Families Sussex Coast Nov-Dec 2015 Issue 44

Issue 44 : November / December 2015

FREE

Pick me up Brighton, Worthing ,Lewes, Littlehampton and everywhere in between!

www.familiessussexcoast.co.uk

The really useful magazine and website for families with children

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editor@familiessussexcoast.co.uk Sussex Coast

Whats inside?

Welcome...

Survive Christmas Now that the weather has turned colder we are starting to think about

What’s Inside

what we can do with the children when the weather is against us.

We have a great article called ‘Baby it’s cold outside’ which has some great suggestions for keeping active over the coming months.

5 Education Feature -

Ho, Ho, Ho the big man is nearly here and we have pages of events, places to visit and a ‘tongue in cheek’ feature on how to survive Christmas. Want to know where to find Santa, we’ve found that out for you as well. These listings will go onto our website and be updated regularly, so if you have any events please send them into us.

We are also giving away a family ticket to the pantomime in Worthing – oh yes we are......and we also have an amazing competition to win a swimming class for your pre-school child,

New nursery opening in Hove

6 Baby It’s Cold Outside - Great article on activities to do with children on those colder / wetter days

7 Clubs and Classes 8-9 Worthing Theatres -

An insight into what’s on at the Theatre over the next couple of months.

Lucy

10 Christmas Baking Recipe

Families Sussex Coast covers: Brighton, Hove, Fontwell, Worthing, Arundel, Steyning, Lewes,Hassocks,East Preston, Rustington,Littlehampton, Seaford and everywhere in between.

Next Issue : January / February Advertising & editorial deadline is 4th December 2015.

You can contribute to Families Sussex Coast through advertising, editorial and our What”s On pages. Contact Families Sussex Coast 01903 620257

editor@familiessussexcoast.co.uk

Front Cover credit - Worthing Theatres Design by Sanderswhite. Contact sue@sanderswhite.co.uk Printed by Evonprint at www.evonprint.co.uk

Please recycle your copy of Families Sussex Coast when you have finished with it.

Copyright: Families Sussex Coast November 2015 .

Data protection: If you send us your name and address in order to receive free samples or to enter a competition, we may supply your details to the company offering the samples or prizes.

If you would prefer us NOT to do so, please state this clearly on your entry.

Competition Time Cinderella

Pavilion Theatre 4 December - 3 January

Make sure you have your tickets for Worthing’s biggest ball - you’ll be utterly charmed! A pumpkin magically transformed into a sparkling coach, mice into white horses and a girl goes from rags to a stunning ball gown all with a wave of a good fairy’s wand. Glass slippers and a spell that breaks when the clock chimes midnight, can only mean one thing! Worthing Theatres 2015 pantomime is Cinderella the classic fairytale of a beautiful girl forced to serve her jealous step sisters.

Aided by the silly but loveable Buttons and a Fairy Godmother carefully watching over her, Cinderella dreams of escaping her misery and finding true love and happiness. Starring Strictly Come Dancing’s Camilla Dallerup, Dancing on Ice’s Matt Evers and Mark Read from boyband A1. Along with panto favourites Keith and Ben Simmons who are just part of a wonderful and enthralling cast. Will there be a dance off between the two dancing champions? There’s only one way to find out! To book call the box office on 01903 206206 or visit www.worthingtheatres.co.uk.

11 Christmas Events 12 Dear Santa - A funny article on how to survive the Big Day by a mother - in - the - know - ALISON HATHAWAY

13 Where’s Santa?- listings on where to find Santa in our area.

14 What’s On Events and Listings Disclaimer: Families Sussex Coast is part of Families Magazines Ltd a franchise company.

All franchised magazines in the group are independently owned and operated under licence.

Families ® is a registered trademark of Families Magazine Ltd, Temple House, Regatta Place, Marlow Road, Bourne End, Bucks SL8 5TD. The contents of Families Sussex Coast are fully protected by copyright and none of the editorial or photographic matter may be reproduced in any form without prior consent of the publisher. We take every care in preparing this magazine but the publishers and distributors cannot be held responsible for the claims of advertisers nor for the accuracy of the contents nor for any consequence, including competitions.

Competition Time The Little Swim School and Families Sussex Coast have teamed together to give one lucky reader the chance to win a swimming course, a pair of goggles and a swimming bag for your pre-school child.

The benefits of teaching your child to swim are vast as we live so close to the sea and teaching your child water safety and respect for the water is so important. Drowning is still the biggest cause of accidental death for children in this country. the little swim school offer lessons in Brighton, Hove and Lewes and specialise in teaching babies, toddlers and pre-schoolers to swim. They use warm private pools and teach your child to swim in a happy, relaxed and fun environment.

For your chance to win this amazing prize please email your answer the following question to editor@familiessussexcoast.co.uk

by December 1st 2015.

For your chance to win a family ticket of 2 adults and 2 children send your answer to the following question to

editor@familiessussexcoast.co.uk

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What did Cinderella lose at the ball?

A) Magic Wand B) Glass Slipper C) Tiara

Entries close on the 27th November, no cash prize alternative and T&C’s apply.

Competition Question

What type of pools do The Little Swim School use?

a) Private

b) Public

c) Outdoor

There is no cash alternative, dates of the course are to be agreed between the winner and the little swim school – normal terms and conditions apply.

Good Luck!

01903 620257 Sussex Coast

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News

Fun Science..... ‘Go for the Glow’ Christmas this December at at the Castle November 28th – December 13th: A new exciting school holiday club and party business has launched in Sussex.

Fun Science brings you a new option to keep your little scientists entertained during the holidays and also provides various science themed party packages and workshops. Their aim is to foster a life-long passion for learning within children and encourage a desire to find things out for themselves through access to high-tech equipment in a safe environment.

They believe that science should be accessible to all and provide a price match promise. They are accredited with Kallikids and testimonials can be found on their website www.fun-science.org.uk For more information please call 07583 252228

Help the local economy on

Small Business Saturday 5th December Will you support your local small businesses

this December? Why not pledge to purchase your Christmas shopping within the Sussex area this year, and help your local economy at the same time! What better time to start than Small Business Saturday, which this year will be on 5th December.

Wakehurst

For six nights, from the 4th- 6th and 11th- 13th December 2015, visitors will have the chance to see Wakehurst, the country seat of Kew and home to the UK’s largest living Christmas tree, transformed at night as if touched by fairy dust…

They will be invited to wend their way along a lantern trail, through beautiful gardens adorned with thousands of lights, around trees dripping with lanterns. Thousands of lights will be reflected in the lakes and there will be fire-pits with spectacular displays of flames.

To get you in the festive spirit there will be seasonal music and food treats, and you can stand under the dazzling lights of the UK’s largest living Christmas tree.

Don’t miss out on the wonder.

There will also be lantern-decorating activity for children and opportunities to browse Wakehurst’s well-stocked shop for some Christmas ideas.

Cost £10 for adults, £5 for children aged 4-16 and 0-3 years old go free.

To book your tickets and for further information about this event, please click here

www.kew.org/glowwild

Small Business Saturday UK is a grassroots, non-commercial campaign, which highlights small business success and encourages consumers to ‘shop local’ and support small businesses in their communities. The Small Business Saturday Bus is coming to Brighton on November 23rd if you want to find out more.

Families Sussex Coast has joined the campaign and is offering a free mention in our ‘Where’s Santa’ article online to help promote Festive Events which include a Grotto held by local charities, businesses and social enterprises up to Christmas 2015, contact

editor@familiessussexcoast.co.uk.

To see how you can get involved or for details of businesses close to you which are taking part go to www.smallbusinesssaturdayuk.com.

Southover grange

Southover Grange Gardens - Lewes To be transformed into a festive wonderland of light & projections A spellbinding festive treat will arrive in Lewes this December, with Southover Grange Gardens being transformed into an Enchanted Park, from Wednesday 2nd and Sunday 13th December.

Each night (with the exception of Monday 7th and Tuesday 8th) from 4.30pm onwards, the historic gardens will host A Christmas Wish an immersive, magical and mesmerising mix of outdoor projections, illuminations, performance and art installations.

Visitors to the Gardens will see projections onto Southover Grange, ancient trees becoming living pieces of art thanks to beautiful lighting and the garden’s existing sculptures brought to life in front of their very eyes. For more details about A Christmas Wish see

www.enchantedparklewes.co.uk. editor@familiessussexcoast.co.uk Sussex Coast

Weekends only.

December 14th – 24th: Daily

As Christmas creeps closer, be sure to book your entry to Hever Castle & Gardens’ stunning festive celebrations. This year’s theme is ‘Christmas around the World’, and visitors can wander through rooms adorned with beautiful decorations to discover how people in different countries decorate their homes, what they eat and how they celebrate the Christmas period.

As dusk falls, follow the magical Christmas Trail lit by fairies along the snowy path and around the illuminated grounds.

Father Christmas will be in residence on weekends from 28th November – 13th December and daily from 14th – 24th December.

Visits to Father Christmas must be pre-booked and cost £11.00 (in addition to entry - see website for details). On weekends from 28th November and daily from 21st – 24th December, you’ll meet characters from Christmas stories on the Christmas Trail. Children can take part in a Christmas craft workshop (small additional cost), hug a husky in the Husky Hideout and meet donkeys* at the nativity scene (*weekends only).

Gardens open 10.30am; Last admission3.00pm; .

Family ticket £42.50.

For further information visit the website: www.hevercastle.co.uk or call 01732 865224.

Hever Castle & Gardens, Hever, Nr Edenbridge, Kent TN8 7NG.

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Education News

Hove Village....

A successful local mumpreneur has just opened what has to be the most unique children’s day nursery in the whole of Sussex.

Hove Village (www.hovevillage.com) is a 165-place, 8,000 sq. ft. facility boasting a café and a work area for parents, studios for classes, such as dance, music and drama and a baby & toddler club where parents attend play sessions with their young children.

Kathryn is by no means new to the early years sector, as she is also founder and Managing Director of Caterpillar Music (www.caterpillarmusic.com), which delivers music education classes for 4,500 pre-school aged children every week, at over 125 UK locations.

Caterpillar Music is an award winning company that was one of the first businesses of it’s kind to deliver classes for the Government’s Sure Start /Children’s Centres programme.

Kathryn decided that she wanted to open a nursery with a difference – somewhere that is a complete experience for babies and young children, incorporating the fun kind of classes that thousands of Kathryn’s Caterpillar Music customers enjoy week in, week out.

Hove Village is next door to Wish Park, a popular destination and the beach is at the end of the road. There are also two studio rooms, with sprung wooden floors, where various classes take place for children in the nursery and also for local families to come in and enjoy.

There is a Customer Lounge, serving fresh barista coffee and a parents’ work area, which will be a fully-equipped hot-desk area, complete with super-speed Wi-Fi, supplied over a business-grade Cisco wireless network, with no fewer than three fast internet links.

Kathryn has also employed two very experienced senior staff members (including a Nursery Manager with 18 years experience) to lead a team of qualified and experienced childcare professionals.

Hove Village are accepting applications now for admissions into the nursery for children aged 1 to 5 years. They have one of the most flexible policies for accepting vouchers for Free Nursery Places for eligible two, three and four year olds.

For more information call 01273 358 589 or visit www.hovevillage.com

01903 620257 Sussex Coast

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Business and Club News

Education Secretary Calls For Schools To Provide Childcare Education Secretary Nicky Morgan has said that schools should take “reasonable steps” to provide childcare for the whole length of the working day during term time and the school holidays too.

As part of this move, parents are to be given the right to request that their children’s schools put this care structure into place. However, the funding for this has not been agreed.

Head teachers have said that this idea would have to be looked at “extremely carefully to ensure it is not just a popular gimmick.”

Russell Hobby, general secretary of the National Association of Head Teachers, has responded to say that while giving care for children while parents are working is a good idea, there are several reasons to be wary of the Government’s promise.

Budget cuts and recruitment issues are just two of the reasons why schools might not be able to provide care from early in the day until after parents finish work.

“Extending provision beyond 38 weeks, providing care outside of term time, can also prove very difficult for schools because of staffing and a lack of private provision,” said Mr Hobby.

He continued: “Parents can ask but the government must guarantee that a school’s decision is respected. Otherwise, it is merely going to provoke conflict between schools and their communities, and would undermine the decision-making of head teachers.

Baby, it’s cold outside…

By Sally J. Hall

Indoor activities for kids when the weather’s cold and wet.

We’ve all been there; an afternoon when you’ve planned on visiting the park so the kids can let off some steam on the swings, followed by a good run about in the fresh air, is cancelled due to a downpour.

Cue over active kids cooped up at home, driving themselves – and you – slowly around the bend.

Help is at hand with the wonders of indoor sports, leisure and play centres. There’s sure to be plenty of affordable activities available nearby, perhaps a soft play centre or a racquet club.

Soft Play

An indoor soft play centre is great when it’s bucketing down outside. There may be areas suited to toddlers; bear in mind this needs quite a lot of hands-on help from you.

Once they are older they can negotiate padded rollers, slides and crawl nets alone. They can turn it into a pirate’s ship, a castle or a dungeon in their imaginations, let off energy and be sure to sleep well. Take a friend’s kids and then let them return the favour another day.

Trampolining

Kids love bouncing, enroll them in a trampolining class. Some centres will teach very young children, using large crash mats for safety.

Small kids will not get much beyond bouncing on their bottoms but will gradually learn other techniques. Next stop, the Olympics.

Climbing

Climbing walls are popular now and even small children can tackle to lower ‘cliffs’ with good supervision. Check that your chosen venue has plenty of staff and safety equipment. It builds teamwork, self-confidence, motivation, trust and fitness. Classes for smaller children involve games; as they progress they can take part in the National Indoor Climbing Award Scheme (NICAS).

Racquet Sports

If you’re a racquet family, visit a badminton or squash club that teaches children from the basics through to championships. These are sports the whole family can enjoy together. Badminton is good for little kids, and squash can be high-octane.

Sally J. Hall is a writer and editor who has written for all the main parenting titles as well as The Independent and The Mail.

She is author of Eco Baby and contributing author to Watch My Baby Grow (Dorling Kindersley).

editor@familiessussexcoast.co.uk Sussex Coast

Clubs & classes Indoor Activity Listings: Amazon Adventure Soft Play

Suitable for toddlers and children

Tumbling Tinies Soft Play

Suitable for pre-walking children and toddlers Plus various drop in activities Worthing Leisure Centre www.southdownsleisurecentre.co.uk

Out of Bounds Soft Play Area

Suitable for all ages up to 12 – there is not a separate baby area

Clip and Climb

Suitable from 4 years or 100cm\

Bowling Alley

Toddlers upwards Rustington www.out-of-bounds.co.uk

Harbour Park Soft Play Area

Suitable for toddlers and children Littlehampton www.harbourpark.com

Mighty Mites Soft Play Area Suitable for 0-5 years Lancing www.impulseleisure.co.uk

Monkey Business Soft Play and Football

Suitable for all ages up to 12 and includes a small football pitch.

Lewes www.monkey-bizness.co.uk

Westows Adventure Play Area and Football

Seperate areas for toddlers and under 11’s (guideline only) Hove www.westows.com

Dino’s Softplay

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the little swim school

Unders 5’s upwards Seaford www.waveleisure.co.uk

Vicki Bates from the little swim school discusses some of the main benefits of teaching your little one to swim.

High Sports

The benefits of teaching your little one water safety and swimming skills from an early age are many, but for many the most important one is teaching water safety and potentially life-saving skills.

These include learning a respect for the water and an awareness of its dangers and practicing getting to the side of the pool and climbing out. With drowning still the biggest cause of accidental death in children in this country, this I think is the most important thing you can teach your child and living by the sea makes it even more important – it may indeed save their life one day, or they may be able to save the life of another.

Other key benefits from taking your little one to swimming lessons is physical fitness, confidence and independence, increased brain development and the sociability of making new friends.

Bouldering wall and climbing age 7+ Brighton & Hove www.high-sports.co.uk

Boulder Brighton

Suitable for children aged 7+ Brighton www.boulderbrighton.com

Adur Outdoor Activity Centre

Archery, climbing and outdoor activities aged 5+ Shoreham www.aoac.org.uk

Leisure Centres

Many Leisure Centres run various drop in courses during the weekends and holidays offering the following activities: Basketball Trampolining Roller Skating Table Tennis Tennis Squash Football – hire a pitch Plus many more go to your local leisure centre website to find out more details.

For more information about swimming or the little swim school, visit www.thelittleswimschool.co.uk or call 01273 207992.

Well if that’s ‘wet’ your appetite, and to win a swimming course, pair of goggles and a swim bag go to page 3 for more information.

Whilst we have tried to ensure that all information is accurate at the time of going to print, please contact or check on the venues website before hand.

Barney’s Playbarn Suitable for 0-12’s Uckfield www.barneys

Funplex Softplay and Slides Toddlers up to 12 years Brighton www.funplex.co.uk

01903 620257 Sussex Coast

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Christmas Specials

editor@familiessussexcoast.co.uk Sussex Coast

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01903 620257 Sussex Coast

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Christmas Baking

Make With Kids

Christmas Cookie Tree Decoration

These delicious shortbread stars will look great on the tree – but we suspect they won’t be there long!

This is such a simple recipe, with only three ingredients and it is quick and easy to make but shortbread is always a favourite. Time needed: About half an hour, including baking time

Ingredients

You will need:

Plain flour, 200g

Cool butter, 100g

Caster sugar, 50g Writing icing, white, green, red (great for drawing lines and shapes)

Decorations in silver, red, green, gold or white

Large bowl

Sieve

Baking trays

Star cookie cutters (or other festive shapes)

Clean pencil

Silver, gold, white, green or red ribbon

Method

With your child, measure the flour and let your little one spoon the flour into the sieve, held above the bowl. Sift the flour. Add the sugar.

Add the butter, cut into cubes.

With clean hands, show your child how to rub the butter into the flour.

Keep rubbing then kneading and it should come together into a ball.

Without over-working the dough,roll it out on a flat surface, dusted with flour.

Using the cookie cutters, help your child stamp out star shapes and place them on the baking tray. Use the blunt end of the clean pencil to make a hole at the top one of the points for the ribbon.

Bake at 320F/160C/Gas 6 for 12-15 minutes until golden.

When cool, decorate with writing and any other decorations, such as sugar balls.

Hang on the tree!

editor@familiessussexcoast.co.uk Sussex Coast

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01903 620257 Sussex Coast

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Dear Santa

Dear Santa..

So your children have spent the past three months constructing increasingly long and complicated Christmas wish lists (glow-in-thedark Barbie, platinum-plated X-Box, inflatable yurt) while you’ve looked long and helplessly on, wondering why parents can’t put in their own special requests for the festive season. So in honour of stressed-out mums everywhere, Families Magazine has put together the following light-hearted and not to be taken seriously parental wish list for the 12 most important moments of Christmas.

By Alison Hathaway.

Alison Hathaway’s new novel, Class – a tale of twisted love, even more twisted parents, PTA politics and how to cook the perfect mashed potatoes – is out now on Amazon Kindle (bit.ly/classkindle).

Follow Alison Hathaway on Twitter @ ChalfenMagna or visit her at www.AlisonHathaway.co.uk for news and special free book giveaways. editor@familiessussexcoast.co.uk Sussex Coast

Where’s Santa ?

Where’s Santa this Christmas?

Ho, Ho, Ho!

Father Christmas at the Royal Pavilion in Brighton

He is visiting on the 5th, 6th, 12th, 13th, 19th and 20th of December and if you want to see his grand entrance then book to see him on the 5th at 10.30am. Plus craft activities and festive rides. All visits must be pre-booked, please see their advert for further details

Father Christmas returns to truly extravagant Royal Pavilion for a traditional treat for all the family.

After a magical meeting with the man himself, explore the Prince Regent’s party palace on a special exotic creature trail. Meet him on the weekend of the 12th – 13th December or everyday from the 19th – 22nd December 10am – 5pm. Buy tickets by calling 03000 290902.

Christmas around the World at Hever Castle

Sussex Family Christmas Fair at The Charmandean Centre, Worthing Back for another year

See Santa at Amberley Museum

www.amberleymuseum.co.uk

Follow a magical trail through the Castle gardens and visit Santa’s Grotto. You can also walk through the rooms of the fairytale Castle and see how different countries celebrated Christmas. Many of the Santa visits are now fully booked, however there are still daytime slots and during the Twighlight Tours there is a drop-in opportunity but this will be first come first served. Visits must be pre-booked, please see their advert for further details or visit

www.hevercastle.co.uk

Winter Wonderland at Field Place, Worthing

Visit Santa daily from the 19th – 23rd December hourly from 11am – 6pm.

Book tickets to visit him in his Grotto, you can climb aboard the Wonderland Train plus there will be arts and crafts, fun activities and refreshments available. To book call

01903 905050 option 3.

Special Santa Cruises at the Wey & Arun Canal Children can meet Santa and receive an early Christmas present, with festive refreshment on board. 6th, 13th, 20th, 21st, 22nd and 23rd December.

They set sail at 11am, 12noon and 2.00pm. £9 per person. The boat departs from The Wharf next to the Onslow Arms on the B2133 in Loxwood (free car parking).To book tickets call

01403 752403

The Sussex Santa Experience at Spring Barn Farm

It’s the most wonderful time of the year, and the elves have been very busy bringing a little bit of North Pole magic all the way to Spring Barn Farm! Don’t forget all the fun of the farm too, with meet the animals and fab indoor play! Santa arrives on Sat 21st November, and will be here on selected days/times until Christmas Eve.Pre-booking advisable: for prices, times and tickets (save money when you book online!) please visit

this successful event hosts many different stalls where you can buy your Christmas shopping under one roof.

Father Christmas will be in his special grotto. 10am – 2.30pm on Sunday 29th November. For more details visit:

www.sussexfamilychristmasfair. co.uk

Winter Wonderland at Drusillas Park

Enjoy the magic and enchantment between Saturday 21st November and Monday 4th January at Drusillas this Christmas. You can visit Father Christmas in his cosy cottage, have a chance to hug a husky and meet his reindeer on selected dates.

On Saturday 21st November there is the grand switching on of the illuminations at 4.30.To book a visit and for more details go to:

www.drusillas.co.uk

The Magic of Christmas at Fishers Farm Park

From the 12th – 24th December you can go down a magical winding pathway, with an array of twinkling lights, which guides you towards a cosy log fire in Father Christmas’s festive grotto…sound exciting? Plus you canal so book tickets for their hilarious panto tickets which must be booked in advance: www.fishers-

farmpark.co.uk

Arundel by Candlelight

On Saturday 5th December there will be a traditional Christmas Tree in the town square. Children make lanterns for a Candlelight Parade and visit Santa. Lights and candles decorate shops, restaurants and market stalls as the scent of mulled wine, hog roast and roasted chestnuts fills the air.

From 12 noon – 7pm. www.arundel.

org.uk/arundel-by-candlelight

www.springbarnfarm.com

Father Christmas at the Royal Pavilion in Brighton 01903 620257 Sussex Coast

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What’s On

Thursday 5th November Tide of Light Bonfire Spectacular,

Worthing Beach Starting at 3.30 with free lantern making at the Pavilion Theatre there is then a lantern parade through the town from 5.30-6. Throughout the afternoon and evening there will be a funfair and a main stage and street market. The display starts at 6pm.

www.tideoflight.co.uk

Saturday 7th November - Sunday 17th January Royal Pavilion Ice Skating Rink

The rink opens for another Christmas season, with space for up to 250 skaters per session. There is a learners area for those less steady and penguins available. Cafe onsite.

www.royalpavilionicerink.co.uk

Saturday 7th November Brighton Gift Fair

Brighton Racecourse Discover stylish homemade gifts as Brighton Racecourse hosts over 150 stands showcasing crafters, artists and designers plus festive food & drink stalls, live music, Santa’s Grotto, craft workshops and special guests.

www.brightongiftfair.co.uk

Friday 13th November Open Evening at Herstmonceaux Observatory Fancy looking at some stars and the moon through some of the country’s largest telescopes?

Saturday 14th – 15th November Christmas Market at Weald and Downland Museum

A traditional Christmas market with over 100 stalls selling art and crafts, food , gifts and much more. Hot chestnuts and other seasonal treats – meet the donkeys.

www.wealddown.co.uk

Saturday 21st November Christmas Open Day at Brighton Dome Cafe Bar

A day of free festive entertainment, where we’ll be taking over the Café-bar with a host of family-friendly entertainment and activities to get you into the Christmas mood…11am-4pm this is a free event.

www.brightondome.org

Saturday 21st November Adur Sea of Lights at Monks Recreation Ground

Lancing Meeting at 3pm the parade will start at 3.45pm and will go through Lancing Village with your lanterns and should finish back at Monks Recreation Ground around 5pm followed by burning of the fire sculptures. For more information on where you can make your lanterns visit:

www.seaoflights.co.uk

Alfriston The dazzling display will start at 4:30pm daily and incorporate an animal themed light show, synchronised to music. Young revellers can expect to see a host of magical creatures in the ice-capped kingdom, adding some extra sparkle to the festive season.

www.drusillas.co.uk

Saturday 14th – 15th November Michelham Priory Christmas Fair

Saturday 28th Novembermber 24th December Christmas Around the World at Hever Castle

www.sussexpast.co.uk/events

Saturday 14th – 15th November Scarecrow’s Wedding by Julie Donaldson at The Old Market,

Hove Betty O’Barley and Harry O’Hay are excellent scarecrows who decide to get married. Harry sets off to search for their wedding day essentials but the farmer replaces him with the devilishly smooth but dangerous Reginald Rake.

Will Harry make it back before Reginald ruins their special day? Ages 3+

Worthing With over 100 stalls selling Christmas goods and food, the children can visit Father Christmas in his grotto, plus face painting and refreshments.

www.sussexfamilychristmasfair. co.uk

Friday 4th – 6th December and the 11th – 13th December Glow Wild at Wakehurst You are invited to wind your way along a lantern trail, through beautiful gardens adorned with thousands of lights, around trees dripping with lanterns. There will be fire-pits with spectacular displays of flames.To get you in the festive spirit there will be seasonal music and food treats, and you can stand under the dazzling lights of the UK’s largest living Christmas tree. Don’t miss out on the wonder.

There will also be lanterndecorating activity for children and opportunities to browse Wakehurst’s well-stocked shop for some Christmas ideas. Tickets cost £10 for adults, £5 for children aged 4-16 and 0-3 years old go free.

www.kew.org/glowwild

Saturday 21st November – 4th January Winter Illuminations at Drusillas Park

www.the-observatory.org

Over 100 stalls selling Christmas gifts, food and decorations. Visit Santa in his grotto, children’s activities and Christmas music – refreshments are available.

Sunday 29th November Sussex Family Christmas Fair at Charmandean Centre

Visitors can wander through the Castle rooms adorned with beautiful decorations to discover how people in different countries decorate their homes, what they eat on Christmas day and how they celebrate the festive period. As dusk falls, follow the magical Christmas Trail lit by fairies along the snowy path. Journey through the enchanted fairy dell, past Father Christmas’ Grotto into the colour washed Italian Garden and along to the Tudor Garden.

You must book tickets for this event:

www.hevercastle.co.uk

www.theoldmarket.com

Saturday 5th December The Fairytale Hairdresser and the Sugar Plum Fairy

Taking place at All Saints Church in Hove, starting at 11am for the perfect start to Christmas with this enchanting story of a modern girl in a fairytale.

Come dressed as your favourite fairytale character and join in the fun.

Please call 01273 911988 to book.

Saturday 5th December Arundel by Candelight

Arundel Town Centre A traditional Christmas Tree in the town square. Children make lanterns for a Candlelight Parade and visit Santa.

Lights and candles decorate shops, restaurants and market stalls as the scent of mulled wine, hog roast and roasted chestnuts fills the air.

Sunday 6th December Santa Cruises on the Wey and Arun Canal

Loxwood Take a 40-minute trip aboard a festive canal boat on the Wey-Arun canal.

Wiggonholt departs from behind the Onslow Arms on the B2133 at Loxwood. Tickets include a gift from Santa for children; mince pies and mulled wine for adults. Please see their advert on page 13 for more Santa cruise dates.

www.weyandarun.co.uk

Saturday 28th November - 24th December Twilight at Hever Castle

Bring torches and pop on your wellies to explore the Christmas trail where you will discover characters from Christmas stories surrounded by sparkling lights and floodlit landscapes.

Marvel at camels ridden by three wise men bearing gifts for the new born King who can be found at the nativity scene complete with donkeys before visiting the Husky Hideout to hug a husky.

Then warm up inside the beautifully decorated fairytale Castle to discover how other countries celebrate the festive season. All this followed by some family fun on the Castle fore-court where fairground stalls and vintage games like hoopla add to the festive atmosphere.

www.hevercastle.co.uk

Saturday 12th December – 2nd January 12 Days of Christmas Wild Styleat Arundel Wetland Centre

Follow the 12 days of Christmas trail around the reserve to discover the wild side of this seasonal tune.Boat trips every day with crafts on weekends and school holidays. All included in your admission price £6 a child.

www.wwt.org.uk/arundel

www.arundelbycandlelight.org.uk Saturday 5th December Family Christmas Lecture

Herstmonceaux Observatory The dome will be turned into a planetarium and a family friendly talk will take place under the starry sky.

www.the-observatory.org

Saturday 12th December Santa Dash along Hove Seafront

The annual charity Santa Dash along Hove seafront between the Peace Statue and Hove Lagoon sees several hundred Santas don their trainers for a 5K run along the chilly seafront and makes for a wonderfully wintery sight.

www.santadashbrighton.co.uk editor@familiessussexcoast.co.uk Sussex Coast

What’s On Saturday 12th December Snuggle-up storytelling at the Founder Rooms, Brighton Dome

Festive tales to warm the hearts of your little-ones for ages 3-6

www.brightondome.org

Saturday 12th – 13th December Destination Space Weekend at Herstmonceaux Observatory

Fantastic, fun Destination Space Family show and a weekend packed full of fascinating facts about rockets and life in space. Go and see a replica of the space suit that Tim Peake will be wearing when he blasts off into space and when he returns next year.

Weather permitting there will be rocket launching workshops too.

www.the-observatory.org

Saturday 19th December – 23rd December Winter Wonderland at Field Place,

Worthing Step into a world of magic and wonder this Christmas as Field Place welcome you to their Winter Wonderland.

Step aboard the Wonderland Train, visit Santa in his Christmas Grotto and receive a fabulous gift! Take part in a host of fun activities, including cookie decorating, face painting and much more! Mulled wine, bacon baps and mince pies are available! 11.00am – 6.00pm.

www.southdownsleisure.co.uk

Christmas Theatre Listings Friday 4th December – 11th January Cinderella at Pavilion Theatre

Worthing A pumpkin magically transformed into a sparkling coach, mice into white horses and a girl goes from rags to a stunning ball gown all with a wave of a good fairy’s wand. Glass slippers and a spell that breaks when the clock chimes midnight, can only mean one thing!

Oh yes he does!

Today he’s going to make up a story for you – a brand new one-man pantomime. But he has no idea what it is yet. No title, no plot, not a single clue. Oh no he doesn’t! 6+ (recommended 8-12 years)

www.brightondome.org

www.worthingtheatres.co.uk

Saturday 12th – 13th December Father Christmas needs a Wee! Connaught Studio

Worthing Father Christmas eats and drinks the tasty treats that have been left for him at every house. But when he reaches number ten he realises that he’s forgotten to do something rather important and he really, really, really needs a wee!

www.worthingtheatres.co.uk

Friday 11th December – 17th January Peter Pan at Devonshire Park Theatre

Monday 14th – 17th December Miracle on 34th Street at Connaught Theatre

Worthing A white bearded gentleman claiming to be the real Santa Claus brings about a genuine miracle on 34th Street, spreading joy throughout New York City.

Featuring all time classic songs such as It’s Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas, this is a heart-warming tale for all the family.

Monday 21st 24th December The Cat in the Hat at Connaught Theatre

Worthing From the moment his tall, red and white striped hat appears around the door, Sally and her brother know that The Cat in the Hat is the funniest, most mischievous cat they have ever met. With the trickiest of tricks and craziest of ideas, he turns a rainy afternoon into an amazing adventure.

But what will mum find when she gets home?

Expect towering hats, mischief and fun that is funny! Based on the much loved book by Dr Seuss. Ages 3+.

An enchanting first theatre visit for young children, the show has a relaxed atmosphere and runs for 45 minutes with no interval.

www.worthingtheatres.co.uk

www.worthingtheatres.co.uk

Eastbourne Take to the skies with Peter, Wendy and Tinker Bell … and then test your sea-legs as we board Captain Hook’s pirate ship and join his crazy crew in this brand new pantomime adventure.

From the team behind last year’s Beauty and the Beast, expect live music, colourful sets, amazing costumes and spectacular special effects plus plenty of comedy, fun and laughter!

www.eastbournetheatres.co.uk Saturday 19th December Southwick Christmas Festival

Peter Pan

Including a Christmas Market where you can buy great local food, gifts, crafts and support charity fundraisers. Festive music - carole singing, children’s rides and sideshows.

From 10am – 6pm.

Monday 21st December Burning of the Clocks in Brighton

Every year people of Brighton and Hove gather together to make paper and willow laterns to carry through their city and burn on the beach to mark the end of the year (21st is the shortest day of the year). This is display is accompanied by music and a large fire sculpture is also burned – this event does get very busy so may not be suitable for very young children.

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Friday 11th – 13th December A Christmas Spectacular at Congress Theatre

Eastbourne The Rattonians return to the Congress with their popular Christmas Spectacular. The first half of the show is the Company’s favourites from the musicals. Act 2 will definitely get you in the Christmas spirit with Christmas favourites and a visit from Santa.

www.eatbournetheatres.co.uk

Saturday 12th December The Panto Game at Brighton Dome Studio Theatre Andrew Barnett Jones makes up stories for loads of top TV shows including The Amazing World of Gumball and Shaun the Sheep.

01903 620257 Sussex Coast

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