Parents' festival promises plenty of fun for families

NURSERY rhyme break-dancing is just one of the star attractions at a massive three-day parenting festival.

Up to 20,000 parents and children are expected to turn out for the biggest ever Parents Like Us event, which will take place on Leith Links from Friday to Sunday.

Organised by a committee of local parents, the festival is designed to give families a safe environment in which to relax and play.

Fifteen marquees offering free and ticketed events will be erected on Leith Links inside a perimeter fence, and only adults accompanied by children under five will be allowed to go in.

One of the highlights for the children will be the shows performed by Scottish actress Katrina Bryan, star of the CBeebies show Nina and the Neurons, which sold out within three hours of tickets coming up for grabs.

The Hip Hop Tots Body Jam is also designed to get the children excited through its blend of nursery rhymes set to hip-hop, rap, garage and drum 'n' bass music.

Parent volunteer Jackie Kemp said: "For a lot of parents, this might be the first time they have tried alternative therapies or tried face-painting.

"The kids love all the free play opportunities and it's all very safe because there's a perimeter fence and you can' get in without a child. Parents these days feel very anxious and insecure about letting their children out to play so they are more able to relax in this kind of environment."

For the first time this year, therapists will have their own tent to offer harassed parents half-hour slots to relax while their children are playing in the free crèche.

There will be a story-telling tent where performers such as Leith's own Mrs Mash – who tells food related stories – will amuse youngsters with their tales.

Music will be provided free by pipe bands and the Edinburgh Samba Band. Gorgie City Farm will bring animals along and there will be a visit from police horses on Friday afternoon.

A free face-painting workshop will give parents the chance to learn how to transform children into their favourite animals.

Parents will be able to pick up leaflets in the information area on everything from reusable nappies to Gaelic for toddlers, and a demo tent where they can find out about baby massage and hypno birthing techniques.

Ms Kemp added: "A lot of events just feel like they're all about making money, but this is really different because so much is free and it's a lot different from the usual events for under-fives."

The festival, which also has some events for five-to-tens, has been funded by ticket sales, volunteer fundraising, the Scottish Community Foundation and the Lotteries Awards for All.

It will take place between 10am and 5.30pm each day from Friday to Sunday.

• www.parentslikeus.co.uk