This year’s SO Festival is more than performances. In the week before and throughout the festival, we’re inviting you to take part in a programme of free workshops and activities for all ages.
From hands‑on digital experiences and creative making, to music, movement, outdoor play and self‑guided discovery, there’s something to try, discover and enjoy. Many sessions are free but have limited capacity, so we recommend booking in advance where required.
AI Workshop – AI in Schools
Tuesday 9 June 2026 | FULLY BOOKED
Mablethorpe Library | Suitable for all ages
FREE – booking required
A welcoming introduction to artificial intelligence covering machine learning, algorithms and data‑driven decision‑making. Through simple coding challenges and interactive demonstrations, participants explore how AI models are created and tested, no experience needed.
🔗 Book your free place
Make Some Noise – Noise Academy
Friday 5 June 2026 | 5.00–8.00pm
Embassy Theatre, Skegness | Ages 14+
FREE – booking required
Explore DJing, beatboxing and sound technology using professional decks, microphones and effects. Participants develop creative and technical skills with expert tutors, working towards a mini live showcase, including a performance event at XSite on Thursday 11 June (times TBC).
🔗 Book your free place
Urban Sports Zone – XSite Skatepark & School’s Out
Thursday 11 June 2026 | 4.30–7.30pm
XSite Skatepark, Skegness | Ages 7–16
FREE – book in advance or drop in (limited spaces)
XSite Skatepark transforms into a lively challenge course inspired by street‑sport culture. Rotate through target‑based football and basketball, creative physical challenges and skateboarding tasters, with social zones creating a relaxed festival atmosphere.
🔗 Book your free place
Zine Workshop – Rose Visual Artists
Monday 8 June 2026 | 4.30pm, 5.30pm or 6.30pm (1 hour)
The Colonnade, Sutton on Sea | Ages 16+
FREE – booking required
Using drawing, collage and DIY publishing, this visual arts workshop explores identity and lived experience. Participants create their own zine as a form of personal storytelling, communication and self‑expression rooted in community.
🔗 Book your free place
Accessible Circus Skills – Creative Heights
A welcoming circus experience where people of all abilities can try aerial acrobatics, juggling, hula hooping and more with specialist instructors using safe counterweight techniques.
Friday 12 June Tower Gardens Steps 1, Skegness 14:30-15:30 Fully Accessible Session FREE, must be booked in advance (link to book) 16:30-17:30 FREE drop-in sessions
Saturday 13 June Tower Gardens Steps 1, Skegness 12:30-13:00 and 16:30-17:30 FREE drop-in sessions
Sunday 14 June Queen’s Park Car Park, Mablethorpe 12:30-17:00 FREE drop-in sessions
Festival Activities (No Booking Required)
Audio Tales – Self‑Guided Trail
Available throughout the festival
Follow a trail across the fields, fens and forests of Lincolnshire, discovering QR codes that unlock rich stories and sounds inspired by East Lindsey. Created with over 60 local writers, actors, illustrators and musicians, Audio Tales is an innovative way to explore the county’s past, present and future, at your own pace.
🔗 Click the link to start
Games, Worksheets & Books
Embassy Theatre, Skegness – Lower Foyer & Courtyard Café
Drop in and enjoy a selection of board games, SO Festival activity sheets (including quizzes, colouring and word searches) and books. Activity sheets are also available from Festival Information Points in Skegness and Mablethorpe, perfect for relaxed creative moments between shows.
To the Moon and Back – Barmpot Theatre
Exclusively for schools – not open for public booking
A miniature puppet show in a suitcase following a determined barn owl on a magical journey across fields, and even to the Moon. Children also create an eco owl with Oxcombe Pottery, which becomes a wildflower seed sculpture or decoration. This is only for schools, email sofestival@mvtlc.org to find out more.
