Belfast to host world's first 'BabyDay' this autumn

Replay Theatre Company, the organiser of the event, which takes place in Belfast, claims it is the world's first 'BabyDay' and is urging nurseries to 'jump on the BabyDay bandwagon' on 27 September and join in the fun.

There will be more than 70 events across the city, including Glam Your Pram, a Sea of Stories in the town hall, art exhibitions, a flash mob called Sling Swing - parents dancing with babies in their slings - and a grand finale with the premiere of the Belfast BabyDay Lullaby, written by award-winning composer Neil Martin, and performed by the Belfast Mamas and Papas singers.

Anna Newell, artistic director, of Replay Theatre Company, said, 'Neuroscience has conclusively shown that what happens to you in the first three years of your life has a major impact on how your brain is formed and we passionately believe that it's crucial that some of these experiences are creative and imaginative.

'BabyDay will capture everyone's imagination, whether they have a baby or not. With art in the streets, music in the air and families everywhere, there'll be a real festival feel and Belfast will be one great big bundle of joy!'

So far this year, Replay's own baby shows are being performed on three continents and in every single Sure Start children's centre in Belfast.

• www.belfastbabyday.com.