Playground Festival 2026

An artist and baby lying on the floor and looking at each other. There are colourful balls around and inbetween them
Back to our work See upcoming Playground Festival 2026 events

Kent’s first international early years festival, celebrating the creativity of babies, young children and their families

From 22–31 May 2026, Playground Festival brought Kent's first international early years festival to life - ten days of joy, wonder and creativity, made especially for babies, young children and their families.

More than 10,000 babies, young children and families joined us across 150+ free events at 20+ venues, from libraries and cultural spaces to outdoor locations across the county.

The festival brought together inspiring work from artists across the UK, Spain, Mexico, Norway, Sweden, Finland and beyond — performances, installations, workshops, talks and discussions, all created especially for the very youngest audiences.

Playground Festival also visited Wyvern School on 29–30 May, bringing international performances and activities to the school community.

Watch the highlights

  • A young child running in a performance space that is lit up in pink
  • A baby sat on a reflective floor and holding a big bright ball
  • Two children engaging with rope together
  • Two dancers in dark and red lit room
  • A young child looking at a performance
  • A baby and their mum smiling and looking at a performance together
  • An artist lying on blocks
  • People stranding in an exhibition space. There are tall pieces of clothes hanging with paintings and illustrations
  • An artist looking at an audience who are looking back at him and smiling and clapping
  • Two parents and a baby dancing to a song. One is holding up their hand and the other holding up the baby
  • Families in an outdoor park. Some are standing, sitting and others have their hands up
  • Two performers from Cohesion Plus during a performance of Baby Bhangra
  • A young child in a pink lit performance space
  • Two artists outdoors during a performance of Tangle
  • A baby's hand on a piece of paper with purple/red paint
  • A baby waving during a performance
  • A young child and their parent/carer holding a drum together
  • A baby sat on a reflective floor looking at a performance. Next to them is a big bright lilac ball
  • A young child sat on their parent/carer's lap and smiling

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