Step inside the Bureau Centre for the Arts and enter a world of exploration for children aged 0-5.

Downstairs in ‘The Gallery’, children and families will collaborate with art students and volunteers to MAKE the space – drawing, navigating and getting stuck in with spontaneous creation.

Move further into the building and you’ll find a creative making hub inviting a playful collection, combination and exploration of materials – think dangling tassels, fluffy pom poms and tactile wearable art!

Upstairs you’ll enter the ‘Imaginarium’, with gazebo islands and suggested pathways to the worlds of exploration and the land of curiosity. Nap Time Tales invites young children and their families into stories of dozy dreams, cosy cuddles, and the quirky characters who live amongst the pages of the duvet. Musical mountains will erupt from time to time with a ‘Drummer’s spiral’ and ‘Strings Rings and Things that Ping!’

Turn up at any point during the Festival, there will always be something to do, experience and explore.

The cafe will also be open throughout, serving delicious treats, including child-friendly options!

About Shared Sounds

Shared Sounds is an Early Years community programme at the Bureau which started in 2020 with music sessions for under 5s and their families.

Weekly sessions supported by Foundation for Youth Music funding take place at the Bureau each Thursday and Saturday mornings. These encourage a creative exploration of music, art, movement and storytelling elements which support children’s development and lay the foundations for early creativity. Skilled practitioners lead the sessions with songs, games, activities, percussion instruments, sensory elements and open ended play opportunities all allowing room for free creative play and musical exploration!

About The Bureau Centre for the Arts

The Bureau is an independent, grassroots, artist led community Arts Centre, a creative home and hub for the people of Blackburn.  Since its inception in March 2015, The Bureau has provided a space for arts activity, exhibitions, performances, music, cultural events and community participation. We have regular weekly activities, plus exciting one off events that create a full programme of accessible arts experiences and opportunities for all to enjoy.