Creation Station: Neon Space Bugs by Dilja Thorpe
Date: Sunday 17 May
Times: 9.00am - 2.00pm
Location: Tanks Arts Centre - Tank 5 Garden
Cost: Free
Calling all intergalactic inventors — it’s time to create a creature from the cosmos!
In this hands-on creation station, kids will dream up and design a wildly wonderful cosmic critter using colourful fabrics, pom-poms, foam balls, pipe cleaners and all the gloriously crafty bits you’d usually find rolling around at home.
Big googly eyes? Excellent.
Wobbly legs? Even better.
Hyperspace wings? Obviously.
In space, there are no rules.
Once constructed, creators will release their luminous lifeform into the Neon Space Garden inside Tank 5, a glowing UV wonderland where their bug will glow, radiate and orbit within its new habitat.
A joyful, slightly outrageous creative adventure where imagination glows, confidence grows, and no two space bugs are ever the same.
About the Artist
Dilja Thorpe is a Cairns-based artist, event producer, and creative facilitator passionate about creating immersive, imagination-led experiences.
As the creator of the Neon Space Garden and Space Bugs Creation Station for the Cairns Children’s Festival, she invites children to build their own glowing creatures from everyday materials, bringing them to life within a vibrant, UV-lit world. Inspired by a playful, Dr. Seuss-like aesthetic where imperfection is celebrated, her work aims to make creativity feel accessible and achievable.
With a background in youth work and the arts, Dilja is excited to empower young people to see that magical artworks can be made from simple materials.
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More from Cairns Children's Festival
Program: Sun 17 May
Sunday is our famous free family fun day at Tanks Arts Centre and the Cairns Botanic Gardens!
Program: Sat 16 May
Saturday presents a day of free and ticketed entertainment across Cairns Performing Arts Centre and Cairns City Library!
A Quieter Journey
We're excited to offer an inclusive experience, designed to accommodate audiences who may need quieter spaces, less crowds, or alternative ways to enjoy the shows.
A huge thank you to our generous sponsors Pacific Toyota and Inspired Signs for their incredible support! Your contributions help make Cairns Children's Festival possible.
Sat 17 May | Sun 18 May |
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Last Updated: 24 April 2026
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