Turner Sims Summer Family Day 2026
Join us this summer for a day of magical musical activities and events for children and grown-ups of all ages.
Get the whole family involved with performances, workshops, music, dance – and of course the chance to make LOTS of noise. Bring your picnic lunch to enjoy in the gardens, get your face painted – a perfect day out!
- Parking is FREE all day.
- All children must be accompanied by an adult for all activities.
- Turner Sims is a cashless venue.
- This event will be photographed. If you do not wish to be photographed, please
inform the Box Office team on arrival. - The Management reserves the right to refuse admission or to alter the
advertised programme if necessary. - The Management may refuse use of cameras and audio or visual recording
equipment on the premises.
Part of Turner Sims Summer Festival 2026
Wonder Gigs / 11am / main auditorium
Wonder Gigs is a family friendly, live event for music-loving grown-ups and little ones aged 0-5. Enjoy toe-tapping, acoustic covers of well-known pop, rock and folk tunes from a live, professional musician. At the same time, an experienced play facilitators will ensure that your little one is well catered for with props, puppets and opportunities for gentle child-led play.
Suitable for ages 0 – 5 and their families
Pay What You Can: £6 / £8 / £12
Bin Rat / 11.30am & 1.30pm / on the lawn
A rat-astic and realistic look into refuse and recycling. Rummage through the rubble with Bin Rat to discover where all the junk goes! Scrape scraps off the streets in this outdoor interactive puppetry show, and find out what literally happens to litter.
Suitable for: all ages
Music Making Workshop
Visit the marquee on the grass for this fun and creative music making workshop for the whole family. No experience necessary, this is your chance to try something new and make lots of noise!
When?: 12:30pm – 1:30pm / 2:30pm – 3:30pm
Where?: in the marquee on the lawn
Suitable for all ages
This event is FREE. No need to book – just come along!
Young MacDonald Wants a Farm / 2.30pm / main auditorium
When Young MacDonald is left in charge of his dad’s farm, he’s confident he can handle the animals… until things start to go hilariously wrong! Perfect for children aged 2–6 and their families, Young MacDonald Wants a Farm is a joyful first taste of live theatre and music.
Suitable for: ages 2 – 6 and their families
Drop-in Craft Workshop
Our friends from John Hansard Gallery will join us at Turner Sims to deliver a craft workshop as part of Summer Family Day. Drop in during the day to take part with your family.
When?: 11am – 4pm
Where?: Turner Sims Foyer / drop in all day
Suitable for all ages
This event is FREE. No need to book – just come along!
Face Painting
Our wonderful face painters from Snazzy Roo will be back again this year – always a popular part of our Summer Family Day with their fabulous designs!
When?: 11am – 4pm
Where?: Turner Sims Foyer / drop in all day
Suitable for all ages
£4 per person, first come first served basis
