Preston’s Harris Museum to host free family storytelling day in Avenham Park this weekend

Actor Melanie Ash leading a children’s workshop

Preston’s Harris Museum has invited families to a free storytelling event in Avenham Park this Saturday.

The first event will run on Saturday 14 August, from 12 noon – 3pm in Avenham Park and the Pavilion Cafe.

Families are invited to join in storytelling and illustration workshops, exploring themes around family and what family means.

The storytelling sessions take place every hour, on the hour, and last 45 minutes, with performances at 12 noon, 1pm and 2pm. They are free to join in, and everyone is welcome.

TV and theatre actor Melanie Ash, who has appeared in Emmerdale, Casualty and The Bay, will be leading the drama and storytelling workshops.

Melanie said: “As a child, I spent many happy hours at the library and museum, so it’s really special for me to be working with the Harris to deliver these informal workshops around the themes of family and belonging.

“It’s something that’s really close to my heart, so I can’t wait to inspire the next generation of book lovers (and their grown-ups) with fun and informal drama-based and storytelling workshops/performances in the iconic Avenham Park.”

Organisers said bookings are not required, and the public is welcome to bring their own deckchairs or picnic blankets.

A second event will take place on Saturday 4 September in the Harris.

Artist Hannah Robinson will also run creative illustration workshops exploring what family means. The public can participate by creating their own artwork with Hannah’s guidance. Bookings are not required for the drop-in workshops, and all materials are provided.

Harris staff will also be on hand to chat to families about what they would like to see at the Harris in the future.

Councillor Peter Kelly, Cabinet Member for Arts and Culture at Preston City Council, said: “We’re delighted to have these summer family fun days for everyone to enjoy and would like to thank Melanie and Hannah for bringing their expertise to these events.

“There’s also a great opportunity for people to chat to Harris staff about what changes you’d like to see to make the library and museum more family-friendly.

“You can also find out how you can keep in touch with the exciting £10.4m Harris Your Place project and follow its journey from now until its completion in 2024.”

For more information, visit – https://www.theharris.org.uk/product/summer-family-fun-days/