The sun is out, the sky is blue and there are fluffy white clouds in the sky. What more could you want from mother nature as you head off to a kids festival in the middle of winter? Nothing.
Part of SPARK Ipswich's 2023 programme, Little Day Out (LDO) was staged at Ripley Town Centre in Ipswich and headlined by Bunny Racket.As I arrive and enter this fun-coloured arbour, LDO is sprawled out underneath this perfect sky. I'm immediately assaulted by the mouthwatering aromas wafting from the hot food vans lined up along one length of the perimeter.
The smells smack me in the face as I continue to walk past them while taking note that there are also dessert stalls dishing up the likes of pancakes and ice cream. It's not a festival without ice cream! Right?
Image © Clea-marie Thorne
There are heaps of seating, picnic benches, oversized picnic rugs, bean bags and wooden cube seats. Shade umbrellas and covered workshop areas are providing shade for the attendees.
I see much thought has gone into the festival set up and the organisers should be commended for their efforts in helping punters to keep sun safe. Then again, it's not their first rodeo, but the third as I understand it.
Roving performers are interacting with the children, including one that is moving at a snail's pace. Maybe because he is a snail! I spy a pirate making big bubbles from a wand he's waving in the air. The children are transfixed on the wand as they anticipate the release of the emerging bubbles before jumping up high to try and pop them.
I overhear the human snail telling the kids he has moved five centimetres in the last hour! So speedy. . . NOT!
Image © Clea-marie Thorne
An amazing array of art, craft and music workshops have been curated for young tykes to pre-teens and those in between. Workshop activities are providing opportunities for kids to explore their creativity. Imaginations are unleashed through painting, drawing, gardening and crafting. I notice how the instructors are patient and encouraging.
Every child has the chance to create their own masterpiece. There's even a fence mural for the young and old to paint alongside each other – a lovely communal art piece in the works.
For the aspiring dancers in attendance, the dance lessons are going off a treat at the main stage. Youngsters are eagerly participating, following the rhythm and instructor's direction.
Whether they're twirling or energetically shaking their hips and pulling off Salt-n-Pepa moves, it's evident this dance lesson is awakening dormant talents and igniting a passion for movement to music.
The stage setup for the festival headliner Bunny Racket includes oversized inflatable amps that capture the imagination of the young audience. What better segue than dance lessons before these festival showstoppers?
King Bunny and his rockin' rabbit buddies are now taking over the stage and the crowd is going a little nuts! Lively and energetically, Bunny Racket kick off with 'Forest Full Of Trees' and it has children jumping, clapping, and singing along to this catchy tune.
Bunny Racket - image © Clea-marie Thorne
'We're All Insects' has even more tots and older kids coming towards the front of the stage. I'm witnessing Bunny Racket's infectious enthusiasm and interactive style creating unforgettable experiences for everyone – especially the mini moshers at the front of the stage.
'Bedroom', oh and of course 'Rabbit In A Hat' and 'Jingle Jangle Jaguar' keep parents and children entertained. Many are dancing, singing and fist-pumping with horns raised high. This is so super cute and such a happy sight!
King Bunny encourages a howl-off between littles and their minders that leads into their cool song 'Howl' followed by my favourite 'Never Shake A Rattlesnake' – I love a good desert vibe to my rock & roll.
Bunny Racket - image © Clea-marie Thorne
When King Bunny introduces the song 'Koala Bear' he's reminded by the crowd that a koala is not a BEAR – it's a marsupial! Silly bunny. It's a head-banging gem that embodies the spirit of rock & roll rebellion. 'Bounce', the first one today from their album 'Bunny Racket In Space', keeps the kiddies more than engaged with their performance.
Before serving up even more carrot-flavoured tunes, King Bunny wants to know: "What is your favourite fruit?" Children yell out: "Watermelon!" "Banana!" "Strawberries!". Lucky no one yelled out 'chicken' because even Bunny Racket knows that 'chicken is not a fruit'.
Oh boy, our rocking rabbits are giving young punters even more rollicking tunes and incorporating more interactive elements to their show by reading from a storybook to the children gathered at the stage. Little eyes and ears watch on intently.
As Bunny Racket come to the end of their set, quite a few barricade dwellers have expressions that unmistakably scream 'we want more'!
Bunny Racket - image © Clea-marie Thorne
For the Ma's and Pa's that have never seen Bunny Racket, these furry-eared entertainers take your young music lovers on a surreal and fantastical journey through their psychedelic-infused masterpieces. Their groovy guitar riffs and trippy beats create an unforgettable experience for the kids that engage and spark the imagination of little punters.
The band's child-friendly lyrics resonate with the children, making the experience even more enjoyable. But be warned, Bunny Racket will instil a love for live music in your children with their rock & roll style and energetic music.
Young minds today were quickly captivated by their catchy tunes and whimsical lyrics and they had an invisible power that got little ones and even reserved parents and caregivers, to dance and sing-along.
Overall, the festival provided a diverse range of activities catering to various interests, ensuring that every child had something to enjoy. From delightful bubble-blowing and engaging workshops to tasty food and thrilling dance lessons, the Little Day Out festival offered a memorable experience for everyone.
The highlight of the festival, was the electrifying rock & roll performance by Bunny Racket, with their carrot-flavoured quirkiness leaving a lasting impression on young hearts and adults alike. Honestly, Bunny Racket just rock!
For a fun filled day of fantastic entertainment, make sure you get the family to next year's Little Big Day Out.
Now, the only thing missing from my perfect day is ice cream. I'll have a scoop of finger lime, flavoured creamy goodness, thanks. Now, that's a festival!
