CHILDREN had an arty start to the Easter holidays thanks to the second annual Isle of Wight Children's Festival.

The team at Ventnor Exchange were behind it, in collaboration with the venue Quay Arts, and they arranged a whole host of activities, which were well-attended and enjoyed by many families.

Among the most popular events were the two theatre shows.

Tom Thumb, by Lyngo Theatre, was a dramatic and beautifully eerie piece that used props and set in unique ways that enchanted all ages.

The Star Seekers, by Wardrobe Ensemble, was an adventure perfect for younger children, where the audience could decide elements of the story and interact in fun ways like throwing meteors and helping to fly spaceships.

There were free art activities in the Making Space run by IW artists Adam Gaterell, Mhairi Macaulay, Teresa Grimaldi and Laura Hathway, which were on a drop-in basis.

The Snug provided a great place for relaxed storytelling from IW authors including Jules Marriner and Michael Lilley, and there were lessons in baby massage for new parents, facilitated by accredited tutor Kathy Whitewood.

Barnado's was represented at the festival with information provided by staff, Bookstart packs were given out and a soft play area was provided for all to use.

Organiser Mhairi Macaulay said: "We are very happy that we could bring this lovely event back to Quay Arts.

"We had lots of returning families and some new faces over the three days.

"We have a passion for inspiring young people on the Island by providing cultural experiences, especially workshops and theatre shows, because of the lack of diverse events we experienced growing up on the Island, so it is rewarding to see the engagement so strong.

"We hope to bring this event back in future."

Ventnor Exchange thanked Quay Arts, the Daisie Rich Trust, the IW Literary Festival Youth Zone and Barnado's.