Children and families explored the animal kingdom during two special ‘songs and stories’ sessions.
The summer holiday groups were organised by East Anglia’s Children’s Hospices (EACH) and took place at Milton.
One was jungle-themed and the other focused on the sea.
They were for children with communication, sensory and physical needs and featured arts and crafts, songs and musical stories.
Both groups were led by Katherine Walters, EACH’s Lead Arts Therapist at Milton.
She said: “It was something the whole family could enjoy and we had a great turnout of new and older families, including siblings of different ages.
“One child particularly enjoyed pretending to be a lion, using a special percussion instrument called a thunder clap.
“There’s always an element of flexibility and musical improvisation and everyone plays or makes something – adults and children alike!
“It’s a real joy to see families connecting and making new friendships.
“One of our team noticed a new mum’s body language relax as she spoke to another mum who had experienced a similar challenge with her child.
“It’s days and moments like that which make us love our jobs. Bringing people together through creativity is a soft approach, but also powerful at the same time.”
The jungle-themed group was first and, after decorating lion faces, the children and families enjoyed a story together.
Then, using instruments like shakers and chimes to make certain noises, they sang songs including Bear Necessities, The Lion Sleeps Tonight and Can You Feel The Love Tonight.
The beach-themed group started by decorating colourful fish and other sea creatures, including joining forces to create a huge picture.
The sensory musical story focused on walking on a beach, using instruments like castanets and drums, and songs included Drunken Sailor, Baby Shark and Disney classics like Under the Sea.
