‘Creative Summer’, which is kindly sponsored by Ogier, will run over five weeks of the holidays, starting on Monday, 22 July and finishing on Friday, 23 August 2024. Activities will take place across the castles and museums, and will include art, collaging, pottery, Wild Play days and flag making.

Nicky Lucas, Jersey Heritage’s Community Events Curator, said: “Our ‘Creative Summer’ programme is a fantastic opportunity for families to spend time together while engaging in fun activities and enjoying our beautiful historic sites, hopefully in the summer sunshine! All the activities are expert-led, and we are delighted to be working with such talented Islanders to share different ways for children to be creative.

“From bright paintings and a vibrant communal collage, to making patterns with clay, playing outdoors and making flags, there will be something for everyone to enjoy and we hope families will be inspired by the historic settings around them, as much as the activities themselves.”

The experts involved in ‘Creative Summer’ this year are artist Kelly Eastwood; graphic designer Kirstie Anne Fulton; ceramicist Lindsay Rutter; naturalist Stephen Le Quesne; and artist, teacher and wellbeing practitioner Sara Job. Their daily sessions run from 11am-3pm, Monday to Friday during their respective week of activity.

Kate Kirk, Director of Marketing for Ogier, said: “We’re excited to have partnered with Jersey Heritage to offer a series of family learning events packed with activities across the year. We can’t wait for ‘Creative Summer’ to begin – such great opportunities for families to have a fun, creative day out at the heritage sites, while also learning about our Island’s culture and history, is something we’re proud to support.”

‘Creative Summer’ events are drop-in activities, with no booking required. All ages and abilities are welcome, but children must be accompanied by a helpful adult.

Usual site entry fees apply. Free to Jersey Heritage Members and children under the age of six. All the materials required to take part in each activity will be supplied.

Full ‘Creative Summer’ 2024 programme:

All activities are daily from Monday to Friday, 11am-3pm, except for ‘Feeling flags’, which has additional session times (details below).

Creative Castle

Elizabeth Castle

22-26 July

Elizabeth Castle will be a riot of colour and creativity this week with artist Kelly Eastwood at the helm of the first week in the ‘Creative Summer’ programme. Experienced at delivering exciting, creative workshops, Kelly is passionate about making art that is bright, fun and accessible to everyone. We’ll provide the crafting materials and clean up – all you have to do is turn up, join in and make something amazing.

Collage Your Castle

Mont Orgueil

29 July- 2 August

Join us for a playful and experimental take on collaging this week at Mont Orgueil, with textile and graphic designer Kirstie Anne Fulton. Inspired by nature, Kirstie’s current passion is illustrating wildlife using textural collage techniques to produce vibrant pieces of artwork. Alongside a large communal artwork for visitors to work on together, there will be the opportunity to create something individual for you to take home.

Going Potty

Hamptonne Country Life Museum

5-9 August

We’re going potty for pottery with ceramicist Lindsay Rutter this week, taking the natural beauty of Hamptonne as inspiration. Using found materials, Lindsay will show you how to add expression and create patterns to decorate your own personal nature-inspired masterpiece. Lindsay is an accomplished potter whose joy of working with clay is infectious and will leave you wanting to learn more.

Wild Play Days

Hamptonne Country Life Museum

12-16 August

Wild Play Days at Hamptonne are perfect for connecting with each other and nature through crafts, skills learning and free play. Each day will be led and supported by naturalist Stephen Le Quesne. Stephen is a Forest School and Bushcraft Leader with a passion and interest for outdoor play. He provides the materials and the guidance, enabling children and their adults to create the activities and the play that follows. All the inspiration you need to explore the natural world in a new way.

Feeling Flags

Hamptonne Country Life Museum

19-23 August

11am-12.30pm & 1pm-2.30pm – Feeling Flags sessions

11am-3pm – create a giant flag

Fly that flag of how you’re feeling at Elizabeth Castle for the final week of ‘Creative Summer’. How does the Castle make you feel? You won’t have to share this out loud but will be using your emotions and senses to create a flag with colour and mark-making that reflects how you are feeling. Artist, teacher and wellbeing practitioner Sara Job will be leading two sessions each day that will guide you on a journey around the Castle, ending in a creative response.

These sessions are suitable for children aged 8+ but there will also be alternative activities between 11am and 3pm for all ages and for those who don’t choose to commit to a guided session.

Bring your flags back on Thursday and Friday for a colourful music and movement flag and banner waving experience lead by a professional team.