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Following the incredible success of the VJ Day celebration at King George V Playing Fields in Ashton in summer 2025, we’re thrilled to take things to the next level with an exciting new event: Family Arts Jam.
Bringing together the best of our summer engagement programmes—Theatre in the Parks and the Outdoor Arts Programme—this brand-new event will be a vibrant, jam-packed outdoor arts extravaganza designed for families to explore, create, and enjoy together.
Set against the stunning backdrop of Hyde Park, Hyde, the day will feature an ambitious and inspiring programme of live outdoor theatre performances, alongside a rich mix of hands-on arts and craft workshops. Led by a diverse and talented group of experienced artists and workshop leaders from across the region, there’ll be something to spark creativity and imagination in visitors of all ages.
Live Outdoor Theatre Performances
Theatre Porto - The Great Horsey Jump Off
Presented by Mister Clopp and his trusty marshals, The Great Horsey Jump Off is a hilarious, theatrical spin on show jumping—where hobby horses steal the show and everyone’s a winner!
Spectators of all ages can grab a hobby horse, add some flair, and join the fun. Tackle the course—complete with jumps, a slo-mo strip, and a funky disco dance floor—all brought to life by our witty commentator guiding the action every step (or trot!) of the way.
Gemma Bond -The Pirate Princess
Pirate Princess is a heart warming tale of hope, told through physical theatre, clowning and circus.
Created by circus performer and professional idiot Gemma Bond, this brand new solo show follows shipwrecked Princess Poppy.
Can she battle a giant dress, wild weather and her toughest challenge yet to find her way home?
Inspired by bold women from history, Poppy must transform body and mind to escape life on a deserted island. Along the way, she reuses, repurposes and reinvents everything around her—outfit and outlook included.
A colourful visual treat featuring a unique crow’s nest pole, this joyful adventure is perfect for children aged 5–11 and their families.
Thomas Daniel Byrne - Blast Off
‘Blast Off!’ is a beautifully crafted miniature ‘crankie’ performance for audiences of two.
Through a hand-cranked illustrated scroll, a whimsical tale of intergalactic travel, friendship and football-playing aliens gently unfolds. Accompanied by a specially composed 2½-minute soundscape, this intimate experience blends storytelling, art and sound into a fleeting but magical theatrical moment.
Live Outdoor Musical Performances
The Abney Orchestra
Outdoor Arts Engagement
Participatory
Circus Sensible-
Physical circus have a go workshops, plate spinning, poi, juggling
Creeping Toad-
inclusive environmental themed participatory arts workshops
Helen Dodsworth-
inclusive environmental themed participatory arts workshops
Martha Webster-
inclusive environmental themed participatory arts workshops
Experience
Artemis- Barry & Sara Han’s ‘Park Sound Scape’
Dates & Times
FAQs
