Under the Same Sky: Stories in Flight - Launch Weekend at Babbs Mill Park
About this Event
Under the Same Sky Launch Weekend is a free community arts celebration for the whole family, taking place across two Solihull parks: Shirley Park on 20th June and Babs Mill Park on 21st June. Produced by Autin Dance Theatre, the launch weekend brings people together through creativity, participation, and outdoor cultural activity in welcoming public spaces. Across both days, audiences can enjoy a vibrant programme of free arts and crafts workshops, creative activities, and family-friendly experiences designed for ages 5+ (advance booking is recommended where possible).
Taking place throughout the day, the launch weekend invites residents, families, schools, and community groups to connect, make, and celebrate together. Whether you want to try a new creative activity, spend time outdoors with family, or meet others through shared artistic experiences, Under the Same Sky offers an inclusive and accessible entry point into the wider project. The event is designed to be joyful, welcoming, and participatory, transforming local parks into spaces for creativity, conversation, and community connection.
Activities include:
Willow and paper kite-making workshops (advance booking recommended)
Join Autin Dance Theatre for a creative one-hour kite-making workshop and help bring Under the Same Sky: Stories in Flight to life.
Using willow, paper and your own imagination, we’ll make beautiful handmade kites inspired by ideas of flight, hope, belonging and shared skies. This is a relaxed, family-friendly workshop where everyone can get creative, try something new and make a kite that tells a little story of its own.
The kites created during the project will become part of the wider Under the Same Sky journey, with the aim of flying them high in the sky as part of the final procession on Saturday 3 October.
No experience is needed — just come along, get creative and make something to lift into the sky.
Suitable for ages 5+
20 tickets available per session (pre-booking is recommended!)
Dance and movement / interactive storytelling games (Drop in sessions)
Come and move, play and connect through joyful dance, music and storytelling activities inspired by cultures from around the world.
Join our friendly game hosts for playful physical games, light movement and music-led interaction designed to get people moving, smiling and taking part together. You might find yourself dancing with colourful silky fabric, joining a flashmob-style movement moment, learning a game from another part of the world, or simply enjoying a gentle movement session in the park.
These relaxed drop-in sessions are all about connection, wellbeing and shared energy. They are suitable for all ages and abilities, and no dance experience is needed. Come as you are, move as much or as little as you like, and enjoy a creative moment with others under the same sky.
Suitable for ages 5+
Aerial Dance have-a-go sessions (advance booking recommended)
Try Low Fly Aerial Dance - Free Have-a-Go Taster!
Ever wondered what it feels like to move through the air? Join Autin Dance Theatre for a free 15-minute Low Fly aerial dance taster using a climbing harness and outdoor aerial rig.
Low Fly is a gentle and playful aerial dance practice where participants stay close to the ground while exploring the feeling of floating, gliding, leaning, lifting and moving in new ways. It is designed to be accessible, supportive and fun, with no previous experience needed.
We have harnesses in different sizes and our friendly team will help each participant get safely fitted and comfortable before taking part. You’ll be in safe hands with Jamie, Johnny and India, who will guide you through the experience step by step.
Places are limited and available on a first come, first served basis.
Suitable for ages 5+
10 tickets available per session (pre-booking is recommended!)
Schedule:
11am – Event opens/ Welcome!
11am – Aerial Dance (30 minutes) & Kite making (1 hour)
11:30 – Aerial Dance (30 minutes)
12pm – Drop in Dance/Storytelling Games & Kite making (1 hour) & Aerial Dance (30 minutes)
12:30 - Aerial Dance (30 minutes)
1pm - Kite making (1 hour) & Aerial Dance (30 minutes)
1:30 - Drop in Dance/Storytelling Games & Aerial Dance (30 minutes)
2pm - Kite making (1 hour) & Aerial Dance (30 minutes)
2:30 - Aerial Dance (30 minutes)
3pm - Drop in Dance/Storytelling Games & Kite making (1 hour) & Aerial Dance (30 minutes)
3:30 - Aerial Dance (30 minutes)
4pm – Event closes/ Goodbye!
How to get here:
We encourage our attendees to travel using public transport where possible.
21st June – Babbs Mill Park B37 6NJ
What3Words: ///define.later.brains
BY BUS -
- Babbs Mill Park (1 minute walk) served by buses 71, 95
- Tower Croft (1 minute walk) served by bus X12
- Bacon ends Island (4 minute walk) served by buses 96, X12
- Newby Grove (4 minute walk) served by buses 94, 96
BY TRAIN – Nearest Train Station is:
- Marston Green (45 minute walk) on the West Midlands Railway line. Walk east onto Holly lane, turn right onto Cambridge Drive and continue to walk past Meriden Park. Cross over the River Cole and turn left, continue to walk along Forth Drive. You can also catch the 72 to Chelmsey Wood interchange and jump on the 95 which drops right outside the park (25 minute journey).
BY CAR - free parking available on the nearby residential streets Meriden Drive & Waterloo Avenue(Double check please).
Meriden Drive What3Words: ///race.evenly.loaded
Waterloo Avenue What3Words: ///rare.study.intervals
Facilities:
Toilets: a member of staff will direct you to the nearest public toilet on the day
Food & Drink: We will have light refreshments on the day. Allergy Notice: We are a nut free zone! Unfortuantely, as we are in a public space we can’t guarantee cross-contamination won’t occur. If you have any queries about this, please contact [email protected]
What to bring:
Attendees are encouraged to bring a reuseable water bottle and to come prepared for the weather. We will have gazebos available should it rain but please plan accordingly!
Follow us on Socials:
Instagram: @autindt & @ SameSkySolihull
Facebook & Tiktok: @autindt
Website:
For more information contact: [email protected] / [email protected]
Meet the Team!
Meet the Under the Same Sky Team
The launch weekend will be led by a friendly and experienced Autin Dance Theatre team. Johnny Autin, Artistic Director, will guide the creative vision of the project alongside Laura Hague, Project Coordinator, who will support community connections and event coordination. Jamie Higgins, Head Rigger, will oversee the aerial rig and Low Fly aerial dance activity, with India Rose Cox supporting participants through creative movement and have-a-go sessions.
Together, the team will welcome families, community groups and local residents into a safe, playful and inspiring weekend of kite-making, storytelling, movement and aerial dance.
Johnny Autin — Artistic Director
Johnny is the Artistic Director of Autin Dance Theatre and leads the creative vision for Under the Same Sky: Stories in Flight. His work brings together dance, storytelling, outdoor performance and community participation, creating inclusive experiences where people of all ages and backgrounds can connect through movement and creativity.
Laura Hague — Project Coordinator
Laura is the Project Coordinator for Under the Same Sky and supports the planning, coordination and community engagement across the project. She will be working closely with schools, community groups, artists and local residents to help people take part and feel welcomed throughout the launch weekend and wider programme.
Jamie Higgins — Head Rigger
Jamie is the Head Rigger for the launch weekend and will oversee the aerial rig and Low Fly aerial dance activity. He brings technical expertise and a calm, safety-focused approach, making sure participants can enjoy the aerial have-a-go sessions in a supported and carefully managed environment.
India Rose Cox — Dance Artist / Facilitator
India is a dance artist and facilitator supporting the creative movement and Low Fly aerial dance sessions. She will help participants explore movement in a playful, accessible and encouraging way, making the activities enjoyable for beginners, families and people trying something new for the first time.
Terms and Conditions
Family-Friendly Environment
Under the same sky launch weekend is a family-friendly festival, and we strive to create an inclusive atmosphere where everyone feels welcome. We kindly ask all attendees to behave respectfully towards one another. Antisocial behavior will not be tolerated and may result in removal from the site by Security or Law Enforcement.
Alcohol and Drugs Policy
Under the same sky launch weekend is an alcohol-free and drug-free event. We appreciate your cooperation in adhering to this policy to ensure the well-being of all attendees. Individuals found violating this rule will be asked to leave the premises.
Glass-Free Site
For the safety of our performers and attendees, Under the same sky launch weekend is a glass-free event. We appreciate your understanding and compliance.
Photography and Filming
Please be aware that Under the same sky launch weekend will be photographed and recorded for marketing as well as monitoring and evaluation purposes. If you or your children do not wish to be included in any recordings, please inform a member of our staff.
Ticketing and Entry
Under the same sky launch weekend is a free event with some activities ticketed. While we will do our best to accommodate walk-ins, please note that participating in certain activities without a pre-booked ticket may be refused.
Pet Policy
Well-behaved dogs are welcome at Under the same sky launch weekend, provided they are on a lead at all times. Owners must clean up after their dogs and dispose of waste in designated bins.
Important Information:
We have dedicated security personnel and numerous staff and volunteers on-site to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone. If you have any concerns or require assistance, please do not hesitate to reach out to our team.
As this is lauch weekend ahead of our Under the same sky event taking place in Tudor Grange Park on Saturday 3rd October 2026, we are committed to making it a memorable experience. Your feedback is invaluable to us; please share any suggestions with our staff during the event or through our evaluation channels for future festivals.
Thank you for joining us on this journey!
Sunday - Babs Mill Park
🕑: 11:00 AM - 11:30 AM
Event opens/ Welcome! at Babs Mill Park
🕑: 11:00 AM - 11:30 AM
Aerial Dance (30 minutes)
Info: Try Low Fly Aerial Dance - Free Have-a-Go Taster!
Ever wondered what it feels like to move through the air? Join Autin Dance Theatre for a free 15-minute Low Fly aerial dance taster using a climbing harness and outdoor aerial rig.
Low Fly is a gentle and playful aerial dance practice where participants stay close to the ground while exploring the feeling of floating, gliding, leaning, lifting and moving in new ways. It is designed to be accessible, supportive and fun, with no previous experience needed.
We have harnesses in different sizes and our friendly team will help each participant get safely fitted and comfortable before taking part. You’ll be in safe hands with Jamie, Johnny and India, who will guide you through the experience step by step.
Places are limited and available on a first come, first served basis.
Suitable for ages 5+
10 tickets available per session (pre-booking is recommended!)
🕑: 11:30 AM - 12:00 PM
Aerial Dance (30 minutes)
Info: Try Low Fly Aerial Dance - Free Have-a-Go Taster!
Ever wondered what it feels like to move through the air? Join Autin Dance Theatre for a free 15-minute Low Fly aerial dance taster using a climbing harness and outdoor aerial rig.
Low Fly is a gentle and playful aerial dance practice where participants stay close to the ground while exploring the feeling of floating, gliding, leaning, lifting and moving in new ways. It is designed to be accessible, supportive and fun, with no previous experience needed.
We have harnesses in different sizes and our friendly team will help each participant get safely fitted and comfortable before taking part. You’ll be in safe hands with Jamie, Johnny and India, who will guide you through the experience step by step.
Places are limited and available on a first come, first served basis.
Suitable for ages 5+
10 tickets available per session (pre-booking is recommended!)
🕑: 12:00 PM - 12:30 PM
Aerial Dance (30 minutes)
Info: Try Low Fly Aerial Dance - Free Have-a-Go Taster!
Ever wondered what it feels like to move through the air? Join Autin Dance Theatre for a free 15-minute Low Fly aerial dance taster using a climbing harness and outdoor aerial rig.
Low Fly is a gentle and playful aerial dance practice where participants stay close to the ground while exploring the feeling of floating, gliding, leaning, lifting and moving in new ways. It is designed to be accessible, supportive and fun, with no previous experience needed.
We have harnesses in different sizes and our friendly team will help each participant get safely fitted and comfortable before taking part. You’ll be in safe hands with Jamie, Johnny and India, who will guide you through the experience step by step.
Places are limited and available on a first come, first served basis.
Suitable for ages 5+
10 tickets available per session (pre-booking is recommended!)
🕑: 12:30 PM - 01:00 PM
Aerial Dance (30 minutes)
Info: Try Low Fly Aerial Dance - Free Have-a-Go Taster!
Ever wondered what it feels like to move through the air? Join Autin Dance Theatre for a free 15-minute Low Fly aerial dance taster using a climbing harness and outdoor aerial rig.
Low Fly is a gentle and playful aerial dance practice where participants stay close to the ground while exploring the feeling of floating, gliding, leaning, lifting and moving in new ways. It is designed to be accessible, supportive and fun, with no previous experience needed.
We have harnesses in different sizes and our friendly team will help each participant get safely fitted and comfortable before taking part. You’ll be in safe hands with Jamie, Johnny and India, who will guide you through the experience step by step.
Places are limited and available on a first come, first served basis.
Suitable for ages 5+
10 tickets available per session (pre-booking is recommended!)
🕑: 01:00 PM - 02:00 PM
Willow and paper kite-making workshops (1 hour)
Info: Join Autin Dance Theatre for a creative one-hour kite-making workshop and help bring Under the Same Sky: Stories in Flight to life.
Using willow, paper and your own imagination, we’ll make beautiful handmade kites inspired by ideas of flight, hope, belonging and shared skies. This is a relaxed, family-friendly workshop where everyone can get creative, try something new and make a kite that tells a little story of its own.
The kites created during the project will become part of the wider Under the Same Sky journey, with the aim of flying them high in the sky as part of the final procession on Saturday 3 October.
No experience is needed — just come along, get creative and make something to lift into the sky.
Suitable for ages 5+
20 tickets available per session (pre-booking is recommended!)
🕑: 02:00 PM
Aerial Dance (30 minutes)
Info: Try Low Fly Aerial Dance - Free Have-a-Go Taster!
Ever wondered what it feels like to move through the air? Join Autin Dance Theatre for a free 15-minute Low Fly aerial dance taster using a climbing harness and outdoor aerial rig.
Low Fly is a gentle and playful aerial dance practice where participants stay close to the ground while exploring the feeling of floating, gliding, leaning, lifting and moving in new ways. It is designed to be accessible, supportive and fun, with no previous experience needed.
We have harnesses in different sizes and our friendly team will help each participant get safely fitted and comfortable before taking part. You’ll be in safe hands with Jamie, Johnny and India, who will guide you through the experience step by step.
Places are limited and available on a first come, first served basis.
Suitable for ages 5+
10 tickets available per session (pre-booking is recommended!)
🕑: 02:30 PM - 03:00 PM
Aerial Dance (30 minutes)
Info: Try Low Fly Aerial Dance - Free Have-a-Go Taster!
Ever wondered what it feels like to move through the air? Join Autin Dance Theatre for a free 15-minute Low Fly aerial dance taster using a climbing harness and outdoor aerial rig.
Low Fly is a gentle and playful aerial dance practice where participants stay close to the ground while exploring the feeling of floating, gliding, leaning, lifting and moving in new ways. It is designed to be accessible, supportive and fun, with no previous experience needed.
We have harnesses in different sizes and our friendly team will help each participant get safely fitted and comfortable before taking part. You’ll be in safe hands with Jamie, Johnny and India, who will guide you through the experience step by step.
Places are limited and available on a first come, first served basis.
Suitable for ages 5+
10 tickets available per session (pre-booking is recommended!)
🕑: 03:00 PM - 03:30 PM
Aerial Dance (30 minutes)
Info: Try Low Fly Aerial Dance - Free Have-a-Go Taster!
Ever wondered what it feels like to move through the air? Join Autin Dance Theatre for a free 15-minute Low Fly aerial dance taster using a climbing harness and outdoor aerial rig.
Low Fly is a gentle and playful aerial dance practice where participants stay close to the ground while exploring the feeling of floating, gliding, leaning, lifting and moving in new ways. It is designed to be accessible, supportive and fun, with no previous experience needed.
We have harnesses in different sizes and our friendly team will help each participant get safely fitted and comfortable before taking part. You’ll be in safe hands with Jamie, Johnny and India, who will guide you through the experience step by step.
Places are limited and available on a first come, first served basis.
Suitable for ages 5+
10 tickets available per session (pre-booking is recommended!)
🕑: 03:30 PM - 04:00 PM
Aerial Dance (30 minutes)
Info: Try Low Fly Aerial Dance - Free Have-a-Go Taster!
Ever wondered what it feels like to move through the air? Join Autin Dance Theatre for a free 15-minute Low Fly aerial dance taster using a climbing harness and outdoor aerial rig.
Low Fly is a gentle and playful aerial dance practice where participants stay close to the ground while exploring the feeling of floating, gliding, leaning, lifting and moving in new ways. It is designed to be accessible, supportive and fun, with no previous experience needed.
We have harnesses in different sizes and our friendly team will help each participant get safely fitted and comfortable before taking part. You’ll be in safe hands with Jamie, Johnny and India, who will guide you through the experience step by step.
Places are limited and available on a first come, first served basis.
Suitable for ages 5+
10 tickets available per session (pre-booking is recommended!)
🕑: 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Willow and paper kite-making workshops (1 hour)
Info: Join Autin Dance Theatre for a creative one-hour kite-making workshop and help bring Under the Same Sky: Stories in Flight to life.
Using willow, paper and your own imagination, we’ll make beautiful handmade kites inspired by ideas of flight, hope, belonging and shared skies. This is a relaxed, family-friendly workshop where everyone can get creative, try something new and make a kite that tells a little story of its own.
The kites created during the project will become part of the wider Under the Same Sky journey, with the aim of flying them high in the sky as part of the final procession on Saturday 3 October.
No experience is needed — just come along, get creative and make something to lift into the sky.
Suitable for ages 5+
20 tickets available per session (pre-booking is recommended!)
🕑: 12:00 PM - 01:00 PM
Willow and paper kite-making workshops (1 hour)
Info: Join Autin Dance Theatre for a creative one-hour kite-making workshop and help bring Under the Same Sky: Stories in Flight to life.
Using willow, paper and your own imagination, we’ll make beautiful handmade kites inspired by ideas of flight, hope, belonging and shared skies. This is a relaxed, family-friendly workshop where everyone can get creative, try something new and make a kite that tells a little story of its own.
The kites created during the project will become part of the wider Under the Same Sky journey, with the aim of flying them high in the sky as part of the final procession on Saturday 3 October.
No experience is needed — just come along, get creative and make something to lift into the sky.
Suitable for ages 5+
20 tickets available per session (pre-booking is recommended!)
🕑: 02:00 PM - 03:00 PM
Willow and paper kite-making workshops (1 hour)
Info: Join Autin Dance Theatre for a creative one-hour kite-making workshop and help bring Under the Same Sky: Stories in Flight to life.
Using willow, paper and your own imagination, we’ll make beautiful handmade kites inspired by ideas of flight, hope, belonging and shared skies. This is a relaxed, family-friendly workshop where everyone can get creative, try something new and make a kite that tells a little story of its own.
The kites created during the project will become part of the wider Under the Same Sky journey, with the aim of flying them high in the sky as part of the final procession on Saturday 3 October.
No experience is needed — just come along, get creative and make something to lift into the sky.
Suitable for ages 5+
20 tickets available per session (pre-booking is recommended!)
🕑: 01:30 PM - 02:00 PM
Aerial Dance (30 minutes)
Info: Try Low Fly Aerial Dance - Free Have-a-Go Taster!
Ever wondered what it feels like to move through the air? Join Autin Dance Theatre for a free 15-minute Low Fly aerial dance taster using a climbing harness and outdoor aerial rig.
Low Fly is a gentle and playful aerial dance practice where participants stay close to the ground while exploring the feeling of floating, gliding, leaning, lifting and moving in new ways. It is designed to be accessible, supportive and fun, with no previous experience needed.
We have harnesses in different sizes and our friendly team will help each participant get safely fitted and comfortable before taking part. You’ll be in safe hands with Jamie, Johnny and India, who will guide you through the experience step by step.
Places are limited and available on a first come, first served basis.
Suitable for ages 5+
10 tickets available per session (pre-booking is recommended!)
🕑: 03:00 PM - 04:00 PM
Willow and paper kite-making workshops (1 hour)
Info: Join Autin Dance Theatre for a creative one-hour kite-making workshop and help bring Under the Same Sky: Stories in Flight to life.
Using willow, paper and your own imagination, we’ll make beautiful handmade kites inspired by ideas of flight, hope, belonging and shared skies. This is a relaxed, family-friendly workshop where everyone can get creative, try something new and make a kite that tells a little story of its own.
The kites created during the project will become part of the wider Under the Same Sky journey, with the aim of flying them high in the sky as part of the final procession on Saturday 3 October.
No experience is needed — just come along, get creative and make something to lift into the sky.
Suitable for ages 5+
20 tickets available per session (pre-booking is recommended!)
🕑: 12:00 PM - 01:00 PM
Dance/Storytelling Games
Info: Come and move, play and connect through joyful dance, music and storytelling activities inspired by cultures from around the world.
Join our friendly game hosts for playful physical games, light movement and music-led interaction designed to get people moving, smiling and taking part together. You might find yourself dancing with colourful silky fabric, joining a flashmob-style movement moment, learning a game from another part of the world, or simply enjoying a gentle movement session in the park.
These relaxed drop-in sessions are all about connection, wellbeing and shared energy. They are suitable for all ages and abilities, and no dance experience is needed. Come as you are, move as much or as little as you like, and enjoy a creative moment with others under the same sky.
Suitable for ages 5+
🕑: 01:30 PM - 02:30 PM
Dance/Storytelling Games (1 hour)
Info: Come and move, play and connect through joyful dance, music and storytelling activities inspired by cultures from around the world.
Join our friendly game hosts for playful physical games, light movement and music-led interaction designed to get people moving, smiling and taking part together. You might find yourself dancing with colourful silky fabric, joining a flashmob-style movement moment, learning a game from another part of the world, or simply enjoying a gentle movement session in the park.
These relaxed drop-in sessions are all about connection, wellbeing and shared energy. They are suitable for all ages and abilities, and no dance experience is needed. Come as you are, move as much or as little as you like, and enjoy a creative moment with others under the same sky.
Suitable for ages 5+
🕑: 03:00 PM - 04:00 PM
Dance/Storytelling Games (1 hour)
Info: Come and move, play and connect through joyful dance, music and storytelling activities inspired by cultures from around the world.
Join our friendly game hosts for playful physical games, light movement and music-led interaction designed to get people moving, smiling and taking part together. You might find yourself dancing with colourful silky fabric, joining a flashmob-style movement moment, learning a game from another part of the world, or simply enjoying a gentle movement session in the park.
These relaxed drop-in sessions are all about connection, wellbeing and shared energy. They are suitable for all ages and abilities, and no dance experience is needed. Come as you are, move as much or as little as you like, and enjoy a creative moment with others under the same sky.
Suitable for ages 5+
Where is it happening?
