Lyth Family Festival at village's arts centre to offer Caithness families a huge range of activities – including aerial theatre, puppets, and more

SUMMER holidays may be starting to wind down, but there are plenty of activities still available for kids – big and small.

And up in the far north, this weekend will see a full spectrum of family-friendly activities when Lyth Family Festival returns.

Taking place at Lyth Arts Centre on Saturday, August 10 and Sunday, August 11, the weekend looks set to be full of family activities from flying to friendship bracelet making.

The festival will take over the arts centre for the weekend, including the car park and gardens. Shows to catch include All or Nothing aerial theatre who will be performing Watch Fly Come Try, an outdoor flying circus show where kids and their grown-ups can try out some aerial moves for themselves.

Lyth Arts Centre co-director Charlotte Mountford said: ““We're so excited to be able to bring the Lyth Family Festival for its second instalment.

“This year will be bigger and better than ever, especially with addition of the All or Nothing aerial circus show – a great chance to see some flying circus then have a go yourself!”

The Little Fawn Caravan also returns with its magical miniature travelling puppet theatre and the Caithness Young Company will perform a new specially devised promenade theatre show.

There will also be Gaelic story-telling taking place in the gardens.

Workshops and craft activities on offer are inspired by the arts centre’s Summer exhibition Mountains Underwater: Stroma, all about the abandoned island just off the Caithness coast.

Fort William-based Room 13 International will be making messy mountains out of plaster of Paris, whilst Caithness illustrator Hannah Cambridge will be leading sea shell dipping, acrylic paint pouring and making tie-dye coasters.

And for appropriate far north Highland activities, families can try out some bush craft activities like fire-building and making nettle tea. There is also a chill out yurt and hammocks to relax in.

As well as cakes and biscuits provided by the award-winning Whalligoe Steps Café, the new Caithness Pizza company will be on hand making fresh Neapolitan style pizzas throughout the weekend.

Charlotte added: “We're bringing performers from across Scotland to take part, and working with local Caithness artists in to lead workshops and activities.

“There are lots happening over the weekend so we're sure there will be something for everyone – big or small!”

Tickets grant entry for Saturday, Sunday or both days and are priced at £20 for family of four, £25 for family of five or £6 for a single ticket. There will also be a free shuttle bus from Wick town centre to the arts centre. Tickets available from www.lytharts.org.uk