Falkirk’s Callendar House launches ‘Callendar House Creative Sessions’ family friendly summer workshops

Falkirk’s four-star visitor attraction, Callendar House, is launching an innovative new programme of creative workshops this summer, giving children, young people and families the opportunity to learn new skills, unleash their creativity and enjoy memorable experiences at the historic venue during the school holidays.

The new programme, which kicks off on Saturday 11 July with a Concertina Book workshop, forms part of Callendar House’s ongoing commitment to providing accessible, engaging cultural experiences. In the summer sessions there will be a series of hands-on workshops led by professional artists, filmmakers, illustrators and creative practitioners which are designed to inspire imagination and encourage creativity, with more sessions planned later in the year.

Among the highlights is an Introduction to Podcasting workshop delivered by ReelActing UK on 20 July, where young people aged 7-16 will work in teams to plan, record and produce their own mini podcast episodes before receiving a digital copy to share with family and friends.

Budding filmmakers can take part in Film in a Day on 27 July, led by award-winning production company Strange Boat. Participants aged 12-16 will learn the fundamentals of filmmaking, from writing and directing to acting and editing, before screening their finished film at the end of the day.

Comic fans and aspiring illustrators can join award-winning Glasgow artist Neil Slorance on 31 July for How to Draw a Pirate and Character Creation and Comic Making workshops, where young participants will learn professional drawing techniques and create their own comic characters and stories.

For young people interested in the world of film and television effects, specialist studio Gibbet FX will deliver a series of Introduction to Special Effects Makeup workshops on 22 and 23 July. Participants will discover how realistic injuries, scars and special effects are created using industry techniques and materials.

Alongside the family focused activities, the wider Creative Sessions programme also includes artist-led workshops in bookmaking, cyanotype photography, watercolour painting and drawing, creating opportunities for creative learning throughout the year.  These adult sessions are led by some of Scotland’s leading artists several of whom have exhibited in the Park Gallery based within Callendar House.

Helen Rashad, Team Leader for Cultural Services at Falkirk Leisure and Culture said: “We’re delighted to launch the new Creative Sessions programme at Callendar House. These workshops have been designed to spark creativity and give children, young people and families the chance to try something new during the summer holidays. The programme was inspired by feedback we received from thousands of local residents last year on the arts activities they would like the opportunity to participate in.  It adds an exciting new dimension to the visitor experience at Callendar House and Park, with something for everyone, which we hope will create some lasting memories.”

Callendar House and Park is free to visit and a great destination for families through the school summer holidays. Visitors can explore Callendar House’s immersive Georgian kitchen experience, The Park Gallery, scenic walks through Callendar Park and the popular tearoom, which serves seasonal produce and afternoon tea.

The Creative Sessions workshops must be booked in advance and places are limited. For a full list of the workshops available and to book, please visit: www.falkirkleisureandculture.org/arts/talks-and-workshops