‘Look Up’ at the National Memorial Arboretum this summer

Visitors can get ready to ‘Look Up’ and turn their eyes to the skies this summer at the National Memorial Arboretum. Inspired by the wonderful world around us, ‘Look Up’, the Arboretum’s free summer programme, running from 27 July – 31 August, will mix fun creative performance, immersive art, sensory play and participation to help visitors of all ages develop a new connection with nature.

Cloudscapes (Daily 10am – 5pm)

‘Cloudscapes’ invites visitors to settle down on a giant beanbag in one of the all-weather cloud-gazing pods at the Arboretum. Whilst looking up to the skies, a specially commissioned piece of sound art by Lorna Rees will explore our relationship with the sky above, creating a thoughtful way for visitors to connect with the world around them this summer.

Creative Takeovers (Wednesdays) – Admission by free ticket

On Wednesdays during the summer holidays, families can get involved in free, cloud-inspired Creative Takeovers:

• B’Opera presents ‘Fluffball The Flighty Cloud’ (31 July/28 August, 11am/1pm) – this new piece of children’s first opera-theatre follows the tale of Miss T (Misty) and her flighty flock of fluffballs.
• Cloud Poetry (7 August, 11am/12noon/1pm/2pm) – the Arboretum’s poet-in-residence Dan Simpson will host poetry workshops inspired by the clouds.
• Interactive Storytelling – (14/ 21 August, 11am/12noon/1pm/2pm) – the Arboretum is known for sharing stories, and younger visitors will love hearing cloud inspired tales, told by talented storytellers.

Admission to Creative Takeovers is by free ticket and advance booking via the Arboretum’s website is recommended. On the day tickets are subject to availability.

Creative Takeovers (Wednesdays) – Free drop-in sessions

Arts and crafts (14/21 August – 11am – 3pm – the sky is the limit for little ones’ imaginations during these drop-in sessions.

Reflections of the Sky and Sensory Boxes (Daily 10am – 5pm)

Visitors can create their own unique skyscape and explore cloud inspired textures and shapes using fun sensory play boxes. From fluffy cotton clouds to colourful feathers mimicking birds in flight, young Arboretum visitors can craft their own personalised reflection of the sky, as they engage in imaginative, sensory play.

Cloud Corner (Daily 10am – 5pm)

In ‘Cloud Corner’ in the Remembrance Centre, visitors of all ages can pick a cloud-inspired story from the bookcase, pen their own tale and pick-up a cloud finder to use as they explore the Arboretum. Families can relax on cosy beanbags while enjoying cloud-themed stories or creating their own narratives, with the chance to win a family ticket to Illuminated Arboretum.

“From adults enjoying a peaceful escape in Cloudscapes, to families getting involved in our cloud-inspired performances and storytelling, ‘Look Up’ encourages visitors of all ages to explore a deeper connection with nature,” explains Rachel Smith, Head of Participation and Learning at the National Memorial Arboretum.

‘Look Up’ is at the Arboretum from Saturday 27 July to Saturday 31 August, and details of the full programme can be found on the Arboretum’s website. The Arboretum is free to visit and booking online in advance is recommended to guarantee entry and save on parking (£4 in advance, £6 on the day). Advance booking for the free ticketed Wednesday Creative Takeover sessions is also recommended. Visit https://thenma.org.uk/what’s-on/events/summer-holiday-activities for more information.