Visitors to the Eden Project this May half term can expect immersive theatre performances, a huge collaborative art project, augmented reality storytelling and more with the return of the popular Festival of Imagination.
Taking place between May 25 and June 2, the event promises to be a celebration of culture and creativity offering fun experiences for the whole family to enjoy.
Among the immersive activities taking place is Blockbuster Factory. This award-winning audience participation show sees audience members become part of an imaginary film set where their involvement directly impacts the story. This exciting adventure provides a behind-the-scenes look at the world of cinema like no other.
Elsewhere, visitors can enjoy an enthralling 45-minute puppet show, Anansi and the Lost Sun, and discover more about the art of puppetry with drop-in crafts.
In addition, music will fill the air as One Drum showcase live African drumming, dancing and acrobatic performances, alongside providing drumming workshops for those wanting to learn more.
For technology-lovers, interactive activities based on Looking for the Cloud - a fascinating augmented reality experience created by Bath Spa University Creative Computing researchers - will explore how the internet and our devices are connected and how they use energy.
Fans of the gaming world will find great enjoyment in the Game Lounge where visitors can dive into the world of game design with Mind Feast Games by creating and playing as a unique character, learning about coding and story writing at the same time.
Visitors wanting to be a part of a huge collaborative art project can leave their mark on The Mossy Carpet. This artwork explores the importance of moss and the power of community action. Communities across the country have added textiles to lengths of carpet to create a piece that is currently 50 metres long, with hopes to grow it further.
Festival of Imagination will also see the return of the popular Book Nook, complete with blankets, pillows, cushions, colouring in sheets and a range of children’s books. This relaxing area will also play host to daily storytelling by visiting authors Sarah Underwood and Rebecca Cobb (May 25), Craig Barr Green (May 26-29), Suzanna Hubbard (May 30-31), Emma Yarlett (June 1) and Rachel Bright (June 2).
Tamsyn Lewis, the Eden Project’s Living Theatre Production Manager, said: “We are incredibly excited for the return of our popular Festival of Imagination event and this year promises to be even bigger with music, art, literature and interactive experiences for all ages.
“Our hope is that Festival of Imagination will give children access to art and culture that can inspire, empower and provoke questions while having lots of fun along the way. We are sure families will find something for everyone at the Eden Project this May half term."
New art exhibition – Cornelia Parker: THE FUTURE (Sixes and Sevens) (2023)
Alongside Festival of Imagination, visitors can also enjoy a new exhibition presenting a powerful and immersive film by internationally acclaimed British artist and Turner Prize nominee Cornelia Parker.
THE FUTURE (Sixes and Sevens) (2023) offers a poignant exploration of the future through the eyes of primary school children. The six and seven-year-olds candidly share their hopes, fears, and visions for the future.
Adventure Cinema comes to Eden
Guests looking for something additional to fill their evenings this May half term can enjoy a movie in a unique setting as the UK’s biggest outdoor cinema tour comes to the Eden Project.
Set against the backdrop of the Biomes, the Arena will be transformed into a magical movie setting for three nights from May 25 to 27, courtesy of Adventure Cinema.
Mamma Mia! will kick off the bank holiday weekend on Saturday, May 25, transporting viewers to sun-drenched Greece. On Sunday, May 26, Steven Spielberg’s revered dinosaur classic, Jurassic Park will be brought to life in a setting that closely resembles the movie’s awe-inspiring jungle locations. Closing the weekend on the bank holiday Monday, May 27, is the beloved Julia Roberts and Richard Gere romantic comedy Pretty Woman. Tickets are available at www.adventurecinema.co.uk.
For more information on Festival of Imagination see www.edenproject.com.
