Celebrate an old Gaelic festival with family fun

With grey skies, snow and cold winds, it just hasn’t felt like spring at all.

Almond Valley have always gone big for Easter but with the horrible weather, guests have missed out on the fun. The family attraction have taken matters into their own hands and are offering visitors something else to celebrate – a brilliant Beltane over the May bank holiday!

Traditionally celebrated on the first day in May, the Gaelic festival welcomes the new season and bids farewell to winter – finally! Almond Valley’s Beltane celebration will bring together all elements of traditional festival for a fun family fun day out.

Director of Almond Valley, Robin Chesters, said: ‘Many of our guests look forward to our Easter activities and it was such a shame that the bad weather made it impossible for some people to come along.

‘We decided to put on extra activities for Beltane over the May bank holiday to give families another reason to celebrate. Beltane is something we haven’t explored before but it’s all about celebrating the warmer weather so it fits in perfectly. We have a lot on offer and I know our guests will have a fantastic time.’

From Friday 4-Tuesday 8 May, Almond Valley will host a daily programme of lighthearted family activities that delight in the mysteries and wonders of a traditional springtime.

Around the old buildings and watercourses of Livingston Mill there are mischievous sprites who will reveal secrets of fire and flowing water.

Children can create masks that will change them into green boys and girls, with tickely mystical wands that have the power to surprise.

Scribble down your secret hopes for the year to come and tie these to your decorated wishing stick or take wool, ribbon and slices of fabric and decorate the clootie trees. Out in the gardens, take a seat around the bonfire and craft a living bower to take home and nurture, while on the farm, many animals will be in their springtime finery, with colourful collars and jangling bells.

The celebration will be about finally saying goodbye to winter and welcoming the warmer weather. There will be animal encounters with the babies of the farm as well as the usual activities that Almond Valley has to offer such as the train and tractor rides, adventure play, our interactive Shale museum, soft play and much more.

Click HERE for more details.