Current Project

Hoopla!

Project dates: Since July 2022

A free, family friendly, outdoor festival for children aged 0–4.

Audience watches performer with stag puppet. Text reads 'Hoopla - a mini festival of ages 0-4'.

Each summer, we transform parks and green spaces across Nottingham with live performances, creative activities and play. Everything is free to take part in.

Since launching in 2022, Hoopla! has welcomed thousands of children and their caregivers. The festival takes place in Aspley, Bulwell, Hyson Green and St Ann’s. These are neighbourhoods where children may face barriers to accessing arts and cultural activities. Hoopla! brings high-quality experiences directly into local communities.

Children laugh and play together under the shade of trees, with one child sitting on a large knitted object and others engaging with a bright pink silk at an outdoor event.
Sensory Play. Photo by Lamar Francois.

High-Quality Shows

Every festival features professional performances created especially for young children.

Attendees have enjoyed theatre, music, storytelling, circus and outdoor arts in the relaxed and welcoming environment of their local park. The programme changes each year, introducing children to new artists, new ideas and new ways to play.

The outdoor theatre shows were brilliant. The children with me don’t often get the opportunity to see that type of art.

Audience Feedback
A circus perform dangles from a hoop whilst a mother and child watch
Arial acrobatics by Circus Hub Nottingham. Photo by Lamar Francois.

Interactive Activities

Hoopla is about more than watching.

Alongside the performances, attendees can take part in hands-on creative activities, games and play experiences. From printmaking and music-making to circus skills and imaginative play, there is always something to explore together.

Activities are designed to be fun, accessible and suitable for young children.

Wonderful activities for my children and a relaxed, fun environment for all. We all had a great time!

Audience Member
A mother and daughter play with a percussion instrument
Musical play. Photo by Lamar Francois.

Support Services

Hoopla brings together more than arts activities.

The festival has stalls from local organisations and support services, helping families discover opportunities, advice and activities available in their area. It is a place where families can connect with both creativity and community.

We are a low income family. The festival was a lovely and joyful and accessible.

Audience Feedback
A young boy gleefully runs across a grassy field while a woman playfully operates a large magpie puppet overhead at a sunny outdoor community event.
Magpie Puppet. Photo by Lamar Francois.

Why Hoopla Matters

Hoopla is designed to make high-quality arts experiences accessible to families who might not otherwise have the opportunity to take part. By bringing free events directly into neighbourhood parks, the festival removes barriers such as cost, travel and unfamiliar venues.

  • 1 in 5 attendees live in one of the 10% most deprived areas in the country.
  • 28% of attendees had not attended an arts event in the previous year.
  • A further 23% had never attended an arts event.
  • 93% agreed that Hoopla gave them access to activities they would not otherwise have experienced.

Project Team

Partners

Funders