So many of my friends went to LolliBop last year – in fact one of the label heads at work took his children and showed me a video of the eldest doing a mini stage invasion when Rastamouse played (the bouncer at the side of the stage carefully made sure child went back into the crowd) – it’s a rocking festival of kid-ness and it’s coming again very soon.
Oh, and I’m going to miss it again this year. Sob! But look at what I’m missing – Dick and Dom! Zingzillas! The Gruffalo! Oh and of course H will miss these too, obviously… (she’s not quite old enough for Dick and Dom, though I get the feeling she’d love to shout ‘bogies’ at top volume, should she ever find out it exists)
In fact, given I’ve gone to festivals since I was thirteen – the chance to get to one which is designed for children of H’s age makes me more than a bit excited – having seen her face at Peppa Pig live and The Wiggles, it’s worth doing for the look of amazement as one of her favourites comes on stage.
LolliBop are in partnership with John Lewis, and the festival is billed as ‘The Big Bash for Little People’. It takes place at Regents Park on the 17th, 18th and 19th August 2012 and very soon we’ll have a family ticket (for 4) to give away here on Mum Friendly. Read on carefully for more information from the press release.. you will be getting tested.
The ‘LolliBop Live’ stage will play host to some of the hottest names in kids entertainment with musical performances from the likes of the ZingZilla’s, Jassa Aluwahlia (Art Attack) and The Mr Men & Little Miss Party Roadshow. TV favourites Dick and Dom will also take to the stage to entertain crowds with their unique blend of music and games.
Shrek the Musical will also make a special appearance with a performance from the award-winning show (Sunday 19 only).
Global phenomenon Moshi Monsters will also be on site, bringing the UK’s first Moshi Monsters Mash Up Tournament to LolliBop. Taking place each day, children are challenged to put their Mash Up skills to the test. All players will also receive a free pack of Mash Up cards, so everyone can join in. Fans are encouraged to bring their own collections with them, as there has never been a better chance to trade with other Moshi Card collectors. Head over to the Moshi tent for lots of other fun and games including character appearances, monster quizzes and more!
In the Lollipaladium, see the story of The Gruffalo brought to life on the stage with plenty of audience interaction. CBeebies favourite, Mister Maker will be on hand to demonstrate his unique arts and crafts skills. Mister Maker is a real life character who gets inspiration to make art from everything around him. Packed full of stimulating ideas, set in his own fantasy art world, prepare to expect the unexpected!
The brand new life-size Transformers Optimus Prime Truck will also be at the three-day event, giving fans the chance to get up and personal with this movie legend.
Other headline attractions include yoga sessions with Waybuloo, workshops by Horrible Histories, Roald Dahl Museum and Storytelling Centre, performances by 8ft Titan the Robot, an Alice In Wonderland tea party and a chance to meet ‘Tiny’, a 125 million years young dinosaur.
Pint sized guests (and grown ups) will notice a few more additions to the 2012 event.
The ‘LolliBop Kitchen‘ is an exciting new area, where LolliBoppers will have the chance to learn new skills from live demonstrations and interactive workshops, featuring popular blogger My Daddy Cooks.
A new ’Tween Town‘ area will feature a number of activities for older kids including street dance, hula-hooping, magic and beat-boxing workshops, plus an older arts and crafts tent and a brand new laser room!
Halfords will create a bespoke Bike City at LolliBop, which will include a Wacky Races obstacle course for under 5’s, where children can be the first to try out a brand new range of Balance and Apollo kids bikes. For older kids, highlights include a BMX stunt display and demo area.
Other new areas include: ‘LolliBop Animal Curiosities’, which features animals including a polar bear, a dinosaur and gorillas! ‘The Disco Shed‘ which will have mini boppers (and parents!) dancing the day away and ‘The Village Green‘ – the perfect spot to chill out and enjoy some street theatre.
Back by popular demand, the Science Museum are preparing for a triumphant return to Regent’s Park with an expanded area and dedicated Science Zone.
For pre-schoolers, the ‘3ft &Under’ area is also back. Confirmed activities include a mini disco, tiny play, little arts, baby ballet, yoga, teddy bears picnic and sing and sign. There will be two boob and botty boudoirs this year, and covered buggy parks and lollishade areas are also being created.
Old favourites, including ‘LolliSports‘, ‘Imagination Stations‘, ‘Itsy Bitsy Strictly‘ and ‘The Enchanted Forest‘ will all also return for 2012.
And if that wasn’t enough, there are plenty of arts and craft activities, face painting and workshops, including circus skills.
A wide selection of food and drink stalls are on offer to provide a welcome rest.
All of the activities, stages and events are included in the entry ticket price, which starts at £22 per person (children under 12 months go free). For more information, including a full programme of events, visit www.lollibopfestival.com
Seriously, with a lineup this good, and so many activities going on, it’s looking like Lollibop could be the place to take your child this summer. We are SO there next year…