Primary Times - the definitive what’s on and where to go family guide of activities and events for children of primary school age. Things to do with your kids during the school holidays including arts and craft activities, music and theatre for children, parties, competitions, days out, and family attractions along with term time drama schools, dance classes, after school clubs and sports activities. Things to do at a place near you!
Lots to do in August for Creative Kids!
Help is at hand for children and their parents during the long summer holidays as August Craft Month has loads of activities to entertain and encourage young people to explore their creativity.
There are lots of workshops over the month offering children the chance to get away from their laptops and computer games and work with their hands.
Meadhbh McIlgorm of Craft NI said more and more children were looking to do something different and use their hands to create a unique piece of art or craft.
“Young people are highly imaginative, it’s natural for them to want to create, manipulating materials teaches important hand skills and more importantly – it’s great fun. We are encouraging them to seek out activities and workshops in their local areas to learn a new skill. It is a great chance to get out, do something different and meet new friends.”
Workshops for Young People include:
- Summer Minion Madness at Clotworthy House, Antrim Castle Gardens on August 12 at 11am and 1pm. For ages 6-11, a chance to unleash your creative side with Clayrazy Bricks for Kids tutors and create your favourite minion.
- Get into Art Kids Workshop at Larne Museum and Arts Centre – a week of Arts and Crafts for ages 5-11 from 7-11 August. For details contact 028 28262443.
- Children’s Coloured Clay Workshop at the Hill of the O’Neill and Ranfurly Arts Centre, Dungannon. Come along and work with coloured clay. All work will be made, coloured and completed in one workshop on August 12 at 2pm and 4pm. To book email ranfurly@midulstercouncil.org.
- Kids Glass Butterflies and Moths Workshop at Millennium Court Arts Centre, Portadown on August 19 at 10am and 4pm. A chance for children to make their own glass butterflies and moths under the guidance of top glass artist, Alison Lowry. To book contact hazel@millenniumcourt.org
- Green Woodwork for Kids and Parents at Minnowburn Wardens Office, Ballynatty Road, Belfast. Work alongside your son or daughter to create a traditional four legged stool from freshly cut green wood. August 18 at 9.30am and 5pm. Email steve@greenwoodworkireland.com or call 07876113536.
There are lots of other activities suitable for all ages including:
- Butterfly Cloud Workshop at Topfloor Art Gallery in Saintfield on 29 July at 10am and 1pm. To book contact info@topfloorart.co.uk or call 07828570837.
- Patchwork Picnic at Rowallane Hub, Saintfield on August 5 at 10am and 4pm. Contact pamelaemerson5@hotmail.com or call 07968749253
- Diddley Bow Mayhem with Andrew Cooke at his Redline Studios in the Craigantlet Hills August 16 at 9.45am and 4.30pm. For ages 8 and up, a chance to make and play your own Diddley Box one stringed instrument. To book call 07854773030.
- Willow Wildflowers and Insects with Alison Fitzgerald at Millennium Court Arts Centre, Portadown from August 16-26. Suitable for all ages, contact hazel@millenniumcourt.org
- Water Pistol Painting at Studio Souk, Ann Street, Belfast on August 19 at 5pm No advance booking necessary.
- ‘We make our future’at No 19 Craft and Design in the Craft Village in Derry from August 8-28. In a series of workshops and demos the makers of Number 19 invite people to get involved in making a community piece of craft based on “Derry/Londonderry our vision for the future” , especially inviting children and young people to participate. Facilitated by some of the professional makers who are part of the Number 19 collective including disciplines as diverse as basketry to silk painting. Contact Karen O’Kane on 0035386319514 or email number19craftanddesign@gmail.com
August Craft Month is co-ordinated by Craft NI and supported by National Lottery funding through the Arts Council of Northern Ireland.
Suzanne Lyle, Head of Visual Arts, Arts Council of Northern Ireland added: “Craft NI is back with another impressive programme of craft events taking place across Northern Ireland. August Craft Month has been steadily growing each year with more and more people taking part and trying something new. The Arts Council is delighted to support this terrific celebration of craft, which offers an important platform to showcase the talent of our local craft makers and bring great art within the reach of everyone.”
For full details of all August Craft Month events visit: augustcraftmonth.com. Find out more about craft in your area all year round at www.craftni.org – subscribe for news, browse the maker’s directory and click on the interactive craft map to see, make or buy craft near you.