Be curious!
Family Fun
What's on for children at the 2026 festival
Join us in the Hive!
You can buy tickets online via the buttons below or or phone 01332 340156 (Option 5) to buy tickets over the phone
What's on for children...
Bursting with fun for the whole family, the festival features captivating activities, hands-on crafts and live sessions with children's authors. Step into the world of Norse legends at Viking Combat School and train with real Viking reenactors. Whether you are a little adventurer, a curious crafter or a budding storyteller, there's something magical for you at every corner. Explore what's on for children below...
Please note that all under 16s must be accompanied by an adult.
Viking Shield Competition!
Download and print the shield template here. If you prefer, you can make your own.
Decorate your shield using any medium, perhaps choosing a
literary or artistic theme.
Cut out your shield and glue the tab.
Bring it to The Hive @ The Repton Festival on Saturday 4 July
by 11:00am
Paddock Pass
You must have one to get in!
Enjoy a voyage of discovery as you walk under the ancient gatehouse arch of Repton's Augustinian Priory and on to the main Festival site, where you might explore the living Viking encampment and see families carry out their daily routines, cooking, weaving, candle-making and blacksmithing.
Witness combat displays in which highly skilled, trained and rehearsed warriors present high quality, flamboyant fighting routines live, on land once occupied by Viking invaders.
Enjoy free, live, family festival and street theatre performances of 'Collection Day' and 'The TimeMachine' from Rhubarb Theatre. Also included with the Paddock Pass are various entertainments for children.
Admire the beauty of the grounds and gardens now surrounding The Old Priory, in which King Edward I stayed in 1291 and Queen Elizabeth II visited in 1957.
Grab a bite to eat and visit the bar before heading off to your next scheduled event at the Repton Festival 2026.
Tickets are free but still need to be ‘purchased’ so that we can monitor attendance numbers. Tickets are specific to the day. Please contact info@reptonfestival.co.uk to book Paddock Passes for groups of more than ten people.
Tickets are specific to the day | 10.00am to 5.00pm
Free
The Paddock
Peter Pan
Talented, energetic and engaging young actors from The Repton Primary Performers drama group at Repton Primary School present a hugely enjoyable performance of one of the most popular plays in the world: Peter Pan!
There is no wheelchair access to Pears School and 18 steps.
Saturday 4th | 10:15am
Free, but you must get a ticket
Pears School
LIGHTS, CAMERA, ACTION!
Step Behind the Scenes of Hollywood Magic
Have you ever wondered how your favourite movies are made? This year, the Repton Festival offers an exclusive opportunity to dive into the exciting world of Hollywood filmmaking!
Join us for an immersive, hands-on event where you'll:
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Explore Different Roles on Set: From directors and producers to camera operators and set designers, learn about the vital roles that bring a movie to life.
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Shoot a Scene with Industry-Standard Equipment: Get behind the camera and try your hand at shooting a scene using professional gear that is usually beyond the reach of most filmmakers. Experience the thrill of creating movie magic firsthand!
This special event is designed for aspiring filmmakers. Whether you're a budding director or just curious about the filmmaking process, this experience promises to be both educational and incredibly fun.
Don't miss out on this unique chance to step into the shoes of a Hollywood filmmaker. Spaces are limited, so book your spot today and get ready to yell "Action!" at the Repton Festival.
Minimum age 11; children must be accompanied by an adult. There will be a large repeater screen so everyone can see what the camera operator is shooting!
There is no wheelchair access to the Furneaux building and approximately 5 steps.
Saturday 4th | 11:30am
£7.50
Classroom in the Furneaux
🛡️ Viking Combat School ⚔️
Training by the Vikings of Middle England
Calling all young warriors! Step into the world of Norse legends at Viking Combat School, where kids can train with real Viking reenactors and learn the art of ancient battle. Led by the fearsome Vikings of Middle England, this action-packed experience teaches children how to wield swords (safely!), form shield walls, and fight like true Viking heroes.
Perfect for ages 6–10, this is history brought to life—epic, educational, and unforgettable.
Are you ready to answer the call to Valhalla?
Grab your helmets—spaces are limited!
Saturday 4th July | 12.30pm
Sunday 5th July | 10am or 2.10pm
£7
Performance Arena
Brilliant Kid: Top Secret Guide to Awesomeness
Andy Cope's Brilliant Kid: Top Secret Guide to Awesomeness is an instruction manual for how to have an epic life.
Expect some serious learning as well as bags of fun. Aimed at 7 to 11s, ‘Brill Kid’ inspires you to:
· Think big, sparkle brightly and be your absolute best
· Be a mover, shaker and relationship maker
· Be a flamingo in a flock of pigeons
· Feel the fear and do it anyway
· Embrace the magnificent seven words that will change your life (yes, really!)
Saturday 4th July | 11:30am
Free - Included in the Paddock Pass
The Hive
Wondrous Stories from around the World
Storyteller Mike Payton brings stories from near and far - let him take you on a storytelling journey and see what fantastical people and creatures we meet on our travels...
Mike is Midlands based but draws his tales far and wide, from Derbyshire to Denmark, the Arctic to Argentina. We may discover strange creatures, lost princes, dragons, trolls, giants, cruelty, kindness and, hopefully, a happy ending! Expect the unexpected, and be ready to join in the tales that Mike spins around us.
Mike has been collecting and sharing stories for many years. He has performed in over 200 schools as well as telling stories for The British Museum, The Wellcome Trust, The National Forest and many festivals around the country.
“Mike’s wonderful tales kept hundreds mesmerised while making it an unforgettable experience for everybody.” Jimena Gorraez-Belmar, Events curator, The Wellcome Trust
“He’s crazy and funny, and a sometimes a bit scary. I liked the naughty trolls!” Year 4 pupil, Keyworth School
Sunday 5th July | 10:30 and 12:30
£6
Meet at The Hive
Children’s Activities
There’s lots for children to do at the Festival this year, listed on this web page, and some of them are free (look for the round stamp that says "free"!). Please note that children must be accompanied by an adult at all times.
In addition to those listed on this page, we have craft activities and a treasure trail. Just come along to The Hive between 10am and 5pm on Saturday or Sunday to check timing and availability.
Saturday and Sunday | 10am to 5pm
Free - Included in the Paddock Pass
The Hive
Rhubarb Theatre
Two Days of Whimsical Wonder!
Get ready for a delightful double dose of theatrical magic as Rhubarb Theatre brings their vibrant energy to Repton Festival over two fun-filled days!
This dynamic troupe will captivate audiences with two enchanting shows each day:
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Collection Day: It’s bin day and two rambunctious refuse collectors are heroically cleaning the streets. But what’s this? A dustbin that refuses rubbish. Delving into its depths, we discover that ‘one man’s trash is another man’s treasure’, as a wonderful myriad of stories and treats ensue from all that is rubbish and recycled. Rhubarb Theatre bring a dustbin of fun, a black sack of eco messages and heaps of mime, physical theatre, comedy, puppetry and creativity into this brand-new storytelling piece.
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The Time Machine: Irene the Inventor is lost in space and her time machine is ticking her off. Every second counts, so can you help her in her hour of need? But watch out, once she clocks you, she will whisk you off to a Victorian school room, a Roman invasion and even take you as far back as the time of the dinosaurs. So, hold onto your pants because this is an adventure not to be missed. Brand new family theatre full of music, zany characters, and lots of interaction.
Between performances, keep an eye out for the duo's delightful walkabout acts. Dressed in whimsical costumes, they'll roam the festival grounds, adding a sprinkle of surprise to your day.
Perfect for families and children of all ages, Rhubarb Theatre's blend of physical comedy, storytelling, and interactive fun promises to make your festival experience unforgettable.
Don't miss this opportunity to laugh, play, and be thoroughly entertained!
Saturday and Sunday | from 10am
Free - Included in the Paddock Pass
Shows take place at The Hive but you can encounter them across the Paddock throughout the day
Alice Harman:
Play with Matisse
Make your own Matisse-inspired masterpiece! In this workshop with children's author Alice Harman, you’ll create a colourful collage using Alice’s – and illustrator Leanne Bock’s – Play with Matisse art kit. Each kit includes templates, coloured paper and lots of fun activity ideas. As you use your unique imagination to make art and dream up wild stories, you’ll also learn about artist Henri Matisse’s life and work – from why he loved breaking ALL the colour rules to how he made some of his best-loved work from his BED!
This event is a 'drop-in' workshop - just turn up between 2pm and 4:30pm
Saturday 4th July | Between 2pm and 4:30pm
Included in the Paddock Pass but donations please
The Hive
Wondrous Stories from around the World
Storyteller Mike Payton brings stories from near and far - let him take you on a storytelling journey and see what fantastical people and creatures we meet on our travels...
Mike is Midlands based but draws his tales far and wide, from Derbyshire to Denmark, the Arctic to Argentina. We may discover strange creatures, lost princes, dragons, trolls, giants, cruelty, kindness and, hopefully, a happy ending! Expect the unexpected, and be ready to join in the tales that Mike spins around us.
Mike has been collecting and sharing stories for many years. He has performed in over 200 schools as well as telling stories for The British Museum, The Wellcome Trust, The National Forest and many festivals around the country.
“Mike’s wonderful tales kept hundreds mesmerised while making it an unforgettable experience for everybody.” Jimena Gorraez-Belmar, Events curator, The Wellcome Trust
“He’s crazy and funny, and a sometimes a bit scary. I liked the naughty trolls!” Year 4 pupil, Keyworth School
Sunday 5th July | 10:30 and 12:30
£6
Meet at The Hive
Buy tickets:
Vikings!
Step into the Viking Age at Repton with the Vikings of Middle England
This summer, the Vikings of Middle England return to Repton, Derbyshire—a village steeped in Viking history—to bring the 9th century vividly to life. Renowned for our immersive living history displays and exhilarating combat demonstrations, we invite you to experience the era when the Great Heathen Army made Repton its winter stronghold in 873 AD.
Repton: A Crucible of Viking and Anglo-Saxon History
Repton holds a significant place in Viking history. In 873 AD, the Viking Great Army established a winter camp here, constructing a formidable D-shaped enclosure by the River Trent and repurposing the Anglo-Saxon monastery as a defensive stronghold. Archaeological excavations have uncovered mass graves of Viking warriors and a Viking axe near the church crypt, underscoring Repton's pivotal role during this tumultuous period.
An Immersive Historical Experience
Our meticulously recreated Viking encampment offers a window into daily life during the Viking Age. Witness traditional crafts such as blacksmithing, weaving, and coin-striking, and engage with our knowledgeable reenactors who bring history to life through interactive storytelling and demonstrations.
Thrilling Combat Demonstrations
Experience the thunderous clash of steel as warriors engage in authentic combat displays, showcasing the tactics and weaponry of Viking and Anglo-Saxon fighters. These performances are both educational and exhilarating, providing insight into the martial culture of the era.
Recognized Excellence
Their commitment to authenticity and education has earned the Vikings of Middle England accolades, including the "Best Historical Re-enactment & Living History Group" award in 2023.
Saturday and Sunday | from 10am
Free - Included in the Paddock Pass
Combat displays take place in the Performance Arena but you meet and chat to them throughout the day in the Viking village on the Paddock
