PARTICIPATION

Get hands on or join in with these events, which are all free unless otherwise stated.

Walking the Marches
Start point: Plainstones, Low St,  Banff
Organisers: Banff Preservation & Heritage Society   
Time: Sat, 10am to approx 12noon
The Banff Preservation and Heritage Society have revived the custom of Walking the Marches, defining the boundaries of the old burgh – beyond might belong to the Earl, but within the Marches the burghers had rights under Royal charter. The walk will take the rest of the morning, as you rediscover Banff’s landmarks. “We promise a toast to those who complete the walk, and invite you to join us for lunch upstairs in the Market Arms. Prepare for Banff’s brisk May weather, with sensible shoes”. Lunch must be booked in advance. Call Alistair Mason 01261 812941.

Sandcastle Competition, Barbecue and Duck Race
Venue: Green Banks Beach, Banff
Organisers: Banff Business Association, 1st Macduff Scouts, Banff & District Roundtable
Times: Sat, Sand castle Competition & BBQ from 12 noon – Duck Race 3pm
A host of activities on the edge of our beautiful bay. The ever popular Sand castle Competition will be run by the Banff Business Association, with kipper barbecue from 1st Macduff Scouts. The Duck Race run by Banff & District Roundtable will start at 3pm. You can purchase your own duck from the Laptop shed, Duff Street, Macduff, or the Green Tree, for £1 – first duck across the line wins £100!

Castle Courtyard Craft Fair
Venue: Banff Castle, Castle Street, Banff
Organisers: Banff Castle
Times: Sat and Sun 10am to 4pm, drop-in
The Crafters in the Castle Courtyard offer you the opportunity to try your hand at their skills. This is an informal opportunity to try Ceramic Painting, Posy Making, Spinning and Pot Throwing (Throwing Sat only).

Windy Things Workshop
Venue: Banff Castle Grounds, Castle Street, Banff
Organisers: Muiryhillock Arts, with Nic Whitehouse
Times: Sun 10am to 4pm
Explore a force of nature. Although we can only see the wind by its actions, here is a family, hands-on opportunity to design and build ways of wind watching, with kites, flags, socks, mills and twirlers. Plans and materials will be available and all ideas are welcome. If you have a kite, bring it along for a fly!

African Music & Dance Workshops - with Omar Afif
Venue: Banff Castle, see information board at Castle on the day
Times: Sat and Sun 1pm to 2.30pm
Cost: £7/head 1 day/session - £10/head 2 days/sess. Family tickets (for 4) £20, 1 day - Family tickets (for 4) £35, 2 days.
A Gnawa musician and dancer from Morocco, Omar now lives with his family in Banff. For Coast he is running two workshops for all ages, teaching drumming, Gnawa dancing and African singing. For all-comers and all ages. No experience required. Drums, percussion, castanets, costumes supplied. Book ahead or drop in. Contact: Omar on 07985 939980 email: omafif2@hotmail.com

Umbrell-arts!
Venue: Macduff Town Hall, downstairs left
Organisers: Banffshire Artists’ Collective
Time: must be booked in advance, two sessions per day
Sat 1pm to 2.15pm & 2.30pm to 3.45pm. Sun 1pm to 2.15pm & 2.30pm to 3.45pm
Come along to a fun family workshop where we’ll be creating portable artwork from umbrellas – decorate, paint, stitch, glue – make your very own piece of mobile art to take away. We’ll provide the umbrellas and materials, you bring wonderful ideas. Workshop is suitable for age 6 to adult. Watch out for the Umbrella Stands. Booking essential - Call 01261 812276.

Visit the Wish Fish
Venue: Macduff Marine Aquarium
Organisers: Aquarium staff and Coast
Time: Sat 10am to 4pm (staffed). Sun, 10am to 4pm (do it yourself)
In the ancient tradition of votive offerings, you are asked to visit the Wish Fish, a sculpture by Carn Standing, made to carry our words, pledges and wishes to the sea. We need a new attitude towards our environment, and the sea is paramount. Make your own little offering and give it to the Wish Fish. Everything you need will be provided.

Robot Making Workshop
Venue: Kingswells, Seafield Street, Banff
Organisers: Banff Day Services, Creative Arts. With Brenda Ward and Justyne Sirett, and members of ‘Acting Up’
Time: Sat 10.30am to 3pm
A workshop for children aged 7 to 10 years, with Brenda Ward and members of Creative Arts. Brenda employs a step by step process that involves everyone. Bring along your recyclable rubbish, out of which inspired creations will arise! Only 12 places, so book early. Call 01261 818281, and leave a message. Please bring a packed lunch and suitable clothing for craft work. Thanks to Banff Day Services and Artsability, Aberdeenshire Council.

Elements
Venue: Bridge St Community Centre, Bridge St, Banff
Organisers: Aberdeenshire Council, Community Learning & Development Times: Sat 10am to 4pm
Hands on workshop with local artists where you get your opportunity to add a creation to the mass installation. Similar to the City of the Future from Coast 2010, this giant artwork will be made up from discarded materials. You can also bring completed, work along, based on the theme of Elements.

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