NEWTOWNARDS is gearing up for a puppet takeover this month with Northern Ireland’s only puppet festival providing plenty of shenanigans in Conway Square.
There will be puppets of all shapes and sizes, from socks to shadows and strings. One of the most spectacular is The Elephant Extravaganza, where pedal-power brings a huge mechanical Asian elephant to life.
The three-day festival from May 26-28 features a host of shows, as well as character walkabouts, music and free interactive workshops where children can build their very own puppets.
Other highlights include: Banyan Theatre company's Red Riding Hood, told through puppetry storytelling and music; The DaSilva Marionette Circus Troupe; and The Cardboard Carnival, by Lempen Theatre, an animal show created entirely from cardboard.
Also on the programme is award-winning Edinburgh Fringe show A Strange New Space which is a non-verbal show for families, that uses puppetry and original music to tell the tale of the intergalactic adventure of space-obsessed Amira, mirroring her real-life journey as a refugee.
:: Ards Puppet Festival, May 26-28, Conway Square, Newtownards. For more information visit Ardsarts.com
