Kidzone / Papa Tākaro
Step right up to Kidzone, where the excitement of WOMAD bursts into a vibrant kaleidoscope of art, music, dance, and tales that'll whisk our young festivalgoers off their feet! Get ready to experience ‘’The WOMAD Wonder Emporium’’—this year's theme! Picture the carnival's dazzling hues merging with the enchantment of the circus, transforming Kidzone into a place where wonder knows no bounds, and every corner holds a spectacle waiting to unfold. Join us for a whirlwind of imagination and colour!
WHAT'S ON OFFER
Eco Flower Art Workshop
Join us for an enchanting Eco Flower Art Workshop led by the amazing Eco-Artist and teacher, Tigerlilly Prattini. Kids will dive into a world of creativity, crafting their own unique flower mandalas and stunning jewellery pieces.
Wand Making – decorated wands, think Harry Potter styled wands, but magically WOMAD-ified – decorated with paint and glue.
Wing Making – Tamariki will get to create their own wings using upcycled materials.
Masquerade Masks – Decorated, Steam Punk-esque styled masks using upcycled materials.
Ribbon Sticks – made with upcycled materials.
Cheer Leader styled Pom Poms – made with upcycled Materials
Word Zone
Storyteller Sessions with Roger from Birdlife Productions
Roger Sanders, a seasoned storyteller will mesmerise audiences with traditional European Folk Tales. His enchanting delivery, steeped in tradition, intertwines drama and humour, adorned by soft live music and gentle percussion.
Puppet Show Performances, by Anna Bailey of Stringbean Puppets
Anna will be presenting the interactive show, ‘The Portrait Painter’ – A magical show where the puppet painter paints take-away portraits for the Kids.
Taranaki Theatre Games
Dive into interactive, joyous improv sessions that ignite tamariki's confidence and collaborative skills. Embrace the creative spark within, nurturing budding actors and unleashing their inner performers while fostering connections and playful engagement among participants.
Magic Show Performances with Josh from Magicworks – our little ones will be entertained and enthralled with the wizardry talents of Josh and his magic tricks!
M.A.D Zone
Workshops and Activities
Stilt Walking Workshops with Free Lunch Theatre
After 25 years in the industry, the experts at Free Lunch Theatre will be joining us in Kidzone to teach young WOMADers the fantastical art of Stilt Walking!
Juggling Workshops with Josh from Magicworks
Magician and all-round performer Josh from Magic Works will be running juggling workshops where tamariki can hone their circus skills and learn to juggle!
Silent Disco Oasis
A whimsical wonderland adorned with artful installations where children can dance joyously to festive tunes, silently grooving amidst enchanting decorations. Limited space, welcoming 30 children per workshop to boogie in this magical realm.
Around and About Activities
(on offer all day)
Game Zone
Step into an outdoor wonderland where giant versions of beloved games await! Challenge a friend to an epic Connect Four match, test your finesse with oversized Pick Up Sticks, or make new pals in a colossal game of Twister. Dive into an assortment of games, all in the true spirit of WOMAD - where good sportsmanship prevails!
Face Painting with Magical Masquerade
The enchanting artists of Magical Masquerade return by popular demand to Kidzone! Dive into the festival spirit with incredible transformations—whatever you imagine, they'll bring it to life! On Sunday the team will be turning all children into anything wondrous and magical to fit the theme of the WOMAD Wonder Emporium.
Re:story
Ema and Tess invite kids to an imaginative journey using natural elements like wood, feathers, and stones. Children take the lead, crafting their own masterpieces. Parents step back, empowering kids to be the creators of their unique tales. In this space, Ema and Tess spark the installation, but it's the children who shine as creative partners, expressing stories through exploration and creativity.
Kidz Parade
Join us for the lively WOMAD NZ Kidz Parade this Sunday, celebrating the theme "The WOMAD Wonder Emporium." It's a chance for our talented WOMAD tamariki to showcase their art activities from the weekend. Look out for the magnificent Larger-than-Life Lion Lantern, returning in 2024 with a fresh look inspired by 'Emperor's New Clothes' and decorated by our festival tamariki! Led by this majestic lion, accompanied by the magical tunes of New Plymouth's The Blistered Fingers, the parade will begin at 6pm from the Gables stage, ending by 6:30 pm. Children must be accompanied by an adult for this whimsical journey through the heart of WOMAD NZ!
