By Kate Hodges
05th July 2023
DO AND MAKE PURPLE HAZE
Lavender season is in full sensory swing. The purple fields of flowers smell heavenly and look like a painter’s dream. They’re also home to the most friendly bees – why not head to one for Don’t Step on a Bee Day this Saturday. Many farms sell tickets for a picturesque wander or picnic; find some of the best in Britain here or near London here. Lavender’s sweet smell infuses home-made beauty products with a comforting scent; try making bath bombs and face toners or a relaxing eye mask or include it in your plant-based first aid kit perfect for green witches and wildling kids.
EVENT SOUTH BANK SUMMER
Welcome to Planet Summer. Find care, hope, connection and activism on the Thames, at the Southbank Centre’s new season. Taking inspiration from the pioneering Hayward Gallery exhibition Dear Earth: Art and Hope in a Time of Crisis, the series includes talks with Greta Thunberg, Cerys Matthews and Mark Carney, theatre shows, hip hop garden block parties and Africa in Fashion events. Many attractions and events are free; find art installations, gardens, digital artworks, poetry stalls and pedal-powered DJ sessions this weekend. And pack your swimmers; Jeppe Hein’s famous Appearing Rooms fountains are back and ready to run through! Find free events here and everything that’s on here.
DO PARE BACK
Next Wednesday is National Simplicity Day, founded in honour of writer, and advocate for pared-down living, Henry David Thoreau. Why not take time out from the rat race for a little family self-care? Simplicity blogger Leo Babauta shared his 52 tips for happiness and productivity with us as well as how to be open to playfulness and creating a slower flow of family life. The day might act as a spur to doing something chilled-out together; treat yourselves to an afternoon of forest bathing or start realising a dream of living in a simple, tiny house.
EVENT STICKY TREAT
Liquorice is over fifty times sweeter than sugar, and is renowned for its throat-soothing and anti-oxidant properties. Find out more about its botanic and ayurvedic properties, and find out how it can help you cut sugar cravings here.
Sunday’s Pontefract Liquorice Festival celebrates the town’s historic link with the sweet stuff. Streets will come alive with acrobats, stilt-walkers, there’s a funfair and craft workshops; make liquorice jewellery and join The Hepworth Wakefield for outdoor creative play. Plus, of course, there will be plenty of liquorice-themed food on offer, and perhaps even some free sweets.
EVENT QUEENS FOR THE DAY
Glasgow’s community-led Queen’s Park Arena is hosting a slew of free family events this summer. Head to Big Fun for early years workshops, soft play sessions and activities for young people or join Sunny G Radio for hip hop workshops. Or watch films under the stars, from sing-along musicals to cult classics and family-friendly matinees as well as short films by local artists and directors. Find more here
WHAT WE’RE EATING “Are you a banana bread lover? I wanted to create a lighter version of the classic. I think (if I may say so myself) that this version rocks. I hope you love it as much as I do” says Bettina Campolucci Bordi Find the recipe here
WHAT WE’RE READING The best books to read this summer for a positive perspective: “It’s not all doom and gloom. Grab your sun lounger, SPF and sunnies, and immerse yourself in our favourite books to fill you with hope for the future.” Read more here
