After the success of the City Pulse and Splendour music festivals, Nottingham City Council is very proud to present another brand new event for 2008 – the Children’s Festival, which will provide 17 days of entertainment and activities for children and their families, based on storytelling, myths and legends.

The Festival officially starts this Friday, 1 August at the Riverside Festival and climaxes with a grand global picnic at Wollaton Park on Sunday 17 August.

Come along and enjoy the very first Festival with a host of fun activities designed especially for children and their families to enjoy, including:

• The Art Zone, Riverside Festival, 1 – 3 August, have a go at fantastic activities including floor-painting, glass decorating and percussion workshops
• Tour of the Council House on 5 August, with the only criteria being, adults must be accompanied by a child!
• National Play Day, Harvey Hadden, 7 August, with a live entertainment stage
• Play time in the Old Market Square, 9 – 10 August, come along and try your hand at the games of yesteryear
• Global Picnic at Wollaton Park, 17 August, includes a Teddy Bear’s Picnic and Nottingham’s very own Goddess in her coat of tales.

Also look out for storytelling, performances, arts and craft workshops and puppet making in libraries, museums and other cultural venues as well as your local Park Life event.

From Tibetan puppets in Victoria Centre to Caribbean pirates at Wollaton Park, the Festival aims to capture children’s imagination and create a magical world in the city.

Councillor David Trimble, Portfolio Holder for Culture said "We are delighted to be able to provide such a wide range of activities for children during the long summer holiday. The Children’s Festival offers an exciting programme of activities across the city with something for everyone."

The Children’s Festival is also supporting BBC Radio Nottingham’s Big Night Out on 7 August. Visit www.bbc.co.uk/nottingham to find out more about the special offers available to help families get out and enjoy the summer in the city.

Click here for more information about the Children's Festival in Nottingham