Counting Down to Latitude: Scribbledeedo, Sticker Art & Festival Shimmers

Festival season is here, and this year we're packed and heading to Latitude Festival at Henham Park (23–26 July 2026). But whether you're joining us at Latitude, heading to another summer festival, or just planning a big family day out, the same question tends to come up: how do we keep everyone steady enough to actually enjoy it?

At Scribbledeedo®, we believe festivals aren't about surviving the day — they're about finding moments of connection in the middle of the buzz. This series is for any family going to any festival, any time — whether you're bringing little ones, teenagers, young people, or all of the above. We'll walk through what helps before, during, and after, with a focus on creativity, sensory steadiness, and giving everyone permission to do it their way.

What is Scribbledeedo doing at Latitude?

We'll be making art together — sticker art, sculpture, scribbles, doodles, colour, shimmies and shimmers. Not perfect art. Not "follow the instructions" art. The kind of making that lets a child place one sticker on a piece of cardboard and feel like they've contributed something that matters. And yes — teenagers and adults too. Sticker art doesn't have an age limit.

Our approach is simple:

• Low-pressure materials: stickers, cardboard, scraps, colour
• No blank-page pressure — everyone can start with one small choice
• Collaborative sculpture where everyone's piece becomes part of something bigger
• Space to watch, join, step back, or just be nearby

Why sticker art and sculpture?

Stickers are one of the most accessible creative tools we know. There's no skill barrier, no "good at drawing" requirement, and no wrong way to place them. A child can choose a colour, peel it, stick it, and that's a complete creative act. A teenager who'd never admit to enjoying "craft" can place a sticker and feel something shift. An adult who's been holding it together all day can sit down, choose a colour, and let their shoulders drop.

When lots of small pieces come together on a shared sculpture, something bigger emerges — and that's the bit we love. It mirrors what festivals are really about: lots of individual people, each bringing their own small thing, making something that only exists because everyone was there.

This isn't just for little children

If you're reading this and thinking "this is for families with young kids, not us" — wait. Festivals are a lot for everyone. Teenagers and young people experience the same noise, crowds, and sensory overload as younger children, but they're often expected to just handle it. They may not ask for ear defenders. They may not say they need a break. They may disappear into their phone for two hours and emerge grumpy, and that's their version of "I need a reset."

And adults? Adults get overwhelmed too. You might be the one carrying the plan, the snacks, the schedule, the exit strategy — and by 4pm you're the one who needs to sit down. That's not failing. That's being a human in a high-stimulation environment.

This series is for your whole family — whatever ages you're bringing, and however you each show up.

What if my child doesn't want to join in?

That's completely fine. Watching is participation. Standing nearby is participation. A child who observes today may join tomorrow — or may never join, and that's okay too. We never push anyone to make art before they're ready. The sculpture will still be there when they are.

This is especially important for autistic children, ADHD children and young people, and anyone who finds new environments intense. Festivals are a lot — the noise, the colour, the people, the smells. Having a low-pressure creative space where a child, teen or young person can enter at their own pace is one of the steadiest things we can offer.

What's in this festival series?

We've put together three guides to walk you through the whole festival journey — before, during, and after. Each one is written to be useful no matter which festival you're attending, and whatever ages you're bringing.

• Before: Preparing for Festivals with Kids: A Steady Guide for Families — sensory prep, planning, and keeping everyone regulated
• During: Festival Creativity: Making Art Together from Scraps, Stickers & Scribbles — what we're making and why it works
• After: After the Festival: Helping Children Transition Back to Home Life — tiredness, big feelings, and finding the shimmer

It doesn't matter which festival you're going to

While we'll be at Latitude this year, the guidance in this series applies to any summer festival, any family event, any big day out. The challenges — noise, crowds, excitement, tiredness, transition — are the same whether you're at a 500-person local event or a 40,000-person festival. What matters is having a plan, giving everyone choices, and knowing that not every moment has to be magical.

So wherever you're headed this summer — whoever you're bringing — we hope this series helps your family find your own way through the buzz, and maybe find a shimmer or two along the way.