Skip to content

Family Activities


Picnic In the Park.

Thursday 29th August, 1 – 4pm, Chapel Allerton Park.

Pack your sandwiches and join us for our annual children’s Picnic in the Park.  Free craft activities, stories, and music from The Big Easy Jazz band.


Festival Saturday

Saturday is family day at the Festival, and this year we have lots going on in our family activity area on Well Lane, as well as face painting and family friendly stalls, this year we’re bringing you…..


The Big Map

We’re reaching out to the world this year.  Look out for our giant map on Well Lane, and find the countries that you have a connection with. Maybe you’ll find the country where someone you love lives, or you might find somewhere you’ve lived or visited. Help us decorate the map, tell us your stories, and make your own postcard to share or take home.


The Global Connections Parade

2pm Saturday afternoon is Parade Time   Come and join in.

11am – 1.30pm    Get ready for the parade by making and decorating a streamer to wave, a mask to wear, or a shaker to shake.   Well Lane Activities Area.

1.45 – 2pm  We’ll be gathering at the bottom of Well Lane Car Park.

2pm Take part in our Global Connection Parade through the Festival site, led this year by Alligator Gumbo Jazz Band, and featuring Balbir Singh Dance Co, and the ESustainable Fashion show.


Circus Leeds

Free circus skills workshops , with Alby from Circus Leeds  in the Well Lane Activities Area,  at 1.15 and 2.30pm on Saturday.  Alby will also be performing on Well Lane at 4pm.


Play area for younger children

There’s a play space on Well Lane with sand, and toys for younger children.


The Quiet Zone

If you need a break from the hustle and bustle of the Festival, head to the Methodist Church where there is a quiet room. It’s on the left from the reception area and will be open 11am-5pm on Saturday. The quiet room offers a low stimulation environment where you can take a break and relax. This room will be monitored but not supervised therefore use of this area is at your own risk. Children and vulnerable adults using the area must be supervised by a parent/guardian/carer. Please be aware that all of the blue quilted blankets are weighted (4.7kg each). If needed there is also an accessible toilet at the Methodist Church. If you would prefer to relax in an outdoor area, Chapel Allerton park is nearby. If you have any queries or problems regarding the quiet area, please speak to a steward.


LITTLE SEEDLINGS Methodist Church

Ally and Lucy will be running the Little Seedlings Hub, Open Play session in the Methodist Church during the Chapel Allerton Arts Festival. This is free play and will be on the Saturday from 11am-3pm. 

The Hub provides open-ended, natural play for all children from birth-5 years old, including messy and non messy play and tea and coffee for adults. 

All play during the Arts Festival will be free-play for the 4 hours and families are welcome to stay as little or as long as they like at no charge.


11.00 – 3.00    Play session for under 5s with Little Seedlings – Methodist Church

11.00 – 1.30    Make a shaker for the Parade – Well Lane

11.00 – 5.30     Activities for Children – Well Lane

12.45 – 13.15   Balbir Singh Dance Co   – Performance Space, Well Lane

1.15 – 2.00      Circus Workshop – Well Lane

1.30 – 3.30      Cafe Run folk musicians – Performance Space Well Lane

2.00    Global Connection Parade – Well Lane

2.30 – 3.15     Circus Workshop – Well Lane

3.30 . 3.45       Gibbons Academy of Irish Dance – Performance Space Well Lane

4.00 – 4.30        Alby of Circus Leeds – Performance Space Well Lane