The Easter holiday is fast approaching… two weeks of no school! If you’re wondering how you’re going to keep the kids entertained, Darwen Town Centre has the perfect solution. Culturapedia, our cultural partner, has created an exciting programme of workshops and live performances for families, and they’re all 100% free!
Saturday 28th March: Stories with Ian
The fun starts this Saturday, 28th March, with Stories with Ian at Darwen Market, perfect for those with vivid imaginations! Join us in the market hub (opposite Candy Rush), get comfy and enjoy tales of mythical creatures and long lost lands. Ian intertwines song, drama and laughter into his storytelling for a totally captivating experience.
Ian will be telling stories at 11am, 12:30pm and 2pm, no need to book, just turn up and enjoy!
Wednesday 1st April: Create a Terrarium Workshop
The next free Easter activity at Darwen Market will take place on Wednesday 1st April, and it’s a drop-in workshop running from 11am till 3pm. Create a 2D terrarium to take home and brighten up your Easter holiday! Let your creativity soar and draw your favourite plants and place them inside a geometric patterned cage or a cardboard jar.
If you’re out and about in Darwen town centre between 11am and 3pm, pop in and take part, we’d love to see you! This workshop is suitable for ages 4+.
Saturday 4th April: Unicorns are Real
On Saturday 4th April, Lollihop Puppet Theatre group will be paying a visit to Darwen Market to perform their new show, Unicorns are Real.
This performance is all about science, the power of belief and unicorns! Embark on an exciting quest to discover whether unicorns are in fact not a myth…
The show is explored through a unique and captivating blend of puppetry and live-feed cameras. Fossils, famous biologists, narwhal tusks and medicinal powders are put under the microscope. The one-horned star of the show will be trotting about afterwards for a magical meet-and-greet session with audiences!
Performances are at 11am, 12.30pm & 2pm at the market hub, no need to book.
Wednesday 8th April: “Have a go” Circus Workshop
Will you join us on Wednesday 8th April to have a go at a Circus Workshop?
Skylight Circus Arts will be here from 11am till 3pm to show you exciting new circus skills such as tricks with juggling balls, diabolos, flower sticks, spinning plates, and feathers.
This friendly and inclusive circus skills workshop is suitable for all ages and everyone is encouraged to give it a try!
This event may take place outside on the market square… depending on the unpredictable springtime weather.
Friday 10th April: Print a Seed Packet Workshop
Free Easter activities at Darwen Market will conclude on Friday 10th April with an art workshop with Ian Halawi.
Print a flower seed packet and fill it with a cornfield flower mix to sow in this spring! There’ll be lots of prints and colours to choose from, and the finished result makes a lovely gift or something to take home and keep.
Ian will be at the market hub from 11am till 3pm, pop in and take part!
Free family activities at Darwen Market this Easter
Whether you’re a budding artist, a lover of visual arts or a natural storyteller with a big imagination, we hope there’s something for all children and their grown-ups this Easter at Darwen Market. Remember that all of these family events are totally free of charge, and there’s no need to book. We like to make it as easy as possible to come down and take part, and we really hope we see you at Darwen Market this Easter!
Visiting the market
There’s ample free parking at the market, you can find us using the postcode BB3 1BH. Or if you’re joining us via public transport, most buses stop right outside, and we’re only a short walk from Darwen train station.
Make a day of it in Darwen
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 lunch, a sweet treat or a coffee before or after you’ve enjoyed your free event? Darwen Market Square is the perfect spot to enjoy a bit of fresh air… weather permitting!
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!
See you soon!
