In 2008 there will be six marquees, each offering wide range of activities and displays. This will also spread out into the surrounding park.  Download the full Programme of Events (633kb) PDF

Rescued Raptors

Always a wow factor, Corio Raptors will display their crowd-pulling collection of rescued raptors. Healthy birds, which cannot be returned to the wild, will draw attention to the work of this charity which cares for ill-treated birds. Games and activities will also demonstrate the effects of habitat damage on the whole food chain and ultimately these top predators. The birds will also provide subject matter for close observational drawing and photography. (image copyright C Houlbrook)

Wildlife Safari

Wildlife charities will explain the need for wildlife conservation and encourage active involvement through interactive displays and games. Alongside this there will be opportunities to get involved in nestbox and bug home making. After exploring the wonderful patterns, textures and shapes of living things through the video microscope children can work with artists in print, paint and clay. (image copyright C Houlbrook)

Live Lightly

Organisations promoting environmentally sustainable lifestyles will provide interactive, informative displays and examples of good practice. Topics will include waste and recycling, energy efficiency, carbon reduction and ethical trading. Sustainable energy will be demonstrated by racing solar powered carts. A tasty Fair Trade Chocolate Game will raise awareness of production and marketing issues in the chocolate industry.

Eco-adventures

Local organisations including Chester Canal Heritage Trust and Cheshire Year of Gardens will showcase Chester and Cheshire's natural and cultural heritage. Local artists will help inspire visitors to view the natural environment with new eyes – and get out and about to explore it further - through activities such as bluebell printmaking and mixed media with professional artists Ann Bridges and Tim Pugh.

Green Grub

Food producers, organic gardeners and organisations promoting healthy lifestyles will be displaying their work and produce and addressing issues such as local sourcing, the importance of organic food production and healthy eating. Exhibitors include Clippy’s Apple Preserves, Cheshire Ice Cream Farm, Riverside Organic (burgers) and Smoothie Fresh while activities include Felt Fruit-making, Clay Seed-Pods and a ‘Wild Fruit Salad’ group drawing!

Performance Marquee

Presented in the performance arena will be : 

• The Dhol phenomenon - a powerful performance of Asian drumming
• Weatherdance - performed by Hartford Manor CP Primary School
• The Weavils- presenting cool blues and hot jazz from the Weaver Delta
• Parveen Khan's flashing feet to a Bhangra beat

(image copyright C Houlbrook)

Activities

Will include:

Meadow Life Workshop

Remember to visit the Cheshire Wildlife Trust Meadow Life Workshop where you'll be able to make giant wildflowers, mammal finger puppets, native meadow butterflies on sticks and nest boxes. (image copyright C Houlbrook)