The Rusticus Adventure Trail
Arts Council 2021
The Brief
The Covid-19 pandemic caused many of our host venues to close their doors in 2020. When they re-opened the landscape had changed. There was now an increased risk to financing a family events programme and we needed to make our offer as covid-proof as possible to help our clients navigate these new waters.
What We Did
Following a successful application to the Arts Council England Project Grants, we spent a number of days in the woods in February and March working on an entirely new format. One which didn’t require large groups of people to assemble but could be delivered to family groups and which still featured the Rusticus elements of surprise, joy and journey. We created the concept, the format and the infrastructure for a self-led family trail. Launching in the May half term, we delivered our Joyful June Adventure Trail at Burnby Hall Gardens Thoresby Park and Normanby Hall Country Park. Featuring artist-created features which strapped to trees, practical activities and interactions with four characters inspired by the warring fairies in Midsummer Night’s Dream!
The Result
We successfully created a family event which clients could book with confidence – knowing that the events could go ahead safely – and which delivered a fun, surprising and magical seasonal family experience celebrating their outdoor spaces. In doing so, we added a new experience to our Rusticus offer which has since become a staple of our provision for stately homes, visitor attractions and festivals!
“I took an 8 yr old, 6 yr old and 3 yr old to Thoresby Park today. It’s very hard to impress and amuse my three in one activity due to the difference in age and interest but what a success Rusticus proved to be. They all loved it, each one participating in their own way and they enjoyed the characters and adventures along the way”
Want this for your event?
If you would like us to deliver this sort of performance at your venue, get in touch.