I hope I’m not starting to sound smug about living in Brighton, but we really are spoiled by the number of great things for kids to do. Red Jelly Kids is one such thing – a creative play class for the under-sixes that lets them get down and dirty with paint, glue, glitter, jelly, water, goo, feathers, clay… basically anything and everything you wouldn’t want on your lounge carpet.
The brainchild of mum-of-two Tash Tamlyn, each week has a different theme – think under the sea, fairy tales, cars, trains and planes – and classes kick off with a rousing rendition of the Red Jelly song and finishes with a story. In between, anything goes, from big group projects – hand-print murals, painting cardboard castles – to individual artworks – pictures, puppets, crowns – you can take away. Parents and carers are actively encouraged to join in and the atmosphere is one best described as jolly carnage.
One of my favourite elements of the experience is the vintage-style red and white gingham smocks the children are given to wear and, after many enquiries from parents, they are now available to buy for £10. With elasticated neck and cuffs, no mess is going anywhere near your little one’s clothes. Alfie loves his as it’s much less restricting than plasticky versions (observe him painting with Daddy, above) and I love it because it equals a lot less washing. As a bonus, it’s cotton, fits a range of ages and looks completely adorable. A win-win situation.
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