Families are being invited to come and discover a hidden gem in the heart of Bishop Auckland this summer.
A giant inflatable fairy ring for children to explore has opened at Bishop Auckland Town Hall, just one of a number of activities to enjoy at the venue throughout the holidays.
The exhibition, made up of three giant and five smaller inflatable toadstools, was created by artist Jamima Latimer and also includes giant bear footprints for children to follow, woodland creatures and chests full of musical instruments and books for young people to use.
Visitors are also being encouraged to use art activities on site to create their own pictures, which will then be displayed on the walls of the gallery.
Lucy Jenkins, Durham County Council’s visual arts manager, said: “We were delighted to commission the Fairy Ring exhibition especially for Bishop Auckland Town Hall, and are looking forward to seeing children enjoy this magical world where they can explore the giant inflatable toadstools and get involved in a range of other activities.”
The Lord Lieutenant of County Durham Sue Snowdon launched the Town Hall’s full summer programme with a storytelling session attended by children from York House Nursery in Bishop Auckland.
Activities run every Wednesday from now until August 23:
Wednesday, 9 August:
10am to 2pm – Pop-up Planetarium in the theatre, a drop in experience with local photographer and astronomer Gary Lintern for all ages. Free
10.30am to 11.30am – Craft & Illustration workshop with Laura Brenchley in the Gallery (age 6+). £1 Please Book in Advance
Wednesday, 16 August:
10.30am to 11.30am – Storytelling in the Gallery with Hannah Goudie. Free
1pm to 3pm – Circus Skills Workshop with Circurama in the Theatre (ages 6 to 16). £1 Please Book in Advance
11am to 3pm – Animal Handling with Animals About Town in the Market Place. Free
Wednesday, 23 August:
10.30am to 11.30am – Craft session with Dawn Belshaw in the Gallery (any age). £1 Please Book in Advance
12noon onwards – A Teddy Bear Hunt and Teddy Bear’s Picnic leave the Town Hall to go on a Bear Hunt through Auckland Castle grounds to the Deer House. Please bring your own lunch and your teddy bear.
Every Wednesday there will also be Parklife coached games including multi-games, archery and short tennis from 1pm to 3pm, as well as a ‘grass carpet’, deckchairs and giant games in the market place.
For more information visit www.bishopaucklandtownhall.org.uk