Locals were treated to an egg-cellent day out at Van Hage in Peterborough over the Easter weekend!
It’s quite rare to find something to do with the family these days that’s absolutely free.
It was a breath of fresh air to hear that Van Hage at Eye had created a mini farmyard which, yep, doesn’t cost a penny to attend.
Alongside numerous excited families, I attended the opening day on behalf of ESP Magazine – and you can check it out too as it’s here to stay!
Head through the popular garden centre (off the Eye Roundabout on the Paston Parkway/Perkins Parkway), then through the garden and you’ll find a wide range of adorable animals such as rabbits, guinea pigs, a gorgeous peacock, pigs, chickens and an aviary.
Van Hage opened in February 2010 at the heart of the PE1 Shopping Centre and has put on numerous popular annual events such as a miniature steam railway, Ventura wildlife park, a circus, ice rink and Santa’s grotto. It’s great to have this new mini farm as a permanent fixture – as I’m sure the many attendees I saw during my visit would agree.
I spoke to the manager, Luke Hopkins (pictured above), who told me – “This is just phase one. It’s all about the petting animals right now, and phase two will introduce animals such as goats and sheep. It’s going to get bigger and better but will remain a free event.”
Luke continued, “The animals are on strict diets so not everyone can feed them – however, we do hold competitions allowing people to win the chance to. We’ve also held competitions at schools to help name all of the animals. We want the community to be a big part in all of this.”
Van Hage have also unveiled a new Caribbean art area by Roland Burt – who’s created stunning pieces with a unique blend of Yorkshire, African and Caribbean influence. Roland doesn’t just have a plethora of paintings, murals and cards but he also hosts many educational workshops, working closely with local schools and charities in the area.
The Djibo Art unit is just next door to the new mini farm. Take a look at Roland’s work here: www.djiboart.co.uk
For more details (including opening times) visit www.vanhage.co.uk
Mikey Clarke
Comments