Families Solent East Issue 73 NovDec17

Christmas is here!

Your guide to all the best local family events

Get ahead of the crowds with our Christmas gift guide

Local family news and lots more inside...

Issue 73 November/December 2017 familiesonline.co.uk

familiesonline.co.uk

Families Solent East 1

EXPERIENCE MORE Nursery | Infant | Junior | Senior | Sixth Form

Christmas on the Farm Join us for a magical Christmas experience!

Make a Christmas craft, follow the Christmas trail, then enjoy a festive donkey ride to meet Santa in his grotto.

Tickets available on: 2 & 3, 9 & 10, 16 & 17 and 23 Dec ÂŁ13.95 per child (includes gift).

Book now at www.hants.gov.uk/shop Standard park admission applies for accompanying guests.This is an outdoor experience and only children will be able to ride on the donkey.

www.hants.gov.uk/staunton www.hants.gov.uk

023 9236 0036 | www.pgs.org.uk

www.familiesonline.co.uk Tel: 02392 042 874 Managing Editors Caroline Roope Sharon Armstrong editor@familiessolenteast.co.uk Editorial and Design Caroline Roope caroline@familiessolenteast.co.uk Tel: 02392 042 874 07967 597779

Advertising Claire Clarricoates claire.clarricoates@familiespublishing.co.uk

Next issue January/February 2018 Booking deadline 4 December 2017

Families Solent East delivered directly to parents and carers since 2005 Copyright: Families Solent East 2017 Families Solent East is part of Families Print Ltd, a franchise company. All franchised magazines in the group are independently owned and operated under licence.

Families is a registered trademark of LCMB Ltd, Remenham House, Regatta Place, Marlow Road, Bourne End, Bucks SL8 5TD. The contents of Families Solent East are fully protected by copyright and none of the editorial or photographic matter may be reproduced in any form without prior consent of Families Solent East. Every care is taken in the preparation of this magazine, but Families Solent East; our distributors, the franchise company, Families Print Ltd and Lifecycle Marketing cannot be held responsible for the claims of advertisers nor for the accuracy of the contents, or any consequence thereof.

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News and views

5

Clubs and classes

6

The Secret Lives of 4 & 5 Year Olds

7

Christmas Gift Guide

8

Family Fun this Christmas

12

What's On Welcome to Issue 73......

Unless you've been living in a cave, you'll have noticed that Christmas is only just around the corner! We're definitely in the 'I love Christmas' camp here at Families Solent East and preparing this issue has given us the perfect excuse to start feeling all festive!

Christmas is such a special time of year - even more so when you've got little people in the family - it's the perfect excuse to spend quality time with each other, and eat our own weight in food...

Don't miss our What's On Guide towards the back of the magazine for some fab #familyfun ideas, featuring the best of Chirstmas 2017.

Have a fantastic Christmas and we'll see you in 2018!

Sharon and Caroline x

Fareham Swim School

Bringing swimming lessons to the High Street

20% off your first baby and toddler lesson in Nov/Dec quote baby&toddler20

To book your lessons or to find out more, please get in touch

Small class sizes max 4:1 | Beautifully warm pools Teacher in the water | After school swim club Parent & baby/toddler sessions | Confidence building sessions | Specialist Pre school Independent classes New private pool at 153 West Street, Fareham

farehamswimschool.com

Tel: 01329 802208

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Families Solent East 3

Family News

Support Brain Tumour Research this Christmas.....

Pioneering charity Brain Tumour Research has taken an innovative approach to their range of Christmas cards this year, signing up supporter and artist, Caroline Copland, to design a new card for 2017.

Caroline, who sadly lost her mother Janet to a brain tumour three years ago, was inspired by the Christmas Hope Trees which decorate the charity’s Research Centres of Excellence across the UK each year.

The Hope Tree cards will join other festive favourites in the charity’s range. All cards are priced at £4 per pack of ten, with at least 60% of the proceeds going towards supporting vital brain tumour research. Brain Tumour Research is the only national charity in the UK focused on funding sustainable research to find a cure for brain tumours, which kill more children and adults under the age of 40 than any other cancer.

Order via: www.braintumourresearch.org/ fundraise/christmas-cards

Issue 46Home : (E) from Home with Chilly Powder Do you prefer winter or summer in the Alps… or both? Francesca, Paul and their three children live in Morzine in France all year round and have a good knowledge of Alpine traditions and the Morzine people. Having adapted their chalet holiday style over the years to suit the tastes of their regular guests, they offer the perfect ski and summer holidays for either families, couples or mixed groups in relaxing luxury, with fantastic food and outstanding facilities, with unrivalled in-house childcare facilities. For many returning guests Chilly Powder is considered a real home from home.

For more about Chilly Powder chalets for summer and winter visit www.chillypowder.com

Flip Out Chichester is a fantastic place for the whole family to have fun together....

With wall to wall trampolines, a foam pit, tumble track, free running area and much more there’s something for everyone to enjoy.

Flip Out offers party packages for special events or corporate days out, fitness classes to get you in good shape and also have a café to re-fuel after a flipping good session. There’s always something exciting going on so take a look at the website or social media for more information on upcoming events and special offers.

4 F amilies Solent East

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Education News The Portsmouth Grammar School is a leading co-educational school renowned for excellent teaching, superb pastoral care and co-curricular opportunities.

"We understand that choosing the right school for your child is very important and we will do all that we can to help you find out what makes us such a friendly and vibrant school. Girls and boys can join from the age of 2½ in the Nursery and at various stages through to Sixth Form."

To find out more please visit www.pgs.org.uk or visit us on at one of our Open Events. Forthcoming dates for the Senior School are Thursday 16 November at 2pm and Thursday 22 February at 2pm. There is a Reception Taster Afternoon on Tuesday 14 November and a Juniors’ Taster Day on Tuesday 21 November.

Please call 023 9236 0036 to find out more and book your place.

Fareham Swim School…..bringing swimming lessons to the High Street If you are looking for good quality, small and friendly swimming lessons, Fareham Swim School are offering just that. Conveniently located on West Street in Fareham (just near to Skool Kit).

"We cater for all ages & abilities, from newborn to adult and everyone in between. We have a beautiful private pool, perfectly warm & clean, heated to a minimum of 33’.

Lessons are small, with a maximum of 4 children per class giving little ones the opportunity to grow in confidence and improve in technique quickly and happily. Safety, confidence and happiness are at the top of our list when it comes to children swimming.

We have specially designed baby, toddler and preschool lessons.

Mums dads, grandparents and caregivers welcome in the pool."

Open 7 days a week, 48 weeks per year.

Badges, certificates and stickers can be earned!

For more information please call or email one of the team who will be happy to help on Info@farehamswimschool. com, or call 01329 802208. You can also visit the website at www.farehamswimschool.com.

Monkey Music Music really is the food of love!

At Monkey Music, our specially trained teachers ensure that every class is rich, nourishing and great fun! With over 400 specially written songs and activities, our age specific classes take mini monkeys from their first gentle and absorbing musical experiences, right through to early adventures in composing, written notation and learning more about instruments of the orchestra. Our classes include lots of singing, dancing and hands on practice with top quality instruments. Join us this term and give your child a rock-solid foundation for a lifelong love of music!

Monkey Music – nurturing a lifetime of music.

Teach your child to swim with the award-winning Rusalka Swim School

Your baby was born to love music...

Try our award winning classes for babies from 3 months

Classes held across Hampshire and West Sussex Group discounts for NCT members when 3+ people join together at the same time

Rusalka offers a great start in swimming tuition for your baby and toddler. They first opened their swim school in 2005 and they now operate two of their own pools, six days a week, with free adjacent on site parking. Both pools are equipped with state of the art automatic heating systems which maintain the water temperature at 31C and the air temperature at 32C at all the times.

In the past eleven years they have taught thousands of babies and children to swim, picking up several national awards along the way, including Best UK Swimming Teacher and ASA Centre of Excellence status. Rusalka takes babies from 3 months old and there are never more than 5 children in a class at any one time.

Children can achieve various ASA level Duckling badges and certificates as they progress.

Find out more by calling Rusalka on 02392 594449 or visiting the website at www.rusalkaswim.com. familiesonline.co.uk

Families Solent East 5

The Secret Lives of 4 & 5 Year Olds at School Most parents and carers wish they could be a fly-onthe-wall when their child starts school. Well, Channel 4’s Secret Lives of 4 & 5 year Olds which returns this November, allows them to do just that. Filmed in a specially rigged Essex school, the new series aims to give viewers a child’s perspective of their transition to a school setting.

How can kids deal with friendship issues, if they have fallen out with someone?

“It’s very tempting as a parent to want to fix this problem, but children fall in and out of friendships hundreds of times a day and can usually sort issues out themselves.

If the problem is more complicated and you think there is unkind behaviour or bullying, then an adult might need to step in. But on the whole, conflict, when you are learning to be social is perfectly normal. Ask your child, “Is there any thing you can do to sort the situation out?” Try and help them understand the other child’s perspective. As parents, we often overcomplicate issues. We can learn a lot from children, particularly the way they are so open and forgiving.”

How can we deal with the issue of gender with young children?

I feel that gender isn’t particularly a driving force for children this age. They do make assumptions about children but they are happy for them to be corrected and they play on a much more straightforward basis. Gender becomes a much bigger issue for children towards the end of primary school. It’s important to encourage them to keep an open mind and understand that children of all ages and genders need the same opportunities because that is what is important for their development. Brains are not gendered, brains allow our children to learn.

Claire Winter talks to Dr Elizabeth Kilbey, a psychologist from the show, about what she learnt whilst filming the series.

Can you tell us more about the series?

“It offers this wonderful window, through which we can watch the children playing and interacting with each other. We give them lots of things to do, to see how they manage and play. It’s an amazing way of showing viewers what their children are actually doing at school.”

How did the children cope with the transition to school?

“Parents main worry is generally ‘will my child be alright?’ and some children are very anxious. A great example is that wonderful picture of Prince George looking a bit worried on his first day of school.

What I can now confidently tell parents and carers is that their children are absolutely fine, once they are gone. They are doing lots of interesting things and coping brilliantly.”

Not all children cope with the transition so well, what advice would you give to them?

“Take a calm, pragmatic approach. Essentially children tend to be worried about what they think might happen. In reality, they are going to be fine, but they just don’t know that yet. Be confident and reassure your child that everything will be okay. Remember, the school setting is designed to engage them. It’s getting them to go in which is the tough bit. Once they are there they’ll be fine.”

What advice can you give parents whose children haven’t started school yet?

“Children need to develop communications skills, get used to talking and relating to others and playing cooperatively. All of these social abilities will be vital later in life. Encourage lots of play with other children and get them to question how things work because natural curiosity is the main driver for learning.”

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What can you do if a child is exhibiting OCD type behaviour?

“Anxiety needs a non-emotional response and a calm authority can be incredibly helpful. It’s tempting to offer support to someone who is suffering by saying, “isn’t this terrible,” but this reinforces the idea that there is something to be scared of. Parents shouldn’t try to neutralise the anxiety or reinforce it; it is best to carry on, with a business as usual approach.

“If you are concerned or the behaviour is continuing over a long period of time and in more than one setting, get some advice from your school, GP or Health Visitor.”

What was the most interesting insight you gained from watching the children?

“I learnt that children of this age are hilarious and multi-layered.

They are not that different from adults. They have amazingly rich social lives. They test hypotheses, ask questions, fail and then carry on. They are resilient and incredibly complicated, just like we are.”

‘The Secret Lives of 4 and 5 Year Olds’ will be aired on Channel 4 in November.

familiesonline.co.uk

Vtech Kidizoom Flix Playset, £59.99, Amazon Age: 4+ Meet Flix! An alien VTech Kidizoom camera. It can detect faces and will sound out funny alien responses when you speak to him. You can customise his look by using his camera, you can change the colour of his eyes and background. Available in blue and pink, it also has a ‘guard mode’ where it takes secret photos or videos. Image - Amazon.co.uk

Christmas all wrapped up!

The Christmas countdown has begun - to make sure you stay on your kids ‘good’ list here are 5 must-have toys that are guaranteed to be a hit this Christmas!

Lion Stacking Toy, £16 www.double-flip.com Age: Suitable from birth A classic set of brightly painted stacking rings that will look great in any nursery.

Your little one gets to place the rings on the wooden pole and finish it off with a cheerful lion head. Great for babies and toddlers hand eye coordination.

Little Tikes Princess Horse & Carriage, £99.99, Amazon Age: 18 months+ For the little princess in your life.

This amazing toddler ride-on comes complete with clip-clop sounds and a horse that moves side to side. Image - Amazon.co.uk

Hatchimal Colleggtibles, £10, Argos Age:5+ Hatchimals look set to be another must-have toy this year with their colleggtible range. Hold the egg in your hands, rub the heart and when it changes from purple to pink, it's ready to hatch. There are over 70 to collect. You have been warned!

Airhogs DR1 Official Race Drone, £99, Argos Age: 10+ A great gift for a tween.

Download the free app, place a smart phone in the headset, and start piloting like a DR1 drone racing professional with a live stream from the camera on the drone.

Happy shopping!

For more fantastic Christmas ideas visit our website at www.familiesonline.co.uk

Top ways to write to Santa!

Gone are the days of sending letters up the chimney with present requests!

Now contacting Santa is an altogether more fun and exciting mission.

Top ways to get in touch include: • The Royal Mail: Write to the man in red by December 8 and get a personal letter back. See www.royalmail.com/letters-to-santa for more info.

• Write an email to Santa at emailsanta.com and he will send you a reply faster than Rudolph can fly!

• Get a personalised video from Santa using Portable North Pole App at www.portablenorthpole.com/en/ and Santa will commend those with good behaviour and offer a few words of encouragement for those naughty ones!

familiesonline.co.uk

Families Solent East 7

It's beginning to look a lot like

Christmas....

We're really lucky to have so many fantastic family fun Christmas events in our area to choose from!

To help you decide, we've put together this Families Favourites guide of all the best local festive family events - and don't forget, there's even more in our What's On guide on pages 12-15!

COME JOURNEY TO THE STARS THIS CHRISTMAS An exciting range of star shows is on offer at the South Downs Planetarium this Christmas. Suitable for all the family (from age 7 and upwards), there is something for everyone interested in learning about the wonders of the night sky.

Our shows ‘The Night Sky This Christmas’ and ‘Wintertime Stars, Moon and Planets’ provide wonderful guided tours of the highlights of the night sky at this time of year.

New this December we have our spectacular fulldome shows ‘One Small Step for Major Tim, A Giant Leap towards Mars’, ‘Out There, The Quest for Extrasolar Worlds’, ‘Distant Worlds – Alien Life’ and ‘Hubble’s View of the Universe’.

These shows feature stunning fulldome, immersive video and breathtaking colour images.

Returning by popular demand on 21st, 23rd and 24th December is ‘The Star of Bethlehem’ – an astronomical detective story, exploring the various possibilities for the famous Christmas Star.

For details of all upcoming shows, and a map showing you how to get there, visit the Planetarium’s website at www.southdowns.org.uk.

Advance booking is essential, as many shows do sell out. Just call 01243 774400 or 07818 297292 to reserve tickets.

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Follow the Star of Bethlehem At the South Downs Planetarium Chichester What was the famous star in the east that guided the Wise Men to the birthplace of Jesus?

Visit our website at www.southdowns.org.uk to find out details of this and all our other shows over the Christmas/ New Year period.

Advance booking essential

Call: 01243 774400 or 07818 297292 for details or to reserve tickets for any of our shows Tickets: Adults: £7 Under 16’s: £5 Free Parking • Easy Access for Disabled • Convenient for Public Transport The South Downs Planetarium, Sir Patrick Moore Building, Kingsham Farm, Kingsham Road, Chichester, West Sussex PO19 8AE

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Aspex presents

festive family

Winter Workshops funatday

Saturday 9 December 11.00 - 15.00

FREE

GET CREATIVE: www.aspex.org.uk

Aspex, The Vulcan Building, Gunwharf Quays, Portsmouth, PO1 3BF

Festive Family Fun Day at Aspex On Saturday 9 December Aspex, Portsmouth’s leading contemporary art gallery, will host their annual Festive Family Fun Day. From 11am - 3pm, the gallery is transformed into a hive of festive, creative activity - and it’s completely free!

From January their weekly early years workshops, Mini Makers, will also go free - encouraging creativity in toddlers and their parent/guardians.

Snow White at the Kings Theatre Join us at the Kings Theatre, Portsmouth for tradtional family pantomime fun with Snow White, her charming Prince, the Wicked Queen and 7 magnificent dwarfs with lavish sets, wonderful costumes, a surprise or two and all the cheers, jokes and jeers you would expect!

Starring Melinda Messenger, Anita Harris, Marcus Patrick, Simon Grant and Jack Edwards this Kings Theatre 2017 Christmas pantomime will be one to remember! The pantomime runs from 5 December – 1 January 2018, tickets are available at www.kingsportsmouth. co.uk or call the box office on 02392 82 82 82 The Kings Theatre will also be showing....

9-11 November Diamond Show Stoppers 12 November - Miller plays the Musical 24-25 November - Into the Woods 26 November - Carols at the Kings

Why not join them for the festive season, and enjoy a coffee and cake courtesy of the new cafe partners, Southsea’s artisan bakery Bread Addiction!

To find out more, visit their website: www.aspex.org.uk

Festive Family Fun at the Emirates Spinnaker Tower Elves will be setting up home at Emirates Spinnaker Tower this festive season! Visitors to the Tower will be invited to follow a fun family trail to track down Santa’s little helpers who are hidden around the iconic building.

To compliment this activity, the Tower’s gift shop has become an official supplier of Elf on the Shelf character toys and the Tower’s popular Waterfront Café will serve a selection of festive treats.

The event is included in the standard Tower ticket price so you’ll be able to enjoy stunning panoramic views and brave the amazing glass floor too.

familiesonline.co.uk

1ST – 24TH DECEMBER

FESTIVE FAMILY FUN AT THE EMIRATES SPINNAKER TOWER

Look for the mischievous elves hidden around the Tower and enter our free prize draw, plus enjoy festive treats in the Waterfront Cafe and browse for gifts in our shop.

Open daily from 10am Emirates Spinnaker Tower, Gunwharf Quays, Portsmouth, PO1 3TT

SPINNAKERTOWER.CO.UK

Families Solent East 9

Christmas at Paultons

Visit Father Christmas

Visit Paultons Family Theme Park from Saturday November 18 and celebrate Christmas in a world of twinkling illuminations, seasonal music and a giant musical Christmas tree.

10am - 4.30pm (last time slot 4pm)

Families visiting Christmas at Paultons will enjoy Santa’s Grotto, as they join a reindeer on his magical journey to find Santa in time for Christmas Eve.

9-10 & 16-17 December 2017

After receiving a special present, children can visit the Park’s state-of-the-art 4D Show Street Cinema for a screening of the Christmas adventure film, Birds of a Feather, where Del the pelican helps straitlaced bird Brian find his way South for the winter!

Bring the family to West Dean Gardens for children to share their Christmas wishes with Father Christmas, receive a small gift and enjoy the craft activities.

Child £5 (includes gift and craft activities) Adult £5.50 (includes mince pie and mulled wine) Online booking essential www.westdeangardens.org.uk West Dean Gardens, West Dean, Chichester, West Sussex, PO18 0RX –

Father Christmas & Christmas Crafts at West Dean Gardens Join the family festivities and enjoy a winter walk (dogs welcome on a short lead) at West Dean Gardens near Chichester, 9-10 and 16-17 December (10am to 4pm). Children can meet Father Christmas, receive an early Christmas gift and enjoy the craft activities to make decorations. There’s mulled wine and mince pies for adults too. Child tickets £5 (includes gift and activities) and adult entry £5.50. www.westdeangardens.org.uk.

For stocking fillers and Christmas gifts the Gardens shop is filled with festive goodies. Or why not treat a loved one to an Afternoon Escape? For just £25 afternoon tea vouchers include gardens entry and afternoon tea for two people.

Unwind over a delicious freshly prepared lunch or afternoon tea in the Gardens Restaurant (children’s menus from £5.50).

Breakfast is available from 9am at weekends.

This Christmas At Horizon Leisure Centres Inflatable Swim Sessions, Large Pools & Splash Pools Indoor Play Centres Toddler Groups info@horizonlc.com www.horizonlc.com

Teen Gym Workout Christmas Holiday Kids Club Kids Christmas Parties

Havant Leisure Centre

023 9247 6026

Waterlooville Leisure Centre

VISIT US TODAY!

Peppa Pig World will also be transforming this Christmas season as Peppa Pig and George wrap up in their winter scarves, hats and coats. Among the land of seasonal music and giant Christmas trees, Santa in his sleigh from the TV series can also be seen.

Guests will be entertained with a daily Christmas Show featuring Frosty and Rudolph along with Billy and Belinda the elves as they sing and dance their way around the Show Stage. Adults can enjoy a complimentary hot fruit punch and a seasonal treat and children will also receive a Christmas gift. A great range of selected rides and attractions will also be open during the Christmas season - please visit paultonspark.co.uk for further information and to book tickets.

Please note that Edge, Cobra, Magma, Go-Karts, Dragon Ride, Digger Ride, Seal Falls, T-Cups, Jumping Bean, Jumping Jack, Rio Grande Train Ride, Raging River Ride, Sky Swinger, Water Kingdom and Muddy Puddles will not be open for Christmas at Paultons.

Festive Fun for Families at Horizon This winter Horizon Leisure Centres, the charity, that runs Havant and Waterlooville Leisure Centres has a range of festive fun activities to keep you and your family busy. There are two indoor play centres, Horizon Oceans of Play and Horizon World of Play offering a great space for your little ones to let off fuel and run around, with seating and WiFi for the parents to enjoy.

If you are working or need a day to get the last minute Christmas shopping then there is a Kids School Holiday Club that offers full-day, half-day and full week options.

The price for a full week is only £99.

To find out more visit: www.horizonlc.com.

023 9224 5900

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Christmas at Rother Barn Come down to Rother Barn Christmas Tree Farm, and pick your own tree. Our trees are fabulously fresh as they are not cut until they have been chosen for their perfect home!

Furthermore, you can enjoy a tractor ride, visit the animals and visit Santa in his Grotto (selected dates and times may apply).

Join the Reindeer Hunt – find one of our 3 mascots and bag yourself a treat. Still got some energy? Have a go on our bouncy castle (weather restrictions may apply).

Christmas at Rother Barn Friday 1st December—Friday 22nd December 10am - 4pm everyday · Pick your Own Tree · Bouncy Castle · Reindeer Hunt · Santa’s Grotto

Offering a fun and friendly atmosphere for the whole family, pick your tree from us and we are sure you will enjoy every second!

· Handmade Wreaths · Petting Farm · Tractor Rides · Hot Food & Drinks

Fun at the Farm this Christmas With a rare breeds farm, the south coast’s largest ornamental glasshouses, beautiful gardens and 1,000 acres of country park to explore there’s something for everyone to see and enjoy this Winter at Staunton. Children can feed the farm animals and join in our fun animal encounter sessions, then let off steam in George’s play barn, which includes a soft play toddler zone.

Relax in the beautiful walled gardens, take in the sights, sounds and smells of the sensory garden, or enjoy a stroll in the beautifully landscaped parkland. Visit our fantastic new outdoor play area with its fully accessible play equipment. Set sail to China on Sir George Staunton’s punt boat and discover spinning tea cups, a large climbing frame with its Chinese inspired rooftops, accessible swings and much more!

· Painting, Drawing & Crafts

Dates for the Diary Santa and his sleigh are visiting the farm on Saturday 9th, Sunday 10th, Saturday 16th and Sunday 17th December.

11am—3pm.

Petting Mobile Farm Saturday 2nd & Saturday 9th December. 11am—3pm.

Tractor Rides every throughout the day.

weekend

all

Chichester Festival Theatre is a proud member of the Family Arts Standards and prides itself on being a family friendly venue - both on stage and off. It is always delighted to welcome its youngest visitors and their grownups, whether to watch a show, take part in a workshop, or simply to enjoy tea and cake with friends while using the free Wi-Fi. Children’s shows include: Beauty and The Beast, The Jungle Book, The Little Matchgirl, Comedy Club 4 Kids!, Penguin and Tales from the Shed.

Visit cft.org.uk/for-families or call 01243 781312 for more information.

Festive Fun at The Spring Visit The Spring for a festive fun-filled extravaganza with musical Santa in Love! Perfect for all little ones and their families, the show is packed full of games, giggles, and all your favourite Christmas songs including Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree, Merry Christmas Everyone, and Santa Claus is Coming to Town!

A fun-filled festive musical for little ones and their families!

Santa will be available after the show to meet your little ones and give them a present too.

Friday 22 – Sunday 24 December. Running time 1 hour. Tickets £9, £8 concessions. To book call the Box Office on 023 9247 2700 or visit www.thespring.co.uk familiesonline.co.uk

22 - 24 December 11.30am & 2.30pm 023 9247 2700 thespring.co.uk

Families Solent East 11

MORE

023 9264 9000. www. newtheatreroyal.com/ performances/trashtest-dummies

ONLINE familiesonline.co.uk

Everyone put your bins out, tonight is bin night and the Trash Test Dummies are on duty! This award winning, side-splitting slapstick comedy routine takes the household wheelie bin to new heights, and delivers a dump truck full of hilarity! 2pm / Standard Ticket: £12 / Family: £40

4 November James and the Giant Peach

We’ve scoured the area for local family events this November and December! We take great care in compiling our events guide, but please contact venues before you leave home as things can change.

3 November Bonfire and Fireworks Display

4 November Boundary Oak Fireworks Display

Buriton Village Hall, Buriton, Petersfield, Hampshire, GU31 5RX. www.facebook.com/ Buritonfireworks

Boundary Oak School, Wickham Road, Fareham, Hampshire, PO17 5BL, 01329 280955. boundaryoakschool.co.uk/ welcome/boss/

Buriton Village Fireworks are gearing up for the annual Bonfire Night Fireworks Display 2017 near Petersfield. The annual Buriton Village Fireworks Display is fired

by Stelstar, on the recreation ground at the Village Hall. Before the display, there will be the usual torch lit procession on the field, the lighting of the bonfire, as well as fairground attractions, glow toys and refreshments available. Buriton Village Fireworks is a small charity which raises funds for various village groups and organisations. Times TBC.

4 November Petersfield Round Table Fireworks Display Bell Hill Recreation Ground, Beckham Lane, Petersfield, Hampshire, GU32 3BU. www.petersfieldfireworks.co.uk.

The Round Table Fireworks Display is back for Bonfire Night 2017 to entertain Petersfield and the surrounding area! All proceeds from the display go towards local charities. There will be a fully licensed bar serving a selection of beers, ales and mulled wine, as well as a hot food stand supplied by Petersfield's own Plump Duck where you can get Hot Dogs, as well as hot drinks and sweet treats. Gates open 5:30pm, Bonfire 6:30pm, Fireworks 7:00pm / Advance tickets: Adult £8 / Child £4 / Family £16.

On the gate: Adult £10 / Child £5 / Family £20

12 F amilies Solent East

The Boundary Oak School Society host a safe and family-friendly fireworks display within the grounds of the school in Fareham. Parking on site is available and there will be refreshments as well as glow novelties and sweet treats, making this the ideal place to relax and enjoy fireworks with the whole family!

Timings TBC.

4 November Emsworth Community Fireworks Display Emsworth Primary School, Victoria Road, Emsworth, Hampshire, PO10 7LX, 01243 375750. www.emsworthprimaryschool. co.uk/EPSA/

the annual Bonfire Night Fireworks Display on the village Recreation Ground. Gates open 5:30pm, Fireworks 7:00pm / Adult £5 / Child Free

4 November Bonfire and Fireworks Display 2017 Cosham Portsmouth King George V Playing Fields, Cosham, Portsmouth, Hampshire, PO6 3TJ. www.portsmouth.gov.uk/ext/ leisure/events Portsmouth’s annual free fireworks display will return to the King George V Playing Fields in Cosham, along with plenty of entertainment, food stalls and the annual Cosham bonfire. Timings TBC.

4 November Trash Test Dummies New Theatre Royal, 20-24 Guildhall Walk, Portsmouth, Hampshire, PO1 2DD

Ferneham Hall, Osborn Road, Fareham, PO16 7DB. 01329 231942.

James Henry Trotter lives with two ghastly hags. Aunt Sponge is enormously fat with a face that looks boiled and Aunt Spiker is bony and screeching. He's very lonely until one day something peculiar happens. At the end of the garden a peach starts to grow and GROW AND GROW. Inside that peach are seven very unusual insects - all waiting to take James on a magical adventure. But where will they go in their GIANT PEACH and what will happen to the horrible aunts if they stand in their way? There's only one way to find out…Performances at 11am and 2.30pm, £10 per ticket, Under 16’s £7 and £30 for a family of four.

November 4-5 Love Southsea Market Palmerston Road, Portsmouth, PO5 3QQ Love Southsea's street market in Palmerston Road. Every first weekend of the month, from 9:00am to 5:00pm Free entry!

5 November Bonfire and Fireworks Display 2017 Stockheath Common Havant Stockheath Common, Leigh Park,

Bonfire Night will be here before you can say 'gunpowder, treason and plot' and the Emsworth Primary School Association will be busy planning their annual community Fireworks Display for 2017! Timings TBC.

4 November Rowlands Castle Fireworks Display Rowlands Castle Recreation Ground, The Fairway, Rowland's Castle, Hampshire, PO9 6AQ, 023 9241 3044 Dazzling fireworks will light up the night across Havant and Waterlooville as we celebrate Bonfire Night 2017. The Rowlands Castle Association organise familiesonline.co.uk

Havant, Hampshire, PO9 5BB, 023 9244 6019.

The free family fireworks event in Havant will begin when the Mayor of Havant lights the bonfire at 7.30pm. This year is a milestone for the Havant Bonfire Night celebrations as it is the final year of the event being a council run display. Visitors arriving by car should use the Havant Borough Council car parks at Greywell – the car parks are a five minute walk from the event, and parking in them will be free on that evening from 6pm. Bonfire 7:30pm, Fireworks 7:45pm

5 November Guy Fawkes Day Family Activities Weald and Downland Living Museum, Singleton, Chichester, West Sussex, PO18 0EU. 01243 811363.

Join the team on Sunday 5th November between 10.30am and 4pm for family activities linked to Guy Fawkes Day (Bonfire Night).

11-12 November Southsea Crafts Market Southsea Farmers' Market, Palmerston Road, Southsea, Portsmouth, PO5 3QE www.woodlandcrafts.co.uk/craftmarkets-southsea/ Woodland Crafts Events Management will run a monthly Crafts Market in the heart of Southsea. This is the place to find lovely, locally made products, as well as plenty of beautiful things from further afield. Palmerston Road is Portsmouth's principal pedestrianised shopping area, and these Crafts Markets are the opportunity for a great range of local crafts people to exhibit their wares.

9am-5pm Saturday and 10am-4pm Sunday.

11 November Modelling Beasts Pallant House Gallery, 9 North Pallant, Chichester, West Sussex, PO19 1TJ. 01243 774557 Explore Laura Ford's courtyard beasts in this clay-based workshop. Create your own small beastly head to take home.

Children must be accompanied. Led by Kat Owen. Booking essential. £10 per child. 10.15am.

12 November Special Sunday Gun Firings at Fort Nelson Royal Armouries, Fort Nelson, Portsdown Hill Road, Fareham, Hampshire, PO17 6AN, 01329 233734. royalarmouries.org/events/ familiesonline.co.uk

overview/sunday-gun-firings-2017.

Fort Nelson is one of the few places where you can experience live blackpowder firings of historic artillery pieces.

Guns are fired at: 11:30am, 2pm and 3pm.

17 - 19 November Stansted Christmas Fayre Stansted Park, Rowlands Castle, PO9 6DX. A wonderful festival of Christmas delight! The fayre starts on Friday 17 November at 12 noon with a Christmas market, and then later on the choir will be located on the front steps of the house, followed by the arrival of Father Christmas and a procession to Santa's Grotto! On Saturday 18th and Sunday 19th November between 10am and 5pm there will be a unique weekend shopping experience including a scrumptious festive menu to be found in our marquee food court and light lunchtime entertainment in the staircase hall.

18 November Kids Takeover Event – Collections Day Gosport Gallery @ Gosport Discovery Centre, Walpole Road, Gosport. PO12 1NS 10.30am to 3.30pm. The kids have taken over a gallery! Inspired by the May the Toys be With You exhibition local children will have their own collections on display next to the Gallery. Drop in and see the possible museum collections of the future!

FREE

18 November – 23 December Christmas at Paultons Park Paultons Park, Ower, Romsey, The New Forest, SO51 6AL Christmas is a special time of the year at Paultons, meet Santa in his magical Grotto, experience Peppa Pig World in a festive setting and enjoy selected rides and attractions, including Lost Kingdom and Critter Creek, across the Park. Santa's Grotto is available to book 9:30 – 17:15 on select days throughout November and December. There is limited capacity so book early to avoid disappointment. Park entry is included with your booking, rides and attractions open from 10am. Find out more on the website paultonspark.co.uk.

24-26 November Christmas Market Weald and Downland Living Museum, Singleton, Chichester, West Sussex, PO18 0EU. 01243 811363.

Find that perfect gift and enjoy a great

day out at the Museum! The bustling Christmas Market sees over 100 stands – selling arts, crafts, food, unusual gifts and much more – ‘pop up’ in the Museum’s collection of rescued historic buildings and houses, in our awardwinning Gridshell building and around other locations on the Museum site. As well as craft and trade stands, there will be festive music and tasty seasonal treats to sample and buy. 10.30am – 4pm.

Saturday 25 November Christmas Past SEARCH @ Gosport Discovery Centre, 50 Clarence Road, Gosport.

PO12 1BU 2 to 5pm. Drop in and explore the Christmas Past room sets. Discover how many of our Christmas traditions began in our Victorian House and how your grandparents celebrated. FREE.

25 November The Wyvern Christmas Market The Wyvern, Common Barn Lane, Lee-on-the-Solent, Hampshire, PO13 9DS, 023 92552375. www. wyvernleeonsolent.co.uk/whats-on We will be hosting our first Christmas market at The Wyvern! With Mulled wine, Cider and 30+ Stalls showing off their best gifts for your loved ones!

What better way to get into the swing of Christmas! Children's activities will be available early on and a live band from 9pm for the adults - The Alan Finland Band. There will also be a pair of donkeys coming along for the children to meet.

4:00pm until 11:30pm

25 November Saturday Craft Club Emsworth Library, 23 High Street, Havant, Hampshire, PO10 7AW, 0845 6035631.

Have fun and be creative! Come along and join the club and enjoy doing something different each month. Drop in between 9.30am and 12noon on the 4th Saturday of the month. Suitable for children 4 and over. Parents and carers to stay with their children. For further information please contact the library.

25 November One Story Pallant House Gallery, 9 North Pallant, Chichester, West Sussex, PO19 1TJ 01243 774557 Join Pallant House for a family drop-in activity in the creative studio. They'll be creating a large scale storyboard using props, inspired by the Paula Rego drawings. Led by Claire Westwood. No need to book. Free. 10.30am.

25 November The Abominable Snowman Groundlings Theatre, 42 Kent Street, Portsea, PO1 3BS. 023 9273 7370 Meet the Abominable Snowman in this very silly, very snowy adventure into the mountains. The Abominable Snowman is big and hairy and scary…or is he? With footsteps so big you can fall into them no wonder everyone’s afraid of him. But Snowball isn’t scary at all. You'd be better to call him the Adorable Snowman!

Moon On A Stick blend puppetry, live-music and enchanting storytelling perfect for ages 3+. Performance at 2.30pm.

25 November The Nutcracker Ferneham Hall, Osborn Road, Fareham, PO16 7DB. 01329 231942.

Russian National Ballet is coming to the UK with an unforgettable family oriented production of The Nutcracker. The Premiere of The Nutcracker transforms the classical ballet into a fairy-tale and has captured the imagination of many generations over the years and continues to attract audiences worldwide.

Performance at 7.30pm, £19.50 per ticket, U16/O60/Fareham Leisure Card £18.50.

26 Nov 2017 Edwardian Worker's Christmas at Bursledon Brickworks Bursledon Brickworks Industrial Museum, Swanwick Lane Swanwick, Southampton, Hampshire, SO31 7HB. 01489 576248 www.bursledonbrickworks.org.uk A different Christmas event this year and to celebrate the changes we are dropping the entry price to £2 per person (£1 for children). Lots of really lovely activities with an Edwardian theme. We Families Solent East 13

What's on will have our Christmas market upstairs as usual, live music and Father Christmas 11am to 4pm. Adults: £2 and Children: £1.

26 November Fareham Christmas Fair Whiteley Community Centre, Gull Coppice, Whiteley, Fareham, Hampshire, PO15 7LA, 01489 880041. www.whiteley-community.co.uk/ cms/index.php Do some Christmas shopping at Whiteley Community Centre this November.

There will be stalls selling various things including festive drinks, pamper stations, mince pies and much more! Just turn up and enjoy some retail therapy this Christmas. 2pm.

1-3 December Victorian Festival of Christmas Portsmouth Historic Dockyard, Victory Gate, HM Naval Base, Portsmouth, PO1 3LJ. 02392 839766.

The largest Christmas festival on the south coast is set to return this December when Portsmouth Historic Dockyard welcomes back the everpopular Victorian Festival of Christmas.

Open 10am to 6pm, the festival is the perfect way to kick off seasonal celebrations. The Victorian Festival of Christmas transports visitors to a bygone era where a cast of colourful characters roam the snow-covered cobbled streets, rub shoulders with a medley of street entertainers, enjoy seasonal refreshments and over 150 stalls. For further information and to book tickets, visit www.christmasfestival.co.uk.

1-22 December Christmas at Rother Barn Rother Barn Tree Farm, Farnham Road, Liss, GU33 6LJ https://www.facebook.com/ rotherbarntreefarm/ Enjoy some festive family fun at Rother Barn Tree Farm this Christmas! There will be a bouncy castle, pick your own xmas tree, reindeer hunt, Santa's Grotto, and lots more! 10am-4pm daily.

2 December Portsmouth Cathedral Christmas Fair Portsmouth Cathedral, High Street, Old Portsmouth, PO1 2HH. 02392 823300

26 November Jingle Jog Staunton Country Park, Middle Park Way, Havant, Hampshire, PO9 5HB, 01252 346107. www.stepbystep.org.uk/jinglejog Local young people’s charity Step by Step are delighted to be bringing their Jingle Jog 5K fun run to Staunton Country Park for a 2nd year. There will be fun Christmas activities for joggers and spectators to enjoy, refreshments available and complementary water and mince pies for hungry Santa’s at the finish line, as well as a medal! 10.0013.00 / £12 Adults - £5 Children

14 F amilies Solent East

Start the festive season by visiting Portsmouth Cathedral’s Christmas Fair. There will be many stalls to browse, including wood and glass gifts, Christmas decorations, jewellery, a tombola, toys and baby clothes, needlecraft and lots more. Santa’s Grotto will be £1 to enter and all children will receive a gift. There will also be FREE children’s entertainment between 11.30am and 12.30pm. Starts at 11am and finishes at 2pm.

2 December Giant Christmas Charity Market Petersfield Festival Hall, Heath Road GU31 4EA. 01730 264802.

9.30am-3pm, in aid of Portsmouth Hospitals Rocky Appeal and other charities. Over 70 stalls: bric-a-brac, cakes, books, preserves, craft, jewellery, ceramics, toys, handbags, collectables, antiques, Christmas wreaths, mince pies and gifts. Refreshments. Free admission.

Raffle.

2 December Cheeki Monkeys Christmas Market

02392 453405

Save the Date because Cheeki Monkeys Fareham is bringing the festive spirit to Whiteley this December. Expect a wintery spectacle with wonderful homemade crafts, delicious seasonal food and drinks, plus a range of fun activities for the little ones including magic show, face-painting, cake decorating, balloon art and much more. 2pm – 4pm. £1.00 Entry and Kids go FREE plus pick up one of our goody bags on the day filled with freebies and giveaways. A raffle will be held on the day to raise money for Rainbow Trust Children's Charity.

Follow and join the event on our Facebook page www.facebook.com/ cheekimonkeysfarehamhants

2-3 December, 23 December Christmas in the park

Whiteley Community Centre, Gull Coppice, Whiteley, Fareham, PO15 7LA

2-23 December Enchanted Narnia at Gunwharf Quays Gunwharf Quays, Portsmouth, PO1 3TZ. 02392 836700 Wave 105 is bringing a stunning Christmas event to Gunwharf Quays this winter, in partnership with immersive entertainment specialists Secrets Beneath. Enchanted Narnia: A Family Father Christmas Experience will be located at Gunwharf Quays’ plaza and run on selected days and times from Saturday December 2nd to Sunday December 23rd. See the website for further details www.gunwharf-quays. com.

2-3, 9-10, 16-17 and 21-23 December Meet Green Father Christmas Weald and Downland Living Museum, Singleton, Chichester, West Sussex, PO18 0EU. 01243 811363.

Seated in his chamber, traditionally decorated with seasonal greenery, Green Father Christmas will be selecting presents from a large wooden chest to give to each child that he meets. Every child can spend time with Green Father Christmas before receiving a traditional toy wrapped in brown paper and string.

There are lots of opportunities to take photos, and each guest can enjoy a hot drink and mince pie whilst waiting to see Green Father Christmas. 10.30am – 4pm.

2 -3 December, 9-10 December, 16-17 December, 23 December Christmas on the Farm

Join the Staunton team for their fun Christmas experience with crafts, donkey ride, trail and present from Father Christmas. Booking essential.

Queen Elizabeth Country Park, Gravel Hill, Horndean, PO8 0QE 02392 595040 Visit Queen Elizabeth Country Park for a festive Christmas experience. Start by making a Christmas tree decoration.

Then take a tractor ride through the winter woodland, follow the tinsel trail back to Father Christmas'grotto to receive your gift! Book in advance. £12.95 per child.

2 – 10 December Chichester Christmas Market North Street and East Street, Chichester, West Sussex In 2017 Chichester Christmas Market will once again be lining both East Street and North Street with a huge array of wonderful festive stalls for 9 days in December. It’s a fabulous opportunity to find a spectacular range of carefully selected top quality crafts, decorations, festive food and unusual, individual gifts for all your friends and family. And it’s perfectly timed for Christmas!

3 December Petersfield Christmas Festival Market Petersfield Town Centre, The Square, Petersfield, GU32 3HH An awesome Christmas Festival Market is coming to Petersfield on Sunday 3rd December! Pop along and browse a variety of stalls and there will also be entertainment for everyone to enjoy in the build-up to the festive period.

5 December – 1 January 2018 Snow White Kings Theatre, Albert Road, Southsea, PO5 2QJ. 02392 828282.

Magic Mirror in my hand which is the fairest pantomime in the land? Why, Snow White at the Kings Theatre of course! Join in this traditional family pantomime for fun with Snow White, her charming Prince, the Wicked Queen and 7 dependable dwarfs. There will be lavish sets, wonderful costumes, a surprise or two and all the cheers, jokes and jeers you would expect. Various times / Tickets from £16

Staunton Farm and Country Park, Middle Park Way, Havant, PO9 5HB

familiesonline.co.uk

5-9 December Christmas Concerts

Celebrate the festive season with traditional carols, seasonal sing-alongs and a Christmas cracker joke or two.

Performed by the Cathedral Choir, directed by Charles Harrison, and The Band of Her Majesty’s Royal Marines, get set for a stocking full of Christmas spirit.

Visit Father Christmas at West Dean Gardens near Chichester. Each child booked in to see Father Christmas will receive a small gift. Plus, there's Christmas craft activities to join in with too. Adults can enjoy the mulled wine and mince pies. Booking is essential as time slots get booked up. Please select your chosen arrival time when booking your ticket online at www.westdean. org.uk/gardens/events/visit-fatherchristmas. 10am until 4.30pm (last visit 4pm) Child £5 (includes gift & craft activities) Adult £5.50 (standard entry to the gardens).

8-31 December Aladdin

14 December Toddler Christmas Party

Chichester Festival Theatre, Oaklands Park, Chichester, West Sussex, PO19 6AP. 01243 781312.

Ferneham Hall, Osborn Road, Fareham, PO16 7DB. 01329 231942.

Hot on the heels of the smash-hit ‘Sleeping Beauty’, Jordan productions and Ferneham hall bring you one of the greatest pantos of them all - Aladdin!

Crammed with traditional fun and laughter from beginning to end, Aladdin is a magical celebration that will leave everyone spellbound, from the young to the young at heart. See the website for performance and ticket information www.fernehamhall.co.uk/whats-on/ panto/aladdin.

9-31 December Aladdin Groundlings Theatre, 42 Kent Street, Portsea, PO1 3BS. 023 9273 7370 This year’s show is an Aladdin’s cave of fun, fantasy, and flying carpets!

Aladdin wishes he could marry the beautiful Princess Jasmine… Abanazer wishes he could rule the world…

Widow Twankey wishes she could find a husband…And Wishee Washee wishes he didn’t have to wash all those dirty pants! But which of them will have their wish granted by the fantastic Genie of the Lamp? With hilarious comedy and a wonderful cast, Aladdin is a magic carpet ride of a show that is fun for the whole family! For ticket information see www. groundlings.co.uk.

9-10 and 16-17 December Visit Father Christmas West Dean Gardens, West Dean, Nr Chichester, West Sussex, PO18 0QZ.

familiesonline.co.uk

Monkey Bizness, Unit 1 Frater Gate Business Park, Aerodrome Road, Gosport, Hampshire, PO13 0GW, 01329 239035. monkey-bizness. co.uk/indoor-play-centres/Gosport Monkey Bizness Gosport will be holding a fantastic toddler party to celebrate Christmas!! Included is 2 hours play, a disco, crafts, a food box and a visit to Santa for an early Christmas present!!

Tickets are £6 and include 1 adult and 1 child, to purchase please call us or pop in to our centre!! 11am-1pm / £6

15 December Christmas Party Monkey Bizness, Unit 1 Frater Gate Business Park, Aerodrome Road, Gosport, Hampshire, PO13 0GW, 01329 239035. monkey-bizness. co.uk/indoor-play-centres/Gosport Celebrate Christmas with Monkey Bizness Gosport!! You'll get two hours play, a magician, a disco, balloon modelling, face-painting, crafts and a food box!! Don’t forget a visit to Santa to get an early Christmas present too!! To purchase a ticket please call us or pop in to our centre!! 5:30-7:30pm / £10

14-31 December Beauty and the Beast New Theatre Royal, 20-24 Guildhall Walk, Portsmouth, PO1 2DD. 02392 649000. www.newtheatreroyal. com/performances/beauty-andthe-beast/ Join Beauty and her Beast in an extraordinary adventure, from the bustling streets of Portsmouth to the

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magical forests of Hampshire. With surprising twists and wonderful turns, prepare to be swept off your feet, as one of the world’s favourite folk-tales takes to the stage in this brand-new Christmas Family adventure. Please see the website for more information.

20-21 December Christmas Crafts

15 December Tales of Winter Magic

Get in the festive mood and join us to make lovely Christmas decorations and cards, as well as getting prepared for the new year with 2018 calendars! Suitable for aged 4 – 7. Please note children must be accompanied by an adult at all times. Price includes a free tea/coffee and squash.10.30am – 12.30pm, £6.50 per child.

Butser Ancient Farm, Chalton Lane, Chalton, PO8 0BG. 02392 598838 Join the Butser team in the great roundhouse for a festive early evening of Winter Solstice storytelling with Red Phoenix. Enjoy a hot chocolate or drinks from the bar around the roaring fire while you soak up the atmosphere of the ancient building, the good company and the anticipation of the story. There will also be music to entertain the crowd, as well as a visit from the Prize Old Mummers. Starts at 6.30pm.

16-31 December Beauty and the Beast Chichester Festival Theatre, Oaklands Park, Chichester, West Sussex, PO19 6AP. 01243 781312. www.cft.org.uk/whats-on/event/ beauty-and-the-beast A new adaptation from the original fairy tale. The award-winning Chichester Festival Youth Theatre present a brandnew adaptation of the much loved classic in this year’s eagerly awaited Christmas production. Prejudice, jealousy, compassion and love are woven through this magical story, studded with enchanting and deliciously scary characters. Dale Rooks, whose work with CFYT includes Running Wild, A Christmas Carol and Peter Pan, directs a visually spectacular show featuring newly composed songs and wonderfully inventive designs. There will be a Relaxed Performance of Beauty and the Beast on 31 December at 11am. Tickets From £10.

16 December The Nutcracker The Spring Arts and Heritage Centre, 56 East Street, Havant, PO9 1BS. 02392 472700.

Journey through the magical night with Clara and her Nutcracker Prince, meet the Mouse King and join the Sugar Plum Fairy in the beautiful Land of Sweets in this bite-size ballet performance.

Suitable for all young ones and their families including children with special needs. Running time 50 minutes. Tickets £10, £8 concessions. Performances at 11am and 2pm.

ONLINE familiesonline.co.uk

The Spring Arts and Heritage Centre, 56 East Street, Havant, PO9 1BS. 02392 472700.

22-24 December Santa in Love The Spring Arts and Heritage Centre, 56 East Street, Havant, PO9 1BS. 02392 472700.

Santa in Love is a fun-filled festive extravaganza for young ones and their families to enjoy this Christmas at The Spring, and we would love for you to get into the festive mood and join us – book soon to make sure that you don’t miss out on this festive treat! Suitable for ages 2-5. Tickets £9, £8 concessions. Running time 1 hour.

26-27 December Christmas at the Museum Weald and Downland Living Museum, Singleton, Chichester, West Sussex, PO18 0EU. 01243 811363.

Visit the Museum and enjoy the atmosphere of its historic homes, which will be decorated to reflect how this special time of year has been celebrated over the centuries. Enjoy a warm welcome in the medieval House from North Cray, with its log fire and traditional greenery decorations. The Museum team will be serving spiced apple juice as well as spiced biscuits, for which donations are welcome.

29-30 December Snow Play The Spring Arts and Heritage Centre, 56 East Street, Havant, PO9 1BS. 02392 472700.

Come along to the Snow Play and see a showdown between Winter and Spring over who gets to stay and who has to go away. In this interactive smash-hit London production, you’ll need to help Mr Green against Mr White, you’ll get to make a giant snowman, cover a whole house in snow, and of course have a super snowball fight! Tickets £8, £7 for groups of 4 or more. Suitable for ages 3+.

Running time 1 hour. Performances at 2pm and 5pm on 29th and 11am on 30th.

Families Solent East 15

Chichester Festival Youth Theatre present

BEAUTY AND THE BEAST A new adaptation from the original fairy tale Book by Anna Ledwich Music & Lyrics by Richard Taylor Ages 7+

FAMILY TICKETS AVAILABLE*

16 – 31 December

cft.org.uk 01243 781312 *Half price for up to four Under 16s with every full price paying adult. T&Cs apply