The Easter holidays are set to be an eggstremely exciting and creative couple of weeks, thanks to a full programme of free family activities at Darwen Market.
From immersive theatrical performances to creative art workshops, there’s an event to capture the imagination of every child this Easter.
Here’s what you’ve got to look forward to at Darwen Market…
Saturday 5th April: Suitcase Stories
What’s in Ilaria’s suitcase? Will Darren the Fisherman see the Wish Fish again? And should you accept a frying pan from a stranger? Plus lots of other stories with Ilaria the storyteller.
This performance will happen at 11am, 12pm, 1pm & 2pm at Darwen Market.
The show lasts for 30 minutes and is suitable for ages 3+
Monday 7th April: Print Workshop
Join us for a creative print workshop led by talented artist, Ian Halawi.
Choose from 3 wildlife themed lino reliefs, print them and then add colour using water colour paint washes.
At the end you’ll have your very own A4 poster to take home with you.
This is a drop in session between 11am-3pm at Darwen Market suitable for ages 3+
Wednesday 9th April: Hats off! Music, Mayhem and Hats!
Mambo Jambo’s ‘Happy Feet!’ is a playful mixture of interactive music and singing, body percussion with a few dance moves, from jive to carnival.
You can join in seated or standing. This fun & highly engaging show is for children (aged 3+) & their grown-ups with plenty of instruments!
This is a free 45-minute show performed twice a day at 11.30am & 1.30pm at Darwen Market.
Friday 11th April: The Case of the Missing Bunny!
Join us at Mother Goose detective agency on a case with a difference. This is an egg-tremely serious situation… it’s no yolk… we must crack it… we shell crack it!
This show brings together puppetry, problem solving and game playing, with the aim to get everyone working together to solve the missing bunny dilemma.
This is a free 45 minute performance (suitable for ages 3+) taking place at 11.30am & 1.30pm at Darwen Market.
Saturday 12th April: Vincent van Gogh Yourself Workshop
Join us for a journey into the life and art of Vincent van Gogh with New York-based artist Walter DeForest.
Walter bears a striking resemblance to Vincent van Gogh, and he’ll share stories about the artist’s life while encouraging everyone to create their own artwork during his performance.
This is a free theatre performance (with art-making) which lasts for 45 minutes.
The shows will happen at 11.30am and 1.30pm at Darwen Market, and are suitable for ages 6+
This is a free performance but please book a ticket in advance so that numbers of participants can be closely monitored.
Get your FREE ticket, here.
Monday 14th April: Wooden Heart Badge Art
Taking inspiration from traditional canal art and the red rose of Lancashire, decorate a wooden heart in the style of barge art.
This is a free drop in session between 11am-3pm at Darwen Market, suitable for ages 5+
Wednesday 16th April: Creative Kaleidocycles
A kaleidocycle (or flextangle) is made by using a repeated pattern that can be connected together to form a flexible shape.
Colour, fold, score, cut and twist the paper to reveal new patterns for an endless folding paper toy.
This is a free drop in creative workshop between 11am and 3pm.
Saturday 3rd May: Brilliant Bookmarks
We also have a bonus activity session after the Easter holidays…
Join Stephie from Hoop & Fred for Brilliant Bookmarks, a cross stitch session with paint pens and stitching.
Create your very own bookmark to take home.
This is a free drop in session between 11am-3pm at Darwen Market, suitable for ages 5+
There’s so much to look forward to this Easter in Darwen Town Centre
Check out the event calendar for more info, and please note that children must be supervised by a parent or guardian at all times.
These free Easter events are supported with funding from Arts Council England, Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council and Blackburn & Darwen Markets.
Activities are organised and managed by Culturapedia and Spot On Lancashire.
Extra events are also taking place at Darwen Library and Library Theatre, check out the Spot On Lancashire website for more details.
Why not make a day of it?
Darwen Market is home to lots of friendly traders and the town centre boasts plenty of independent shops and cafes. Why not treat the family to an ice cream or a coffee before or after you’ve enjoyed your free event? Darwen Market Square is the perfect sunny spot to enjoy the spring weather.
And if you spend £5 or over at a #shopdarwen retailer, remember to ask for a prize draw entry form for your chance of winning £50 of Shop Darwen vouchers!
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See you soon in Darwen Town Centre!
