngest of children in the excitement of sport and the joy of music.”
Jo Carter, Director of Fundraising & Communications Nordoff Robbins said:
“We are delighted to be working with Monkey Music, to be sharing our mutual believe in the power of music and to help raise funds to continue transforming the lives of vulnerable children and adults across the UK. As a charity we rely entirely on voluntary donations, so the Monkey Music song released this summer is a great way to raise funds and awareness.”
What’s next?
Monkey Music classes will learn ‘The Day is Here’ during their Monkey Music classes over the coming weeks. Then, from the end of May the ‘The Day is Here’ will be officially released and available to buy online with all profits going to charity.
The single is launched on the 18th May! More information can be found on the Monkey Music Website http://www.
Any mummy of a preschooler (who owns a television set) will know who Justin Fletcher is. He is the king of Cbeebies and even has an OBE! Currently on Cbeebies, Justin stars in and produces Gigglebiz, Something Special and Justins House – he is one busy fellow!
Over the years we’ve grown to love him and all his amusing characters. He has an incredible way of engaging with children through comedy and song. Around a year ago, Littlelish spent many, many months being obsessed with Mr. Tumble and we purchased Justin Fletcher Sings Something Special. We LOVED this album with all its quirky, catchy songs and it got a lot of play in our house!
Needless to say we were eagerly anticipating the launch of “Hands Up” on the 5th of March and thanks to Louise at Rock and Roll Baby world we were sent the new CD to review for you all.
Littlelish and I were both quite surprised when we first put the new album on. It was not quite as expected. We were introduced to “Hands up” by its title track and wow it was a disco tune, Ibiza style! Littlelish looked at me perplexed “erm, mummy shall we see what the next song is?” I agreed wondering if it was too much for her…. It turns out she actually she just wanted to do what mummy normally does when she gets a new cd, listening to 30 seconds of each song and excitedly declaring “oooh lets see what the next song is”.
There were plenty of familiar songs like the wheels on the bus, incy wincy spider, etc. Much to my delight there were also some new ones penned by Justin and some good golden oldies that I had forgotten about like Who is afraid of the big bad wolf, Nellie the elephant and Teddy bears picnic. Anyone who knows us personally will know that littlelish loves singing and at the grand old age of 2.5 can sing every childrens song I know from start to finish including Doe a deer, so all new songs are very welcome!
After doing a quick reconnaissance listen we went back to listen to the CD in more depth. By this time we were used to the disco beats and actually saw how cleverly they jazzed up these old favourites along with Justin and his many voices. We decided this would be an excellent party CD as it really makes you want to get up and dance. Yes even Daddylish and I were up dancing to many of the tracks including the Hokey Cokey. The music style is maintained throughout with excellent continuity which is also why I think it would really work well at a party. Having said this the variety of songs is perfect, there are songs to dance to, to do actions to, to sing along to… Something special for everyone!
I’m sure it is not the CD that you could quietly listen to in the background and I don’t know how long we will be able to endure the disco beats in the car. But this CD is meant to get you up dancing, having fun and giggling! And it certainly does just that :)
Hands Up by Justin Fletcher is available from Amazon
- Hands Up
- The Hokey Cokey
- Music Man
- The Sun Has Got His Hat On
- The Grand Old Duke Of York
- The Teddy Bear’s Picnic
- Heads Shoulders Knees and Toes
- Who’s Afraid Of The Big Bad Wolf
- The Laughing Policeman
- Old MacDonald
- Nellie The Elephant
- Oh I Do Like To Be Beside The Seaside
- Incy Wincy Spider
- The Wheels On The Bus
- If You’re Happy And You Know It
- Here We Go Round The Mulberry Bush
- Ten In A Bed
- Frére Jacques
- The Sailors Lament
- Justin’s Lullaby
“Music and rhythm find their way into the secret places of the soul” – Plato
Last night my littlest sister (17) performed with The Young Americans. The Young Americans are a group of 20-somethings who travel the USA, Europe and Japan providing music workshops and performance opportunities to children and teenagers. Over the last 3 days they took around 150 children from local schools age 7 to 18 and taught them songs and dance routines so they could perform a show for their family and friends at the end.
And wow what a show! The first half was performed by The Y.A with a real passion and infectious enthusiasm. Each performer was incredibly talented in both song and dance and really let their own individual character shine through. You name it they did it, hip hop, tap, swing, The Beatles, African. The show was modern, catchy and fun.
In the second half it was time for the English children to participate and I was really overwhelmed to see so many confident children and teenagers loving being in the limelight. You could tell they were so proud to be joining the Y.A up on stage and that their enthusiasm was really catching. The Y.A group mix with the children while performing, bounding about with amazing energy, motivating and supporting the kids in all their singing and dancing roles. I could see for myself just how much these children looked up to them and I understand why. They are truly inspiring role models with not only a passion for song and dance but for life. I admire them – what a fantastic thing to be able to do, touching the lives of children all around the world, showing them what it is like to have a passion in life.
Music has always been a big part of my life and I am constantly amazed how it can move me like nothing else. It can speak right to my heart, lift me up, make me sad, nostalgic, inspired…. I was reminded of this tonight as I watched the children join together, having so much fun, bringing so much joy into the room. However corny ;) I even had moist eyes at their rendition of “we are the world, we are the children…”
If you would like more information about The Young Americans and how they could potentially visit your child’s school or local area please visit http://www.youngamericans.org/index.php/hosting-the-young-americans
We were asked to review the music CD “The Land of Sometimes“. A mysterious magical musical journey created by Francesca Longrigg.
The CD arrived at the beginning of the week and littlelish was already super excited by the cover and booklet! Oh the joys of having a new CD – I remember that feeling more »
We were asked to review the music CD “The Land of Sometimes“. A mysterious magical musical journey created by Francesca Longrigg.
The CD arrived at the beginning of the week and littlelish was already super excited by the cover and booklet! Oh the joys of having a new CD – I remember that feeling (that’s why I love CD’s). The mini book was beautifully illustrated with fun and imaginative pages corresponding to each of the songs. This helped littlelish to imagine the story as it is being told and she held the book firmly in her hands when her favourite songs were playing.
The story is about 2 children who make a wish to visit the silver line that holds up the sea and outlines the sky…. and as we all know wishes come true! :) The twins are transported to The Land of Sometimes. A magical world where four season pass in one day, home to quirky, hilarious characters.
There is a character and a song to appeal to every child including a slimy river slouch, a mischievous fairy and littlelish’s favourite the pussy cats Holly and George (which we had to replay about 5 times!). Little interludes between the songs carry the story onwards. The CD cleverly uses various genres of music from reggae to New Orleans jazz!
Littlelish particularly liked the funny songs and kept on picking out silly words and rhymes “electric volcano made of cherries and berries, mummy did you hear that? cherries and berries hehehe”.
My little one is only 2.5 years old but the land of sometimes is definitely suitable for all ages. Any child who loves funny, silly, imaginative stories and music will love this CD. I have also just discovered they have a great website www.thelandofsometimes.com where you can find more about the characters and The Land of Sometimes. There are pictures to print off and colour in and best of all LYRICS! (Littlelish kept on asking me to sing along!)
We rate it: 4/5 (upgraded to 5/5 after a week of listening – littlelish loves it and knows all the words!) :)
You can buy The Land of Sometimes on amazon from the 6th February 2012.
I’m a freelancer in creative marketing with a background in design and styling but when I'm not working I'm doing the most important job in the world, being mummy to my beautiful little girl! I love to create and craft and have a passion for colour and beautiful detail. This blog is all about my life, my amazing daughter, my inspirations and creations!
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