Acknowledgment of country

Polyglot acknowledges that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are the Traditional Custodians of the lands on which we live and create, and we pay our respects to Elders past and present. For more than 65,000 years, children and families have created and played here, and we are grateful to make our art on this country too.

April 07 - April 11 2026

Bees at Wonderful World Festival (ACT)

Bees is a joyful interactive work in which children are welcomed into a world of community, communication, wonder and imagination.

Bees production photo. Theresa Harrison. A Polyglot artist in an intricate black and yellow bee costume crouches on a green lawn. A small child, holding their parent's arm, looks at them intently. Other families are visible in the background, and the grassy area is surrounded by trees.

Presented by the ACT Government’s City Renewal Authority

Explore a buzzing, humming hive of activity, as three human-sized Bees busy themselves in the creation of a community alongside children who transform into bees as they play. The bees are fascinating, strange and beautiful, traversing invisible pathways and mapping delicate patterns across the performance space.

Inspired by the mysterious life and work of bees, this re-imagining of public space involves the slow uncovering of an intricate unseen world. Children are immersed in the sounds, shapes and scents of the bee world, from their familiar buzz to honeycomb houses. Bees uses ritual, non-verbal communication and the secret world of bee movement to provide a range of access points for children to participate.

Venue

  • City Walk, Canberra, ACT 2601. Google Maps link HERE.

Dates & Session Times

  • 7-11 April: 11:15am, 12:15pm, 3pm, 4pm

Bookings

  • FREE drop-in performances. No bookings required.
  • Bees will take place outdoors. Please check the weather, and bring sunscreen, hats, and water bottles.
  • You can find accessible and unisex bathrooms on Alinga Street, 300m along/via City Walk.

Bees

  • You choose how you interact with the performers and the landscape. Some participants may prefer a gentle experience, others may be more energetic.
  • Bees does not use bright or flashing lights. It contains amplified sound and music that is played through portable speakers.
  • A Visual Story to help your family prepare for the experience is coming soon.


How to prepare:

  • When you come to a Polyglot show we recommend you wear comfortable clothing that allows you to enjoy moving. Remember that you have come for an adventure and there are many ways to begin finding your play. You are curious and this space is yours. Just as you might at the beach, do you take your time and dip your toe in to warm up, or do you run and jump right in? The worlds we set up welcome you to take your time and find your own way to your imaginative play; and our performers are there to join you, or play alongside you, and look after these worlds and their inhabitants.
  • Water, infants’ bottles and breastfeeding/chestfeeding are welcome, however we do ask that there is no eating (where possible) in the Bees performance space.
  • Food and drinks (including takeaway options) are available to purchase nearby from DOP Canberra, Lilong by Taste of Shaghai and Jina’s Cafe. There are also plenty of options in Canberra Centre.

Parking

  • Wilson Parking at Canberra Centre is 450m away from City Walk. Parking rates and EV charging information can be found here.

Public Transport

The closest public transport options to City Walk in Canberra are the Alinga Street Light Rail Stop and the main City Bus Interchange, both located immediately adjacent at the intersection of Northbourne Avenue and Alinga Street.

  • Light Rail: The Gungahlin-to-City line stops at Alinga Street, which is a 500m distance from the central City Walk area.
  • Bus: The main Canberra City interchange is located 300m from City Walk on Alinga St, offering access to numerous Rapid and local bus services.

Imagine a world where loved ones embrace the wonders of our lives. Wonderful World is a festival of families, schools, local businesses, institutions and artists on a journey to make the world more wonderful.

Wonderful World is a challenge for parents, carers and grandparents to rediscover their wonders, and for kids to fall in love with the world, again and again.

For one week in Canberra, 7-12 April 2026.

inthecity.com.au/wonderfulworld

Wonderful World Festival logo

Watch the trailer

When

07 - 11 Apr 2026

Session time

11:15am, 12:15pm, 3pm, 4pm

Cost

FREE drop-in performances. No bookings required.

Venue

City Walk, Canberra

Age

  • Children and families

Accessibility

  • Wheelchair Access Wheelchair Access
  • Accessible Toilet Accessible Toilet
  • Visual Story (Yes) Visual Story (Yes)
  • Registered Assistance & Companion Animals welcome Registered Assistance & Companion Animals welcome
Learn more

Contact

Polyglot Theatre

Contact

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