A CURIOUS crew of dancers, puppeteers, musicians, circus performers and storytellers will descend on Ramsbottom Festival as part of a new arts line-up inspiring family fun.

Rammy has become as famous for its family entertainment as its eclectic mix of indie, rock, folk and reggae music.

So what’s on offer?

  • Lolly, Pops and Circus Props (Saturday) – When Lolly runs away from the circus to see the world, she soon realises that home isn’t such a bad place to be. Artful Playground’s original story invites kids to take on characters, learn songs and play drama games.

 

  • Marvellous Imaginary Menagerie (Saturday and Sunday) – climb aboard Les Enfants Terribles’ caravan of curiosities and marvel at the crew of misfits in outlandish make-up and costumes.

 

  • Shadowplay (Friday and Saturday) – outdoor arts experts Walk The Plank create human sculptures and silhouetted characters inspired by European folklore.

 

  • Bollywood Heat and Bhangra Dance (Sunday) – performers from Aashiyana Arts teach the best moves in Indian dance culture surrounded by a sea of colour.

 

  • Storytelling Bird (Saturday) – A tale of flight, freedom and friendship told through puppetry and live music by the Forward Theatre Project.

 

  • Something To Hold (Saturday and Sunday) – physical theatre company Pif-Paf tells stories inspired by the moon and the stars.

 

  • Adventures with Sam (Sunday) – Theatre company Stories and More puts on an interactive show of music, songs and storytelling where children get to choose their own adventure.

Also joining the family arts programme is the Wild in Art project, which will see a collection of colourful 3D sculptures including giant animals and magical creatures taking up residence on the cricket wicket at the centre of the festival site.

The sculptures will have been designed and painted by children from local schools led by Wild in Art’s professional artists, the same team behind the Cow Parade in Manchester and the Olympic Mascots trail in London.

Young festival goers up to age 25 can achieve a nationally recognised Arts Award ‘discoverer’ certificate by exploring all the family-friendly shows and activities taking place across the festival weekend.

To find out more visit www.artsaward.org.uk or to sign up simply fill in your details at www.survey monkey.com/s/ramarts award (note entry is free but places are limited).

Rammy is now in its fourth year and is organised by Bury’s The Met in partnership with The Bridgewater Hall.

Headline acts for 2014 are The Levellers (Fri), British Sea Power (Sat) and Soul II Soul (Sun) with other performers including Jimi Goodwin, Admiral Fallow and Cara Dillon.