Bluecoat offers festive fun and food for families this Christmas

Liverpool’s Bluecoat has launched its own special seasonal activity kits for city youngsters.

And along with various festive activities including making tree decorations and Christmas wreaths, the Creative Christmas kits also include vouchers for a free child’s meal at the arts centre’s café.

Youngsters will receive a sandwich and a hot chocolate, or a similar meal.

The idea for the kits comes from the work of Welsh artist Sean Edwards which is currently on show in the Bluecoat’s galleries.

The Undo Things Done exhibition explores Edwards' childhood experiences of growing up on the Llanedeyrn estate in Cardiff.

One artwork, printed on newsprint, reads 'Free School Dinners' and recalls how the artist was one of the only boys at his school to have to queue up separately for a free school meal.

The venue’s children and families lead Betty Ritchie said: “This year has been especially hard for Liverpool families and the school holidays can put additional strain on family finances.

“As anyone who has experienced hunger will know, when your stomach is empty it's difficult to focus on anything else.

“In his exhibition, Sean Edwards illustrates that food poverty can have a significant effect on children reaching their full potential. Our Christmas offer is our way of highlighting this issue through offering all children the chance to enjoy a free lunch while engaging in some fun, festive activities.”

The Bluecoat is open from Wednesday, December 16 to Wednesday, December 23 and the free festive children’s kits are available until December 23.