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Free family events to celebrate anniversary of much-loved children’s tales

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A giant picnic and a floating artwork on water are just two of the free family activities taking place in Gloucester, to celebrate 80 years of the much-loved Moomins stories.

Gloucester Guildhall is of one of four UK arts organisations to be commissioned by Moomin Characters and Counterpoints Arts to host Moomin 80, presenting a full programme of free events and activities for all the family.

From 14 to 22 June, visitors to the Guildhall can see Welcome Chorus, a light and sound installation by the innovative Squidsoup and Vilk Collective.

This pop-up book-style installation will see people greeted with songs of welcome from communities across Gloucestershire and a mass of enchanting, glowing orbs to wander through.

Also from June 14, a floating artwork with its sail bearing a quote from the first Moomin story will be launched at Gloucester Docks.

The artwork is being created by artist Dana Olărescu and built by people from across Gloucester with the expert shipbuilders at T Neilsen's shipyard.

It marks Moomin 80’s link with Refugee Week with its themes of welcome, safety and belonging - values at the heart of author, Tove Jansson’s beloved stories.

Visitors can view it throughout the week and even take a look up close thanks to free paddle board sessions organised by National Waterways Museum.

The event will culminate in two magical evening performances on the installation on Friday, June 20, accompanied by live music from local artist Zariq Rosita-Hanif.

The celebrations continue on Saturday, June 21 from midday with the Moomin Picnic in Kings Square, a joyful, family-friendly event.

It will feature a variety of free global dishes to sample and enjoy, children’s games from around the world, interactive music workshops aboard The Music Works Bus, free face painting and a reading corner and story time.

There will also be a special Moomin puppet show from theatre company Get Lost and Found, and an opportunity to meet Moomintroll himself. Families are encouraged to get involved by bringing their own picnic.

Cllr Caroline Courtney, Cabinet member for Culture and Leisure at Gloucester City Council, said: “This is a fantastic selection of free family events and I would encourage as many people as possible to come along and get involved. We are delighted to have been chosen to host this programme by Moomin Characters and Counterpoints with its themes of family, belonging and community which are perfect for our city that has throughout its history welcomed people from all over the world.”

For a full list of events and activities visit https://www.gloucesterguildhall.co.uk/moomins or follow @GlosGuildhall and @MuseumOfGloucester on social media. Join the conversation using #Moomin80 and #RefugeeWeek2025