Don’t miss the Secrets of the Garden self-guided family trail running until 8 January 2011 – pick up your free copy from the John Hope Gateway reception desk between 10am and 3pm and enjoy exploring the Garden.

Please note the below events are now finished. However there is still a free educational display and fun activities available at the John Hope Gateway until 8 January 2011

The Secret garden Fun Weekend

Sat 4 & Sun 5 December, 11am – 3pm

Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh
(John Hope Gateway)

Join Edinburgh’s Festival Theatre Team at the Botanics for two days of FREE activities for all the family.

Here’s a run down of all the fantastic free activities on offer:

Facepainting

Sat 4 & Sun 5 Dec (11am – 3pm)

Be transformed into an animal or flower from The Secret Garden or a Christmas character of your choice by facepaint artist Claire Thacker.

Secrets of the Garden Trail

Sat 4 & Sun 5 Dec (11am – 3pm)

Collect your map from John Hope Gateway Reception Desk.
Explore the hidden secrets of the Garden by following a special trail created in celebration of The Secret Garden musical at the Festival Theatre.

Colouring & Design Activities

Sat 4 & Sun 5 Dec (11am – 3pm)

Children of all ages can let their inner artist run free with our Colouring & Design Activities. Submit your art for the chance to win tickets to see The Secret Garden at the Festival Theatre!

Secret Garden Drama Workshops

Sat 4 & Sun 5 Dec

Discover the magical story and characters of The Secret Garden through fun interactive games and activities with theatre practitioner Gemma Nicol.

Sessions:
11.00am – 11.45am (5-7yrs)
12.00pm – 12.45pm (7yrs+)
13.30pm – 14.15pm (5-7yrs)
14.30pm – 15.15pm (7yrs+)

Music Making

Sat 4 Dec

Be inspired by nature and create new musical instruments from found objects in the Botanics. A hands-on music making workshop with composer Greg Sinclair ending in a joyful group composition.

Sessions:
11.00am – 11.45am (7yrs+)
12.00pm – 12.45pm (5-7yrs)
1.30pm – 2.15pm (7yrs+)
2.30pm – 3.15pm (5-7yrs)

Storytelling with Andy Cannon

Sun 5 Dec

A happy, sad, silly, spooky, big, wee story about a very beautiful Scottish Garden, once upon a time, long long ago…

Sessions:
11.00am – 11.45am (7yrs+)
12.00pm – 12.45pm (5-7yrs)
1.30pm – 2.15pm (7yrs+)
2.30pm – 3.15pm (5-7yrs)

PLUS: We’ll also be giving away free copies of The Secret Garden novel, so everyone can enjoy this wonderful story!

For further information about The Secret Garden Fun Weekend, please contact: emma.robertson@eft.co.uk