Children’s Arts Festival On Sale Now!
March 24, 2026
ISLAND Arts Centre launches its ‘25 Years in the Making!’
Children’s Arts Festival 27 Jul – 15 Aug 2026
Three Weeks of Creative Fun – on sale now!
Got your summer plans sorted for the kids? ISLAND Arts Centre in Lisburn has you covered as it celebrates a major milestone with its ‘25 Years in the Making!’ Children’s Arts Festival. Running from 27 July to 15 August 2026, this special anniversary edition promises three weeks of fun-filled, artist-led activities for children aged 5–14.
Designed to help families with the summer childcare juggle, the festival offers a vibrant, creative environment where young people can find their feet, take the lead, and truly shine. Each week brings a unique theme packed with hands-on workshops, ensuring there’s something exciting for every child.
Week 1: The ISLAND
Carnival Takeover (27 – 31 Jul)
Carnival fever takes over as children dive into an action-packed week of circus skills, dance, drama and junk art. From lively workshops to a festival finale, participants will have
the opportunity to showcase their creations in the ISLAND Arts Gallery—because this week, they don’t just watch the show, they are the show.
BOOK NOW:
Week 2: Life’s a Circus (3 – 7Aug)
The anniversary circus rolls into town! Children will learn to juggle, spin poi and master the hula hoop, before switching gears to explore pottery, digital art and junk art. It’s a week full of energy, creativity and new skills.
BOOK NOW:
ISLAND Children’s Arts Festival ‘25 years in the Making’ Life’s a Circus Week 2 | ISLAND Arts Centre
Week 3: Make Your Mark on the Wild Artdoors (10 – 14 Aug)
Get outside and get messy with this exciting legacy project. Participants will help create an Anniversary Ceramic Wild Garden, craft clay creatures, build willow structures, and experiment with environmental art and stop-motion animation. Stories will be brought to life on the big screen at ISLAND Arts Centre.
BOOK NOW:
Festival’s Fun Fridays – The Birthday Edition
Each week ends with a celebratory Fun Friday party featuring music, popcorn and cake to mark 25 years of the ISLAND. Children just need to bring their best dance moves!
Family Magic Show
The festival concludes on Saturday 15 August with FizzWizzPop’s Family Magic Show in the Studio Theatre (1pm or 2.30pm), delivering big tricks, bigger giggles and magical fun for all ages.
Cost: £5 per person
Councillor Tim Mitchell, Chair of Communities & Wellbeing, said:
“This year’s Children’s Arts Festival is extra special as we celebrate 25 years of ISLAND Arts Centre. We’re proud to offer young people the chance to explore their creativity, build confidence and make lasting memories through a diverse and exciting programme of activities. It’s a fantastic way for local families to enjoy a fun and enriching summer.”
Good to Know
Each week runs Mon to Fri, 10am–4pm, costing £95 per child (including a free festival t-shirt). Sibling and multiple week discounts are available. Parents are asked to provide a packed lunch, water bottle, and ensure children wear sunscreen.
Spaces fill fast, so early booking is recommended. Tickets on sale from 9.30am, Tuesday 24 March 2026.
For more information and to book, visit www.ISLANDArtsCentre.com or contact the box office T:028 9244 7452