Children’s Fest on sale
Edinburgh International Children’s Festival announces 2026 Programme
The Edinburgh International Children’s Festival has announced a programme of 15 productions in its 2026 edition, with tickets going on public sale from noon today, Wednesday 25 March 2026.
Running from 30 May to 7 June at venues across Edinburgh, the 36th festival is the first for new director Adjjima Na Patalung, who joined organisers Imaginate in October 2025.
New Festival Director Adjjima Na Patalung with Hollie, Piotr, Sage and Ruby from Forthview Primary School. Pic: Tom Duffin.
In a menu that is based in theatre but includes circus, dance, music and puppetry, there are productions for all age groups, from babes-in-arms and pre-schoolers to those at primary school and teenagers. There is also a piece for over tens who have additional support needs.
Declaring herself excited to be launching the 36th edition of the festival, Na Patalung said: “This year’s Festival brings together 15 productions from nine countries, with an exciting five productions from Scotland — including two new works by disabled artists.
“By presenting work that is deeply engaging, innovative and inspiring, the Festival upholds that it is every child’s right to develop their creativity. As I step into this role, I’m excited to begin this journey with the Children’s Festival and to meet many children and the adults who nurture their love of live performance.”
Free Family Day
There will be no better way of getting to meet her audiences than on the first day of the festival which once again kicks off with a Free Family Day of pop-up performances and artistic interventions by Scotland-based artists at the National Museum of Scotland on Saturday 30 May.
This year’s Family Day will include three new commissions: Windbags, a daft, bright and eye-catching walkabout performance of a musical band of clowns in large, elaborate inflatable costumes; Dreich, Drookit and Braw, a light-hearted and humorous story about the ever-changing Scottish weather using acrobatics and physical theatre; and Tufts! a playful piece of walkabout theatre featuring two flamboyant owners and their lookalike prized pooches.
WOW! by BonteHond. Pic: Kamerich & Budwilowitz.
The programme continues the best of what Imaginate has come to be known for over the years. It weaves together the wonders of colour and big strokes of laughter, while using theatre and performance to tease out big issues in a way that is understandable – but doesn’t talk down to its audience.
A trio of plays for a teenage audience perhaps epitomise that most. It would be such a shame if you missed out (ages 10-16) at the Traverse from Dutch company Theater Artemis & Theater Basel, features a giant party box, centre stage, and unexpected audience interaction in an absurdist play that captures teenage fears of missing out.
Then Tim Crouch’s powerful new play Toto Kerblammo! (ages 9-13) for English company Unicorn Theatre at the Studio is about listening, friendship and finding hope in the darkest of places. It is experienced wearing headphones with binaural audio technology amongst a live mix of sound.
fast-paced, funny and painfully true
And Ross MacKay’s new play Cringe (ages 10-15) at the Scottish Storytelling Centre, is a fast-paced, funny and painfully true story about an embarrassing incident on Reid’s first day at high school that leaves him at the centre of the cruellest joke in school.
The big festival commission is a poignant dance theatre show, Boys Don’t Dance (ages 8-12) by Marc Brew, which reflects on the artist’s journey as a boy who defied society’s expectations to embrace his love for dance. It tours Scotland before the festival and has been chosen as part of the Made in Scotland showcase at this year’s Fringe – as has been Brrr (ages 10+) an immersive piece for those with additional support needs.
Walangaan by Théâtre de la Guimbarde. Pic: Théâtre de la Guimbard
Circus is featured prominently this year with The Fabulous Tale of BasarKus (ages 3-7) from France at the Studio explores themes of identity, cooperation and the wonder of growing up, whilst Gretel (ages 5-10) from Italy is inspired by the fairy tale theme of searching for home. The Unlikely Friendship of Feather Boy and Tentacle Girl (ages 8-12) by Sadiq Ali and Vee Smith, also makes a welcome return after being cancelled due to performer injury last year.
This year’s programme features three pieces from Wallonia, the French-speaking region of Belgium that hosts an eclectic children’s theatre scene. Antes de (ages 2-6) at the Lyceum Studio looks at the moment just before a first time (replaces Walangaan, as one of the performers could not get a work visa), Cheeky Zippy Violette (ages 5-10) at the Storytelling Centre is about a girl and her imagination, and Everything/Nothing (ages 7-11) at the Traverse is a gravity-defying object manipulation performance using everyday objects.
Babies are catered for in Island (ages 0-12 months) at the Fruitmarket Gallery. Presented by Edinburgh’s arts and early years organisation Starcatchers it is an intimate performance that celebrates the precious bond between babies and their grown-ups.
Colour and visual spectacle shine through in a series of vibrant performances, designed to spark imagination.
vibrant performances
Inspired by toddlers’ sense of wonder, WOW! (ages 2-6) from the Netherlands at North Edinburgh Arts is a physical and musical performance where colourful honeycomb paper unfolds into ever-changing worlds.
Visual magic continues in Mirkids (ages 5-11) from Switzerland at the Studio Theatre, a mesmerising dance experience that sees dancers’ limbs reflected in a suspended mirror, creating kaleidoscopic patterns.
In Time by Teater Refleksion, Andy Manley and De Røde Heste. Pic: Christoffer Brekne.
Festival favourite Andy Manley returns with In Time (ages 3-7) at the Traverse in a co-production between Catherine Wheels and Danish company Teater Refleksion. This playful production follows two men tasked with nurturing a tiny seed, sharing the joys and frustrations of parenting a new life.
There is also a programme for delegates and participants, with talks, discussions and workshops. Details on the Imaginate website here.
Festival tickets are on sale from 12 noon on Wednesday 25 March 2026. Tickets can be booked online at www.imaginate.org.uk/festival or by calling 0131 226 0019.
Æ has a full listing of all the productions here.
ENDS
