The Maslenitsa Russian Festival looks like a great bet for free fun with the little ones on Sunday!

‘Maslenitsa’ is a Russian folk celebration that takes place just before Lent – rather like a week-long version of Britain’s Shrove Tuesday.

According to Time Out London, this traditional Russian pre-Lenten festival highlights Russian arts with a programme featuring ethno-folk group Pelageya, the Terem quartet playing traditional instruments such as the domra and balalaika, and folk dancing.

The children’s programme on the Scoop stage will feature puppet theatre pieces by the Moscow Marionette Theatre, a presentation of Maslenitsa traditions with audience interaction, performances of traditional songs by children’s groups, competitions and games.

In keeping with tradition, there will be tasty Maslenitsa specialty foods on sale – including the quintessentially Russian ‘blini’ (pancakes).

The event takes place 1–6pm on Sunday in Potters Fields Park SE1 2AA (between Tower Bridge and City Hall), London.