Angela Lafferty, engagement and development officer at Torquay Museum:
Torquay Museum is the place to be for families this Valentine’s weekend. Whether you want to bang on a big bass drum or lose yourself in the bass – there’s something for the whole family.
As part of its events programme, linked to the current exhibition Made to be Played: A Festival of Musical Instruments, the museum will be hosting a wild weekend of family musical events.
In a first for the museum, they have teamed up with the award-winning Big Fish Little Fish, who return to Torquay for another massive afternoon of bonkers raving with the kids. Yes, raving for families in a museum!
Hannah Saunders, founder of Big Fish Little Fish, raves about the benefits of the family time together.
She said: “The sense of community and support on the dance floor is immense, the feeling of losing yourself in music, engaging with music in a really primal way. Children are extremely sensory and just absorb all of this.
“There’s a sense of engagement with music with families. People wear babies in slings on the chests. They put toddlers on their shoulders. The children love seeing their parents happy.”
There will be two sessions on Sunday, February 12: 11am to 1pm and 2pm to 4pm. The theme is ‘Peace ’n’ Love’ and fancy dress is optional, but encouraged. What’s not to love?
Headline DJs are the BFLF South West residents Little My and High Eight who will be playing (grown-up) dance music on the multi-sensory dance floor with glitter cannons, bubbles, snow, balloons and giant parachute dance.
For those who like a bit of crafting and dancing, there will be a giant colouring mural, themed crafts and a Play-Doh table, a play area with tents and tunnels and a baby chill-out space with mats and small ball pool.
There will also be a licensed bar, cafe, a tuck shop provided by Lily’s Sweet Shop of St Marychurch, and free transfer tattoos!
These two sessions are for families with younger children under eight, though older siblings are welcome. Tickets are adults £6, children £6 and pre-walking infants free (but must be ticketed). Tickets for this event are selling fast, so book now to avoid disappointment.
For those who like their musical events a little more sedate, but no less exciting, come to the museum on Saturday, February 11, and make a Family Orchestra.
Musicians Hugh Nankivell and Emma Welton invite you, your family, and people of any age to form an orchestra in a morning.
Promoting a shared experience across generations, Family Orchestra is a great common meeting ground regardless of music taste, experience or ability.
Taking inspiration from Torquay Museum’s Made to be Played exhibition, they will explore the sounds of different instruments and make your own music with them.
The event is open to all, whether you already play or have never played a musical instrument. Instruments will be provided, and you can bring your own. You could even have a go at conducting the orchestra! The session will end with an informal performance.
Booking is essential and there is a £1 booking fee, redeemable in the museum cafe.
Booking information for both events can be found on the museum website, visit https://torquaymuseum.org
