Primary Times Northamptonshire - October Half Term 2022

HELLO READERS!

As we embrace this colourful new season, it’s time to get the cosy winter woollies out and make the most of the crisp autumn weather and all the activities on offer for families this half term.

We promise there are some seriously good things going on to get you out of the house this holiday and we’ve included them all in this issue! You’ll find ideas for great days out, including fantastic indoor destinations such as handson manor houses and bowling fun if the weather lets us down, and lots of Halloween events for child-friendly, happy haunting. A great excuse to dig out the kids’ creepy costumes! Check out our diary pages too and you’ll see you could easily fill every day of the half term with fun, affordable (and often free) things to do if you wanted!

We’ll be back again in November with a merry issue full of festive treats to plan your Christmas countdown. In the meantime, we wish you happy times with your children this half term.

issueNextout November 14th

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FUN AND LEARNING AT WINDERMERE DAY NURSERY

READY TO JOIN A BAND?

At the Ofsted-rated ‘Outstanding’ Windermere Day Nursery in Kettering, practitioners are on a mission to give children the best possible start in life. At the setting, days are filled with exciting activities, planned around the personal interests of children and designed in line with Early Years Foundation Stage principles to ensure they are prepared with the knowledge and skills needed for their next steps. With state-of-the-art ICT, toys and equipment, messy play stations and stimulating ‘role play’ areas, each child from six weeks to nearly five years can immerse themselves in the vast learning opportunities on offer. From growing vegetables which are then used in meals by talented Nursery Chefs, to observing insects in garden bug hotels, children of all ages take part in a curriculum of ecoactivities the whole year round, resulting in a prestigious ‘Green Flag’ award from Eco-Schools for exceptional environmental conservation and awareness efforts.

For more information please call the nursery on 01536 520075 or email at windermere.nursery@childbase.com

Northamptonshire Music and Performing Arts Trust runs four Contemporary Centres across the county. Students form bands with other like-minded young people and rehearse songs, write and record their own music, and perform live at concerts throughout the year. If you’re aged 10 and above, have some experience of playing your instrument, and want to join a band –NMPAT Contemporary is for you! Their experienced instrumental teachers are on hand to give advice and guidance whilst allowing students to be creative and have their own space to rehearse. NMPAT Contemporary encourages students to work together and develops understanding of the importance of teamwork.

In recent years, Contemporary students have performed at Northampton’s Derngate, Birmingham Town Hall, and as part of other regional and national events. Students are also guided through the recording process, using industry-standard equipment to record their own songs. Find your nearest Contemporary Centre at www.nmpat.co.uk/contemporary

Membership is subject to a subscription of £80 per term. Financial assistance is available for those in need. W: www.nmpat.co.uk/support

IMPROVE FITNESS AND SPEND TIME WITH THE FAMILY –AT TISKA KARATE!

ACADEMIC CONFIDENCE FOR ALL THIS AUTUMN, WITH KUMON’S FREE TRIAL

With over 60 years of experience, the Kumon Maths and English Programmes help children of any age and any ability to develop into confident, independent learners with strong study skills. An independent research study revealed that Kumon students are over a year ahead of the national average and over six months ahead of their peers in maths at the end of primary school. They nurture students by giving them the tools they need to enjoy learning and thrive academically, which increases their enjoyment across a wide range of subjects at school, alongside preparing them for personal and professional success later in life. To experience the benefits of Kumon, local Kumon study centres near you are offering a one-week Free Trial of their Kumon study programmes to all new students. The offer is available to children of every age and ability from 1st October – 15th November 2022. You can choose to attend online or in centre, depending on what’s most convenient. For more information and to book your one-week Free Trial, contact your local Instructor.

At TISKA Karate, children and adults alike learn the essentials of etiquette, respect, self-discipline, self-awareness, confidence, fitness, and self-defence. Classes are taught by TISKA’s Chief Instructor, 8th Dan Black Belt, Shihan Sahota. Students at TISKA start from the age of 4 years old and up. It is a very family-based club, and many families train together. Karate for children can help with bullying issues, exam stress and the building of self-esteem. It teaches children etiquette, respect and politeness to fellow students and their instructor. It can also help develop their concentration and focus. Karate for adults can help with general fitness and wellbeing and, with regular training, strength and flexibility will improve. Contact them directly for further details about their 4-week free trial.

W: www.tiska.com

E: office@tiska.com

FLU VACCINE – AVAILABLE AT YOUR CHILD’S SCHOOL!

The flu vaccine is offered to children each year as a nasal spray and protects them against the flu.  Flu can be an unpleasant illness, with potentially serious complications including bronchitis and pneumonia. The flu vaccine will be offered to all children from Reception to Year 9 at school from September 2022 through to January 2023.

Further information and the date of the flu spray and how to consent for your child to receive it will be sent from your child’s school. Please read and complete the consent within 48 hours.

If you would prefer, you can bring your child to a community setting to receive their flu spray. If you would like your child to have a gelatine free vaccine this is available upon request. The NHS website will provide further details.

W: www.nhs.uk/conditions/vaccinations/childflu-vaccine

Photograph of Tiska’s youngest Black belt, 8-year-old Tyler Yamamoto

Flu vaccine – available at your child’s school!

The flu vaccine is offered to children each year as a nasal spray and protects them against the flu. Flu can be an unpleasant illness, with potentially serious complications including bronchitis and pneumonia.

The flu vaccine will be offered to all children from Reception to Year 9 at school from September 2022 through to January 2023.

Further information and the date of the flu spray and how to consent for your child to receive it will be sent from your child’s school. Please read and complete the consent within 48 hours.

If you would prefer, you can bring your child to a community setting to receive their flu spray. If you would like your child to have a gelatine free vaccine this is available upon request.

Halloween Specials

&

Santa Specials

27th November, 3rd & 4th, 10th & 11th and 17th & 18th December

SPOOKY ADVENTURES AND FESTIVE FUN AT DELAPRE ABBEY

Delapré Abbey will be open for general admission alongside a fun events programme this season. Play, explore, and touch every object in the historic rooms. Try on a helmet, fire a bow and arrow and create a crest! On 27th October, Preacher the Storyteller will be in the Abbey’s Library sharing family-friendly spooky stories. On 30th October take your little monsters to the Delapré Spooktacular. Discover an array of magical light installations throughout the grounds with the Winter Light Trail, enjoy a great day out at the Christmas Fair, plus meet Father Christmas and his elves at Santa’s Grotto. You’ll have to be quick though as the Abbey’s popular family events sell out fast. See dates, times, and book tickets online.

W: www.delapreabbey.org

HALLOWEEN TRAILS AND TREATS FOR

SULGRAVE MANOR

Sulgrave Manor are delighted to invite you to celebrate Halloween with them for some fiendish good fun! Go along and join them for a Halloween trail, craft activities, pumpkin painting, roasting marshmallows along with house talks and free flow tours. Only £6 per child and £8 per adult.

www.sulgravemanor.org.uk/whats-on

AUTUMN DAYS OUT

As the nights draw in, it’s time for some half term fun with spooky events, creative costumes and plenty of tricks and treats! This season, get ready for creepy trails and tales and pumpkins galore! And if friendly-frightening is not for you, there are plenty of destinations, without the scares! Read on for our pick of the best half term entertainment.

ENJOY A SPOOK-TACULAR HALLOWEEN PARTY AT THUNDERBOWL

Families are invited to a Thunderbowl Halloween Party on Sunday 30th October from 10am-5pm, where everyone is welcome to dress up and enjoy the atmosphere! There will be scary ghosts and zombies, lights will be off and in a spooky mood and the music on full scare mode! There will be competitions to win and fancy-dress prizes to be won. Prizes range from a fun-filled day of Thunderbowl activities including bowling, golf and darts and proceeds will be donated to the Cransley Hospice in Kettering. They are offering the Family Ticket deal from £26.00 for a family of 4, between 10am and 5pm. Call them directly or go online to book your lane!

01536 414004

www.thunderbowl.co.uk

WICKSTEED PLAYS HOST TO SOME FAMILYFRIENDLY SPOOKING THIS HALF TERM

If you’re looking for a thrill, head off to Wicksteed! Brace yourselves for Twilight Zone – their night-time event where you can challenge yourself to rides in the dark! Galaxy Invaders, Paratroopers, Dodgems, Rocky River Falls and of course, Dinosaur Valley will all be available to enjoy by moonlight. Hunt around the park on The Halloween Trivia Trail for clues to crack the Halloween code to claim your treat. Not only that - all those who take part are automatically entered into a competition for a FREE family ticket to Magical Wicksteed! Don’t forget to party in your best crazy costume and show off your dance moves at Wicky’s Halloween Monster Mash party filled with lots of fun and entertainment!

www.wicksteedpark.org

CELEBRATE DIWALI THIS HALF TERM AT WESTON FAVELL SHOPPING CENTRE

Join the Favell Fun Club team on Saturday 22nd October from 11am – 3pm and design a tasty Henna cookie. Then on Wednesday 26th October from 11am – 3pm, enjoy the story of Diwali before making a stained-glass lantern to decorate your home or colouring your very own Rangoli designs.

Finally on Saturday 29th October from 11am – 3pm, learn how to dance like a Bollywood movie star with an experienced dance tutor before creating a Rangoli scratch art decoration to hang at home.

W: www.westonfavellshopping.com

FLAME & THUNDER! SANTA POD RACEWAY ’S, FAMILY FUN, ACTION PACKED DAY!

On Saturday 29th October, Santa Pod Raceway hosts the spectacular and spooktacular Flame and Thunder! The on-track action is set to provide a magnificent flame show with FIVE fire-breathing jets thundering down the track. You’ll see a selection of weird and wonderful vehicles, including drag karts, a world record breaking jet kart, and the quickest original mini in the world! The Live Action Arena sees stunt extraordinaire Terry Grant providing a showstopping performance of precision driving, Team Maximum Lock performing their synchronised, close formation driving and much more! Family entertainment is plentiful, including Monster truck rides, Halloween disco, funfair, drift rides, and live shows. As night falls, Andrew Pleszko’s sensational Jet Mini will be setting the bonfire ablaze before the spectacular firework extravaganza explodes into the skies above! Day tickets start from £30 in advance (plus booking fees) Kids £5, under 5’s go FREE. To book tickets, call or visit them online.

T: 01234 782828 W: www.santapod.com

MUD, MAGIC AND EERIE OUTDOOR FUN AT FOREST SCHOOL

Get wrapped up and ready for a spooky themed Forest School at Sulgrave Manor! Would you like to make a magic potion? Hear a ghostly story?

Toast marshmallows around the campfire or build a den in the dark afternoons? At Sulgrave Manor this half term they shall be getting muddy and crafty whilst playing games, climbing trees, and using what’s around you. Prices are £30 for a full day (10.30am to 4pm) and £18 for a half day (10.30am to 12.30pm or 1.30pm to 4pm).

W: www.sulgravemanor.org.uk/whats-on

SPOOK SERVICES TAKE OVER AT NORTHAMPTON & LAMPORT RAILWAY THIS HALLOWEEN

Northampton & Lamport Railway have some fiendish fun planned for their passengers! Running on Saturday 29th and Sunday 30th October, pop on your best scary costume and creep down for a day of Trick or Treat Trains with friendly ghosts and ghouls, suitable for all ages. For an additional fee, there’s a new children’s activity bundle including creepy crafts and slimy games! They also have two special Fright Night Trains, running after dark on the Saturday – but beware, these are aimed at slightly braver souls! Their ‘Platform 3 Buffet’ will be open throughout, serving hot and cold drinks, snacks and freshly prepared hot food.

T: 01604 820327 W: www.nlr.org.uk

PUMPKIN FESTIVAL AND ALL THINGS HALLOWEEN AT WEST LODGE

There’s so much spooky fun going on at West Lodge! Choose your perfect pumpkin and head to the Carving Barn where you can scoop out the inside, design a face and they’ll carve it for you - leaving the mess with them! Wander through the Cauldron Corridor to Daisy the Witch’s House, enjoy an interactive Ghost Story, have a go at wand making, jump on the ghostly Tractor Ride and enter the Spooky Maze if you dare! You’ll find all the usual fun stuff too - animal petting sessions, free barrel rides, plus the outdoor and indoor adventure play areas to let off steam.

W: www.westlodgeruralcentre.co.uk

HALLOWEEN & PUMPKIN FUN AT ROCKINGHAM CASTLE

The Witches of Rockingham are back! This October, the Witches will gather at Rockingham Castle to have their annual Halloween party on 22nd & 23rd, 25th-27th October. The Witches plan for this year’s Halloween is to be the biggest and best yet, in celebration of the 950-year anniversary of Rockingham Castle! Don’t forget to take part in their pumpkin rolling contest, with a prize awaiting the winner for each day of competition. Make sure you do the most “fa-boo-lous” roll to be in with a chance of winning! Book tickets online.

T: 01536 770240

W: www.rockinghamcastle.com

WHAT’S

Superworm Arrives!

Brand new Superworm family trail at Salcey Forest and Fineshade Wood. The trails showcase the unsung heroes of the forest based on the book by Julia Donaldson. Purchase a trail from the visitor welcome points for £3.50.

W: www.forestryengland.uk/ activities/superworm-activitytrails

ON-GOING

Daventry Country Park

Daventry Country Park is a popular park ideally situated in the urban fringe of Daventry, within one mile of the town centre and easily accessible by car, bicycle or on foot with the benefit of cycle ways and footpaths from the surrounding areas. Daventry Country Park, NN11 2JB.

W: www.daventrydc.gov.uk/

Daventry Leisure Centre

The centre is open with a reduced list of activities and available spaces.

W: www.everyoneactive.com/

Gruffalo Sculptures at Fineshade Wood

If you venture into the deep dark wood, you may bump into Gruffalo and his creature friends from Julia Donaldson’s classic story. See handcrafted sculptures of fox, mouse, owl, squirrel and snake alongside the Gruffalo. Head to the trails to find them all on your next visit.

W: www.forestryengland.uk/ fineshade-wood/gruffalosculptures-fineshade-wood

Trilogy Leisure

Cripps recreation, Danes Camp, Duston Sports, Lings Forum and Mounts Baths are open for family fun and pre-booked holiday activities.

W: www.trilogyleisure.co.uk for full details.

SPLAT Holiday Club

A fun and exciting childcare option during every school holiday at Lodge Park Sports Centre, Corby. For children in Year 1+, Ages 5-12 Years.

T: 01536 400033

OCTOBER

Saturday 15th

Pumpkin Festival and Halloween Fun

Collect your Pumpkin Passport on arrival at the farm and let the spooky fun begin! Running until 30th October.

West Lodge Rural Centre. W: www.westlodgeruralcentre. co.uk/events/

Apple-Pressing Day

Learn more why the special varieties of apples in the orchard at Lyveden are particularly good for cider making and have a go pressing apples yourself. There will be four demonstrations throughout the day at 11am, 12.30pm, 2pm and 3.30pm. Lyveden New Bield National Trust. W: www.nationaltrust.org.uk/event

Friday 21st Twilight Zone

Night time event at Wicksteed Park where you can challenge yourself to rides in the dark! Galaxy Invaders, Paratroopers, Dodgems, Rocky River Falls & of course, Dinosaur Valley will all be available to enjoy by moonlight. Also on October 22nd, 23rd, 28th and 29th.

W: www.wicksteedpark.org

Saturday 22nd

Trick or Treat Trail

Find the pumpkins hiding around the museum and watch out for some spooky tricks and treats along the way to win a Halloween prize! £2. Runs until 30th October during opening hours. Abington Park Museum.

W: www.northamptonmuseums.com

Creepy Creature Trail

Pick up a Creepy Creature Trail and find out more about local amazing creatures that you might see in these colder months. Other dates available. Canons Ashby National Trust Property.

W: www.nationaltrust.org.uk/ canons-ashby

& 23rd, 25th-27th October

The Witches of Rockingham are back!

October, the Witches will gather at Rockingham Castle to have their annual Halloween

The Witches plan for this year’s Halloween to be the biggest and best yet, in celebration of the 950-year anniversary of Rockingham Castle!

Don’t forget to take part in our pumpkin rolling contest. A prize awaits the winner for each day of competition. Make sure you do the most “fa-boo-lous” roll to be in with a chance of winning!

We can’t wait for you to join us for a spooktacular Halloween!

Halloween Fun

Halloween Party with the Witches of Rockingham and Pumpkin Rolling contest! Also on 23rd & 25th-27th November. www.rockinghamcastle.com

Celebrate Diwali this Half Term at Weston Favell Shopping centre!

Join the Favell Fun Club team on Saturday 22nd October (11am3pm) design a tasty Henna cookie. Then on Wednesday 26th October (11am-3pm), enjoy the story of Diwali before making a stainedglass lantern to decorate your home or colouring your very own Rangoli designs. Finally on Saturday 29th October from (11am-3pm), learn how to dance like a Bollywood movie star with an experienced dance tutor before creating a Rangoli scratch art decoration to hang at home. Visit westonfavellshopping.com for more details

Ghost Hunt by Torchlight

The Ghosts of West Lodge Past have escaped and it’s your job to find them! Also on 28th and 29th October. West Lodge Rural Centre. W: www.westlodgeruralcentre. co.uk/events/

Constructive Play

Free constructive play for all the family at Wellingborough Library. 9am-5pm. W: www.northamptonshire.gov.uk/

The Haunted Castle

Join the ghosts, ghouls, wizards and witches of Warwick Castle and prepare for a Halloween brimming with spooky tales and family-friendly frights. Running until 31st October. Warwick Castle. W: www.warwick-castle.com/

Halloween Half Term

Spooky fun for all the family from 22nd- 31st October at Wicksteed Park including a Halloween trivia trail and Wicky’s Monster Mash party. £12 per ticket. W: www.wicksteedpark.org

Legends Start Your Engines

Motor Racing Legends takes on the Grand Prix Circuit showcasing a mix of historic touring cars from different periods. An action-packed weekend that promises to be full of wheelto-wheel battles, some may say, legendary battles. Silverstone. W: www.silverstone.co.uk/events/ motor-racing-legends

Sunday 23rd Fright Fiesta

Join the festival-style Halloween that’s bursting with colour, costumes and music! Running until 31st October. Gulliver’s Land Resort, Milton Keynes. W: www.gulliverslandresort.co.uk

Forest School at Sulgrave Manor

Spooky themed Forest School at Sulgrave Manor. Would you like to make a magic potion? Hear a ghostly story? Toast marshmallows around the campfire or build a den in the dark afternoons? At Sulgrave Manor this half term you can get muddy and crafty whilst playing games, climbing trees, and using what’s around you. £30 for a full day (10.30am to 4pm) and £18 for a half day (10.30-12.30pm or 1.30-4pm). W: www.sulgravemanor.org.uk/ whats-on

Monday 24th

Family Activities at IWM Duxford

There’s plenty of fun to be had at IWM Duxford, with free family activities to enjoy. Put your paper plane making skills to the test with Flight Academy, travel back to 1944 and D-Day with the Family Mission. Try out our Spitfire engineers activity stations and learn about the Cold War as you help restore the hacked system in Airforce Action Stations. Running until 30th October. Free, Drop-in, ages 7+. W: www.iwm.org.uk/events/family

Tuesday 25th Apple Archery-Outdoor Thursday

Channel your inner William Tell for this autumnal archery challenge. Using the soft archer set, you’ll be challenged to knock an apple from its perch. Lyveden New Bield National Trust. W: www.nationaltrust.org.uk/event

Wednesday 26th

Paint a Trainer Money Box Workshop

As part of the exhibition

Trainers: A Global Obsession take inspiration from this iconic footwear and create your own painted trainer model to take away with you. Your finished trainer can be used as a money box too. All materials supplied. Booking essential. 10.30am-12pm and 2-3.30pm. £4 pre child. Northampton Museum.

W: www.northamptonmuseums.com

Thursday 27th

Decorate a Halloween Pumpkin Candle Holder

Embrace the darker evenings by decorating your own pumpkin ceramic tea-light holder, to add a spooky glow to your home. Canons Ashby National Trust Property. W: www.nationaltrust.org.uk/ canons-ashby

Autumn Decorations- Craft Thursday

Autumn craft workshop at Lyveden New Bield National Trust. W: www.nationaltrust.org.uk/event

Spooky Stories

Join Preacher the Storyteller for family-friendly spooky stories. Under 18s free, Adults £8 incl. general admission. From 11.30am. Delapre Abbey. Find out more and book tickets on the website. W: www.delapreabbey.org

Wizards Express

The Wizards Express is a fun event for all the family, see the railway in a different light, as Wansford Station is transformed into a Wizardry themed setting to spark your spellbinding imagination into action. Don’t forget to dress in your favourite Wizard Attire. Nene Valley Railway.

W: www.nvr.org.uk/

Thursday 27th October

Halloween Makes

A chance to make a range of spooky decorations for your own Halloween party including gruesome puppets, spoon bats, wicked webs and ghostly lanterns. Booking essential. £4 per child. Abington Park Museum.

W: www.northamptonmuseums.com

Saturday 29th Haunted Halloween

Family friendly Halloween spooktacular trail. Watch out for fearsome creatures and ghostly apparitions as you follow the spooky trail through the house. Escape the creepy trail and collect your trick or treat then enjoy some Halloween refreshments. Ages 3+. Booking essential. £5 per child, adults free. Also on 30th October. Abington Park Museum.

W: www.northamptonmuseums.com

Saturday Club at Brixworth Library

Crafts, games, quizzes, scavenger hunts a brand new activity every week! Ages 4-12, drop-in, donation for materials. Under 8’s must be accompanied. 10am-1pm. Brixworth Library, Northampton.

W: www.northamptonshire.gov.uk/

Do You Dare To Ride The Ghost Train?

Go along to the Nene Valley Railway and ride the Spooky Express. You will be joined on board the train by a few spooky characters who might make the train go bump in the dark. Also on 30th October.

W: www.nvr.org.uk/

Create a Card Trainer Workshop

In this workshop you will be supplied with all the materials to make your very own pair of cardboard trainers based on a pattern by designer Bobby Nangla. Create your favourite high-tops by decorating them with a distinctive design inspired by the trainers on display. Ages 7 – 12 years. Booking essential. £4 per child, 10am-12pm and 1-3pm. Northampton Museum.

W: www.northamptonmuseums.com

Halloween Weekend

Trick or Treat and Fright Night trains at Northampton and Lamport Railway. Also on 30th October.

W: www.nlr.org.uk/ or T:01604 820327

Flame & Thunder! Santa Pod Raceway’s Family Fun, Action Packed Day!

Fantastic on-track action with plentiful family entertainment including: Monster truck rides, Halloween disco, funfair, drift rides and live shows. Followed by a firework extravaganza.

W: www.santapod.com

T: 01234 782828

Sunday 30th Delapre Spooktacular

Take your little monsters along to the Abbey to take part in a familyfriendly Halloween trail. £5 per child, adults free. Delapre Abbey. Find out more and book tickets on the website.

W: www.delapreabbey.org

Family Fun Day

Halloween trail, craft activities, pumpkin painting, roasting marshmallows, house talks and free flow tours. £6 per child, £8 per adult. Sulgrave Manor. 11am-3pm. W: www.sulgravemanor.org.uk/ whats-on

Thunderbowl Halloween Party

Halloween party from 10am-5pm. Everyone is welcome to dress up and enjoy the atmosphere. There will be scary ghosts and zombies waiting to have fun, the lights will be off and in a spooky mood and the music on full scare mode! There will be competitions to win and fancy-dress prizes to be won. Proceeds in aid of the Cransley Hospice, Kettering. T: 01536 414004 to book. www.thunderbowl.co.uk

NOVEMBER

Friday 4th

Big Bonfire Party

Watch the Gunpowder plot reenactment, toast marshmallows, make a guy with free sparklers in a safe environment for every family!

Also on 5th November. West Lodge Rural Centre.

W: www.westlodgeruralcentre. co.uk/events/

Saturday 5th Board Games Café

Split into three two-hour sessions, the café gives you the opportunity to play a variety of board games with friends and family. £1 per person for 2 hours. 10am-4pm. Wellingborough Library.

W: www.northamptonshire.gov.uk/

Friday 18th Winter Light Trail

Discover an array of magical light installations throughout the stunning grounds of the Abbey. 4-8.40pm.

Running until 2nd January. Delapre Abbey. Find out more and book tickets on the website.

W: www.delapreabbey.org

Saturday 26th

Christmas at Bosworth Garden Centre

Meet Santa and get a photo with him beside his cosy fireplace, before heading over to the toy workshop with his elves to choose your very own toy! Runs at Burton Latimer until 24th December. The picturesque Elton store is hosting the most exclusive Breakfast with Santa, for just £11 your little one can enjoy a hot breakfast, a visit from Santa and even a gift!

W: www.bosworthsgc.co.uk/

Christmas Fair

Pick up unique, handmade gifts from a variety of carefully selected stalls. 10am-4pm, £1 plus a food donation. Also on November 27th and December 3rd/4th. Delapre Abbey. Find out more and book tickets online.

W: www.delapreabbey.org

Sunday 27th

The Christmas Experience

Running until 24th December at West Lodge Rural Centre.

W: www.westlodgeruralcentre. co.uk/events/

Santa Specials

Santa Specials start today and run on Saturdays and Sundays until 18th December. All tickets include a meet with Santa, a present for children and complementary on-train refreshments. Northampton and Lamport Railway. W: www.nlr.org.uk/santa-specials-2022/

BOOK AHEAD

Santa’s Grotto

Meet Father Christmas, receive a present lovingly wrapped by his elves and hear a Christmas story. £8 per child, £5 with an annual pass. Various dates in December. Delapre Abbey. Find out more and book tickets online

W: www.delapreabbey.org

We take great care to ensure this information is correct at the time of going to press. However, we would advise parents to phone and check details prior to making a long trip …or promise!

www.primarytimes.co.uk/northamptonshire

The festive season will be upon us in no time and there are so many family adventures to be had! Here is a small taster of what’s to come so you can start planning your best Christmas celebrations yet!

MEET SANTA IN KETTERING THIS CHRISTMAS!

Go along and meet Father Christmas and his Elves in the magical setting of Santa’s Lapland Lodge this Christmas. Enter a wonderland of snow and trees before you go in to meet Santa himself in his inner lodge. Every child will get a present at the end of the visit, specially selected for their age group by Santa’s expert Elves – plus the chance to have their photo with Santa. The grotto will be in Kettering Market Place and will be open during weekends and throughout the school holidays from Sunday 27th November to Saturday 24th December, from 10am to 4pm. There are also late-night opening slots on Fridays 9th, 16th and 23rd December, until 8pm.

Tickets to the Lapland Lodge cost £7 per person and booking is essential. Box Office T: 07432 441147 (open 9am-7pm daily)

W: www.ketteringtowncouncil.gov.uk

FESTIVE PREVIEW

SANTA COMES TO CALL AT BOSWORTH GARDEN CENTRES THIS CHRISTMAS

Magical Christmas events return to Bosworth Garden Centres this year! In Burton Latimer, don’t miss their enchanting Santa’s Grotto. Visit Santa and get a photo with him beside his cosy fireplace, before heading over to the toy workshop to choose your very own toy! Open from the 26th November to 24th December, with quiet sessions to be released soon. Booking is required, costing £11 for the first child, with additional children for £10. Or perhaps your little one would prefer something a bit different? The picturesque Elton store is hosting an exclusive Breakfast with Santa. For just £11, children can enjoy a hot breakfast, a visit from Santa and a gift. The renowned Christmas displays in Burton Latimer are free to wander through from the October half term, and from the first week of December, a visit to the famous singing reindeers is a must!

W:

CASTLE THEATRE

Saturday 29th-Sunday 30th October

HALLOWEEN PARTYSPOOKY CIRCUS

Roll up, roll up, roll up and see this spooktacular spectacular! The Spooky Circus is back! Children are encouraged to wear their Halloween best, even monsters, witches and ghosts enjoy the circus.

Friday 9th-Saturday 10th December

THE POLAR EXPRESS

Feel part of the action as you see the film and are served hot chocolate. A certain Saint Nick may even be making an appearance, along with a few other festive surprises.

Saturday 3rd – Saturday 31st December JACK AND THE BEANSTALK

Climb Up The Beanstalk and Join Castle Theatre For A Giant Of A Family Pantomime in 2022!

THE CORE

Tuesday 25th-Saturday 29th October

THEATS: BIG THE MUSICAL

Join Theats for their debut production at the Core this October for what promises to be a BIG night of fun and entertainment!

Friday 11th November

THE SMARTEST GIANT IN TOWN

George wishes he wasn’t the scruffiest giant in town. So when he sees a new shop selling giantsized clothes, he decides it’s time for a new look, smart trousers, smart shirt, stripy tie, shiny shoes. Now he’s the smartest giant in town until he bumps into some animals who desperately need his help – and his clothes!

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Wednesday 7th – Sunday 11th December

POTTED PANTO

Seven classic pantomimes in 70 hilarious minutes! The Olivier Award nominated festive celebration Potted Panto is back in Corby ahead of a West End season.

Monday 12th – Saturday 24th December

SANTA’S CHRISTMAS RESCUE!

Join Santa, Rudolph, Ellie the elf and her best friend Izzy in this Christmas cracker of a show for pre-school children. The show will be around 35 minutes long and the children will have the chance to meet Santa and the Elves after the show and receive a gift from them.

THE LIGHTHOUSE THEATRE

www.lighthousetheatre.co.uk

Saturday 5th November POP PRINCESSESS

A children’s pop concert with a big difference. A musical spectacular starring four fabulous Fairy tale Princesses who just love to sing! It’s the perfect mix.

Thursday 10th November THE VERY HUNGRY CATERPILLAR

Dive into Eric Carle’s bright and colourful world as his beloved stories are transformed from page to stage using a menagerie of 75 lovable puppets and charming music.

Friday 9th – Saturday 31st December JACK AND THE BEANSTALK PANTO

We have two GIANT stars joining us this year for this year’s panto! Todd Carty from EastEnders’, Grange Hill and Dancing on Ice takes to the stage as King Custard and Fi-Fo-Fum-Fee from BGT it’s Mary P (Bethan Marshall) who stars as the fabulous Fairy Fuchsia!

THE OLD SAVOY

www.theoldsavoy.co.uk

Wednesday 26th October A FRIGHT AT THE MUSEUM

Starring CBBC’s newest comedy stars Danny and Mick. Danny & Mick & their dad Clive have decided they don’t make enough money from their circus, so they get themselves part time jobs as night watchmen in the museum to make ends meet. However, things do not go according to plan when they disturb the ‘Ancient Custard Pie’ and release the ‘Phantom of Slapstick’. They soon realize they are not alone when the museum comes to life at the stroke of midnight and chaos breaks out!

Wednesday 9th November SHAKESPEARE SCHOOLS FESTIVAL

Coram Shakespeare Schools Foundation is proud to present the world’s largest youth drama festival.

Friday 9th-Saturday 31st December

SNOW WHITE CHRISTMAS FAMILY PANTO

Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs will be spectacularly brought to life with an abundance of comedy, sensational song and dance numbers, fabulous costumes and stunning scenery.

ROYAL AND DERNGATE

Sunday 13th November

NMPAT- YOUTH IN CONCERT

Northamptonshire Music And Performing Arts Trust presents the first major event of the season, Youth in Concert, with performances by the five awardwinning senior ensembles of NMPAT: County Youth Concert Band, County Youth Choir, County Youth Brass Band, County Youth Big Band and County Youth Orchestra.

Friday 22nd November-Saturday 31st December THE NIGHT BEFORE CHRISTMAS

Having enchanted children at Christmas time for more than 200 years this popular festive poem bursts into life in a magical production for under 7s and their grown-ups. Watch in amazement as Father Christmas and his reindeer fly through the starlit sky on their busy Christmas Eve journey ensuring that every last present is delivered on time!

Friday 9th December’22 –2 January’23

JACK AND THE BEANSTALK

A GIANT OF A PANTOMIME! Don’t miss our spectacular rags to riches pantomime for all the family. Join Jack and The Good Fairy as they climb the beanstalk to do battle with the Giant. It will be a Fe-Fi-Fo-Fun show! Presenting a Relaxed performance on Sat 31 December at 1pm.

www.thecorecorby.com