Poppykettle’s fun activities for kids at GPAC

CHILDREN throughout the region are gearing up for the 34th annual Poppykettle Children’s Festival at Geelong Performing Arts Centre (GPAC) from 22 to 23 October.
The festival engages youngsters in the arts to unleash their creativity.
The festival debuted in 1981, inspired by local author Robert Ingpen’s award-winning children’s book The Voyage of the Poppykettle. Since then generations of children have enjoyed the annual Poppykettle celebrations.
“GPAC is proud to continue the Poppykettle tradition and we look forward to inspiring and entertaining a new generation of young people at this year’s festival,” says the centre’s general manager, Jill Smith.
The fun begins next Thursday with Poppykettle Kinder Day from 10am to 1pm. The free event includes activities for kindergarten children and their siblings, including face-painting, pasta necklaces, badge making, a gymnastics circuit and various art and craft activities.
Free entertainment will include buskers, puppets, magic with Dazzling Dan, a Crazy Koala Show plus The Playground Craze, an interactive show that will have kids giggling and breakdancing like pop stars. Much-loved GPAC mascot Sparky will also attend.
Kinder Day activities will be held throughout GPAC, with children given a treasure map to help find their way around the fun.
Poppykettle Primary Day on 23 October gives children an opportunity to participate in arts-based workshops and performances that stir their creativity.
GPAC education co-ordinator Kelly Clifford says the focus is on interactive, hands-on experiences with an Asian-inspired theme.
“This year students will participate in tai chi, Asian arts and Japanese music. Then they’ll all come to GPAC to see a dynamic live performance of Monkey – Journey to the West, which is sure to be a highlight of the day.”
Poppykettle Children’s Festival is part of a Vicwest Community Telco GPAC Education program, promoting and celebrating performing arts for young people.