Children's Express journalists review what's on offer at the 2001 Belfast Festival at Queens.
| Children sped about the slippery floor on cushions as they listened to poetry and music. |
Families lounged around on snuggly cushions down at the Waterfront on Sunday November 11 as the Ulster Orchestra provided a classical musical treat, which was given a thumbs up all round.
Children were asked to guess which animal was represented in excerpts taken from the Carnival of Animals. Some help came from an unusual quarter.
Reading Roald Dahl poems, Harry Potter's nasty step-mother a.k.a. Fiona Shaw, identified pigs, bees, lions and other creatures in the carnival.
Molly enjoyed acting out the different animals, from the roar of the lion to the fish swimming in the sea; tapping her feet and waving her arms was all part of the musical experience.
"I liked the creative way the orchestra played as Fiona read the poems and stories," Chloe Colclough, 7 said.
Molly Purdy, 3 added that the music "was a lovely noise."
Children sped about the slippery floor on cushions as they listened to poetry and music; others danced and some just simply sucked their thumbs.
The musical instruments themselves were quite an attraction as children tried to identify xylophone, timpani, clarinet and double bass.
The atmosphere allowed everyone, including parents, to hang out and relax.
"I enjoyed it. At first I thought it was going to be boring but you could kind of do what you wanted, nobody said be quiet or sit still, (especially you mummy!)" Chloe said.
Fiona Shaw read the tale of Red Riding Hood, which was incredibly scary and funny. The Orchestra's musical accompaniment was perfect.
This is definitely one of the best events on offer at the Festival - family fun, a little culture and a comfy seat - can't be beaten with a big stick.
About the team
This article was produced by by Chloe Colclough, 7 and Molly Purdy, 3 (guest reporter). It was published on the Belfast Festival website.
