Inspiring entertainment for kids at Sugafest Festival

Popular pantomime dame Iain Lauchlan is a man who really knows how to keep children inspired and entertained.
Iain Lauchlan as Nanny KnotIain Lauchlan as Nanny Knot
Iain Lauchlan as Nanny Knot

The actor, writer and TV producer has presented Playschool, Fingermouse and Playdays as well as creating and producing hundreds of episodes of Tweenies for the BBC.

He’s about to launch his new internet pre-school channel, Cheeky Chimps, but in the meanwhile he’s put his considerable talents to helping organise the Sugafest charity family fun day festival from 10am to 6pm on Saturday, June 18.

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“I got involved for the first time last year,” he said. “And we’re hoping to raise even more money this year for four charities – Katherine House Hospice, Warwickshire Air Ambulance, Dogs for the Disabled and Acorns Children’s Charity.

“Sid Sloane of CBeebies will be headlining in the morning with Jezo, who’s a very funny presenter and illusionist - the children’s Tommy Cooper.

“We’ve got a proper main stage and we’re having some terrific bands in the afternoon – the Blue Neanies, Barney and Jerv, Emily Sloan and Lewis Floyd Henry, a great blues singer.”

In addition there are fairground rides, stalls, a barbecue and what sounds like an absolutely irresistable attraction – an inflatable pub.

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Kilmarnock-born Iain, 64, lives in Oxhill and has a studio at Sugarswell Business Park where the festival will take place.

He’s keen to start making quality children’s programmes again because he believes the template has been broken. “The are lots of cheap animations – or kids go straight on to their iPads ,” he said.

“I use as much Midlands-based talent as I can and I also intend making video shorts for young parents to show them how to entertain and inspire their children.”

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