Kentchurch Estate, Monnow Valley, Herefordshire

NATURE & THE GREAT OUTDOORSFOREST SCHOOL: Flora, fauna & fungi identification, woodland awareness, bird song, hide and seek, mud heads, fire lighting, orienteering and cooking over an open fire, yum!

DEnS: Go foraging for branches, brush-wood, twigs and leaves and construct your very own woodland den, ideal for late night ghost stories or hide and seek.

GAmES witH GAry: We’ll have big groups games sessions each day, open to all, with football, tug of war, rounders and parachute games.

WilD Walks: The “times ten” micro-world is both creepy and beautiful, full of plants you might never have noticed. Are they any use? Which ones can you eat?

MOnkey NeTs: Tired of monkeying around? We think not! Somewhere in the woods there’s nets to be found…

FlyiNG FOx: For all the little adrenalin junkies out there, we have a brand new zip wire at Starry Skies. Hold tight and enjoy the ride!

InflATaFun: Keep your eyes and ears out for our giant inflatables, just begging to be pushed, pulled, squashed and squished about by little hands and feet.

WOODLAnD PlayGROund: Wander into the woods and test your strength and dexterity on all manner of rustic obstacles.

GiaNt saNdpit: Bury your treasure, or each other, and see how high you can build your castle before shouting TIMBER!

CiRcus: Roll up roll up for juggling, plate spinning, Diablo flinging and stilt walking. Catch a hat on your foot and think about running away to join Cirque du Soleil.

WATER plAy: Watch your kids while away the hours getting wet and happy with pipes, pumps, funnels, pots, tubes and tubs they can use to construct waterways and aqueducts.

FAncy sOME tREe hUgGIng: Collect some leaves and pine cones or do some bark rubbings from your favourite tree, our sculpture garden and gallery are waiting for your creations!

STarGAziNG: Saturn’s back, with a supporting cast of Mars nearby in Virgo, the Summer Triangle, cute little constellations you never noticed (like the Dolphin), and our galaxy the Milky Way.

Big BUgS: We’ve got big creepy crawlies galore for kids and grown ups to explore. Test your bravery by cuddling up with a tarantula or stroking the shell of a hissing cockroach.

FARm TOURs: There’s horses, goats, pigs, rabbits, foxes, owls and cats to see. Most of the animals interact with one another and enjoy each other’s company, which is unusual for so many different species. Come along and meet the crew…

ArT & CRaFTsThe Arty Farty tent will be crammed full of creativity for you to indulge in. There’ll be a chance to play and make with clay, build sculptures, paint, draw and so much more.

NEwSpApER pUpPetS: Experimenting with newspaper you’ll learn how to create a character and make it move. You’ll be shown basic puppetry skills and given the confidence to work towards a performance.

JApaNEsE BuNRAkU PuppETry: Using professional training puppets, you’ll be taught how to puppeteer in the traditional Japanese style. Requiring 3 people per puppet, you’ll learn how to work, collaborate and improvise as a team.

hAmmer & naiLs: Make your own constructions from wood; from new toys to a miniature house. Kids can learn to use grown up tools in a safe environment and learn some valuable life long skills.

STarRy SkieS BOOksHOp: Pegbear Books will be bringing us a wealth of raucous reads and tantalising titles for you to feast your eyes upon. Pop along to check out what’s on offer and get involved in bookmark making or colouring competitions.

pERFOrmaNCe & STOrIEsDramA QUesT: Groups will join our drama specialist for quests that will ignite the imagination and inspire adults and kids to make their own stories. Harness the power of earth, wind, fire and water to unleash your dragon daemon or fire fairy.

STOryTelLinG: Morning stories, lunchtime story quests and bedtime tales will see you through all parts of your day at Starry Skies; so whether you’re tip toeing through the woods or snuggling up with a cocoa, let your imagination run amok.

BOOGIE BOP: Offering a lovely, relaxed atmosphere as well as some fabulous dance moves. Don’t forget to pack your dancing shoes and head on down to throw some shapes around.

AfTER BreAkFAsT & luNCH cLUB: DragonBird Theatre returns! Watch a short show of a classic tale and then step into the story and help create its magical world.

MAcaMU: Macamu sing original songs about everything from sneezing to magical toys who dance the tango! They’re a winner for any little one who fancies a singalong.

MinDFUlNess WORkSHOp: Connect with your innate wisdom, compassion and life force. Send that positive energy out into the air and see what comes back to you.

FAmiLy EVEntStreaSURE HuNt: Clues, riddles, ups and downs & twists and turns; it’s a hunt for treasure, that involves leisure and pleasure… and treasure... FAmiLy SpORtS day: Heats to be held in the honourable disciplines of the egg and spoon, wheelbarrow, three-legged and potato-sack races. Let the games begin!

FAncy dress DiscO: This year’s theme is ‘Once Upon a Time’. They’ll be classic tracks to dance to and a prize for the best costume at the end. Come one, come all to the fancy dress ball.

pinG PONG TOurnaMEnt: Open to all ages & abilities, there will be prizes for crazy skills, outlandish behaviour and rockin’ outfits. The sillier you look the better you play – FACT!

BATtLE OF The dJS: There’ll be a bottle of bubbly for the mum or dad who gets the biggest dance and rowdiest crowd, as well as the coveted title of ‘Best DJ 2014’ – Respect.

tHe Big BBQ: With a delicious array of locally sourced carnivorous and veggie options to suit all tastes and appetites, sit back, relax and let us do the cooking.

LiVE EnterTaInmENTLORi CampBelL: Lovely Lori’s sound is a blend of traditional folk, soul and jazz. Imagine the fingerpicking style of Bert Jansch decorated with the voice of Kate Bush and Louis Armstrong’s love child.

NUalA HONAn: Long term favourite Nuala is coming to Starry Skies and bringing her band with her! “Bringing a fresh and captivating intimacy with the warming breath of a bubbling country heart and some traditional fireside honesty.” Ain’t that the truth!

ME & My FriENds: With their own special take on vintage roots reggae, highlife and afrobeat styles, this fabulous quintet move with sensitive ease from delicate gospel harmonies through to unstoppably hip-shaking grooves.

pERch creEk FAmiLy JuG BAnd: A band of five energetic multi-instrumentalists and vocalists, four of whom happen to be siblings. Steam-powered roots music plugged into 3,000 volts of inner city creative energy, and a fearless spirit that sparkles with imagination and individuality, bring it on!

tHe CEilIdH CHaSers: Their wild whirling rhythms will have you jumping and hopping til you drop. It’s a family barndance for all ages and abilities, so let’s get our jiggle on and wear the kids out so they’ll sleep in!

FOOD & dRiNKhEnry’S BEArd CAfé: We’re delighted they can join us and as the food hub of Starry Skies again this year, bringing games, high chairs and meals for kids of all ages. The ingredients are healthy and unprocessed too!

tHe STar Bar: They’ll be something on offer for all tastes, from real ales to bubbles as well as live music from Centre Camp every night. We recommend you grab yourself a glass and hit the dance floor.

tHe CAkE HOle: The Cake Hole Cafe is back with a whole host of coeliac and vegan specialities to choose from, as well as tea, fresh coffee, hot chocolate and chai to wash it down with. You might even find time to get yourself a tarot reading!

SHephERDS ice creAm: Keep your eyes peeled for Connie pootling down the track and grab a scoopful of your favourite flavor made from delicious sheep’s milk.

hEalIng AreaEvery morning in the big workshop dome we’ll be starting the day with yoga and t’ai c’hi sessions. The classes are suitable for all levels, from complete novices to yoga gurus so bring your yoga mat and leave the kids with your partner! We’ll also be offering meditation, relaxation, baby massage and more. Be sure to come along and give your mind and body some much needed TLC.

The ‘Me Time’ Lounge, will soothe the senses and ease away the strains with some truly healthy and decadent rejuvenation. There’s Massage, Reiki, Reflexology, Acupuncture and lots more besides, so pop along to the healing area to see what’s on offer and feel the worries of the world melting away…

A few little Extras…BABy Baths: The wonderful Baby Baths crew will be on hand to help make your little ones shiny and clean after a grubby day at Starry Skies. 17:00-19:00 Thursday - Sunday

tOdDLE iN: For all the really wee ones, our friends from the Cornish Traveller Bus will be facilitating free play. Stuffed full of toys and play things, they’ll have them bouncing and smiling all day long. There’s also toddler chill out space and the sandpit’s just outside too!

.................................IdeaS fOR OFF sitE excURsiONsClimBinG & ABSeiliNG: Whether you’re a seasoned specialist or a brave beginner, this is a great opportunity to sample all that rock climbing and abseiling have to offer in the beautiful areas surrounding Starry Skies.

CyclIng AdVENTures: With so much countryside to explore, one of the best ways to get around is by bike. Whether you’re looking to train or wanting a more quiet cycling experience, the Brecon Beacons boasts some of the finest trails in the UK.

CAnOeinG: Take to the water and see the beauty of the Brecons from a riverside perspective. You’ll be guided to the most idyllic spots and go on a proper adventure that you won’t forget.

WAlkIng AdVENTures: Whether you want to venture off road into the Brecon Beacons and Black Mountains or simply take a gentle wander through the surrounding hills, starry skies is a great jumping off point for walkers of all ages and dispositions.

Visit Bob from Contour Outdoor on site for more details on all the activities above

GO DeEpER uNDERGROuND: With so many amazing sites to choose from, there are caving experiences for everyone. We recommend Porth yr Ogof in the Brecon Beacons, where you can squeeze through ‘The Letterbox’ or get flushed down ‘The Toilet’!

hAy-On-Wye DAy trip: Hay-on-Wye is widely considered to be the second hand book capital of the world and if you find yourself in the town be sure to check out the famous antique market situated opposite Hay’s famous Butter Market too.

kEntCHurCH DAy tRip: Immerse yourself in the history and splendor of one of the most historic homes in the UK. Go on a walking tour of the 14th century Grade I listed property with a sumptuous cream tea in the picturesque gardens.

Forest School H Farm Tours H Wild Walks Star Gazing H Woodland Playground Nature Arts & Crafts H CanoeingCycling Adventures H Monkey NetsRock Climbing & Abseiling H Go Ape!Water Slide H Workshops H Puppetry Circus Skills H Story Telling H Bookshop Talent Shows H Fancy Dress DiscoLive Music And DJs H Big Bugs ShowThe ‘Me Time’ Therapy Lounge Henry’s Beard Café H The Star Bar Starry Skies Cinema H The Cake Hole

THE PERFECT FAMILY CAMPING HOLIDAY

“Our kids loved the independence of being able to go off on adventures with new found friends. We live in a city so the novelty of being able to do that was a real treat,” Nina, Bristol.

“the location is absolutely stunning and the atmosphere was so friendly. it felt so liberating being able to let the kids off the leash so they

could really get back to nature,” Luke, London.