Mark your calendars for a weekend of family fun as Baccanalia’s Family Festival returns to Jane Armstrong Park on Saturday 16th and Sunday 17th August, from 11am to 4pm.
This vibrant community festival is set to entertain visitors of all ages, with a packed programme of hands-on creative workshops, interactive activities, and playful competitions – all inspired by Brick Flicks, the LEGO®-themed exhibition currently on display at Bishop Auckland Town Hall.
One of the highlights of the weekend will be a special visit from Eko, a towering 13ft puppet who will be roaming the park on Saturday. It’s the first time a giant puppet of this size has ever roamed Bishop Auckland, making it a truly unmissable experience.
Throughout the festival, families can enjoy a giant marble run, test their skills on the mini golf course, and get creative in brick-inspired print workshops. Kids can bounce to their heart’s content on the bouncy castle, transform into their favourite characters with colourful face painting, and even take part in the Bishop Brick Masters competition, whether they’re seasoned builders or just starting out.
On Saturday, there’ll also be an appearance of the energetic TikTok star The Plumber Drummer, with beat performances on a unique drainpipe drum kit. Visitors will have the chance to have a go themselves in a drop-in bucket drumming session.
“The festival is a fantastic way to celebrate our town’s vibrant cultural life and to connect with the exhibitions and summer programme at the Town Hall, which the Town Council also supports. It’s wonderful to see families coming together to enjoy creative activities right in the heart of their neighbourhood. This year’s event is extra special, as we welcome a giant puppet to Bishop Auckland for the very first time – a magical experience we’re thrilled to bring to the community. We’re delighted to support the festival once again, and hope everyone comes out to enjoy a weekend full of imagination, community, and local culture.”
Sarah Harris, Town Clerk Bishop Auckland Town Council
For those who may benefit from a calmer environment, Sunday is a Sensory Considerate Day, offering a more relaxed, mindful version of the festival experience. The programme will be mostly the same, but with a few changes such as lower sound levels, removing the most over-stimulating elements and reducing participation capacities.
Baccanalia would like to thank the Stronger Towns Fund, Bishop Auckland Town Council and Point North for their generous support and funding, which has made this weekend family festival possible.
For more information go to Baccanalia.com
