If you're looking for some affordable family fun in Cardiff this summer, you're in luck. An arts venue is offering free packed lunches for children, free films and free art packs over the summer holidays.
Chapter Arts Centre is expanding their school holiday programme in an effort to support local families during the long break amid the cost of living crisis. The programme will run from July 24 until September 1.
Over the six weeks, the venue will be offering free packed lunches for all children under 18, three free family films a week, and free art packs for all. There will be no qualifying factors required and no questions asked for the free lunches, which will include vegetarian and vegan options and be available from 12pm every day from Monday to Friday. Youngsters can enjoy the food in the venue's Caffi Bar or take it away.
Read more: Huge dinosaurs will be taking over Cardiff's Bute Park again this summer
The free movie screenings will be every Monday, Wednesday and Saturda. The line-up includes favourites such as Wall-E, Ice Age, Cloudy With a Chance of Meatballs, The Lego Movie (U), The Greatest Showman (PG), The Princess Bride (PG) and more. Tickets will go on sale this month and there will be a number reserved for walk-ins each day.
Finally the art packs will be available from the venue's art gallery and will include quizzes, teasers, colouring in, drawing exercises and more. The packs take inspiration from Canadian artist Myfanwy MacLeod's exhibition, The Botanist, which is currently on show at Chapter until September 24.
In addition to the free programme of activities, families can also enjoy a number of paid-for events, such as a children's theatre show and screenings of Barbie and Spider-Man.
Hannah Firth, co-director and artistic director said: “During these difficult times, we think it’s vital to support our local community. We started this programme last year and are thrilled to be able to offer activities and lunches throughout the summer. As the cost-of living crisis deepens, we want to ensure that all children and young people can have access to free food, art and film in our venue so that they always feel safe and welcome.”
Chapter Arts Centre, located on Market Road in Canton, was set up by artists in 1971 and welcomes nearly 800,000 visitors annually. It is a multi-artform venue, featuring independent cinemas, an art gallery, a large cafe bar, and theatre spaces.
You can get the latest Cardiff news straight to your inbox by subscribing to our daily newsletter here.
