THE Corn Exchange, Newbury has planned a family festival to kick-start the summer holidays.

From Friday, July 31 – Saturday, August 8, a packed programme of events will take place as part of #GenerationZ.

This nine day festival is for anyone from tiny tots to teenagers.

For young children and families, celebrate at Pongo’s Party (August 3) featuring the voices of CBeebies’ Justin Fletcher and Nicole Davis; follow The Pied Piper (August 6) in Norwich Puppet Theatre’s humorous interpretation of the classic poem; and enjoy a magical world with Garlic Theatre in The Three Billy Goats Gruff (August 7).

Get involved in the action, with Make & Do: Billy Goats Gruff and Make & Do: The Pied Piper (August 4) where you’ll be able to get crafty and create something exciting themed around the family shows!

Or enjoy a delightful hour of songs and fun with Nick Cope (August 5), singing about everything from counting and animals to how plants grow.

If your kids are a little bigger and in the double digits, there’s also plenty on offer during the festival. Six teams of young people have been given 24 hours to pull together a play – see what original and fast-paced theatre they have produced in 24 Hour Plays (August 1).

Check out some local bands in New:Music Competition (August 8) as they battle it out for the chance to win some fantastic prizes.

Enjoy an afternoon of contemporary dance in the Youth Dance Taster Session (August 5) or fun drama games and how to create a character in Youth Drama Taster Session (August 6).

Or get with the beat with members of Readipop’s team in the Funky Junk Percussion Workshop (August 7) and create your own ‘Stomp’ style musical instrument.

For those on the autistic spectrum or anyone who would benefit from a more relaxed cinema environment, the Minions (U) screening on Saturday, August 1 is a Relaxed Screening.

Find out more online at cornexchangenew.com or call the box office on 0845 5218 218.