Summer fun for all the family at the Malt Cross

Crafty kids can let their imaginations run wild during a series of workshops being held at Nottingham’s Malt Cross this summer holiday. Following the success of its Easter and half-term activities, the former Victorian music hall on St James’s Street will host a variety of arts and craft sessions throughout July and August. Two ceramics workshops will kick off the programme on 31 July, giving children the chance to design, create and glaze their own ceramic tile. The sessions, which take place from 11am to 12.30pm and again between 2pm and 3.30pm, will be run by ceramics specialist Upsy Daisy Craft and are suitable for youngsters aged six and over. The Malt Cross runs regular letterpress sessions for adults but this summer the whole family can take part in a workshop on 7 August. During the day, children aged between 10 and 14 will be able to create images and text using a specialist printing press before taking their print home. Younger children are also invited to try their hand at printing on 14 August as part of a two-hour activity that takes them through the basics of printing, with plenty of messy fun to be had along the way. The following week, on 21 August, they can hone their drawing skills at a kids’ sketch drawing class. Jo Cox-Brown, chief executive of the Malt Cross Trust, said: “It can be difficult for parents to keep children entertained during the long summer holidays, especially if the weather lets us down. “Our arts and craft activities give families the chance to try something they may not have done before, such as letterpress printing. We are also a short walk away from the Nottingham Riviera in Old Market Square so they can combine a workshop with a trip to the beach.” As well as crafts, families are also invited to find out about the Malt Cross’ intriguing history and discover the sandstone caves on one of the heritage tours, which take place Tuesday to Friday at 2pm and on Saturdays at 12noon and 2pm. And as an extra holiday treat, children aged 13 and under can go for free throughout July and August. Friday 31 July – Kids’ Ceramic Workshop, 11am – 12.30pm and 2pm – 3.30pm, £10 per tile. Friday 7 August – Letterpress for Families, 11am – 4pm, £25 per child (adults sit in free). Friday 14 August – Printing Workshop, 1pm – 3pm, £5 per child. Friday 21 August – Kids’ Sketch Drawing, 1pm – 3pm, £5 per child Tuesdays to Saturdays – Malt Cross tours, various times, £3 per person. Pre-booking for arts and craft activities is essential and children must be accompanied by an adult. Accompanying adults go free. For further details on the Malt Cross, including what’s on this summer, visit www.maltcross.com or call 0115 941 1048.