Magic and fascinating machines at festival fun day

A FREE playdate for children took place at Henley Festival last Sunday.

From 10am to 1.30pm, children of all ages could enjoy a full programme of entertainment.

Under a cloudless sky, families walked around the venue in summery outfits while their children, who wore sunscreen hats and face paint, enjoyed the entertainers.

Wally Wonky, inventor and magician, rode his candy-coloured tricycle, performing tricks using string.

He told them to shout “Abracadabra” while waving a magic wand about. The rider of Happy Heart Bike put his homemade machine on blocks to showcase a giant marble-run kinetic sculpture.

He put a red ball in the mechanism, which ran around the frame using wheels and chains and claw-like scoops.

YolanDa Brown’s Band Jam performed in the Pure Heaven tent. She taught children dance move combinations, including jumping on the spot three times, stepping forward and hip hopping and turning around on the spot.

Winners of the Portrait of a Loved One art competition were on display, along with distinction entries.

More than 100 children entered the competition which was organised by the Portrait Foundation and Education Henley.

Crafts also took place in the Abbey School’s tent, inspired by Picasso and Matisse and led by Isaac Emokpae.

Visitors sat on wooden deckchairs under parasols in front of the Rise stage, listening to new and up-and-coming artists.

Alix Maxwell, 17, from Henley, who attends Sir William Borlase Grammar School in Marlow, performed on the stage for the first time.

She sang a variety of songs by Taylor Swift and two hits by Chappell Roan, including Picture You and Pink Pony Club.

The Lunnon family set up a picnic outside of the Pure Heaven tent.

Josie Lunnon, 37, from Princes Risborough, attended with her husband Sam, a forwards coach and player for the Henley Hawks.

They came with their two children, Rupert, one, and Matilda, four, and Sam’s parents, Julie and Andrew. Mrs Lunnon said: “I have always heard it’s a really good day out for the kids and really good value.

“There’s lots to do with lots of acts on and it’s a really lovely setting to have a picnic near the river.

“I have been to the festival as an evening guest before but not this year because of the children.”

Other entertainers during the fun day included Mr Sleepybum, Pang On, The Extraordinary Time-Travelling Adventures of Baron Munchausen, Twistina, Twistopher’s Punch and Judy, Party Poppers and Fred in the Shed.