Stories colour big festival day for kids

With its unicorns, pirate, magician, clowns and mermaid, this year’s Alcoa Children’s festival is shaping up to be the ultimate children’s day out.

The festival will run from 11am-3pm on Saturday, with a range of free and low-cost activities for kids up to 12 years old, as well as food trucks and coffee for mum and dad.

As part of this year’s vintage carnival theme, the creative skills of local schoolchildren will be on display with a puppet show put together with help from the Spare Parts Puppet Theatre.

The performance, Carnival in a Suitcase, is based on the contents of a vintage suitcase that was introduced to students at the start of the school year.

City of Kwinana Mayor Carol Adams said the concept draws on personal stories, representing the diverse population of the Kwinana community.

“A suitcase can signify travel, adventure, meeting new friends and exploring new places,” she said.

“But for some children, it might signify a sad departure from a treasured person or favourite possession or place.”

As well as sharing their stories, students have been exploring themes of Aboriginal historical context.

They have also looked at the concept of travel in a modern society.

“I’m very excited to see how their performances take shape and look forward to witnessing their talent on display,” Mrs Adams said.