THE Eastgate Theatre in Peebles will be transformed into the ‘Beastgate’ during the October school holiday for this year’s safari-themed Imaginarium children’s arts festival.

With almost 40 events packed into five days, children of all ages, from tots to teens, are invited to enter an adventurous world of tipis, tents and caravans to make movies, hear exotic tales, create animal art, track wildlife, learn music, write songs, dance, perform and more.

There will be a real festival atmosphere, with a host of additional free events in and around the theatre. Look out for familiar Peebles faces reading favourite animal stories, as well as acoustic sessions by The Jellyman’s Daughter, an animal treasure hunt in the café, dressing up boxes and colouring. Those who brave the Beastgate might even encounter Jango Starr, who will be up to some clownish high jinks ahead of performing at a special family variety show on Friday evening (16 Oct).

The Imaginarium, sponsored by Wolf Glen Tipis, runs from 13–17 October at the Eastgate Theatre. Tickets available now from Box Office on 01721 725777, or online at www.eastgatearts.com