Spark Festival 2026 returns across Leicester with Attenborough Arts Centre hosting 3 joyful performances and workshops perfect for children and families.
One of the UK’s biggest children’s arts festivals, Spark is designed for ages up to 13 and brimming with creativity that reflects Leicester’s amazing diversity. This years festival is all about ‘Peace, Play, and Equity’, themes that were chosen by children themselves aka The Spark mega bosses.
Based in the heart of Leicester’s cultural quarter, Spark Arts for Children is an arts organisation with over twenty years’ experience. They help children to discover their skills, passions and potential – both as an audience or participants.
Explore our performances and workshops below:
Rebel Sparks: Take Flight
Saturday 16 May, 11am, 12:30pm and 2:30pm, Pay What You Can tickets
Take Flight is a stunning aerial theatre show for 0-2 year olds and their grown ups.
The story follows a musical mother bird as their baby hatches, grows and explores, navigating the challenges of hunger, sleep and play. Culminating in a beautiful aerial moment, the mother bird supports her baby to leave the nest & take flight.
This multi-sensory, interactive show ignites the imagination and curiosity of babies who are then invited into the space with the performers to explore the baby safe set and props, including having a swing in the silks.
Click here to learn more and book.
Sunday Sessions: Give it a go!
Sunday 17 May, 1pm – 3pm, Free
Join our friendly learning team in the sensory Salmon Gallery to get creative with a choice of arts and crafts in response to our major exhibition: ‘Material Worlds: Contemporary Artists and Textiles’ from Southbank Centre and Hayward Gallery Touring.
Create your own wearable art from our recycled fabrics from around the world, or discover how to weave or crochet, or just draw what you see in the gallery. These relaxed and welcoming sessions are designed to give you choice and new ways to respond to the exhibition.
Click here to learn more, no booking required.
Turtle Key Arts: Sisters 360
Sunday 24 May, 2:30pm – 4pm, Pay What You Can tickets
Fatima and Salima are hijabi-wearing step-sisters with one goal: win the Tiny is Mighty skateboarding competition.
But when family tensions threaten their dream, only a daring super-plan can save the day in this funny, heartfelt play for ages 8–12.
Click here to learn more and book.
To learn more about Spark Arts for Children and the Spark Festival 2026, click here.