Free half term activities at Darwen Market
We know that the children are only just back to school, but the next holidays are just around the corner!
Do not fear, our free holiday activity programme is back at Darwen Market for May half-term.
Culturapedia, our cultural partner on this project, has put together a wonderful programme that will run from Saturday 3rd May until Saturday 31st May.
Are you ready for live performances, drawing, doodling and making?
Take a closer look, here is what we have on offer in Darwen Town Centre…
Join Stephie from Hoop & Fred for Brilliant Bookmarks on Saturday, 3 May 2025 at Darwen Market, a cross-stitch session with paint pens and stitching. Create your very own bookmark to take home. This is a free drop-in workshop between 11am and 3pm.
Want to get creating? Come and make your very own Paper Cup Puppet. Design, craft and build your very own puppet in this family-friendly workshop by Alice Rowbottom. You can construct your puppet character to take home using paper cups, wooden sticks, and assorted bits and bobs. This is a free drop-in workshop between 11am and 3pm on Friday 30 May 2025 at Darwen Market.
Sit back and enjoy Penny and the Far-Thing by Lempen Theatre, a visual puppet theatre with beautiful music, set on a penny-farthing. Join Penny for a charming nature story about growing up and becoming ready to find your path and live your best life. This is a 20-minute performance hosted three times in the day at 11am, 12.30pm and 2pm on Wednesday, 28 May 2025 at Darwen Market.
Are you having a laugh? You will be if you join Scratch Built Theatre for Big Doodle Drop In. A hilarious art session where you’ll draw a life model fully clothed (thankfully!) in the silliest of outfits. Plus, we’ll have a comedy critic on hand to give you constructive feedback on your creations! Whether you’re a seasoned Picasso or a doodling newbie, all are welcome. Take your masterpiece home or display it for all to see. It’s a great event for all ages to get creative and have fun. This is a free performance/workshop which happens 4 times in the day at 11am, 12pm, 1pm and 2pm on Saturday, 31 May 2025 at Darwen Market.
All of these activities are totally free of charge and booking is not required. Check out the Darwen Town Centre Event Calendar for more info.
Highlight your favourites, tell all your friends and put the dates in your diary! We look forward to seeing you at all our events this May.
Want to stay in the loop? Subscribe to our email newsletter, and follow Darwen Market on Facebook.
Make a day of it in Darwen Town Centre
Darwen Market is home to passionate independent traders selling everything from fresh produce and quality meat, to homemade cakes and pet supplies. You can also get your keys cut, shoes resoled and clothes altered while you’re at the market. Check out a full list of our traders here.
Darwen Town Centre boasts a great selection of coffee shops and cafes – why not treat the kids to an ice cream after you’ve enjoyed your free activity? Don’t forget to ask for a #shopdarwen entry form if you spend £5 or over at a participating retailer – you could be the lucky winner of £50 in Shop Darwen vouchers!
Follow Shop Darwen on Instagram for more.
See you soon in Darwen Town Centre!
