Canterbury Children's Festival

Canterbury Children's Festival returns to the city next week and the programme is packed.

Workshops, performances and activities fill the week long event for families.

Michael Morpurgo’s Running Wild opens at the Marlowe Theatre from Wednesday, May 31. From the makers of War Horse it follows the story of a child saved from the Thailand tsunami by an elephant she was riding.

While The Marlowe Studio has different shows each day from Tuesday, May 30.

There is the Teddy Bears' Picnic which combines ballet and story-telling for the very youngest festival-goers aged from just six months, while Better Together tells the story of how three clowns become best friends.

Combining slapstick, acrobatics and comedy, this show is presented by Aca Theatre, and is set to be popular.

The Three Musketeers features The Three Half Pints from Cbeebies and is a new adventure of chivalry, swordplay and suddenly falling over on June 1.

There is also the Boy And The Mermaid featuring puppetry, storytelling, music and song and Pop! a magical comedy show from Christian Lee about a day at the seaside with bubbles, snowflakes and a giant balloon.

Free activities around The Marlowe also include a safari and a picnic with Big Blue (the festival’s mascot), dance skills workshop, circus skills workshop, Beached (a tiny tale about Arnold, whose morning walk becomes an adventure), family theatre tours, story time, and a craft corner.

For full details and to book tickets for any of the events call the Box Office on 01227 787787, or go to marlowetheatre.com