To keep everyone occupied during the summer, a new festival, specifically aimed at families, is being launched.


Lookout Popup Festival will spring up across Hemel Hempstead, with family shows full of whacky, creative and magical tales that will leave the little ones in wonder and the big ones inspired.
 

Showcasing the magic of storytelling and the beautiful craft of puppetry, classic fairytales such as Rumplestilskin and The Three Little Pigs will be retold, and the breathtaking, adventure drama Dotty The Dragon will be shared.
 

Firm family favourite musical film Muppets Treasure Island will be shown and to mark the finale of the festival, there will be a Popup Theatre Tent, with dance, poetry, games and craft activities aplenty.

Rumplestiltskin and the Wheel of Fortune puppet show
Age: four plus, by Theatre of Widdershins 
 

Poor Polly Buckwheat is in a bit of a muddle, her dad has told the king that she can spin straw and turn it into gold. An engrossing puppet show.
 

Saturday June, 22, 2.30pm, Highfield Community Centre, Bellgate, Highfield, Hemel Hempstead.

Dotty the Dragon theatre show
Age: four plus, by Blunderbus


Dotty is a baby fire dragon. She lives at the top of a mountain with her grumpy dad, Mr Dragon. An irresistible mix of live music, puppets and high energy storytelling.
 

Saturday, June 29 11am and 2.30pm, Adeyfield Community Centre, The Queen’s Square, Adeyfield, Hemel Hempstead.


Muppet Treasure Island film (U)

Join in a swashbuckling adventure as The Old Town Hall pops up at Frogmore Paper Mill as part of The Dashfest Water Festival family funday. Walk along the towpath or catch the boat trip at Apsley Lock and join Kermit and Miss Piggy in this hilarious children’s musical film.
Sunday, July 14, 2.30pm, free face painting from 11am, Frogmore Paper Mill, Fourdrinier Way, Apsley, Hemel Hempstead.

Three Little Pigs balloon show
Age: three plus, by Circo Ridiculoso 


An inventive retelling of the classic Three Little Pigs. Set to music, this quirky and wonderfully visual version of the fairy tale will delight and entertain all the family.
Saturday, August 10, 2.30pm, Markyate Parish Council Hall, Cavendish Road, Markygate.

Popup Theatre Tent
Age: suitable for all ages, by Oxford Playhouse and House


The Popup Theatre Tent combines traditional and modern elements of children’s theatre to create an inspired one-day extravaganza, jam- packed with fun for everyone.
Tea Time, a show for the under six, is an  assortment of words, song, music and dance. There’s an array of theatrical games, poetry, workshops and craft activities too, as well as audio plays via headphones for older children and grown ups.
Tuesday, August 13, 11am to 4pm, The Moor, Lower Kings Road, Mill Street, Berkhamsted.