Venus flytrap is a real buzz for Festival children

Children will be getting a fly's eye view when they meet Belladonna and her Venus Flytrap at a South Norfolk Festival of the Arts event this month.

It will be an unforgettable experience at what is billed as the 'Pleasure Gardens' event, Rainthorpe Hall, just south of Norwich, on Saturday 30 May, 12 noon til 4pm.

Belladonna, pictured, will be touring the grounds of the Hall alongside a human fly, who will offer children the chance to see the world through his special fly's eyes glasses.

Children will also get a chance to "feed" the fly-trap with mock flies on sticks.

The Pleasure Gardens afternoon is one of many events being organised by South Norfolk Council under its Festival banner, which is set to make summer this year very special.

One of the highlights at Rainthorpe Hall will be the first performance in the eastern region of "Darwin and the Dodo" by outdoor theatre group “Desperate Men”. It's an interactive wonder, featuring songs and scientific games.

The performance celebrates Darwin’s bicentenary, and was originally launched at London’s Natural History Museum.

And while Belladonna and Darwin are wowing the children, the rest of the afternoon’s program of activities include:

- making and sailing miniature boats along the River Tas, which runs through the Hall's grounds.

- fairy garden workshops hosted by the Fairyland Trust in their exquisite medieval tent. Children will be invited to explore the folklore of flowers, and create their own fairy garden to take home.

- families will explore the woods together and enjoy the fun of building dens and creating secret places.

- children will get the chance to create a Recycled Flower Garden, using all kinds of recycled plastics and an opportunity to make a giant flower.

And all this against the background of music from strolling Elizabethan musicians, using hurdy gurdy, pipe and tabor, dancing and singing.

Councillor Michelle Monck, South Norfolk Council Cabinet Member for Leisure said:

"Many people have made the decision to holiday in Britain this year, and we in South Norfolk are providing fantastic value for money events to enjoy throughout the summer.

"We are drawing in excellent international entertainers, some performing in our region for the first time, while keeping ticket prices down so that many more people can enjoy them too.

"This Friday for example, (the 22nd) the City of London Sinfonia will be playing at Dunston Hall, officially launching our Festival. People will be treated to the music of Vaughan Williams and much, much more.

"This, and indeed all of the Festival, is just too good to miss, and a rare treat for everyone fortunate enough to be in our beautiful district this summer."

Tickets for the Pleasure Garden event are available on the gate at £10 for family tickets of two adults and two children, and £3 for each extra adult, and child under 16.

Festival brochures are available at the arts and entertainment information carousels in local shops and leisure centres, Tourist Information Centres, libraries, hotels, or online at www.south-norfolk.gov/festival.

Web links

• Full Festival Brochure

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