News & Views
Regatta makes big splash
WIN tickets for Highclere Castle Battle Proms The quintessentially British ‘party in the park’ is back and promises even more spectacular music and entertainment than ever before. Highclere Castle Battle Proms will be held on 3 August on the lawns overlooking ‘the real Downton Abbey’. A two-hour programme of captivating classical music from a 60-piece orchestra will open with a breath-taking musical Spitfire display, plus toe-tapping vintage vocals, Napoleonic cavalry display, and live fire from over 200 cannons. The Red Devils – the British Army and Parachute Regiment’s official display team – will be ‘dropping in’, as they perform their daring freefall display in the skies above the concert. The event will culminate in musical firework displays, and a flag waving, sing-a-long spectacular including all the Last Night of the Proms finale favourites such as Jerusalem, Rule Britannia and Land of Hope and Glory. Families Thames Valley West is delighted to be able to offer three pairs of tickets for three lucky readers. To enter, simply like our Facebook page (@familiesthamesvalleywest) and tag three friends who might also be interested. Competition closes at midnight on Sunday 28 July. For more information or to book tickets: battleproms.com
The Goring and Streatley Regatta and River Festival is just around the corner and promises an action-packed day of fun on the river. Around 30 crews are signed up to take part in the main racing of the Goring Gap Boat Club’s biannual event on 20 July. Other onthe-water attractions for adults and children include a Crafty Raft Race – build and enter a raft and then race it with friends and family (enter online now), and the Baby Dragon Boat and Canoe Races (entry on the day). There will also be a chance to ‘go row’ – a coached taster session for adults.
The regatta hosts many stalls and other attractions to keep young and old entertained. Bring a picnic or be tempted by one of the food stands. Enjoy the bar and get your toes tapping to live music from Goring Unplugged. With the main action taking place between 11am and 5pm, rent a gazebo spot on the river and make a day of it in luxury. Entry is £8 and under 16s go FREE. Parking is free too! Full information at goringgapbc.org.uk/regatta
All weather action at Look Out The Look Out Discovery Centre is a fantastic place to visit as there is plenty to do whatever the weather! Inside, there are over 90 hands-on science and discovery activities, aimed at toddlers to under 12s. Build an unfinished house with ride-on diggers, test your speed with Batak or leave your shadow on the wall! This summer, they are running the fun BIG Dinosaur show. Help the presenter dig through sand to find the fossils, and identify smells to keep the Dinosaur herd alive – this interactive show will leave your children roaring for more. Running from 20 Jul until 8 Sept – it’s so REX-citing. Check out facebook.com/thelookoutdiscovery or bracknellforest.gov.uk/thelookoutdiscoverycentre for more details
Wonderful summer adventures at Stonor The summer holidays are sorted! This year, Stonor Park in Henley-on-Thames has planned a series of fun activities for kids. Families can use the special nature packs and explore the park. Join Robin Hood, or one of his merry men or Maid Marian and her ladies of the court. Come for a day of themed dress-up fun. Calling all pirates and princesses – the magic of summer is still with us. There are figureheads for your ship to design, plus painting, creating and more. Introducing Mud and Guts outdoor fun for children of all ages. Learn about the natural world and bush craft with good old-fashioned games, including quizzes, den-building, tracking and navigating skills. The fabulous adventure play park offers hours of entertainment, swinging, jumping, sliding and splashing. The nearby visitor centre offers full facilities, including baby changing and the pit stop has gifts, snacks and drinks. To find out more, visit stonor.com
4 • Henley • Reading • Wokingham • Bracknell • Newbury • West Berkshire
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