Play With Clay at Family Arts Festival July 2023 © ABDigitalUK
A festival made for families
Picture this: Corby town centre buzzing with music, dance, colour and laughter, as children, parents and grandparents roll up their sleeves and dive into a day of creativity together. That’s exactly what’s on the cards on Saturday 20th September, when community arts organisation Made With Many hosts its Family Arts Festival – a free celebration of art, performance and togetherness running from 11am to 5pm.
“Family Arts Festival is all about bringing people together through the joy of making and creating,” said Victoria Bell, Co-Director of Made With Many. “There really will be something for everyone, from babies to grandparents.”
From taiko drums to curious creatures
The line-up is nothing short of eclectic (and joyfully so). Families can step into a world of stories, rhythm and colour with:
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‘Fish Boy’, a powerful outdoor dance theatre show about protecting our rivers, performed by 2Faced Dance Company.
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Mini Explorers sensory dance sessions for little ones aged 0-4, led by Mustard Seeds Dance.
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Taiko drumming from Leicester Taiko’s Yamabiko group – expect big beats and bigger energy.
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Messy play and process art with Artsters for children aged 0-7.
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Brass and sparkle from the vibrant Rajasthan Heritage Brass Band.
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Interactive storytelling with Mike Payton.
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Walkabout performers, including some delightfully oddball ‘Curious Creatures’ and lofty ‘Treemendous’ stilt walkers.
“It’s a day where families can try something new, meet their neighbours, and discover incredible creative activities right here in Corby,” said Co-Director Vicky Frayard.
Creativity meets the cosmos
And as if that wasn’t enough, the festival coincides with the arrival of GAIA, a spectacular artwork by Luke Jerram, which will be on display at The Core at Corby Cube. GAIA shows our planet in stunning detail using NASA imagery – imagine standing beneath a glowing, rotating Earth and then heading out to make your own art just minutes later.
“There’s something magical about having GAIA here at the same time as our Family Arts Festival,” added Victoria. “Families can marvel at this incredible artwork that shows our planet from space, then get hands-on creating their own art. It’s that perfect combination of inspiration and participation.”
A celebration of creativity and community
Made With Many, supported by Arts Council England through the Creative People and Places programme, has long championed accessible, high-quality arts for local communities. This festival is another shining example of that mission.
“This festival is about celebration – celebrating creativity, celebrating community, and celebrating the power of families creating together,” said Vicky.
The Family Arts Festival is free to attend, with most activities drop-in. A few sessions – like Mini Explorers and storytelling with Mike – will need to be booked in advance.
So if you’re free on 20th September, gather the kids, grab the grandparents, and head into town. Chances are, you’ll leave with glitter on your hands, a smile on your face, and a new story to tell.
Family Arts Festival
Saturday 20th September, 11am–5pm
Corby town centre
Free entry
Full line-up and details at: madewithmany.org/events/family-arts-festival-2025
