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Summer of Play at The Firs

Come on a musical journey with us this summer by celebrating Elgar's Wand of Youth Suite, we encourage you to dance, move and play!

  • Booking not needed
  • Free event (admission applies)

It's time to explore, move and make-believe this summer!

Are you ready to be inspired by Elgar's Wand of Youth Suite? Did you know it was written when Elgar was a child and completed as an adult?

Join us for an outdoor summer of play at The Firs, full of imagination, wonder and make believe.

Suite No. 1, Op. 1a: IV. Sun Dance - Learn the weather waltz where you can twirl, leap and dance in whatever the weather.

Suite No. 1, Op. 1a: V. Fairy Pipers - Search the orchard and open the fairy doors to meet Elgar’s family.

Suite No. 1, Op. 1a: VII. Fairies and Giants - Enter the imaginary world of fairies and giants, sit in the giants’ chair and create your own small world for a fairy.

Suite No. 2, Op. 1b: III. Moths and Butterflies - Discover more about British moths and butterflies, matching their wing patterns.

Suite No. 2, Op. 1b: V. The Tame Bear - Bring along your favourite teddy and enjoy creating a teddy bears picnic in the idyllic cottage garden.

Suite No. 2, Op. 1b. VI. Wild Bears - Join the Wild Bears Band, where you will be the musician. Create music from everyday objects and our nature-based instruments to create your own rhythm.

With more to explore this Summer of Play, visit The Firs.

Times

Prices

Event ticket prices

This event is free, but normal admission charges apply for the venue.

Check admission prices

The basics

Suitability

Yes

Accessibility

Our visitor centre and gardens are fully accessible. The ground floor of Elgar's Birthplace Cottage is accessible but there is a narrow staircase up to the first floor.

Upcoming events

Event

Tai Chi at the Firs with Golden Threads 

Discover the art of well-being through Tai Chi, guided by the Stevanovitch method. These energetic classes are designed to promote health, relaxation, and a sense of presence, offering a perfect balance of strength, flexibility, and inner calm.

Event summary

on
27 Jun to 25 Jul 2025
at
14:30 to 16:30
+ 1 other date or time
Event

Nature Makers at The Firs 

At The Firs join Shelley from Nature Makers to make meaningful memories every Monday over the Summer Holidays. For an hour discover nature and the world around us through facts, nature play and exploration, through Art & Crafts.

Event summary

on
21 Jul to 25 Aug 2025
at
10:30 to 11:30
+ 4 other dates or times
Event

Elgar's Piano Concerto with David Owen Norris 

Join us for this special event with pianist, composer and broadcaster David Owen Norris, listen to a complete performance of the piano concerto in a version for solo piano, which includes slides of Elgar’s manuscript sketches.

Event summary

on
27 Jul 2025
at
11:30 to 12:30
+ 1 other date or time
Event

Elgar: A Piano Portrait 

Elgar: A Piano Portrait celebrates the life and works of Sir Edward Elgar, one of Britain's most esteemed composers.

Event summary

on
17 Aug 2025
at
11:30 to 12:30
+ 1 other date or time