By Kate Hodges
21st February 2019
MAKE Warp and Weft
Branch weaving is so simple, yet produces such lovely results. Simply find yourself a beautiful, forked stick, choose yarns (or spin some yourself), and get experimental. We love this easy, breezy natural take, while this method is a little more colourful and complicated. Alternatively, more sprawling, freeform hangings can incorporate found items from the beach; see what you can find washed ashore and create your own.
EVENT and LEARN Fair Enough
Fair Trade Fortnight runs from February 25–March 10, and is a chance to pause and think about the way that products on our shelves are made and arrive in our shops. It’s a great opportunity to sit down with your kids and discuss how your choice of what to buy can affect the lives of farmers and workers across the world. Find out more about Fair Trade chocolate here There’s an easy to understand film about Fair Trade on the website, download the digital resource pack, or read their action guide for more practical ideas of ways to spread the message. Alternatively, go here for a wealth of ideas for lesson plans.
EVENT and RECIPE In the Pink
Love the sharp taste of rhubarb? Head to Wakefield this weekend for a festival that celebrates the best of the pink wonder – this is the heart of the Rhubarb Triangle where ‘forced’ rhubarb grows out of season (find out more here). Watch live cookery demonstrations, including jam-making talks, enjoy a comedy night and wander the market. There’s lots on for kids; face painting, live music, vegetable carving and chef hat making, you can even take a tour of the mysterious candle-lit rhubarb sheds and listen to the plants growing! Bring your own custard. Alternatively, explore these delicious, vegan rhubarb recipes (Spring Vegetable Fajitas With Strawberry Rhubarb Chipotle Sauce And Chive Guacamole get in our mouths NOW!)
EVENT Welsh Wonders
It’s half-term in Wales this week. Why not spend some time at one of the country’s fantastic, free museums. To mark the 500th anniversary of Leonardo da Vinci’s death, the National Museum in Cardiff is hosting an exhibition of twelve of his finest drawings (ticketed). Take in the show, then join a hands-on workshop or stay up late to find out more about the all-round genius at an After Dark event. Over at St Fagan’s, there is Victorian-themed fun to be had; take a guided tour, play with traditional toys, and make a peg doll, or head to the National Waterfront Museum for a free Dragon and The Castle puppet show.
EVENT Making Waves
Scarborough’s Coastival Festival offers three days of pop, comedy, theatre and dance, with over 100 events. This is its tenth year, so appropriately the theme is Time. Expect a nod to the past teamed with new work. Friday night is music night, a free, toe-tapping gig with live music and DJs. Hidden Horizons open up an indoor planetarium, Suitcase Circus’s workshop will unleash your inner clowns, and there are chances to perform with an impromptu choir or immerse yourself in futuristic theatre. Don’t miss the Reliant Robins with stained glass windows, or Annie Bostwick’s quirky paper sculptures in the Woodend Gallery. Many events free, some ticketed
