41st Poppykettle Childrens Festival: A Celebration Of Creativity And Imagination
Geelong Arts Centre prepares for the 41st anniversary of the Poppykettle Children’s Festival, which celebrates creativity, imagination and the amazing potential of young minds. The Geelong area will come alive from October 22 to 30 with engaging performances, creative workshops and activities. Children can experience the magic and education of the arts through these fun and educational activities.
Poppykettle Children’s Festival is one of Australia’s longest-running festivals. It holds a special spot in the heart of the Geelong Community and beyond. The celebration this year is especially significant, as it marks four decades of inspiring artists, performers and thinkers. The festival is part of the National Children’s Week and aligns with the theme of the nation based on Article 27 of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child, which states that: “All children have the rights to a standard of life that supports their well-being and healthy development.”
41st Poppykettle Children’s Festival
Poppykettle: A Legacy of Creativity
The festival is made even more warm by the association of the name Poppykettle with local literary legend,Robert Ingpen. Robert Ingpen, an Australian author and illustrator, is known for his magical, distinctive illustrations. Ingpen has inspired many young minds to explore creativity, and his work has had a lasting influence on Australia’s literary and artistic landscape.
The festival was named for one of Ingpen’s most beloved books: Poppykettle and the Big Storm. This book has been loved by many generations of children. The festival, which has its roots in local literary works, aims to inspire children’s imaginations and provide them with hands-on learning opportunities that are both enriching and entertaining.
The festival provides a place for children to discover the joys of the arts, whether through interactive workshops or live theatre performances. The festival’s aim to provide children with experiences which contribute to their wellbeing and development is perfectly aligned with this tradition of nurturing creative expression.
The Festival Highlights: A Week of Fun and Learning
The Poppykettle Children’s Festival, now in its 41st season, promises an exciting program featuring local talent and renowned performers. Interactive experiences are also planned to promote creativity, collaboration and cultural understanding.
1. Ngarreemeelee ngitj (To Dance Together )
One of the festival’s standout events is the Ngarreemeelee-ngitj (To Dance Together) workshop, which will take place on Tuesday, October 25. This interactive workshop is specially designed for Kindergarten students. It will be led Kristi Watts, and Tahlia dempsey. Both are talented First Nations artists. This session is designed to introduce children to the rich culture of Australia’s First Peoples by way of dance, music and storytelling.
This workshop encourages children, through creativity and movement, to form connections with one another while learning about Indigenous culture and values. This workshop will help young participants to develop a greater appreciation of Australia’s rich cultural heritage, and the importance cultural connection. This is a great opportunity for kids to learn about the world and respect other cultures, while also having fun.
This workshop is part of the Creative Learning Program at Geelong Arts Centre. It demonstrates how committed the festival is to providing children with high-quality education experiences that encourage critical thinking, creativity and cultural awareness.
2. The Alphabet of Awesome Science Live Performance
The festival’s live performance The Alphabet of Awesome Science is one of the most anticipated events for primary-aged kids. It will be held on Friday 28th October at Costa Hall. The interactive, exhilarating science show will be presented by Professors Lexi Con & Noel Edge. They are two charismatic, energetic and charismatic presenters that make science exciting and fun for young audiences.
This high-energy show takes the audience through the alphabet with Professors Lexi & Noel, each letter representing a fascinating scientific experiment or concept. This show is full of humor, demonstrations and audience participation. It’s perfect for curious minds who want to learn more about science.
The Alphabet of Awesome Science can be a great way to inspire children’s curiosity and passion for science, while also entertaining them and engaging in a memorable and fun way. The festival hopes to encourage young people to be curious, think critically and ask questions about the world.
Kids Running Durind Children’s Festival
Inclusive and engaging for all
Poppykettle Children’s Festival celebrates creativity and imagination, but it is also designed to be accessible and inclusive for all children regardless of their background or abilities. The festival’s commitment towards accessibility ensures every child can participate, regardless of whether they come from a local school, kindergarten or cultural community.
The Geelong Arts Centre collaborates closely with local schools and kindergartens to ensure that this opportunity is available to all young participants. The festival offers a mix of ticketed and free events to ensure that all families can find something that fits their budget and schedule. This inclusiveness allows for a true community-based festival, where children from all walks come together to explore creativity and imagination.
Supporting the development of young minds
Poppykettle Children’s Festival’s core purpose is to promote the development and wellbeing of children. The festival’s diverse events encourage children to express themselves artistically, engage in critical thinking, explore culture, and work together – all skills that are vital for their development.
Children can learn new skills and build confidence in the workshops and performances. They also develop a feeling of belonging and community. Children can express themselves through a variety of activities, whether they’re taking part in a dance class, watching a science show live, or participating in an art project.
Festival programming includes an emphasis on physical, emotional, and social wellbeing. This aligns with the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child. The festival provides children with creative experiences that foster their mental, social, and emotional development. This helps ensure that they have the support and opportunities to thrive.
The Future of the Poppykettle Festival
Poppykettle is entering its 41st anniversary year. The festival continues to grow and evolve, while remaining true to its mission to provide young people with creative learning opportunities. Poppykettle is at the core of Geelong Arts Centre’s efforts to foster a rich culture landscape for young families and children.
The Geelong Arts Centre has plans for the future to extend the festival’s reach with more interactive workshops, performances and collaborative projects, which bring together children from diverse communities. The festival will continue celebrating local talent, encouraging participation in the arts and creating opportunities for children develop their creativity and self-expression.
Preschool Children at Festival
A celebration for the whole family
The Poppykettle Children’s Festival, though designed for children, is a celebration that the entire family can enjoy. There are activities and events for all ages and interest levels. The festival is open to all ages and interests, including parents, siblings, carers and caregivers.
The festival is a rich experience for the entire community, bringing them together to celebrate imagination, creativity and artistic expression.
Join the celebration!
Do not miss this amazing week of learning, creativity and fun. There’s never been a better time to introduce children to the wonders of the arts, and to the importance of creativity. The Poppykettle Children’s Festival will provide a memorable experience for both children and their families.
Join us from October 22, 2022 to October 30, 2020 for the 41st edition!
For more information about the festival schedule and tickets, visit [Geelong Arts Centre](https://www.geelongartscentre.org.au/).
https://www.centralgeelong.com.au/news/celebrating-the-41st-year-of-poppykettle-childrens-festival
