Early Explorers Festival

Early Explorers Festival

Join us at Bolton Central Library's Early Explorers Festival, two exciting days packed with engaging activities focused on stories for children under 5. The festival will have a mixture of free and paid events so, don't miss this wonderful opportunity to spark your child's imagination and love for storytelling at the Early Explorers Festival!

See the full schedule below:

Day One - Friday 15th March 10-2pm

• Baby Photo Session with photographer Tim Simpson

Two sessions: 10:30-11:30 and 11:30 – 12:30.

Capture your little one's portrait at Bolton Central Library with esteemed photographer Tim Simpson. Ticket price includes one printed image, with the option to purchase more directly from Tim.

Limited slots allocated on a first come, first served basis. Each session lasts approximately five minutes, with books available to keep you entertained while you wait. Tickets £5 per slot.

Book your slot here: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/850093902747?aff=oddtdtcreator#

• The Gruffalo Sensory Cinema - 11:00am -1:30pm

Free drop-in event, bringing the landscape of The Gruffalo to life through sensory play and discovery.

Play activities from 11am-1:30pm, pausing for Gruffalo film showings at 11:30am, 12:30pm, and 1:30pm.

• Toddler Tales - 11:30am

Drop-in, free session for under 5s featuring stories and nursery rhymes.

• Create your own Story Sack - 13:00

A creative workshop empowering parents to create interactive story sacks for children aged 2-5. This workshop will focus on Whatever Next by Jill Murphy. Materials including in ticket price. £3.50 per child

Book a session here: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/850100342007?aff=oddtdtcreator

• Meet Bolton’s Under 5 Providers - 10am-2pm
•  
• Come and meet organisations from across Bolton, providing information on services for children under 5 including Bolton’s Family Hubs and Speech and Language Therapists.
•  
• Spot the Dog will also be making appearances throughout the day. Free and no need to book exact times to be confirmed on the day.

Day Two - Saturday 16th March 10-2pm

• Den Making and Stories – 10-2pm

Free session for children aged 2 and above to create a story woodland den and enjoy storytelling throughout the day.

• You are the Sun - 10:30, 11:45 and 1:30

Magical musical adventure for ages 0-2, combining classical singing and sensory play. Presented by HurlyBurly Theatre, followed by free play. Tickets £4 per baby

Duration: 30 minutes plus stay and play

Book tickets here:

10:30 https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/850080482607?aff=oddtdtcreator

11:45 https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/850082939957?aff=oddtdtcreator

13:30 https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/850083411367?aff=oddtdtcreator

• A La Puppet Carte – Thingumajig Theatre

Join Thingumajig theatre as they bring stories to life through puppetry. Three performances will take place between 10-2pm.  Free and no need to book exact times to be confirmed on the day.

• Messy Play with Sugar Lumps – 2pm

Free messy play session but booking required as spaces are limited. Bookings open on Saturday 9th March in the afternoon. Tickets can booked via the Bolton Central Library Eventbrite page.

• Storytime – 2pm

Enjoy storytelling with staff sharing their favourite stories.

• Meet Bolton’s Under 5 Providers - 10am-2pm

Organisations from across Bolton will be providing information on available services for children under 5.

• Spot the Dog will also be making appearances throughout the day.

Funded by UK Shared Prosperity Fund