Kids programme unveiled for The Spree festival

Paisley’s annual The Spree festival has unveiled its family programme offering a range of performances and activities to help keep the kids entertained this October break.

The bumper music, comedy and arts festival, which is now in its sixth year and taking place as part of Paisley’s bid to be UK City of Culture 2021, will take place from Friday 13 to Tuesday 24 October with a jam packed programme of activities for the family.

The majority of the shows under the family programme are free to attend and will offer a range of experiences for kids.

The National Theatre of Scotland will perform their fantastically fun new show Rocket Post which has a great mix of songs and storytelling and is full of humour, heart and hope for the future. The show is based on a true story set in the Western Isles in 1934. It’s a tale of miscommunication, vaulting ambition and the joyous discoveries that happen when everything goes wrong.

Jackie Wylie, Artistic Director of the National Theatre of Scotland, said: “I am thrilled that the National Theatre of Scotland is able to take part in the fabulous festival that is  The Spree, this year, and  share our delightful new family show Rocket Post and accompanying workshop with Paisley audiences.”

Those looking for an exciting challenge can take part in Big Telly Company’s Operation Paisley: Alien Pursuit, a game for families where they are challenged with deciphering a number of clues as a team.

Little ones will be kept entertained with a range of activities from interactive Bookbug sessions and opportunities to meet Badger the Mystical Mutt, star of a series of chart-topping illustrated children’s books. There will also be old favourites like the Punch & Judy puppet show in the town.

Also taking place over the festival is a comedy show written and performed by kids who have participated in workshops where they will learn how to write and deliver sketches based on their own funny experiences. Meanwhile music fans can learn more about Gaelic singing and drumming at Fèis Phàislig Workshops or find their groove with the award-winning Buddy Beat group.

For older kids interested in digital art they will have the opportunity to participate in a digital graffiti board session where they can also learn about coding with Computer Xplorers. Craft enthusiasts can unleash their creative flair at jewellery workshops while budding artists and writers can join AS Creatives for a range of activity workshops covering everything from art to creative writing and poetry.

Paisley 2021 bid director, Jean Cameron, said: “The Spree programme this year offers so many opportunities for kids of all ages to get involved and explore their talents by sampling a diverse range of creative activities.

“The scale and range of acts and activities taking place as part of The Spree has continued to grow in recent years and is now firmly established as a key date in Scotland’s festival calendar. This year is shaping up to be the best yet, with a number of unique performances in support of Paisley’s bid to be UK City of Culture 2021. It really will offer something for everyone.”

The Spree will also feature acts such as Paolo Nutini and Frightened Rabbit alongside the Royal Scottish National Orchestra, who will be performing at Paisley’s iconic 12th century Abbey during the festival. Much of the action will take place in a specially-erected Spiegeltent in the town centre, which will host trad acts such as Dougie MacLean and Canada’s De Temps Antan. While the Paisley Arts Centre will welcome Emma Pollock and RM Hubbert among a host of other acts.

This year’s festival is supported by EventScotland, part of VisitScotland’s Events Directorate.

Places for many of the family activities and performances can be booked online at www.thespree.co.uk

Tickets can be bought online at www.thespree.co.uk and from Renfrewshire Leisure on 0300 300 1210. Tickets are also on sale in InCube Shop, 9b Gilmour Street; PaisleyArts Centre, New Street; and Feel the Groove, Causeyside Street.