About the event

Egg, Nest, Beak, Song, Feather, Flight, Migration: these are the seven wonders of birds. Explore our relationship with the creatures of the air through art, stories and creative writing.

Suitable for all ages. Free and no booking required – just drop in!

Please note: childcare is not provided and all under 16s must be accompanied by an adult.

Summer Family Fun will feature a wide range of creative craft activities. These will vary and may include:

• sun prints
• bird collage
• cut-and-paste poetry
• foam printing
• wooden egg decorating
• bird-themed rhyme time for toddlers
• the ‘battle of the beaks’
• migration challenge
• poetic gallery trail in the Wonder of Birds exhibition

Special events

4 and 7 August

Magical realist novel The Birder imagines an alternate Oxford where people transform into birds, and features linocuts of birds in Oxford locations. It was inspired by the poem Metamorphoses written by the ancient Roman poet Ovid. Make your own postcard imagining a transformed bird in Oxford. This activity will be led by Dr Lorna Robinson, author of The Birder and director of classics charity The Iris Project.

11 August

Enjoy the classic fairy tale The Emperor and the Nightingale by Hans Christian Anderson in a new way through interactive storytelling from Marie-Louise Flexen and Steven Skinley. The performance will feature music, sound and audience movement for an immersive experience. Then craft your own magical bird mask.

The story will be performed at 11.00 and 13.30 and followed by a craft activity. This activity is most suitable for children aged 5–10. Places will be limited and first come, first served on the day, but other craft activities will be available at the event.

This project is funded by Arts Council England and supported by Swindon Dance. 

Dates