A FREE outdoor programme as well as digital events have been announced to provide children with a “world of wonder” as Scotland emerges from lockdown.

The hybrid festival has been drawn up after months of planning and replanning and is giving much-needed work to more than 100 freelancers in the arts community who have been hard hit by the pandemic.

Sixteen new works have been commissioned by Imaginate for Edinburgh International Children’s Festival which is due to take place from May 25 – June 6.

The digital programme will include streamed performances such as Removed, the story of a young man’s experience of the care system, and innovative “live” digital interactions such as The University of Wonder & Imagination, a Zoom magic show.

The festival also features two brand new commissions by companies and artists based in Scotland, supported by the Scottish Government Festivals Expo Fund.

Drawing on stories and experiences of disabled children and adults, The Super Special Disability Roadshow by Birds of Paradise Theatre Company is a humorous multi-media show contrasting what it’s like growing up disabled today and in the 80s.

Mixed Up, co-produced by Starcatchers, is an interactive performance using painting, music and hip-hop dance which explores the confused feelings young children experience in turbulent times.

To complement the online offer, the programme includes Family Encounters, a series of free pop-up performances in outdoor spaces across Edinburgh during the first and last weekends of the festival.

The specially commissioned and curated events are intended to showcase the talent of Scotland-based artists who have created a range of innovative and inspiring site-specific encounters for families and who have seen the practical challenges brought on by Covid-19 as an opportunity for experimentation.

The majority of the Family Encounters programme will take place in the Royal Botanic Garden as well as in Granton and Craigmillar.

Families can expect adventure trails, a basket-ball inspired hip-hop workshop, a giant swing or a mysterious tree spirit hidden in the garden.

All events are free but visitors to the Botanic Garden will need to pre-book a time slot to comply with Covid restrictions.

Festival director Noel Jordan said there was much to celebrate about this year’s event.

“We are proud to be able to offer paid work to so many Scottish artists, freelancers and companies, from an industry that has almost been at a standstill for over a year,” he said.

“Most importantly, we are appreciative and inspired by the opportunity to be able to present much need arts and culture to children, young people and their families at this time of need.

“As our community re-emerges from lockdown now is the time to enjoy the world of wonder, curiosity and connectedness that the arts can offer us.”

Iain Munro, chief executive of Creative Scotland, said the “brilliance and resilience” of Scottish artists and creatives was evident in the festival programme.

Tickets and more information available now at imaginate.org.uk/festival.