Family Events at REFRACT:26, Festival Trafford
Refract Festival returns to Waterside in Sale bringing six days of free outdoor performances, interactive experiences and family entertainment.
From magical woodland characters and giant bamboo circus acts to hands-on circus workshops and lively carnival performances, there’s something for children of all ages to enjoy throughout the festival.
TREES – A Tale of the Rootkin
Wednesday 22nd July 2026
An enchanting pop-up performance for families, TREES – A Tale of the Rootkin follows the ancient Rootkin as they try to help people reconnect with nature. Filled with storytelling, puppetry and woodland magic, this imaginative outdoor show encourages families to see trees in a whole new way.
Suitable for ages 5+, this free performance lasts around 20 minutes.
Sound Board
Wednesday 22nd & Thursday 23rd July 2026
Part chat show, part live performance and part interactive game, Sound Board has been created especially for young people and their communities. Expect laughter, conversation, creativity and plenty of opportunities to get involved in this unique participatory experience.
Free event.
The Circus House Workshops
Thursday 23rd July 2026
Ever fancied running away to the circus? These fun one-hour workshops give children and adults the chance to learn the basics of handheld circus skills with expert performers. It’s a brilliant opportunity to have a go at something new and learn some impressive tricks.
Suitable for all abilities. Booking is recommended.
The Fabric of Us
Friday 24th July 2026
A beautiful outdoor dance performance celebrating community, friendship and connection. Using movement, music and a giant white parachute, audiences become part of the performance as they help create a shared experience that is both uplifting and memorable.
Free performances at 1.45pm and 4.30pm. Suitable for all ages. Running time approximately 20 minutes.
The Wandering Oracles
Friday 24th & Saturday 25th July 2026
Keep an eye out for four mysterious fortune-telling machines roaming around the festival. Blending folklore, street theatre and interactive storytelling, The Wandering Oracles invite families to solve riddles, discover magical tales and experience an enchanting world full of surprises.
Free roaming performance.
Thingamabob
Friday 24th & Saturday 25th July 2026
Inspired by elaborate chain-reaction machines, Thingamabob combines circus skills, comedy and inventive engineering into a wonderfully entertaining outdoor show. Expect flying balls, clever contraptions, unexpected explosions and plenty of laughs along the way.
Free family performance.
BAMBOO
Saturday 25th & Sunday 26th July 2026
One of the festival’s headline performances, BAMBOO is a breathtaking circus spectacular where performers climb, balance and spin on towering bamboo structures reaching up to six metres high. Combining incredible acrobatics with humour, strength and skill, it’s an unforgettable show for the whole family.
Free performances at 1.45pm and 4.30pm on both days. Running time approximately 40 minutes.
Move and Groove with Manny
Sunday 26th July 2026
Round off the festival with a carnival celebration as Global Grooves return to Waterside Plaza with the giant puppet Manny. Joined by the energetic Fat Cat Brass band and stilt performers, expect music, dancing, colourful costumes and plenty of opportunities to join in the fun.
Free performances at 1.00pm and 2.45pm. Running time approximately 45 minutes.
More info >>> Refract Festival 2026
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