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By Kate Hodges
26th July 2018
EVENT Spray Fever
Bristol’s Upfest is Europe’s largest, free graffiti festival, showcasing the work of the world’s best street artists. Held across venues in Bedminster and Southville, exploring it feels like a very colourful treasure hunt. Head to the affordable art sale, or hang out and chill with DJs and soundsystems. There’s also a whole load of art action for kids, from giant painting to bubble shows and spray skill masterclasses.
DO Sun Baked
The sun is out, harness its power! Why not try the ultimate way to create planet-friendly cuisine – solar cooking. Try making America’s favourite campfire food, s’mores on a hot day, sun-dried tomatoes or steep sun tea slowly over a warm day (we like black tea and lemon, but peppermint also works well). For a bigger kids project, why not bake biscuits using a simple, home-made solar oven, or, if you have more time, build this ‘proper’ version for your garden
EVENT Chain Gang
Saturday’s Prudential RideLondon cycling festival is a great opportunity to get your family together for an adventure on their bikes. An eight-mile loop of streets of central London is closed to motorised traffic, and two (and three, and four), pedal-powered wheelers will reign supreme. The FreeCycle passes some of the most iconic sights in the world – this is an incredibly rare chance to ride hassle-free past Buckingham Palace, Trafalgar Square, St Paul’s Cathedral and the Bank of England. Route-side, you’ll find seven festival zones, all packed with family-friendly bike-based entertainment. You might find pedal-powered smoothie-making machines, cycle polo matches, or bike tune-up stations. Even the tiniest of riders can come on their scooters. Plus don’t miss all the professional races taking place over the weekend!
DO Beach Spotting
It’s beach time! Of course, we’ll be spending lots of time swimming, but there’s plenty of wildlife exploration to do while we’re beside the seaside. Heading on your holidays? Download these Coastal Wildlife Spotter
sheets (we’ve seen a few wibbly-wobbly stingers off the south coast this week). Beaches are also, of course, great places to pick up ancient animals and plants preserved as fossils; learn the basics here, and read about the ethics of finding preserved creatures and plants here
EVENT Cheesy Smile
Not only does Caerphilly have a beautiful castle to explore, but it’s also home to one of the most fun, free festivals in Wales, The Big Cheese. Head there on Friday to catch the Big Cheese Race plus a spectacular fireworks display then stay on for the weekend to experience living history encampments, a traditional funfair, street entertainers, minstrels, music and dance.
