Blackbird Pie 2024 February

FREE

February half-term and spring 2024 30,000 copies across Cornwall and on-line

BlackbirdPie Cornwall’s what’s-on for families Calendar February & March 2024 Kernow Health: vaccines What’s on at half-term Science spectaculars!

Festival of Tech workshops & events Learn to swim Theatre shows & pantomimes Classic books review Writers’ Block workshops NHS advice on Sepsis

Vouchers & offers for: National Maritime Museum Cornwall, page 3 Cornwall Heritage Trust, page 4 Raze the Roof, page 6 ‘Better’ swim lessons, page 7 Jungle Jack’s, page 7

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Pages: 4 to 6

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Contents What’s on this February and March including lots of wonderful science activities, amazing free kids’ tech workshops at Cornwall’s Festival of Tech & a new action game at Raze the Roof (free game voucher) Learn to swim with Better, and a money-off-lessons voucher February and March calendar 2024 Theatre shows and pantomimes The Writers’ Block in Redruth - fantastic children’s workshops NHS Cornwall cutout and pin-up advice on Sepsis What’s On continued, including Cornwall’s libraries and the Kids in Museums’ new Twitchers adventure trail in four Cornish museums.

Book review looks at reprints of some wonderful classic children’s books NHS handi app

Dear Readers, The days are getting longer and there are lots of fun things to check out. Delve into science this half-term with madcap demos at NMMC in the Wonderstruck Forces & Energy Show; a Science Spectacular at Eden and plenty of quirky science to explore at Discovering42 in Bodmin. There is plenty of tech fun to be had at Cornwall’s Festival of Tech, at locations across Cornwall (Tech Jam on Tour, Mission to Mars bytesize, Inventors Day, LED workshop, Fantas Tech, Lego robotics and more), and get fit leaping around at Raze the Roof with their new tech game, Deep Sea Dash (offer page 6).

As ever there are amazing theatre shows for families including: a power-crazy Red Riding Hood; battling Arthurian knights; whodunnits and a sing-a-long with Matilda!

Do pop into your local library, they have lots of imaginative, free activities for families as well as being lovely places to snuggle down and read. The Writers’ Block Spring Programme in Redruth also has an array of inspiring workshops, invigorating events and uplifting community and school projects.

We love a bit of hands-on history, and Cornwall Heritage Trust’s free Heritage Explorer Day at Treffry Viaduct, near St Austell sounds like a winner with storytelling, puppets, make-and-take activities, a family trail, and characters from the viaduct’s past. At Kresen Kernow, have fun with ‘Threads’ activities and learn all about Redruth’s historic rag trade, and at Penlee House be inspired by paintings of the past to make souvenirs for now.

Have a great half-term, Vanessa, Simon and the Blackbird

We believe that all details are correct at the time of going to print but cannot accept any responsibility for mistakes or omissions. We try to ensure all events featured will be enjoyed by younger children but in some instances we cannot test this and have to rely on the opinions of the organisers.

Please mention us to advertisers

Contact us at: “Blackbird Pie”, Flying Pig Publishing, 3 Basset Place, Falmouth, Cornwall. TR11 2SS  post@blackbirdpie.co.uk  01326 314242 www.blackbirdpie.co.uk

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What’s on in February & March See pages 10 to 13 for theatre shows. There is lots of wonderful science and tech in Cornwall this half term.

National Maritime Museum Cornwall, Falmouth, 10 to 18 Feb half term Science of the Sea – family fun with a BANG! Learn where energy comes from and witness explosive experiments at the Wonderstruck Forces & Energy Show daily at 11am, 12noon, 1.30 & 3.30pm; quiet sessions Sundays 11am. Have you ever wondered how boats, ships and submarines produce the necessary forces to move and where the energy come from? Your expert guide, Mr Wright will propel an (un)lucky volunteer across the stage on the Wonderstruck Rocket Car, tinker with liquid nitrogen, explode a large bowl of breakfast cereal, and dry his hair with a jet engine! 12.30pm to 3.30pm: Make & Take trinkets inspired by the show and embark on a captivating Museum trail in search of lab coats. The activities are FREE with admission fee - pay once and get in free for a year.

Minnows Tales storytelling and sing-along for under 5s, Mondays in term time, drop-in 11 to 11.30am; free with admission.

Eden Project must pre-book. Kids go FREE in Feb half-term 10 to 18 Feb (maximum of 1 child per adult). Science Spectacular - explore the weird and wonderful worlds of science and technology, and how they can help us build a better future. Packed with explosive science shows, amazing experiments and genius inventions. www.edenproject.com Discovering 42 in Bodmin: enjoy amazing hands-on science workshops and explore interactive, up-cycled artworks that delve into the peculiarities of science. www.discovering42.co.uk Then learn to defy the science of gravity with Swamp Circus and Circo Kernow! Circus Club, Chyan Cultural Centre, near Penryn, brighten up Tuesdays, make friends, keep fit and have circus fun, 5pm until 6.30pm, age 7+, all abilities.

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Book a five-week session www.ticketsource.co.uk/whats-on/cornwall/ chyan-cultural-centre 07775 857677.

2 to 7 Apr: Circus Camp! Chyan Cultural Centre. a memorable camp which incorporates the big top, camping, circus, dance and vocal workshops, top tutors, focused training and great food. Enjoy a full weekend with camping from £100 or purchase day passes from £15 from www.ticketsource.co.uk/swamp-circus Cornwall Festival of Tech (see back page). Is anyone in your family curious about a future in tech? Software Cornwall’s Festival of Tech is running over half term from 12 to 25 Feb, with free events for ages 7+ designed for all kinds of minds from tech-savvy to creative thinkers.

Running at locations across Cornwall for everyone to get involved in. Including Tech Jam On Tour, Mission To Mars bytesize, Inventors Day, LED workshop, Demystifying Digital, Space to Inspire, Fantas Tech, Junior Lego Robotics, Kernow Saturday Hackathon, Not Just For Kids, Junior 360 filmmaking, and lots more! Find out what’s on and book free tickets at www.cornwallfestivaloftech.co.uk The Box, Plymouth’s award-winning museum & art gallery (free admission) www.theboxplymouth.com 13, 14 and 15 Feb: half term fun free drop-in activities inspired by John Akomfrah’s stunning multi-screen film Arcadia. Drop-in for as long as you like from 10.30am to 12.30pm & 1.30pm to 3.30pm.

Have a go at marbling paper and make beautiful dream books to capture your amazing dreams and daydreams. Incredible local storyteller Abimbola Alao will be sharing stories of real-life families who left Plymouth in the 18th century when it was the busiest emigration point in England. Activities are free, no need to book.

Tuesdays during term time: ‘I Wonder’ free, exhibit-inspired, art and creative play sessions for 1 to 4 year olds.

The Lost Gardens of Heligan, www.heligan.com under 5s go free.

(Heligan Local’s Pass is good value) 10 to 18 Feb: Love Heligan! join the Love Heligan Trail, collect Love Heart stamps and discover more about the natural beauty & history of the gardens and the people that nurture this magical place. Then get crafting - planet earth paper chains, love & hope dove decorations and Valentine cards. Listen to fascinating Voices from the Underground in the shepherd’s huts, hear the ramblings of friend mole and the secrets of the heroic Tardigrade. All activities free with entry.

Cornwall Heritage Trust. www.cornwallheritagetrust.org.

Monday 12 Feb, 11am to 3pm: FREE Heritage Explorer Day at Treffry Viaduct, near St Austell. Explore Cornwall’s incredible industrial past with the team from Cornwall Heritage Trust. Visitors will be transported back in time with storytelling, puppets, make-and-take activities, a family trail and even the chance to meet some of the characters from the viaduct’s past. You don’t need to be members, just come along and enjoy!

However, families can join from just £20 a year and family membership benefits include free entry to the English Heritage sites in Cornwall, discounted entry to Heritage Partner sites, a fun children’s activity book and more. Quote ‘BlackBirdPie’ and receive a free Cornish sweet treat with your membership pack!

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What's on - continued from page 5 Bodmin and Wenford Railway, 11, 13, 14, 15 & 18 Feb: Teddy Bears Picnic and Kids travel HALF PRICE with a teddy! Expect the trains to be scattered with teddies, have a Bear Hunt around the station, meet & greet the Station Master bear, name the bear comp & more!

Family Entertainment Centre

Free games for half-term

Saturday farmers markets at The Food Barn, between Mylor & Flushing, excellent, sustainable produce (bread, cakes, veg, meat, milk, fish, tea, coffee, and yummy, prepared food) from small local food producers, 9am to 1pm. Do your weekly shop, sit, chat & feast together inside or out, www.facebook.com/foodbarn.tregew/ Jungle Jack’s, Newquay let your little monkeys run wild on 1,700 square feet of challenging climbs, rope bridge, astra-glide slide, crafty crawl tubes and a baby and toddler area. Book online & use discount code BBP01OFF for £1 off, www.junglejacks.co.uk. Free play & entry for under 1s, adult entry just £1.50. Winter / Spring 6-month pass £75 child (just £12.50 a month), + discounts for siblings. 01637 852890 or reception or email info@junglejacks.co.uk

NEW Deep Sea Dash revolutionising family fun!

The ultimate interactive family-bonding experience with high-tech wristbands and multi-coloured light pads.

Penlee House Gallery & Museum, Penzance. 5 Feb and 4 Mar: Little Penlee Explorers - explore, play and create at Penlee House; free, drop-in sessions for under 5s, drop-in 10am to 12noon. 5 & 19 Feb, 4 Mar: Baby Sensory free, drop-in session for babies from birth to crawlers, explore amazing artworks & enjoy sensory play in the gallery, 10 to 11.30am. Arty Afternoons: free family activities on Saturdays, just drop in 2.30 to 3.30pm. 3 Feb: Start from a Sketch.

10 Feb: Journey Through West Cornwall Game. 17 Feb: Harbour Views. 24 Feb: Mini Sketchbooks. Half term - Twitchers Museum Adventure (see page 14), and 15 Feb 1.30 to 3.30pm: make souvenir badges or magnets inspired by beautiful paintings of West Cornwall penleehouse.org.uk or 01736 363625.

What's on - continues on page 14 >>>>

Get fit moving over the mega play frame to find and tap all the light pads and score as many points as possible.

This is the future of high-tech fun!

To claim this great offer, simply present this advert (one player per advert with standard admission)

www.razetheroof.co.uk Call 01326 377481 or scan to book

30a Parkengue, Kernick Road, Penryn. TR10 9EP

Get ready for an animation explosion this February half-term! The Museum of Cornish Life, Mor Media, and Falmouth University are teaming up to bring you a week of animated fun.

FREE Pop-Up cinemas are back with a giant screen in the Drill Hall and screens in the school room and toy shop.

Let your imagination run wild with the free workshops!

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On Tuesday, join Keith Sparrow for Storyboarding; on Wednesday, make a Morph-inspired model; and on Thursday, explore the world of Shadow Puppets. Spaces are limited, so book https://museumofcornishlife.co.uk/whats-on To top it all off, there will also be a family film at CAST in Helston.

So come on down and let the animations take over!

Learn to Swim in Cornwall at Better swimming pools

£1

OFF: book on-line & use code

Learning to swim at any age is a huge milestone and is a particularly valuable life skill in Cornwall. There is so much to enjoy living near the coast - fun days on the beach, surf, sea swimming, paddle boarding, canoe, scuba diving, sailing, surf lifesaving - and being able to do this safely and with confidence is important.

Swimming can also help keep heart and lungs healthy, improve strength and flexibility and improve balance and posture.

BBP01OFF

Local social enterprise, Better, are the largest provider of swimming lessons in the UK, helping over 135,000 people learn to love the water and keep active by becoming capable swimmers. Better operate Swim Schools at nine leisure centres across Cornwall – Bude, Saltash, Liskeard, Bodmin, St Austell, Newquay, Truro, Helston, and St Ives.

The swim school programme is designed to be flexible and affordable with a range of payment options from monthly direct debits and annual payments. Free swimming at Swim for All Sessions is also included in swimming lesson memberships (except Swimbies) giving affordable family time for swimming and time to practice what the children have learnt.

Special discount code for Blackbird Pie readers valid until 30 April 2024!

HAVE A REALLY WILD TIME

Quote SPRING24 to access £12.50 off when signing up for your lessons at checkout. Terms and conditions apply.

For full details, visit better.org.uk/terms

Look who’s over there?

Depending on your child’s experience, you can choose between Swimbies and pre-school lessons for little ones. They can progress onto Foundation, then Development and finally Academy. All the swimming lesson memberships allow you to track progress through a dedicated online: Home Portal, so you can see direct updates from your qualified swimming teacher.

Brilliant for kids’ parties, play groups, schools, fun days!

Tel: 07761 810900

www.marks-ark.co.uk

Adult lessons available for those looking to learn to swim or wanting to improve technique. Discover more - visit better.org.uk/lessons

Spiders are the number one favourite with the kids!

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This gentle, Chilean, rose tarantula, a bird-eating spider, may have a scary-looking large chunky body, perched on eight hairy legs but she is very popular and still going strong at 16 years old!

Her species is found in the deserts and scrub habitats of Chile and Argentina.

She has a lovely pink iridescence to her hair caused by the diffraction of light.

Minnows Tales, NMMC, Falmouth, term time, drop-in 11 to 11.30am, stories, songs, and rhymes for under 5s, free, adults free with annual pass Toddler Time, Hall for Cornwall’s Green Room Café, 10am, themed crafts, music & games with Tues the friendly Get Creative Team for 2 to 6 years, £4 www.hallforcornwall.co.uk I Wonder term time sessions, The Box, Plymouth, free, exhibit-inspired, art & creative play for 1 to 4-year-olds www.theboxplymouth.com Kids pottery classes, Callington, 4 to 5.30pm, £15 inc materials earth2ware.co.uk Weds Thurs After School Club for 7-10s, The Writers’ Block, Redruth, term-time 4.15 to 5.30pm, create stories in a mix of writing, drama, music & fun! £10/£15 per half term, see page 11 Fridays Storytelling, The Box, Plymouth, every Friday 10.30am, free admission Sats Arty Afternoons, Penlee House, Penzance, 2.30 to 3.30pm, free entry & themed activities; start from sketches, West Cornwall journey game, harbour views, mini sketchbooks.

Jack and the Beanstalk, Keay Theatre, St Austell, St Blazey Amateur Operatic Society’s to 27 traditional panto www.ticketsource.co.uk Jan Sleeping Beauty, Epworth Hall, Helston, www.helstontheatrecompany.co.uk to 28 to 11 Feb Aladdin, Theatre Royal Plymouth, Disney’s musical, 01752 267222 www.theatreroyal 25 to 27 Peter Pan, Liskeard Public Hall, 01726 63513 www.crbo.co.uk 27 Jan & The Vikings, Soapbox Children’s Theatre, Devonport Park, Plymouth, Turf & Clod weave tales of Valhalla, Valkyries, & Viking visits, 5 yrs+, 11am & 1.30pm stiltskin.org.uk 07449724261 3 Feb 5 Feb & Little Penlee Explorers, Penlee House, Penzance, explore, play, & create, free sessions for under 4 Mar 5s, drop-in 10am to 12noon. 5 & 19 Feb, 4 Mar: Baby Sensory sessions, free, drop-in 10 to 11.30am, explore amazing artworks & enjoy sensory play.

6 Feb & 12 Mar & 9 Apr: Manga after-school club, The Writers’ Block, Redruth, 4-5.30pm, Manga drawing with illustrator Keith Sparrow, 10-16 yrs £0-£4 donation, see page 13 Science of the Sea – family fun with a BANG! National Maritime Museum, Falmouth, explosive 10 Feb experiments at the Wonderstruck Forces & Energy Show daily at 11am, 12noon, 1.30 & 3.30pm; science make & takes, museum trail, all FREE with entry (pay once, get in free for a year) Science Spectacular & Kids go FREE this half-term, Eden Project, (1 child per adult), explosive science shows, amazing experiments, genius inventions. www.edenproject.com Big drawings, Endelienta Make Club, St Endellion Hall, map an adventure’s journey / design new worlds/ create life-sized selfies, 10am-12pm, £5 family, must book, thelittleboxoffice.com/endelienta/ 10, 11 & Fun on the Farm, Alpaca Trekking, Liskeard, meet alpacas, learn about sheep, cuddle furry friends, 10am and 3pm, £5, under 2s free, 07803 003960 www.alpacatrekkingcornwall.com/ 15 Feb 10 to 18 Love Heligan! join the Love Heligan Trail, make planet Earth paper chains, love & hope dove Feb decorations, Valentine cards; hear Voices from the Underground, all free with entry.

FREE games: Deep Sea Dash! Raze the Roof, Penryn, the ultimate interactive family bonding play experience using high-tech wristbands & multi-coloured light pads. Offer details page 6 Tech & tweats! RCM, Truro, family-friendly activities, pop-up game centre (Cornwall Festival of Tech) & Twitchers Museum Adventure Trail (page 14). Kids go free, adults annual pass £7.50 Superhero Wildlife Quiz, Paradise Park, find real Superhero birds and animals & your reward, Meet & Greet sessions with extraordinary birds.

50% Off Entry for Locals, Dairyland, near Newquay, TR & PL postcodes, proof required, indoor & outdoor activities, pony rides £3.50, tractor rides £3pp.

Become countryside explorers, NT Godolphin, free with entry, wear wellies, explore the estate’s orange route walk, activities along the way & crafts in the Cider House, 01736 763194 Spring garden trail, NT Trelissick, free with entry 01872 862090 Please mention BlackbirdPie 10 to 19 Animate Helston Festival, see page 6, free pop-up cinemas & free workshops - storyboards, Morph models & shadow puppets, spaces limited - book museumofcornishlife.co.uk/whats-on Feb 10 to 25 The Twitchers Museum Adventure Trail, see page 14, ‘Kids in Museums’ activities at Penlee House, RCM Truro, Wheal Martyn & The Castle Bude; egg-citing national trail for families Feb celebrating the Twitchers wildlife mysteries series. bit.ly/TwitchersMuseumAdventure 11, 13, Teddy Bears Picnic and Kids travel HALF PRICE with a teddy! Bodmin Railway, teddies 14, 15 & everywhere, Bear Hunt around the station, meet & greet Station Master bear, “name the bear” 18 Feb competition & more!

11/2..3/3 Animal Aerobics garden trail, NT Trengwainton, free with entry 01736 363148 FREE Heritage Explorer Day, Treffry Viaduct, near St Austell, explore Cornwall’s incredible 12 Feb industrial past with Cornwall Heritage Trust -storytelling, puppets, craft activities, family trail & meet characters from the viaduct’s past, 11am to 3pm www.cornwallheritagetrust.org Mons

February half-term Family Threads Free craft workshops: rainbow weaving, visible mending, cross-stitch bookmarks & mini fashion designs.

‘Who, What, Wear: stories of the women behind Redruth’s rag trade’ exhibition

See our what’s on for more details at: www.kresenkernow.org Little Vauxhall, Redruth

Saturday 2 March St Piran’s Day Colourful Lino Printing workshops!

12 to 25 Cornwall Festival of Tech, free events for ages 7+, Tech Jam on Tour, Mission To Mars bytesize, Feb Inventors Day, LED workshop, Demystifying Digital, Space to Inspire, Fantas Tech, Junior Lego Robotics, Kernow Saturday Hackathon, Not Just For Kids, Junior 360 filmmaking, book free tickets at www.cornwallfestivaloftech.co.uk Brave Knights battle it out - The Winter Tournament! The Poly, Falmouth, 11am, theatre 13 Feb with sword fights & bad jokes, set in the Dark Age world of King Arthur; then take a closer look/ photos of weapons & armour, age 6+. 01326 319461 www.swashbucklingcornwall.com Toddle Tate at St Ives Library, free, storytelling, child-led making, and play, www.tate.org.uk 13 to 15 Free activities & entry, The Box, Plymouth, inspired by Akomfrah’s stunning multi-screen film Feb Arcadia, drop-in 10.30am to 12.30pm & 1.30pm to 3.30pm, try marbling paper, make beautiful dream books, listen to incredible local storyteller Abimbola Alao Hell’s Bells, Miracle Theatre on tour, comic seaside mystery, enthralling blend of detective 13 Feb to 6 Apr thriller drama & clever humour, for adults & age 7+ miracletheatre.co.uk/ 14 Feb Framed! AMATA, Penryn, PaddleBoat Theatre Company’s thrilling whodunnit with music, puppetry, physical comedy, age 8+. 2pm 01326 259349 14 to 17 Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, Avalon Youth Theatre at Wadebridge School, 7.30pm +2.30pm www.avalonyouththeatre.co.uk Feb 14, 17 & Free Family Wellness Sessions, Luxulyan Valley, a woodland adventure with storytellers, creative nature-based activities, accompanied children age 4+, light snacks provided; register via 18 Feb e-mail: charlotte.evans@cornwall.gov.uk Fairytales, Fables & Other Assorted Nonsense, Assembleth Theatre Co. on tour, ridiculous 14, 16, mishaps, & rebel adventures, age 8+. Little Red Riding Hood rules The Fairytale Woods with a 17, 18 mob of dozy wolves, can fairytale characters save the day? www.assembleththeatre.co.uk Feb 14 Feb 2pm: The Poly, Falmouth. 16 Feb 11am & 2pm: Truro Cathedral. 17 Feb 7.30pm: IntoBodmin. 18 Feb 4pm: Harrowbarrow Village Hall www.carntocove.co.uk 01209 312 505 15 Feb Make souvenirs, Penlee House, Penzance, free workshop, inspired by beautiful paintings of West Cornwall, 1.30 to 3.30pm, and enjoy the Twitchers trail (see page 14), 01736 363625 15 & 16 Half term workshops, The Writers’ Block, Redruth, 10am to 4pm, £20 or bursaries available, Feb 15 Feb: Drama Club workshop for 9-11 yrs, create your own stories through writing & drama.

16 Feb: Story Adventurers 6-8 yrs, interactive session - story, making & doing with Jo Lumber, see page 13 15 & 17 Super Hot Hot Dog, Corali’s joyful seaside extravaganza with an extrovert ice-cream parlour owner, mysterious sea creatures & a wise octopus, age 5+. 15 Feb 2pm: Liskerrett Centre, Feb Liskeard. 17 Feb 6pm: Millenium Centre, Portreath www.carntocove.co.uk 01209 312 505 18 to 24 Beauty and the Beast, Fraddon Village Hall, 7.15pm, matinees 18 Feb 2.15pm, 24 Feb 2pm.

Tickets: 01209 312505 www.tickettailor.com/ Feb From 20 Little Eden weekly club for little ones in Eden’s wild perimeters www.edenproject.com 21 Feb Meet & Greet Bing & Flop, Newquay Zoo, Wednesdays to Sundays, 12noon & 2pm, & Bing’s to 3 Mar family fun activity trail, all free with entry St Piran’s Festival, Newquay, free & subsidised events celebrating Cornwall’s culture, heritage & 1 to 5 environment - concerts, parades & performances. Facebook @newquaystpirans Mar 2 Mar Free St Piran’s Festival, Redruth, live music, stalls, workshops, parade & the Trelawny Shout!

Dinomania Live, Treviglas Academy, Newquay, suspenseful show with award-winning YouTube 2&3 rangers, dinosaurs roaming around & a travelling museum! 11am & 2pm www.dinomania.co.uk Mar 3 Mar Super Sunday Family Festival, Tate St Ives, adults only £1 / free for members, u18s free, hands-on art & explore the amazing artwork of Outi Pieski, 11am to 3pm.

Experience an orchestra! Saltash Wesley Methodist Church, 7.30pm, Bournemouth Symphony’s 14-member ensemble with film music, for families of all ages, tickets www.saltarts.org Sing-along Matilda The Musical, Hall for Cornwall, learn dance moves with free props before 9 Mar the live screening with lyrics on screen.

Drop-in, hang out & make art, Tate St Ives, at U Studio Festival - music, workshops, performance, talks; under 18s free entry & annual Locals’ Pass just £5. www.tate.org.uk 10 Mar Top Secret – The Magic of Science, Keay Theatre, St Austell, 2pm magic cleverly fused with miraculous feats of science www.ticketsource.co.uk 16 Mar Magic and Marvels, Keay Theatre, St Austell, 2pm, one-man extravaganza Michael Jordan, mind-boggling illusions & heart-stopping circus acts. www.ticketsource.co.uk 19 & 20 The Gruffalo’s Child, Hall for Cornwall, with songs, laughs and scary fun!

23 Mar Abstract painting, Endelienta Make Club, St Endellion Hall, nature-inspired abstracts with painter Natalie Day, 10am-12pm, £5 per family, must book thelittleboxoffice.com/endelienta/

Pool, St. Day, Penzance

Theatre Shows, Puppets & Pantomimes!

Get ready to see your favourite characters live at Hall for Cornwall!

9 Mar: come and be a little bit naughty with Sing-a-long-a Matilda The Musical. Your host will teach you some dance moves and show you how to use your free props bag before diving into a live screening of the film with lyrics on screen.

19 to 20 Mar: set off on an enchanting adventure with The Gruffalo’s Child. Adapted from Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler’s award-winning picture book, let your imagination run wild with songs, laughs and scary fun.

9 Apr: put on your favourite tiara and get ready to party with Pop Princesses. Four fabulous fairytale Princesses perform a concert of pop hits, plus songs from your favourite films and musicals.

11 to 14 Apr: join Bluey and her family for their first live theatre show: Bluey’s Big Play.

This theatre adaptation of the Emmy® award-winning television series brings your favourite characters to life in a brand-new and interactive story!

22 Apr: For little dancers, Starchitects by Motionhouse is a joyful cosmic adventure, full of fun and thrilling surprises.

This humorous show will blow your mind with digital projections and gravity-defying dance.

Go on a thrilling adventure with David Walliams’ Awful Auntie, 27 to 30 June. When Stella sets off to visit London with her parents, she has no idea her life is in danger!

With a very large owl and a very small ghost, this fabulous new production is a ‘hoot’ for the whole family!

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Sign up to the newsletter to find out more about newly announced shows, including The Tiger Who Came to Tea and The Very Hungry Caterpillar!

Theatre Royal Plymouth 01752 267222 www.theatreroyal.com Until 11 Feb: Disney’s spectacular Broadway and West End musical Aladdin. Exuberant production filled with unforgettable magic, comedy and breathtaking spectacle.

Age 6+, relaxed performance 8 Feb. Soapbox Children’s Theatre, Devonport Park, Plymouth stiltskin.org.uk 07449724261 27 Jan & 3 Feb 11am &1.30pm: Stiltskin Theatre’s The Vikings, fantastical storytelling, incredible characters, puppets - Turf and Clod weave the tales of Valhalla, Valkyries, and Vikings’ visit to Plymouth.

5 yrs+.

The Poly, Falmouth, thepoly.org 01326 319461 www.swashbucklingcornwall.com 13 Feb 11am: Brave Knights battle it out in The Winter Tournament! By Royal command, Knights of the Round Table have been sent out across the realm to bring joy, merriment, and show off their skills. Now these brave knights have arrived in Falmouth! Set in the mythical Dark Age world of King Arthur, this theatrical performance contains sword fights, bad jokes and more. After show have a closer look/ take photos of the weapons and armour. Age 6+.

14 Feb: Fairytales, Fables & Other Assorted Nonsense, see below Miracle on tour from 13 Feb to 6 Apr. miracletheatre.co.uk/ Hell’s Bells A Comic Seaside Mystery Like No Other with an enthralling blend of detective thriller drama and Miracle Theatre’s trademark colourful characters, physical antics and clever humour.

For adults and adventurous children 7+: Penzance, Polperro, Bodmin, Launceston, St Austell, Grampound, Lostwithiel, Kingsand, St Just, Perranporth, Constantine, Camelford, Wadebridge, Liskeard, Truro.

AMATA, Penryn 01326 259349 www.carntocove.co.uk 14 Feb 2pm: Framed! PaddleBoat Theatre Company’s thrilling family whodunnit with music, puppetry, physical comedy and more. Help detective Rufus catch the clues and spot the suspects, age 8+.

Wadebridge School www.avalonyouththeatre.co.uk 14 to 17 Feb 7.30pm +2.30pm Sat: Avalon Youth Theatre’s Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat Corali on Tour www.carntocove.co.uk 01209 312 505 Super Hot Hot Dog. Join Corali at their joyful seaside…. Visit the extrovert owner of the ice-cream parlour before travelling deep underwater to meet mysterious sea creatures and a wise Octopus.

Join the queue for a Super Hot Hot Dog of your choice and see yourself in new ways at the hall of mirrors. Age 5+.

15 Feb 2pm: Liskerrett Centre, Liskeard.

17 Feb 6pm: Millenium Centre, Portreath Fraddon Village Hall 01209 312505 https://www.tickettailor.com/ 18 to 24 Feb 7.15pm: Beauty and the Beast. Matinees 18 Feb at 2.15pm, 24 Feb at 2pm.

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Treviglas Academy, Newquay (Also showing in Plymouth and Holsworthy).

2 to 3 Mar 11am & 2pm: Dinomania Live – an exciting, suspenseful show with award-winning YouTube rangers, dinosaurs roaming through the audience and a travelling museum! (your budding paleontologist + T Rex skull = perfect photo!) www.dinomania.co.uk

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Assembleth Theatre company on tour www.assembleththeatre.co.uk/production/fairytales Fairytales, Fables & Other Assorted Nonsense. Fairytale characters across the land live in fear. The once sweet Little Red Riding Hood now rules The Fairytale Woods with a mob of incompetent wolves. Susan comes to the rescue, helped by Snow White, Seven Dwarfs, Three Little Pigs & Cinderella. Expect ridiculous mishaps, riotous, rebellious adventure for age 8+.

14 Feb 2pm: The Poly, Falmouth.

16 Feb 11am & 2pm: Truro Cathedral.

17 Feb 7.30pm: IntoBodmin. 18 Feb 4pm: Harrowbarrow Village Hall www.carntocove.co.uk 01209 312505.

Keay Theatre, St Austell www.ticketsource.co.uk 10 Mar 2pm: Top Secret – The Magic of Science, surround yourself with the mystery of magic, cleverly fused with wondrous and miraculous feats of science.

16 Mar 2pm: Magic and Marvels one-man extravaganza, multi-skilled performer & captivating showman, Michael Jordan, will have you gasping with disbelief, and cheering for more mind-boggling illusions and heart-stopping circus acts.

Launceston Town Hall launceston-tc.gov.uk 26 to 28 Mar: Shrek the Musical – Jr. based on the hit film and outrageous Broadway musical, performed by Launceston Youth Music Theatre group.

The Minack Theatre, Porthcurno, minack.com 01736 810181 29 Mar to 12 Apr: Carrie’s War from the award-winning novel

by Nina Bawden. When 12-year-old Carrie and her brother are evacuated to Wales they meet Hepzibah, a warm-hearted witch, who tells them about an ancient skull and a terrifying curse… Years later Carrie returns with her children, to face the terrible secret she has never revealed. Perfect for age 8+

Do you have a passion for performance?

Want to act or dance on the stage?

Photo credit - Hugh Hastings

Then Hall for Cornwall Youth is for you!

Work with industry professionals to explore creativity, collaboration, acting techniques, ensemble chorusing, movement skills, voice work and more! Join in with regular workshops while working towards exciting projects and a huge summer spectacular on the Cornwall Playhouse stage.

One of Hall for Cornwall’s Youth Theatre actors said: ‘I LOVE Hall for Cornwall Youth Theatre! Saturdays are the best day of the week because of their creative workshops. I feel like I’ve finally found a group where I can be myself.’

If you’re interested in acting and performance, then this is the group for you.

Discover workshops for ages 5 to 19 today!

Join at hallforcornwall.co.uk or email getcreative@hallforcornwall.org.uk

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Blackbird Reads

The Steren School of Ballet in Pool, St Day and now Penzance! Ballet classes from as little as birth. Miss Jessica’s enchanting classes bring movement, music, creativity, education and development together. Classes include Early Years ballet, Royal Academy of Dance, pre-pointe & pointe, creative contemporary, and adults, details on www.sterenballet.co.uk 07515 129358.

Classic Books

by Deborah Wright This selection of books have all stood the test of time, and I’m delighted that the publishers are reprinting them, in various exciting formats.

Kresen Kernow Little Vauxhall, Redruth. Half-term (10, 13 to 15 Feb): Family Threads Free craft workshops - rainbow weaving, visible mending, cross-stitch bookmarks & mini fashion designs. ‘Who, What, Wear: stories of the women behind Redruth’s rag trade’ exhibition.

2 Mar: St Piran’s Day Colourful Lino Printing workshops. For details see: Events – Kresen Kernow Cornwall Libraries - cosy up with a classic or have fun with festive crafts this winter. There are so many wonderful FREE things to do, just visit your local library to find out what’s on, from Rhyme Times to Lego clubs and more. Joining is free and there are no fines. For a list of local libraries and how to join online visit www.cornwall.gov.uk/library Follow Cornwall libraries and specific libraries on Facebook and Instagram. 0300 1234111

This February half-term Kids in Museums and Walker Books present an egg-citing national trail for families: The Twitchers Museum Adventure, celebrating Feather, the latest book in M. G. Leonard’s bestselling Twitchers Series. These exciting wildlife mysteries follow the adventures of a gang of birdwatching detectives and in Feather, Ava stumbles upon a crime on a school museum trip! Over 50 museums across the UK will be taking part from 10 to 25 Feb including Penlee House, Penzance, Royal Cornwall Museum, Truro, Wheal Martyn Clay Works, St Austell and The Castle Heritage Centre, Bude. bit.ly/TwitchersMuseumAdventure Pick up a free activity sheet at The Castle Heritage Centre and have a hoot with your family.

Find all the feathered friends hidden in the collection and make a family pledge to protect local wildlife.

The Royal Cornwall Museum is hosting family-friendly activities, trails, and more this half term. Take part in the Twitchers Museum Adventure Trail (10 to 25 Feb) AND explore a pop-up game centre as part of the Cornwall Festival of Tech. Kids go free and any accompanying adults can get in with an annual pass (£7.50).

Newquay Zoo 20 Jan to 3 Mar: follow Bing’s brand-new activity trail to learn about animals in the zoo; discover how Humboldt penguins swim underwater, how red pandas stay warm and how critically endangered warty pigs find their food. 21 Feb to 3 Mar Wednesdays to Sundays at 12noon and 2pm: Meet & Greet with Bing & Flop.

All free with entry. Entrance is free for children under 3 years.

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The Tiger Who Came to Tea Party Book The Tiger Who Came to Tea: a Jigsaw Book written and illustrated by Judith Kerr published by Harper Collins 55 years ago Judith Kerr published her endearing, and enduring book, and it’s never been out of print. The spin-offs include Tiger tea sets, pop-up versions and a rather wonderful ‘create your own’ Tiger Tea Party spiral-bound book with invitations, decorations, party games & recipes. The six x 12-piece jigsaw book is also fun, 3+ will love it.

The Wind in the Willows

by Kenneth Grahame Illustrated by David Roberts published by Oxford There have been many wonderful illustrators of The Wind in the Willows and David Roberts’ new richly-coloured illustrations celebrate its 110th anniversary. There’s a humorous, up-to-date feel here which brings the charming story of the Riverbank to a new generation. For 6+ Watership Down: the Graphic Novel

by Richard Adams adapted & illustrated by James Sturm and Joe Sutphin published by Penguin Adam’s novel was a best-seller 50 years ago, loved by adults and children. This graphic novel version has just been published, with gorgeous illustrations – and the most appealing rabbits.

Many children find graphic novels easier to read, so it’s wonderful that a classic has been reinterpreted, and so delightfully. For 7+ Tom’s Midnight Garden

by Philippa Pearce published by Oxford I absolutely loved this book as a child and I loved it again when I read it with my children. It’s probably my favourite children’s book, so I’m thrilled that Oxford have a new 65th anniversary edition. When the clock mysteriously strikes 13, Tom finds the back yard of his aunt’s house has become a beautiful garden, with a little girl called Hetty to play with.

Utter magic. For 8+ A Pack of Lies

by Geraldine McCaughrean published by Oxford McCaughrean is one of our great storytellers and this 35th anniversary edition introduces us to the strange character of MCC Berkshire who comes to work in Povey’s Antiques Emporium. Every time a customer buys something, he tells a wild and fantastical tale about it. But are the tales all a pack of lies?! For 9+

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