Snap Dragon picture special
Free days out in the Midlands for all the family to enyoy
THE popular Snap Dragon Children and Families Festival returned to Argents Mead and Hollycroft Park for the seventh year running last week.
Children and accompanying parents, family and friends have enjoyed a free, week-long programme of activities organised by Hinckley and Bosworth Borough Council.
Each day featured a different theme, with an under 5’s zone provided by Hinckley Sure Start and sand play sponsored by Hinckley BID.
It started on Monday with a Seaside Fun Day in Argents Mead. Families enjoyed a traditional seaside day with a taste of the Caribbean with the steel band Pantasy.
There were donkey rides, beach and sand play, traditional peep boards, side shows, seaside crafts, creative play, Punch and Judy plus much more.
Tuesday was Out of this World Day. Children discovered dinosaurs, space men, aliens and took part in a range of ‘fizz pop’ science shows.
Wednesday was National Play Day, the national celebration of a child’s right to play.
Back by popular demand was the water slide plus there was den building, dressing up, a mud pie kitchen, pavement art, giant bubble blowing and an amazing circus party tent.
Thursday was Fairy Tale Fantasy. There was an opportunity to ride a magical unicorn, customise your teddy, decorate a gingerbread man, follow the gnomes trail, build the 3 little pigs house and take a spin on Alice’s cups and saucers. The Hobgoblin Theatre Company presented ‘the best fairy tale in the world’ with all the best bits from favourite fairy tales.
Friday was the Snap Dragon spectacular at Hollycroft Park where hundreds of people enjoyed the Young People’s Festival showcasing talent from across the borough. Families picnicked and enjoyed a festival atmosphere. There were lots of different play activities, pavement art, giant bubbles, photo booth and performances from the Children’s Community Choir and Fern and Lisa Duffy and the Riverside Theatre Company presented ‘Dr Doolittle’.
Leanne Johnson from Ibstock said: “We have been coming to Snap Dragon for a few years now.
“It is always an amazing day out and excellent for the community, my children really enjoyed dressing up teddy bears on “fairy tale” day.”
Jodie Brown from Hinckley said: “The activities have been amazing my child really enjoyed the glitter face painting.”
Councillor Miriam Surtees, Hinckley and Bosworth’s Children, Young People and Families Champion, said: “The freedom to play is so important and the Snap Dragon Festival offers many fantastic opportunities for children, young people and families to come together and have a great time.
“The weather has been very kind to us this year and we have been overwhelmed with the amount of people who have come enjoyed all of the many different activities.
“Each day has been very busy and it has been a pleasure to see so many children enjoying themselves. My thanks to all the organisers and supporters who have helped make this festival so very successful.”