Noise Makers under Gaia

Noise Makers returns to St Albans Cathedral on Monday 11 January, and it's back for a few more dates throughout the month. It's a music, singing and movement class for babies and toddlers, run by the Cathedral's own Noisy Teachers, Elise and Nicola, who lead the sessions alongside their puppet side-kick Norman—billed as 'the Noisiest Noise Maker of them all'.

The classes introduce little ones to new educational themes through well-known songs, Makaton signing, sensory props, visuals and action songs. It's the kind of thing that works as much for the kids as it does for the parents, with the singing and movement keeping them occupied and the sensory bits giving them something to focus on. Booking is essential, so you'll want to get your spot sorted rather than turning up on the day.

What makes this run a bit different is where it's happening. The sessions are held under Gaia, an immersive artwork by Luke Jerram that lets you see the Earth in stunning detail through NASA imagery, sound and light filling the nave of the Cathedral. The installation runs from 5 January to 13 February with daytime viewings, and the Cathedral is programming a wide range of activities beneath it—everything from science talks led by Canon Scientist Professor Russell Cowburn to Tai Chi, gong baths, yoga, circle dance and candlelit concerts. Noise Makers is just one of the things you can do under it.

There are plenty of slots to choose from across the next few weeks. The first is Monday 11 January at 10am and 11am, followed by Monday 18 January at 10am and 11am, Wednesday 27 January at 11am, Monday 1 February at 10am and 11am, and Wednesday 3 February at 10am. All are at St Albans Cathedral, Sumpter Yard, St Albans, AL1 1BY.