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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

May half-term at The Firs 

This half term at The Fir, tick off some 50 things to do before you’re 11 ¾. Dotted around the garden there will be fun family activities to take part in.

Event summary

on
26 May to 1 Jun 2025
at
10:00 to 16:30
+ 5 other dates or times
Event

Extra Open Day for the Elgar Festival 

The Firs will be open two extra days this week to celebrate the Elgar Festival taking place.

Event summary

on
27 May to 29 May 2025
at
10:00 to 16:30
+ 1 other date or time
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
30 May to 25 Jul 2025
at
14:30 to 16:30
+ 2 other dates or times
Event

An Audience with Corinne 

Listen to cellist Corinne Frost playing cello music by British composers including Elgar. Corinne will also take music requests (classical or not) and might even create a sound portrait for you.

Event summary

on
14 Jun 2025
at
11:30 to 12:15