The Festival of Myths & Legends is coming to Almond Valley!
We’ve just launched packed programme of dragons, animal experiences and play for summer!
From Monday 13 – Friday 17 July, the Festival of Myths & Legends will celebrate powerful tales and folklore exploring their connections with Scottish contemporary, cultural and historic identity. A series of walkabouts, storytelling sessions and encounters with giant dragons and small hatchlings will charm visitors of all ages, bringing ancient legends to life and inviting audiences to create stories of their own.
Award-winning educators Teach Rex will lead the walkabouts and dragon encounters. Teach Rex are Samuel Bryan and Joseph Parsonage, experienced teachers who now specialise in interactive workshops for children with dinosaurs, dragons and animals. Dragon Song Productions’ Rachel Huggins will be sharing enchanting storytelling sessions from Kipper the Sea Dragon, who journeys through the ocean to find out where the colours have gone, and Bertie the Moon Dragon, whose job is to wake the moon each night. In partnership with these creative and imaginative performers, Almond Valley will create a world of majestic dragons, legendary discoveries and fantastical myths for the whole family to explore.
Jenny Howard-Coombes, Director of Almond Valley Heritage Centre said: “As part of our long-term ambition to harness the power of arts, culture and heritage to inspire the next generation of innovators and imaginators, we can’t wait to welcome our stunning dragon friends to Almond Valley! And this magical experience is all included in our standard admission price.’
“Teach Rex will bring their amazing creations to life across the centre alongside Dragon Song Productions’ wondrous storytelling, songs and puppetry. We’re so looking forward to giving visitors the opportunity to immerse themselves in a magical adventure – even our littlest explorers will have a chance to encounter these mystical legends as they meet wee hatchlings in the baby dragon creche.”
Daily experiences on the site include hourly rides on the farm tractor or the expertly restored narrow-gauge train, as well as animal feeding sessions. Visitors can join the cheeky Bagot and Pygmy goats as they enjoy their breakfast and have a late lunch with a gang of energetic alpacas! There’s even the chance to take an alpaca for an hour-long walk across the cropping fields and learn all about these beautiful animals.
Jenny continued: “Summer is our busiest time, and we welcome hundreds of people to Almond Valley every day so we always recommend booking in advance. Our site is accessible, entertaining and packed with play zones, heritage wonders and our gorgeous resident animals. People of all ages are invited to come along and enjoy our beautiful community space, historic buildings and joyful natural sanctuary.”
Programme information:
Festival of Myths & Legends
Monday 13 – Friday 17 July, 11am & 3pm
Admission included in site entry fee
Dragon Encounter / Teach Rex
Mon – Fri, 10.30am – 11.30am, Orchard Barn
Myths & Legends Storytelling / Dragon Song Productions
Mon 13, Wed 15 & Fri 17 only, 11.30am – 12noon
Wee Hatchling Session for Under 5s
Mon – Fri, 12noon – 12.15pm
Dragon Walkabout / Teach Rex
Mon – Fri, 12.45pm – 1pm
Myths & Legends Storytelling / Dragon Song Productions
Mon 13, Wed 15 & Fri 17 only, 11.30am – 12noon
Dragon Encounter & Storytelling / Teach Rex
Mon – Fri, 2pm – 3pm, Orchard Barn
Myths & Legends Storytelling / Dragon Song Productions
Mon 13, Wed 15 & Fri 17 only, 11.30am – 12noon
Wee Hatchling Session for Under 5s
Mon – Fri, 3.30pm – 3.45pm
Dragon Walkabout / Teach Rex
Mon – Fri, 4.15pm – 4.30pm
Craftivities in the Dragon Maker’s Lair
Mon – Fri, 11.30am – 1pm / 1.45pm – 3pm, guided sessions
Dragon Keepers Quest
Mon – Fri, 10am – 5pm
Myths & Legends Exhibition
Mon – Fri, 10am – 5pm
Throughout the Summer
Goat Feeding Session
Fri – Sun only until Sunday 21 June. Every day from Friday 26 June – Monday 17 August, then Friday – Sunday only from Saturday 15 August, 11.15am*
£1 per feed pot, advance booking advised
*Goat Feeding Sessions take place on Fridays at 3.15pm during school term time.
Alpaca Feeding Session
Weekends only until Sunday 21 June. Every day from Friday 26 June – Monday 17 August, then weekends only from Saturday 15 August, 2.15pm
£1 per feed pot, advance booking advised
Alpaca Walks
Any day, 3pm. £30 participate rate, £13 supporting adult.
Train Rides
Weekends only until Sunday 21 June. Every day from Friday 26 June – Monday 17 August, then weekends only from Saturday 15 August.
11.30am / 12.30pm / 1.30pm / 2.30pm / 3.30pm, £2 per person (under 1s go free)
Tractor Rides
Weekends only until Sunday 21 June. Every day from Friday 26 June – Monday 17 August, then weekends only from Saturday 15 August.
11am / 12pm / 1pm / 2pm / 3pm / 4pm. £1 per person (under 1s go free)
