Discover Mini Makers: fun, creative sessions for under-fives in music, movement and messy play.
Pitzhanger’s beloved early years programme, Mini Makers, is back — bigger, brighter and even more joyful. Now with three different types of sessions led by three fantastic practitioners, Mini Makers invites families with children aged 0–5 to discover the joys of movement, music, and messy play.
Running every other Friday at The Rickyard in Walpole Park, each session focuses on a different way for little ones to explore, learn and connect. Whether your child is a quiet observer or an enthusiastic mover, there’s something in Mini Makers for everyone.
We spoke to each of the artists leading the programme to find out what makes their sessions so special.
Explore textures, colours, and creativity in this hands-on, child-led Messy Play session for ages 1–5!
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Explore movement, rhythm, and relaxation in a fun and nurturing environment with Desire Boyneburg.
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Sing, dance, and play in this joyful Music and Rhyme session for babies and toddlers!
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Lewis McVey (Messy Play): I’m an artist and designer who creates colourful murals and interactive experiences. I started painting murals at 16 in Liverpool and went on to study design at Goldsmiths. I love working with people and designing playful spaces that spark creativity. For Mini Makers, I design a new cardboard structure every time — towers, dens, forts — which kids can crawl under, paint, and play with.
Désirée Boyneburg (Move and Flow): I’m a Montessori educator and Hatha yoga teacher with over 10 years of experience teaching yoga and mindfulness to babies, toddlers, children, teens and families. I specialise in working with children and those with special educational needs. I love using creative movement and sensory play to help children develop social and emotional skills.
Sofia Wilde (Music and Rhyme): I’m a jazz-trained vocalist, early years music educator, and mum of three. I lead music and movement classes and co-founded Sound Generation, a live music agency. My sessions are entirely led by live instruments like ukulele, piano, and flute, and I always aim to strengthen the bond between babies and their caregivers through shared musical experiences.
Lewis: Expect a giant sculpture in the middle of the space — it could be a maze, fort, or abstract world — which children are free to explore and paint. There are different activity zones too, like stacking blocks or sensory corners. Each session is totally unique and child-led. It might look messy, but it’s full of imagination and discovery.
Désirée: It’s a playful and interactive yoga journey for families. We move together, breathe, laugh, and sometimes become animals or go on imaginary journeys. We finish by winding down and travelling inward with calming music and rest. Everyone is welcome — parents, grandparents, carers — and no yoga experience is needed.
Sofia: We sing, dance and play instruments together. My sessions include floor songs, round-the-room movement, listening games and dancing with props like puppets, scarves and ribbons. We finish with a lullaby and calming sounds. The whole experience is about building stronger connections through music, and helping children develop rhythm, coordination and joy.
Lewis: Kids are incredibly creative. I learn so much from how they play and see the world. I also had a childhood filled with art, gallery visits and den building, so it feels natural to create that kind of environment for others.
Désirée: My three children and the children I worked with in nurseries inspired me. I saw firsthand how yoga and mindfulness can have a hugely positive impact on children’s emotional wellbeing and joy.
Sofia: Becoming a parent changed everything. After my first child was born, I set up my own music classes because I felt there was a real need for them. I can’t imagine not working with children now — it’s so rewarding.
Lewis: I build a different sculpture each time from cardboard pillars, which kids can paint and play inside. It’s all about interacting with the environment in creative ways. Around the room we have zones with different materials so children can choose how they want to explore.
Désirée: I use movement games, partner poses, scarves, beanbags, singing bowls, pom-poms, feathers, mindfulness stories, and even a unicorn mascot! These help children with sensory awareness, motor skills, creativity and confidence. We always end with relaxation using music and visualisations.
Sofia: I use live music and world instruments, responding to children’s moods and energies. We play games based on rhythm, pitch, and tempo — like moving low and slow or dancing fast to upbeat tunes. Beat-keeping is fundamental and supports language development too.
Lewis: I want children to feel immersed in a world of creative freedom. It’s not about making something perfect – it’s about discovering new ways to play. I hope families feel inspired to continue making and playing together beyond the session.
Désirée: That they’ve enjoyed a special time together. I hope families take home a few breathing techniques or games to use when they need calm or connection.
Sofia: I hope children and caregivers leave feeling more connected and more confident in expressing themselves musically. Music should be accessible to all from birth — it’s a powerful tool for development and bonding.
Lewis: Come with an open mind and no expectations. Every child engages differently. Wear old clothes, bring snacks, and join in the fun. It’s not about making something perfect — just being together in a creative space.
Désirée: No yoga experience is necessary. Wear comfy clothes and bring anything your child might need to feel relaxed. Most importantly, bring a curious mind and an open heart.
Sofia: Don’t worry if you’re not musical. You don’t have to sing. Just focus on bonding with your child. And have fun!
Mini Makers runs every other Friday at The Rickyard in Walpole Park.
Tickets are just £12–£15 per child and adult pair, or £1 for concessions. Family Members enjoy up to 12 Mini Makers sessions per year for free.
All materials are provided, and your ticket also includes free entry to Pitzhanger Manor & Gallery.
Make memories. Get messy. Move together. Make some music. Mini Makers is here to bring joy to your Fridays.
Explore textures, colours, and creativity in this hands-on, child-led Messy Play session for ages 1–5!
More info
Explore movement, rhythm, and relaxation in a fun and nurturing environment with Desire Boyneburg.
More info
Sing, dance, and play in this joyful Music and Rhyme session for babies and toddlers!
More infoCategories Pitzhanger News
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Discover Mini Makers: fun, creative sessions for under-fives in music, movement and messy play.
More info
Pitzhanger Manor & Gallery
Ealing Green, London W5 5EQ
Ticketing, Opening Hours and Tour Enquiries: foh@pitzhanger.org.uk
Retail Enquires: retail@pitzhanger.org.uk
Reception: 020 3985 8888
Venue Hire: 020 3994 0966
Office: 020 3994 0967
Wednesday - Sunday: 10:00 - 17:00
First Thursday of the month: 10:00 - 20:00
Monday - Tuesday: Closed
Bank Holidays: 10:00 - 17:00
Last admissions one hour before closing
Partial Closure: 25 April, 12–5pm
Please note that the Eating Room in Pitzhanger Manor will be closed at 12–5pm on 25 April for a private function. Artworks in the affected space will be temporarily off view, but General Admission continues as usual. All rooms will be open before and after this time during our regular opening hours.
Questions? Email us at foh@pitzhanger.org.uk.
Pitzhanger Gallery closes at 6pm on 7 May
Please note that Pitzhanger Gallery will close to General Admission visitors from 6pm on Thursday 7 May for the Phoebe Collings-James in Conversation event. If you would like to visit Phoebe Collings-James: a rose, a bridge, a house, please arrive before 6pm or book a ticket for the artist talk. Pitzhanger Manor and other open areas remain accessible during our usual Thursday Late opening hours.
Questions? Email us at foh@pitzhanger.org.uk.
Partial Closure: 9 May, 11am–1pm
Please note that the Eating Room in Pitzhanger Manor will be closed at 11am–1pm on 9 May for a private function. Artworks in the affected space will be temporarily off view, but General Admission continues as usual. All rooms will be open before and after this time during our regular opening hours.
Questions? Email us at foh@pitzhanger.org.uk.
Partial Closure: 22 May, 1–5pm
Please note that Pitzhanger Manor will be closed at 1–5pm on 22 May for a private function. Artworks in the affected space will be temporarily off view, but General Admission continues as usual. All rooms will be open before and after this time during our regular opening hours.
Questions? Email us at foh@pitzhanger.org.uk.
Partial Closure: 24 May, 1–5pm
Please note that the Upper Drawing Room in Pitzhanger Manor will be closed at 1–5pm on 24 May for a private function. Artworks in the affected space will be temporarily off view, but General Admission continues as usual. All rooms will be open before and after this time during our regular opening hours.
Questions? Email us at foh@pitzhanger.org.uk.
Partial Closure: 30 May, 1–5pm
Please note that the Eating Room in Pitzhanger Manor will be closed at 1–5pm on 30 May for a private function. Artworks in the affected space will be temporarily off view, but General Admission continues as usual. All rooms will be open before and after this time during our regular opening hours.
Questions? Email us at foh@pitzhanger.org.uk.
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