NiddFest, Yorkshire’s quirkiest family festival that celebrates nature, invites children and families into the great outdoors.
Fancy being the next Sir David Attenborough? Behind the scenes of Unsprung offers a glimpse into filming with the BBC’s Natural History Unit with Girl Guide champion and presenter of the BBC’s Big Blue UK and Unsprung, Lindsey Chapman. Lindsey said:
“I love working with Chris Packham. It’s so much fun in a live studio, the crew are all very supportive, when we’re laughing and having fun it’s genuine.”
Also from TV is The Yorkshire Vet, Julian Norton, who was inspired by Alf Wright, who wrote his much-loved autobiographical James Herriot tales known by millions as All Creatures Great and Small. Julian’s own Channel 5 TV career took off after a spell at Wright’s original veterinary practice.
Twigs N’ Stix Forest School. Photo by Jenny Tropia
Step into the ancient woodland of Fishpond Wood for a wild woodland workshop with Twigs N’ Stix Forest School. Hosted by Liz Milner, a qualified Forest School Leader, it promises laughter and hands-on experiences, safely overseen by Liz. Make mud pies, play hide and seek, build a den, climb trees and create art out of nature’s materials.
NiddFest is managed by the Upper Nidderdale Landscape Partnership, with support from the Heritage Lottery Fund. Iain Mann, Scheme Manager of the Upper Nidderdale Landscape Partnership, said:
“A love for the outdoors is one of the best things any child can have, it’s not just fun, but fantastic for self-esteem and helps create connections with nature that can last a lifetime. We hope NiddFest will inspire a spirit of outdoor adventure in the young and old.”
Author Sam Enthoven
For book worms, don’t miss Patron of Reading Sam Enthoven. The author of fantastical action thrillers is ‘certifiably’ committed to books that make kids want to read. Author of Crawler – featuring strange spider-like creatures, and Tim Defender of the Earth tells the thrilling story of Tim, a genetically modified Tyrannosaurus grown in a secret bunker under Trafalgar Square, on the loose. From vomiting bats to giant monsters, Sam will deliver Nidderdale Shivers, a story-telling performance you won’t want to miss.
Children’s book writer Piers Torday writes about the adventures of a boy called Kester who can’t talk to people but can talk to animals. His dad Paul is famed for his novel Salmon Fishing in the Yemen, which inspired Piers to have a go at writing himself. His first book, The Last Wild was nominated for the Carnegie Award. His latest The Lost Magician, is published in August 2018, he’ll be in conversation with fellow children’s author, and NiddFest’s Artistic Director, Kit Peel.
Piers Torday. Photo by James Betts
Families are also invited to discover foraging with Chris Bax, get in a buzz over bees on a meadow walk with artist Steven Falk and discover the River Nidd with renowned marine biologist Helen Scales, as well as the chance to start the day with a Dawn Chorus with the charismatic Peter Cowdrey of Planet Birdsong.
NiddFest runs on Saturday 16 and Sunday 17 June.
To book and see the full line-up, visit: www.niddfest.com and follow us on Twitter @NiddFest
