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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Berkshire Birds of Prey

During our sessions, students are treated to an exciting blend of education, entertainment and up-close interactions with our birds. Our visit begins with an informative talk about the birds where participants discover fascinating facts about their behaviour, diet, unique characteristics and their natural habitat.
 

With a selection of 3 to 15 feathered companions present, students have the opportunity to dive into the world of these magnificent creatures. This hands-on educational encounter offers the opportunity for everyone to hold and interact with the birds under the supervision of our staff.

The duration of our sessions, ranging from 1 to 2 hours, is adjustable to accommodate your schedule and specific requirements. A minimum of 2 staff members up to 8 will guide the experience and guarantee all students get the same opportunity in participating. Depending on the available space, we may also offer the experience of birds flying to the glove, adding an extra layer of excitement to the event.

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Create 'n' Make with Michaela Clarke

Michaela will be working with years 1-4  pupils to make artwork on our Amazing Animals theme.

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www.createnmake.com

 

Mixed Media with Emily Cooling

 Emily is running a workshop making artwork for display based on our "Amazing Animals” theme for years 3 - 6. 

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www.creatingart.co.uk

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Digital Portraits with Kathryn Fell

Kathryn will be helping children in years 5 and 6 to create digital animal portraits.

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www.kathrynfellphotography.co.uk

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African Djemba Drums and Percussion workshop (KS1 and KS2)

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The drummers will spend a day in school delivering several class workshops.

Big surdo drums, Djembé drums, agogos, cowbells, shakers, tamborims and group participation combine in this high-energy and multilayered performance spectacle. We lead everyone through a series of rhythmical exercises and challenges, teaching them the rhythms and sounds of this multi-cultural genre. Subgroups take ownership of different Latin percussion hand instruments and drums, combining as a whole to make up the full sound of an Afro-Brazilian Samba band. We close the session with a final performance. It's loud, impressive and high energy. It's a carnival and everyone has an important role to play. 

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Fun Flamenco Fusion: Amazing Animals! (Reception & Year 1)

 

Get ready to dance, explore, and move like amazing animals in our Fun Flamenco Fusion workshop! Specially designed for Reception and Year 1 children, this energetic and imaginative session blends the excitement of flamenco with the magic of the animal world.

 

Children will stomp like proud horses, flutter like birds, and swish their tails like cheeky cats as they learn simple flamenco-inspired steps. Using colourful scarves, click-clack castanets, and beautiful fans, pupils will develop rhythm, coordination, and confidence through playful movement and storytelling.

 

This inclusive workshop encourages creativity, listening skills, and self-expression while introducing children to Spanish culture in a joyful, age-appropriate way.

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African Dance Workshops (KS1 and KS2) 
 

African dance where pupils will thoroughly enjoy this lively and joyous workshop. It is also a wonderful way to learn about this rich and vibrant culture.

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www.wisemovesdance.co.uk

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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 2026

Circus Skills Science Shows (KS1 and KS2)

The Shooting Stars Company will be in school all day delivering shows and workshops with several classes

 

Our fast-paced Circus Science Show lasts for one hour and fully engages your pupils to explore the concepts required for KS1 and/or KS2 Physical Processes.

By watching amazing circus and magic tricks, together with a splash of comedy, we bring forces and motion alive with practical examples and fun experiments, encouraging pupils to give their own observations and conclusions. It's the perfect mix of education and entertainment.

Our unique Circus Science Workshops then give your budding scientists the chance to put their observations into practice and also improve their balance and co-ordination. We offer a KS1 Circus Science Show followed by Workshops, or a KS2 Circus Science Show followed by Workshops, or the two Shows with a fewer number of Workshops.

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Explorerdome.. Science Tricks Show (Years 7 and 8)
 

Find out what your students really think about the world around them with a fabulous collection of counter-intuitive experiments that pose the questions “What if...?” "Why?" and “What happens next?”, with plenty of ideas to try out in the classroom.

 

Globe Players - What You Will (Years 5 & 6)

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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.

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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 - An Inspector Calls (Years 10 & 11)

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Our exciting presentation of An Inspector Calls dramatises all the key scenes, as we examine the willingness, or otherwise, of the various members of the family to take responsibility for the death that, according to Inspector Goole, has occurred. We look, through narration, at the play’s structure, the use of language, historical context and the different character types represented. We also examine the wider social responsibility referred to by Inspector Goole, that has a bearing on the message that Priestley is trying to give us. Each turn of the plot draws gasps from the students – even those already familiar with the text.

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The performances are for years 10 and 11 and have been arranged for Gillotts pupils.

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