Age 5+

Join artist and illustrator Astrid Jaekel for a fun, hands-on workshop. You’ll have the chance to create your very own concertina-style book filled with beautiful spring garden motifs made using handmade rubber stamps, experiment with colours and patterns, and bring the magic of spring to life on paper!

Age 5+

Get ready for an adventure with storyteller and folklorist Allison Galbraith, exploring the gardens of Dumfries House, gathering twigs, leaves, feathers, and other natural treasures and listening to enchanting tales along the way. After the walk, you’ll use your found materials to create a beautiful nature-inspired picture. Dress for the weather.

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Age 3+

Step into author Alan Dapré’s tail-wagging adventure with his heartwarming picture book My Dog Max. Follow along as he brings to life the story of a girl whose biggest wish is to have a furry friend of her own. With bouncy rhymes that will get everyone barking for more, Alan’s interactive storytelling session is packed with props, giggles, and plenty of puppy-themed fun. Pup Pup Hooray!

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Age 7+

Join author Vivian French and Illustrator-in-Residence, Astrid Jaekel to cook up a special recipe for your local area. What ingredients make your home special to you? Add a pinch of local stories, a sprinkle of favourite places, and a generous helping of friends to create beautiful words and pictures about the place you call home.

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Age 3+

Meet Oliver, who only eats chips - until he discovers a whole garden of delicious surprises with Vivian French author of Oliver’s Vegetables. Join in with storytelling, song, and puppets as we follow Oliver’s journey round the veg patch as he tries carrots, spinach, rhubarb, cabbage, beetroot, and peas! Will he ever find the potatoes for his beloved chips?

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Age 8+

Immerse your family in the art of Forest Bathing, known as shinrin yoku, the Japanese practice of mindfully connecting with nature. Together with storyteller and folklorist Allison Galbraith, you'll discover the gentle magic of being still among the trees, listening to their whispers, and breathing in the woodland air. A perfect way to slow down and reconnect as a family. Dress for the weather.

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Age 7+

Step into the world of dragons with Kate Leiper, illustrator of An Illustrated Treasury of Dragon Tales. Hear about some real-life dragons, test your knowledge in a fun quiz, bring a dragon to life in an exciting draw-along session and hear one of the book’s thrilling tales. A fiery, fun-filled event for young dragon lovers and budding artists alike!

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