Meet Elvie as farmyard fun takes over Lakeside Village this Spring Bank Holiday

Families are being invited to step into a world of farmyard fun as Lakeside Village in Doncaster prepares for a lively May Spring Bank Holiday and half-term programme.

Running across the long weekend and throughout the school holidays, the outlet shopping destination will host a series of interactive activities, trails and creative workshops - centred around the arrival of a brand-new summer character, Elvie the duck.

At the heart of the activity is Elvie’s Farm Family Fun Zone, located in Unit 12 between Carvela and Radley. The space will feature a farm-themed photo opportunity, reading area, colouring tables and farm-themed games, giving younger visitors plenty to enjoy.

Alongside this, the Ping Pong Parlour is back and will also be based in Unit 12, offering a relaxed space for families to unwind and enjoy some friendly competition.

Across the site, visitors can take part in Elvie’s Farm Trail, encouraging families to explore Lakeside Village while spotting a range of farmyard favourites, including a cockerel, donkey, horse, cow, Billy goat and pig installations.

On the Village Green, a second Elvie’s Farm Family Fun Zone will include creative photo opportunities such as the ‘Cowch’ and pig bench, alongside a revamped Elvie’s Crazy Golf, providing even more ways to get involved and enjoy time together.

All these activities will be up and running from 20 May and be available daily 10am - 5pm, throughout the summer until 31 August.

In addition, there will be some special sessions held during the Spring Bank holiday week only.

Elvie’s Farm Creative Workshop will take place on Thursday 28 May, with sessions running from 10am-12.30pm and 1.30pm-4pm. Activities will include painting a cow, creating ‘Posey Pig’ crafts, pop lollipop making and face painting.

And some themed activities as part of Doncaster’s Remake Festival will also take place on Wednesday 27 and Thursday 28 May run by The Doncaster Create & Connect Pod, which was created to give people in the community a safe, creative and welcoming space to learn practical digital and creative skills without pressure or intimidation. Through Palette Solutions, the work focuses on helping individuals, families, seniors, young people and small businesses feel more confident using technology, social media and creative tools in everyday life.

On offer on both days will be a ‘Sticker and Design’ workshop from 10.30-11.30am, ‘Creative Build Lab (STEM)’ from 12-1pm and ‘Build your own website/app (tech)’ from 1.30-2.30pm. These sessions are £3 per person and must be booked in advance at: https://shorturl.at/1JMtP

There will also be a Pod Open Art session throughout which does not need to be pre-booked.

Abby Chandler, deputy centre manager at Lakeside Village, said: “We’re excited to introduce Elvie and bring a real sense of fun to Lakeside Village this Spring Bank Holiday and half-term.

“Our programme has been designed to give families a great value day out, where children can get involved, explore the centre and enjoy spending time together and many of Elvie’s activities will be available until the end of the Summer holidays, too.

“We are also really pleased to be working with the Doncaster Pod as part of Remake Learning week to provide a venue for creative sessions that are designed to be simple, affordable and hands-on. They aim to help bridge the digital gap in a way that feels approachable and community led covering some really interesting and practical topics. Don’t forget to book your spot!”

For more information about Lakeside Village visit: www.lakeside-village.co.uk

For more information about the Doncaster Create & Connect Pod, visit:www.Doncasterpod.co.uk