23 - 26 May 2025
23 - 26
May
2025
Timetable: Family and Communities

Currently publicised Family and Communities for 2025, there may be more

Jump to: Friday Saturday Sunday Monday

Click on the event name for more information.

Family and Communities on Friday 23rd May 2025
WhenWhatWhereDescriptionPrice
10:00 to 12:30Schools' Day workshopsOlympiad: Sports HallA by-invite-only event for local schools

With: Shooting Roots

Event Tickets Only
12:00 to 12:40The Ramshackle Orchestra Island Park: Community StageRamshackle plays an eclectic mix of world folk music including Celtic folk, passionate gypsy tunes, Klezmer laments and mysterious airs from the wilder reaches of Hungary and Transylvania.

With: Ramshackle Orchestra

Donation
12:45 to 14:30Schools' Day CeilidhOlympiad: Sports HallA by-invite-only event for local schools

With: The Downfielders, Shooting Roots

Event Tickets Only
13:00 to 13:45Becky Syson Island Park: Community StageUplifting positive songs for the soul with Nottinghamshire singer-songwriter Becky Syson.

With: Becky Syson

Donation
14:05 to 14:35The Good Afternoon ChoirIsland Park: Community StageThe Chippenham & Calne Good Afternoon Choir (one of 23 FUN community choirs that sing in the afternoons) led by the wonderful Matt Finch.

With: Chippenham & Calne Good Afternoon Choir + West Wilts Good Afternoon Choir

Donation
15:00 to 15:45Hot Club of Folk Town Island Park: Community StageRegulars in the local folk scene Margaret on Fiddle and Ross on Guitar bring Roots music with a top dressing of swing.

With: Hot Club of Folk Town 

Donation
16:10 to 16:45The Downfielders Island Park: Community StageA band of school age young people from Gloucestershire

With: The Downfielders

Donation
17:10 to 18:25The Wiltshire Police Band Island Park: Community Stagewith woodwind, brass and percussion sections, the band repertoire is vast and ranges from traditional marches to big band classics, popular musical shows and arrangements of classical music.

With: Wiltshire Police Band

Donation

Family and Communities on Saturday 24th May 2025
WhenWhatWhereDescriptionPrice
08:30 to 09:30The Festival Stretch Island Park: Community StageBring your yoga mat to join Kyla, local Yoga instructor in a festival morning stretch. What better way to get ready for the weekend of dancing ahead!

With: Yoga with Kyla 

Donation
10:00 to 14:00The Magic LanternIsland Park: The Magic Lantern (Shadow puppet theatre)Work with our puppeteer and storytellers at the Spectacular Magic Lantern, Make your own shadow puppets and bring your song and stories to life.

With: Ian Douglas, Jo Douglas, Gacko, Professor Pumpernickel

Donation
10:00 to 13:00Scrap AttackIsland Park: Make and Do tentCrafting with Wiltshire Scrapstore: Check the marquee signage for the day's theme!

With: The Wiltshire Scrapstore

Donation
10:00 to 11:00Singing Hats Island Park: Under 5s dome Karen and Phil Morris unique show using self-made animal hats and finger puppets to enhance the music and encourage all to join in the experience.

With: Singing Hats

Donation
10:00 to 10:40Hot Club of Folk Town Island Park: Community StageRegulars in the local folk scene Margaret on Fiddle and Ross on Guitar bring Roots music with a top dressing of swing.

With: Hot Club of Folk Town 

Donation
11:00 to 11:45NYFTE: The National Youth Folk Troupe of England teach us some traditional dance stylesIsland Park: Community StageThe National Youth Folk Troupe of England teach us some traditional dance styles. Suitable for all ages.

With: NYFTE  (National Youth Folk Troupe of England) (Youth)

Donation
11:30 to 12:30Wee Folkies: Inclusive Music MakingIsland Park: Under 5s domeInclusive music-making workshops suitable for all children up to the age of 10, exploring sensory themes and playfulness!

With: Ben Matthews and friends

Donation
12:00 to 12:25I am a Clown Island Park: Community StageVolodymyr Smotritel presents " I am a Clown". a unique clowning masterclass unfolds.

With: Volodymyr Smotritel

Donation
12:30 to 12:50 May Pole performance with local school Langley Fitzhurse C of E Primary Island Park: Community StageMay Pole performance with local school Langley Fitzhurse C of E Primary

With: Langley Fitzhurse C of E Primary

Donation
13:20 to 14:10 Nursery Rhyme Time with Folk OnIsland Park: Community StagePlaying the Nursery Rhymes you know and love, as you’ve never heard them before. For children of all ages!

With: Folk On

Donation
13:30 to 15:15Knitted Critters with the Natty KnittersIsland Park: Make and Do tentJoin the knitters behind the fantastic knitted creations around the town. Make your own knitted critter. Beginners or experienced. Any age welcome.

With: Chippenham Knatty Knitters

Donation
14:30 to 15:15Becky Bops Pre Walkers Island Park: Under 5s domeSongs and rhymes for babies with bubbles and sensory-led fun.

With: Becky Bops

Donation
15:00 to 17:00The Magic LanternIsland Park: The Magic Lantern (Shadow puppet theatre)Work with our puppeteer and storytellers at the Spectacular Magic Lantern, Make your own shadow puppets and bring your song and stories to life.

With: Gacko, Ian Douglas, Jo Douglas, Professor Pumpernickel

Donation
15:45 to 16:30Drumming Circle for all the family with Blissfull DragonIsland Park: Make and Do tentJoin the circle and get into your groove, and get the beat going! Join Liz to explore, improvise and have fun with drums and percussion, creating a joyful and uplifting sound.

With: Blissful Dragon

Donation
15:45 to 16:30Toddle Bops : WalkersIsland Park: Under 5s domeMusic mayhem for little folk with parachute play, shaky eggs, sensory scarves, bubbles and more!

With: Becky Bops

Donation
16:50 to 17:30Let us Dance Island Park: Community StageLet us Dance get us all dancing with maypole, garlands and maybe a few hankies.

With: Let Us Dance!

Donation
17:00 to 17:30Drumming Story Time (7 years and above) Island Park: Make and Do tentCome and join Harry and his friends as he creates a new band in the woodland. There will be plenty of noisy drumming and lots of fun.

With: Blissful Dragon

Donation
17:30 to 18:30Folk On Island Park: Community StageA full-force folky fun family show for all with hits like ‘Dad, I’m in love with a Morris Dancer’ and ‘Advanced Country Dancing (for beginners)

With: Folk On

Donation
20:45 to 21:30The Magic Lantern: Telling Tales at Twilight Island Park: The Magic Lantern (Shadow puppet theatre)The Magic Lantern presents: Telling Tales at Twilight, a magical and spectacular evening of story and shadow puppetry.

With: Gacko, Ian Douglas, Jo Douglas, Professor Pumpernickel

Donation

Family and Communities on Sunday 25th May 2025
WhenWhatWhereDescriptionPrice
10:00 to 14:00The Magic LanternIsland Park: The Magic Lantern (Shadow puppet theatre)Work with our puppeteer and storytellers at the Spectacular Magic Lantern, Make your own shadow puppets and bring your song and stories to life.

With: Ian Douglas, Jo Douglas, Gacko, Professor Pumpernickel

Donation
10:00 to 13:00Scrap AttackIsland Park: Make and Do tentCrafting with Wiltshire Scrapstore: Check the marquee signage for the day's theme!

With: The Wiltshire Scrapstore

Donation
10:00 to 10:45Becky Bops Pre Walkers Island Park: Under 5s domeSongs and rhymes for babies with bubbles and sensory-led fun.

With: Becky Bops

Donation
10:00 to 10:50Let us Dance Island Park: Community StageLet us Dance get us all dancing with maypole, garlands and maybe a few hankies.

With: Let Us Dance!

Donation
11:00 to 11:45NYFTE: The National Youth Folk Troupe of England teach us some traditional dance stylesIsland Park: Community StageThe National Youth Folk Troupe of England teach us some traditional dance styles. Suitable for all ages.

With: NYFTE  (National Youth Folk Troupe of England) (Youth)

Donation
11:15 to 12:00Toddle Bops: WalkersIsland Park: Under 5s domeMusic mayhem for little folk with parachute play, shaky eggs, sensory scarves, bubbles and more!

With: Becky Bops

Donation
12:00 to 12:25Cause Community ChoirIsland Park: Community StageA collective of singers and musicians performing a wide variety of songs based at the Cause Music Centre Chippenham.

With: Cause Community Choir

Donation
12:15 to 13:15Singing Hats Island Park: Under 5s dome Karen and Phil Morris unique show using self-made animal hats and finger puppets to enhance the music and encourage all to join in the experience.

With: Singing Hats

Donation
13:00 to 14:00Family Fairytale Ceilidh Island Park: Community Stage Specifically for children and families, Led by Fairy Tale Folk Dance to the wonderful Downfielders. Bringing a sprinkle of fairy dust and story telling to introduce our youngest attendees to the fun to be had in ceilidh dancing. Costumes encouraged!

With: The Downfielders, FairyTale Family Folk Dance

Donation
13:30 to 16:30Circus Skills with Clare's Circus Island Park: Make and Do tentRun away with the circus! Local artist Clare has all you need to learn the skills of the trade

With: Clare’s Circus

Donation
14:00 to 15:00Wee Folkies: Inclusive Music MakingIsland Park: Under 5s domeInclusive music-making workshops suitable for all children up to the age of 10, exploring sensory themes and playfulness!

With: Ben Matthews and friends

Donation
14:25 to 15:50NYFTE Show Case Island Park: Community StageNYFTE (pronounced "nifty") are a team of 10-18 year olds from all over the country, performing a wide range of dance styles, song and musicianship.

With: NYFTE  (National Youth Folk Troupe of England) (Youth)

Donation
15:00 to 17:00The Magic LanternIsland Park: The Magic Lantern (Shadow puppet theatre)Work with our puppeteer and storytellers at the Spectacular Magic Lantern, Make your own shadow puppets and bring your song and stories to life.

With: Gacko, Ian Douglas, Jo Douglas, Professor Pumpernickel

Donation
15:20 to 16:20Musical Circuits Island Park: Under 5s domeHave some fun exploring lots of different instruments and playing together in a noisey jam session!

With: Blissful Dragon

Donation
16:10 to 17:10Keith Donnelly Family ShowIsland Park: Community StageLaughs, songs and stories with the wonderful and mischievous Keith Donnelly and his bear.

With: Keith Donnelly

Donation
17:30 to 18:30Guinea Lane Sax QuartetIsland Park: Community StageGuinea Lane Saxophones are a saxophone quartet comprising soprano, alto, tenor and baritone saxes plus vocals, mostly traditional English music.

With: Guinea Lane Saxophone Quartet

Donation
18:00 to 19:00Stick and Bucket Dance CompetitionOld Road TavernChippenham's hilarious annual contest for the best interpretation of Sir Terry Pratchett's Stick & Bucket Dance.

With: Details to follow

Donation
20:45 to 21:30The Magic Lantern: Telling Tales at Twilight Island Park: The Magic Lantern (Shadow puppet theatre)The Magic Lantern presents: Telling Tales at Twilight, a magical and spectacular evening of story and shadow puppetry.

With: Gacko, Ian Douglas, Jo Douglas, Professor Pumpernickel

Donation

Family and Communities on Monday 26th May 2025
WhenWhatWhereDescriptionPrice
10:00 to 14:00The Magic LanternIsland Park: The Magic Lantern (Shadow puppet theatre)Work with our puppeteer and storytellers at the Spectacular Magic Lantern, Make your own shadow puppets and bring your song and stories to life.

With: Ian Douglas, Jo Douglas, Gacko, Professor Pumpernickel

Donation
10:00 to 13:00Scrap AttackIsland Park: Make and Do tentCrafting with Wiltshire Scrapstore: Check the marquee signage for the day's theme!

With: The Wiltshire Scrapstore

Donation
10:00 to 10:45Becky Bops Pre Walkers Island Park: Under 5s domeSongs and rhymes for babies with bubbles and sensory-led fun.

With: Becky Bops

Donation
10:00 to 10:50Let us Dance Island Park: Community StageLet us Dance get us all dancing with maypole, garlands and maybe a few hankies.

With: Let Us Dance!

Donation
11:15 to 12:00Toddle Bops: WalkersIsland Park: Under 5s domeMusic mayhem for little folk with parachute play, shaky eggs, sensory scarves, bubbles and more!

With: Becky Bops

Donation
11:20 to 11:50The Magician’s NephewIsland Park: Community StageA young and lively ceilidh band, made up of members from The Bristol Folk House Choir, performing their concert set with ceilidh tune as well as 4 part harmony singing.

With: The Magician’s Nephew

Donation
12:15 to 12:40Bristol Folk House ChoirIsland Park: Community StageA young, lively community choir covering a wide range of folk songs

With: Bristol Folk House Choir

Donation
12:30 to 13:15Singing Hats Island Park: Under 5s dome Karen and Phil Morris unique show using self-made animal hats and finger puppets to enhance the music and encourage all to join in the experience.

With: Singing Hats

Donation
13:00 to 13:30Sounds with your feet Island Park: Community StageExplore where making sound with your feet can take you with Clog dancer Vikki Lewis.

With: Vikki Lewis , Manny Grimsley

Donation
13:30 to 16:30Circus Skills with Clares Circus Island Park: Make and Do tentRun away with the circus! Local artist Clare has all you need to learn the skills of the trade

With: Clare’s Circus

Donation
13:45 to 14:10MEGIsland Park: Community StageChippenham's own Meg. A young singer-songwriter with a range of covers and own material.

With: M3G

Donation
14:30 to 15:30Wee Folkies: Inclusive Music MakingIsland Park: Under 5s domeInclusive music-making workshops suitable for all children up to the age of 10, exploring sensory themes and playfulness!

With: Ben Matthews and friends

Donation
15:00 to 16:00Shooting Roots ShowcaseIsland Park: Community StageShowcase of what our first ever cohort of 11 to 17 working with Shooting Roots is an inclusive youth folk organisation run by young people for young people

With: Shooting Roots

Donation
16:00 to 17:00Musical Circuits Island Park: Under 5s domeHave some fun exploring lots of different instruments and playing together in a noisey jam session!

With: Blissful Dragon

Donation
16:15 to 17:15The grand exhibition of contraptions and curiosities. Island Park: Community StageA chaotic show loaded with myths, music, magic and mayhem featuring, songs, stories, sparkles and silliness. A bewildering and often breathtaking hour of absolute puerility.

With: Gacko, Ian Douglas, Professor Pumpernickel

Donation
17:45 to 18:30Wings and WhispersIsland Park: Community StageMusic inspired by the natural world and magical beings. Join the harp, voice, whistle, and guitar for a journey through English and American folk.

With: Wings and Whispers 

Donation

If you would like to see what we had last time: Family and Communities in 2024