School Workshops and Performances 2025
We provide workshops which take place in local schools and these form a major part of the HYF Programme. We offer over 2,000 places to young people from Reception age upwards. A diverse range of workshops gives children a flavour of different activities that they might not have attempted or experienced before. The programme is designed to stimulate children's imagination, build confidence and to inspire them to try out new experiences.
Please see below for an overview of the workshops that are on offer this year. Workshops are selected and booked by schools who will provide details to parents.
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Click here to find information for schools
Click here for the application form for performances and workshops
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School Workshops
We are offering the free sessions and workshops with the following providers - schools apply for these on behalf of pupils.
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These workshops have been generously supported by our sponsors.
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Create 'n' Make with Michaela Clarke
Michaela will be working with years 1-4 pupils to make artwork on our "Growing” theme.
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Mixed Media with Emily Cooling
Emily is running a workshop making artwork for display based on our "Growing” theme for years 3 - 6.
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Digital Portraits with Kathryn Fell
Kathryn will be helping children in years 5 and 6 to create digital portraits.
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www.kathrynfellphotography.co.uk
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Flamenco Lessons
Tailored to any age group from Year 2 upwards, children will have lots of fun watching a flamenco performance, before learning about how flamenco developed and how a flamenco group is formed and finally trying out some flamenco footwork and movements.
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Wise Moves - Bhangra Dance Workshop
A one-hour bhangra dance workshop led by Wise Moves' artist, Senjuti. In this lively and joyous workshop children learn how to dance Bhangra. The workshop will be made up of up to five, 1 hour sessions in a day - all in the same school - which can accommodate up to 30 students per session.
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Upcycling Sculpture with Redvanman (Back for 2025!)
Workshop description: A whole day project for a class in Years 4-6 working with inspirational up-cycling sculptor Nick Garnett, a long standing HYF favourite returning this year.
‘From the most obscure and insignificant of discarded objects this workshop will explore how we can plant ideas as seeds and make them grow into expansive and wonderful stories.’
Years: 4 -6
Requirements: A suitable working space and lots of imagination!
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​​​School Performances
Our School performances are supported by sponsors. There is a small charge per child for these performances which goes towards running costs of the Festival schools programme.
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NEW FOR 2025
​Music for Miniatures – “Musician”
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Imagine a show where your students are in control, deciding what happens next in a comical musical journey. MUSICIAN! brings the exciting world of live classical music right to your school, with a playful twist that will have everyone laughing and learning. Live music from 16th Century arias and Baroque music to Dvorak, Jazz and Brazilian Choro music, there's something for everyone!
This lively performance pits woodwind and brass instruments against each other in a friendly, silly competition. Who will come out on top? Your students help decide!
Featuring an amazing array of instruments including 6 recorders, a conch, a hosepipe, and boomwhackers - alongside the more traditional oboe, trumpet and piano - this show is sure to spark curiosity and passion for music in your pupils.
The performances are for years Reception/1/2/3.
8 x 45 minute performances in schools 10 – 13th March 2025.
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Young Shakespeare - Hamlet
On the ramparts of Elsinore Castle, the ghost of old King Hamlet appears through the mist to reveal a startling and extraordinary secret to his son Prince Hamlet. Should he believe what the ghost tells him? And if so what should the young Prince do with this shocking information?
Four Young Shakespeare Company actors perform Shakespeare’s gripping drama in a fast-moving interactive production. Throughout the performance the children become involved in the play through a carefully structured range of drama and language activities, encouraging them to explore the motives, thoughts and feelings of the characters. Volunteers from among the children are also chosen to become individual characters in the story and all the children have the opportunity to speak and enjoy Shakespeare’s words in short, accessible sections.
The performances are for years 5 and 6. Venues TBC.
4 x 2 hour performances in schools 4th and 5th March 2025.
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Globe Players - What You Will
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This fascinating introduction to Shakespeare for Key Stage 3 (also available in a version for key stage 2) follows the development of Shakespeare’s career and features many of his most famous scenes along the way. We include extracts from A Midsummer Nights Dream, Twelfth Night, The Tempest, Macbeth, Romeo and Juliet and more, all designed to intrigue and entertain your students.
These one hour ‘workshop performances are suitable for Years 7 and 8 and have been arranged for Gillotts school pupils.
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Globe Players - Romeo and Juliet
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Romeo and Juliet tells one of the world’s great stories: that of love transcending social barriers. A dream is set against reality. The dream, of a perfect love between Romeo and Juliet, is set against the reality of a competitive, feuding and violent society. Love and Death are constantly mentioned together, foreshadowing the end that Fate has in store for the “star-crossed lovers”. The play’s themes, language and imagery are highlighted in this compelling production.
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The performances are for years 10 and 11 and have been arranged for Gillotts pupils.
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