Family Day is back, and it's bigger and better than ever! This year’s Family Day on Saturday 13th June invites you to explore the Wonders of the Natural World.
Centred around Rectory Gardens in Goring, there will be a wide range of FREE and ticketed experiences to discover with refreshments between 10am and 5pm.
Supported by South Oxfordshire District Councillor Community Grant Scheme.
Main Stage Talks
Discover the wonders of our natural world in these exciting FREE 30 minute talks from local experts on the main stage.
10am
10am
Wildlife Adventures Through The Camera Lens
with Simon Booker
Simon Booker will share his wildlife photography adventures in South Oxfordshire. You’ll meet amazing animals like otters, peregrines, barn owls, and kingfishers, and hear easy tips for taking great nature photos.
Simon’s talk will be followed by the announcement of the winners of the children’s photography competition.
12pm
12pm
Wild About Animals: Why Every Creature Counts
with Beale Park
Step into the amazing world of animals and discover why every creature is important. We’ll explore the challenges wildlife face - and the ways we can all help protect them.
From our winding rivers to wild forests, find out how YOU can become a hero for nature and help save our planet!
2pm
2pm
We're Going Back To The Moon
with The University of Reading
Imagine looking up at the Moon and knowing that people are walking on it right now. Humans last walked on the Moon during the Apollo Program over 50 years ago, but after a long gap, we're finally going back.
This talk explores how the Artemis Program will land the next astronauts on the Moon, why we're returning, and what it might be like to live and work on another world.
Science Live! with The Royal Institution
Goring Village Hall
Join presenters from The Royal Institution for a fast-paced interactive science show filled with experiments, explosions, and hands-on participation - bringing science to life through surprising discoveries and plenty of wow moments. There are three sessions available.
Tickets £5
10am-11am, 11.30pm-12.30pm, 2pm-3pm.
Discover Robotics and Coding Through LEGO®
The Garden Room
Get hands‑on with creative robotics and coding in this fun, interactive workshop. You'll build programmable LEGO® models, learn basic block‑based coding, and bring your creations to life with motors and sensors hosted by Beyond Blocks. There are three sessions available.
Tickets £10
10am-11.30am, 1pm-2.30pm (Sold Out), 3pm-4.30pm
Screen Printing Workshop
The Canterbury Room
Get creative in this family screen printing T-shirt workshop. Young participants will be led through the basics of the screen printing process, creating their own unique work inspired by the world around us. There are two sessions available.
Tickets £10
10.30am-12.30pm, 1.30pm-3.30pm
PLUS, a range of exploration zones
Space Zone
Try your hand at building a satellite, take a look through a solar telescope and explore the solar system in virtual reality.
- Build a LEGO® satellite with OrbAstro
- Solar telescope with The University of Reading
- Solar system VR experience
Nature Zone
Encounter reptiles, see inside a real beehive and learn more about the natural environment.
- Beale Park
- The Living Rainforest
- The Beekeeper's Association
- Berkshire Reptile Encounters (12pm-3pm)
- Good Food Oxfordshire
Story & Crafts Corner
Kick start the day with wild yoga, join a storytelling adventure and get crafty.
- Wild yoga with Emma (9.30am-10am)
- Storytelling sessions throughout the day (10.30, 11.30, 12.30, 1.30, 2.30, 3.30)
- Pick up a book kindly donated by Awesome Books (10am-4.30pm)
- Arts and crafts (10am-4.30pm)
Family Nature Trail
Explore the natural wonders of our own local area with a nature trail along the Thames available on the day. Complete the trail and collect your sticker from the Family Day information stand.
Nature Photography Exhibition
St Thomas' Church will feature an exhibition of wildlife portraits by renowned local photographer Simon Booker. Shortlisted entries from the Children’s Nature Photography Competition will also be on display.
Refreshments
A wide range of refreshments will be available on the day.
- Truly Scrumptious Bakery
- Soleluna Pizza
- The Miller of Mansfield, Renegade Bar
- Jessie's Coffee Truck
We look forward to seeing you there!
The GAP Festival would like to say a huge thank you to all the organisations involved in Family Day.