Full programme announced for Kent’s first ever Playground Festival

Playground Festival, running from Friday 22 May to Sunday 31 May 2026, will bring more than 150 free events to the county which have each been designed to spark play, imagination and creativity.

The ten-day celebration will showcase some of the most inspiring national and international work created for young audiences. With artists from the UK, Spain, Mexico, Norway, Sweden, and Finland, the programme promises a rich and diverse experience.

More than 20 venues across Kent - including libraries, cultural spaces and outdoor locations - will be transformed with creativity and wonder. Every event has been created specifically with babies and young children in mind.

All of the events are designed to be welcoming and inclusive with some shows particularly suitable for those with additional needs.

The full programme includes:

The Garden by Makers of Imaginary Worlds (UK) – A magical installation, inviting families to wander through a world of plants, birds, and creatures designed to spark wonder

• The Beaney House of Art & Knowledge, Saturday 25 April to Sunday 5 July

Pulsar by Teatro Al Vacio (Mexico) - A dynamic and fun show featuring wooden blocks.

• Kent History & Library Centre, Maidstone, Saturday 23 to Thursday 28 May

ISLAND by Starcatchers and Frozen Charlotte (Scotland) – A new show exploring the relationships between parents and babies through live music and dance

• Dartford Library, Monday 25 to Sunday 31 May

Fields of Tender by Dalija Acin Thelander & Company (Sweden) - An enchanting and playful, dance performance which immerses you in an imaginary world of tenderness, affection and love.

• JV H.O.M.E, Ashford, Wednesday 27 to Friday 29 May

Wonder by dybwikdans (Norway) - Enter a colourful world of dance and wonder with knitted sculptures and creatures.

• Gulbenkian Arts Centre, Sunday 24 to Wednesday 27 May

The Colour Workshop for Babies by Kruunupää Centre for Children’s Culture (Finland) - Explore colour, light and materials through touch and play - creating visual expressions

• Seashells Children's Centre, Thursday 28 to Friday 29 May

Girafes by Xirriquiteula Teatre (Spain) - A family of three life-sized mischievous giraffes and two musicians create fun and a bit of craziness.

• Dartford Central Park, Saturday 31 May

Tangle by Teatro Al Vacio (Mexico) - Join us for an outdoor interactive performance in which the audience and the artists have fun getting “tangled!”

• Dartford Central Park, Saturday 31 May

Lumini by Architects of Air (UK) - A small and intimate inflatable structure. You’re invited to step inside a world of light and colour which changes throughout the day.

• Dartford Central Park, Saturday 31 May

The festival will also visit Wyvern School on Friday 29 to Saturday 30 May, bringing international performances and activities to the school community.

For the full calendar of events, and to book your FREE tickets visit the Playground Festival website

Paul Webb, KCC’s Cabinet Member for Community and Regulatory Services, said: “We are delighted to launch the full Playground Festival programme, which brings together some of the most exciting and imaginative national and international work created for babies and young children, including brand‑new pieces created by our Playground Artists especially for the festival.

“This is Kent’s first early year's festival, and it reflects our commitment to nurturing creativity and ensuring that every child has access to exciting new cultural experiences from birth. The festival promises to be a joyful celebration for the very youngest members of our communities.”