Days Out: Dont Miss Kidsfest as it returns to Stanley Park this Weekend

If you’re looking for something to do with the kids this weekend, you’d be mad to miss out on Kidsfest as it returns to Stanley Park on Sunday 21st August from 10am. Here’s everything you need to know…

Staged by one of Liverpool’s favourite charities, the James Bulger Memorial Trust, Kidsfest is designed to give children an exciting day out before returning to school after the summer holidays.

This year’s event is aiming to eclipse the original Kidsfest last year when more than 8,000 families enjoyed the fun and entertainment on offer at Stanley Park.

Denise Fergus and her husband Stuart have been working with a team at Orb Events (organisers of Liverpool Loves Festival), to put together a programme packed with activities to thrill kids this year, including  exciting additions to the programme.

Denise said: “Some of the great things we have got this year are a festival market, lots of balloons, bubbles and along with the popular kiddies fairground we also have donkey rides.

“We learned a few lessons with this first Kidsfest and this time it will be ever better. There are more activities that we are still singing-up and there is something for everyone to enjoy.

“It’s designed to be a real family day out that won’t break the bank and to be a great chance for the kids to have a fantastic day out right here in the city.”

The day’s festivities will open with a rousing performance from the fantastic drumming band Batala. This spectacular Afro samba band has headed up some of the biggest festivals in the region and will deliver a not-to-be-missed performance.

Straight from their success on Britain’s Got Talent the body popping storm troopers of Boogie Storm will have the crowd on their feet with their unique sci-fi dance routines.

The main stage has a great line up of talent including up-and-coming boy band “Fourth Intake” who are confirmed for a number of TV performances. It will also feature budding stars and local band Girl Talk, performing their latest song.

The day’s main stage programme could hardly be more varied with Princess Experience and then Super Heroes, provided by festival favourites Jumping Jacks. The Liverpool Signing Choir and performances by a number of local dance schools will also contribute to the day-long programme of entertainment.

There will also be free workshop where youngsters can learn about gardening, decorating a pot and sowing seeds.  Families will be able to take their pot home, with after care instructions on how to nurture tasty vegetables.

Children can also join sessions with Hours of Fun and with MPAC to let their imaginations run wild with craft workshops.

Kidsfest 2016 will also host a great collection of bouncy castles and bungee trampolines along with family Martial Arts sessions offering basic starter courses. And to extend the keep-fit theme, there will be dances classes in samba, street dance and more, provided by MD Productions, AJ Dance studios and Viva Brazil.

The festival will also see a tasty line up of street food including speciality burgers and healthy flatbreads. And for those seeking something more substantial there will be Del Trotter’s Hog Roast, alongside sweets and other goodies on offer.

Stuart Fergus added: “I’m really thrilled at a new addition that we have got this year which we are calling ‘Action Zone’.

“It will be aimed at bigger kids and will be a full day of action-packed activities such as Archery, climbing walls and bush craft skills. There will also be some more daring fairground rides and an great kite flying display.

“There is lots of stuff that is free to attend.  But the most impressive will be the Adreneline Tour stunt show. They have wowed crowds all over the world and will be joining us at the Action Zone with a heart-stopping show.

“So we are inviting families to join us on Sunday 21st August, starting at 10am for what promises to be a very memorable and exciting day for kids of all ages.

We’d love to see your pictures so get in touch on twitter @TheGuideLpool and look out for our Kate tweeting live from the event. See you there!