Don’t buy dad another pair of socks this Father’s Day – give him a great experience instead.
There’s a huge range of events taking place across the UK and Ireland to help you celebrate on Sunday, June 17. Here’s our pick of the most notable happenings this Father’s Day 2018.
For motor-mad dads Motofest has it all. The day includes a display of extreme motors – hot rods, classics, custom, choppers, scooters, trikes, modified cars and campers, combined with musical entertainment from a rock ‘n’ roll DJ and a 1940s harmony trio.
Thrills and spills are promised In the main arena, where Moto-Stunts International (MSI) will be performing amazing stunts and freestyle motorcycling, followed by a football match where the players are riding off-road motorbikes. There’s plenty for the kids to enjoy too, with a bouncy castle village, circus skills workshop, outdoor cinema, professional wrestling, princess appearances, donkey rides, helicopter and hovercraft rides.
Credit: Motor Show Events/ Kai HaleyFor a laughter-filled Father’s day, take Dad to see the sell-out Edinburgh Fringe show Faulty Towers The Dining Experience. Taking place at the Shed in Glasgow, the interactive theatre experience sees the audience become diners in the ‘Faulty Towers’ restaurant.
The fun starts as guests wait to be seated. It then hurtles along in a two-hour tour de force of gags and shambolic service as Basil, Sybil and Manuel serve a ‘70s-style three-course meal. With two-thirds of the show improvised, expect the unexpected!
Internationally acclaimed, the show was born in Brisbane in 1997 as a loving tribute to the BBC’s much-loved sitcom. Hundreds of thousands of people around the world have seen it since. The show is into its fifth year in London’s West End, where it holds TripAdvisor’s Certificate of Excellence for three years running. Age 18+.
Credit: Interactive Theatre International
What could be nicer than a picnic on a sunny Sunday? How about a picnic you didn’t have to pack yourself? At Larchfield Estate you and Dad can pick up a hamper full of fresh local produce to enjoy in the venue’s four acres of mature walled gardens.
The hamper will include roast chicken, honey roast ham, pate, chutney, potato salad, orzo salad, tossed salad and fresh rolls, alongside condiments, plates, napkins and cutlery. Entertainment includes jazz music, alpacas and fun activities for little ones. And if the weather lets you down, the venue’s converted barn offers a charming backup location.
Credit: Larchfield Estate
For those dads who loved raving pre-kids and now only get up in the early hours change nappies, this daytime family rave by Big Fish Little Fish is the perfect way to celebrate Father’s Day. Taking place at Bristol’s Trinity Centre, the beach party-themed rave will feature a retro set by breaks and techno legend Meat Katie.
The multi-sensory dance floor is suitable for ravers of all ages with glitter cannons, bubbles and a giant parachute. The kids can also get busy at themed craft tables and in the play area with its tents, tunnel and ball pool. To make sure you look the part, there will be free transfer tattoos and glow sticks. Fancy dress is encouraged!
Credit: BFLF Bristol
Whether Dad’s a wannabe Ray Mears or someone whose natural habitat is the inside of a pub, this bushcraft experience day is the ideal opportunity to bond in the great outdoors.
In the beautiful Fishbrook Wood inside Knowsley Safari Park you’ll learn how to build a waterproof shelter, light fires without matches and cook bread on a campfire. The organisers from Komaru Outdoor Adventure show you the rules of survival, how to track animals and even navigate your way back to civilisation.
Your ticket also includes free entry to Knowsley’s Foot Safari to spot wolves, elephants, giraffes, meerkats, bats and more. Suitable for age four and up.
Credit: Komaru Outdoor Adventure
Do you know a daddy who would do anything for his daughter? Then he might just be game for this – it’s a makeover performed by your very own child! Your daughter will pamper you like a princess, doing your make-up and painting your nails.
You will then be able to dress up and learn a choreographed routine for the two of you to perform. To top it all off, Dad’s will be able to enjoy an ice cream sundae prepared and shared with their child. Granddads welcome too. Organised by Youth Create Does Parties, proceeds from the event will go towards providing accessible performing arts training for children.
Credit: Youth Create Does Parties
Taking part in the Belfast March for Men this Father’s Day is the perfect way to show your support for the many fathers affected by prostate cancer. The four kilometre walk around Belfast’s beautiful Green Flag Stormont Estate is suitable for families, wheelchair users and dogs.
Prostate Cancer UK Northern Ireland Volunteer Hub hopes to raise £10,000 to help fund vital research into better ways to diagnose, treat and prevent prostate cancer and support men living with it.
Credit: Prostate Cancer UK Northern Ireland Volunteer Hub
Forgotten to help your little one make a present for Daddy? No problem. Buy a ticket for a dad and child creative workshop at EPIC The Irish Emigration Museum. Being held in partnership with Giddy Studios, Paint With Dad! lets kids create a mug together with their dads.
Together they’ll come up with a design, choose their colours and paint their patterns onto pre-cast pottery. Kids can also create a pop-up Father’s Day card as part of the workshop, so not only are you totally off the hook, you can put your feet up while they’re out!
Credit: EPIC The Irish Emigration Museum
Make sure footie fanatic fathers don’t miss out on Sunday’s World Cup games. Kickov @Abbeydale Picturehouse in Sheffield presents all three matches at 1pm, 4pm and 7pm. Group E kicks-off with Costa Rica against Serbia, Group F favourites Germany match up against Mexico, and Samba boys Brazil take on Switzerland.
Besides the football, guests can tuck into specially selected street-food, enjoy live entertainment from local artists and sup on dad-friendly craft beer at the bar. The event is open to all ages.
Credit: 19FIFTY1
Oasis tribute act Oasiz will take centre stage at the Father’s Day Spectacular in Central Park, Chelmsford. Further live entertainment in the big top tent includes a Blues Brothers tribute act and an appearance by Baby D performing 90s hit ‘Let me be your Fantasy’. There will also be a kids’ rave with DJ Tony Roberts from Raindance.
The event also boasts a display of cars that have appeared in classic movies, including the Blues Mobile. Kids can learn to juggle or tightrope walk in a free circus skills arena, as well as meet Star Wars Stormtroopers and handle exotic animals at the event’s reptile experience. Meanwhile, for grown ups, there’s a vintage fair, food and crafts.
Credit: Haddon Events
Conclusion
With so much going on, Dad won’t want to spend Sunday having a lie in. Get up and enjoy a great family day out!
