The colourful Kids Fest was held on Saturday and Sunday, with dozens of children enjoying obstacle courses, circus workshops, arts & crafts, sports, STEM events, storytelling and face painting, as well as bubble football, go-karting, a soft play area, and dance and sports. The event was designed for children aged from babies to teenagers, and there were special quiet areas, spaces for breastfeeding mums, and provisions for those with additional needs including SEN. There was also a dedicated under fives area for younger visitors. The Peterborough Kids’ Fest is organised by husband and wife team Mike and Kim Rossiter who came up with the festival after they struggled to find an event suitable for their growing family. Kim said: “We started The Kids’ Fest because we couldn’t find any events locally that were solely focused on the children. “There are lots of festivals and events out there that are child-friendly, but nothing that is 100% about their fun, enjoyment and learning. “We’ve scoured the county, region and country to bring the very best activities, workshops and entertainers to your doorstep.” Mike added: “Two things were important to us when devising The Peterborough Kids’ Fest. The first was that every activity will be free once you are inside, and the second was that everyone will be welcome and catered for. We are a fully inclusive festival and are making special provisions, such as a quiet tent, so all children can be included in the fun.” Dean Rees, business development manager, East of England Arena and Events Centre, welcomed the new event to the venue, and said: “The Peterborough Kids’ Fest is just what the region needs, a bright point in what is otherwise a fairly bleak part of the year.”
