Hoopla! is a free, family-friendly, outdoor mini-festival for children aged 0–4.
Join us for a day of puppetry, music, play, performance and art. Explore, discover and have fun in Vicar Water Country Park, Clipstone.
Great activities for young children. I have a 3 year old and we both loved the event. Brilliant that it was also a free.
Hoopla! 2025 Audience Member
I look forward to coming each year for the creativity. So grateful my children can access these experiences for free!
Hoopla! 2024 Audience Member
There will be information stalls at the event for local support services. They’ll answer questions and share information and opportunities.
Brought to you by Open Doors and City Arts (Nottingham).
Featuring
‘The Butterfly House’ from HandMade Theatre
A show about a caterpillar’s magical transformation into a beautiful butterflies. HandMade Theatre’s enchanting, handcrafted puppets will inspire wonder and joy. With original live music.
‘The Delights’ Installation by Makers of Imaginary Worlds
Explore all your senses as you play in this colourful textile world. Designed for young children, this installation encourages exploration, creativity and joyful play.
Clay Impressions with Lizzie Meakin
Squash, press, roll and have fun with air-drying clay in this hands-on workshop led by artist Lizzie Meakin. Using their hands and a variety of natural materials, children can create unique patterns, textures and shapes to take home.
Music Making with Tatenda Chitsamba
A multi-sensory, interactive musical experience! Explore sound, movement and rhythm with percussion instruments and digital music making tools. Tatenda creates a welcoming and inclusive environment for play.
How it works
Please book a ticket for each adult and each child that will attend. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Older siblings and friends are welcome.
Hoopla! is completely free. Stay as long as you like. Food and drink will not be available as part of the festival, so please bring your own. Rumbles Café is also nearby and will be open.