Primary Times Northamptonshire - October Half Term 2021

37,900 copies for families of Primary School Children

Northamptonshire

www.primarytimes.co.uk Autumn Term Issue 102 October 2021 - February 2022

Box Office 01604 624811 www.royalandderngate.co.uk

Thu 9 December 2021 – Sun 2 January 2022

Guildhall Road, Northampton, NN1 1DP

Northamptonshire’s only what’s on and where to go guide covering the whole county...

BRACKLEY. CORBY. DAVENTRY. KETTERING. NORTHAMPTON. RUSHDEN. TOWCESTER. WELLINGBOROUGH

AMBITIOUS, DETERMINED AND PROUD TO BE WRENN

Northamptonshire School of the Year 2020 Please visit our website for more information

Hello Readers!

In Northamptonshire Published by Moonscape Media Ltd Tel: 0118 9724980 Email: office@primarytimesmag.com Editor: Michelle Dilger Production: Nathan Pretlove Advertising: Niki Whitwell Suzanne Mason Listings Editor: Suzanne Watson Features Editor: Helen Chitham Primary Times is independently published and distributed free through primary schools in Northamptonshire. It aims to inform families and children about current educational issues, forthcoming events, courses, attractions and to give teachers, pupils and parents the opportunity to participate in the magazine by adding to its contents or by joining in the competitions. It is NOT our intention to publish any racist, sexist or politically based material whatsoever. We also undertake not to carry any advertising which we would consider to be offensive to young families or harmful to the best interests of young children. Primary Times would like to thank all the schools in Northamptonshire for their assistance in distributing the magazine and for their contributions to its contents. We would also like to thank all the advertisers who have supported this publication and therefore made it possible. Please support their endeavours when and where you can. The copyright on all written material, logos and advertising artwork produced by our studio remains with Primary Times or with the relevant contributor. Primary Times is currently publishing over 2 million copies per issue under franchise licences throughout the UK. Primary Times Northamptonshire is operated under franchise licence.

Dear Readers, Welcome to the Autumn/Winter edition of Primary Times and we hope it finds you well. Combined with the year just gone, September is likely to have been an exciting, but tiring new start for many children and parents alike!

With that in mind, we’re sure this school break is particularly welcomed by all, especially as this next colourful season still offers up lots of opportunities to carve out some pumpkin fun, head to happy-haunting destinations and gaze with ‘oohs and aahs’ at some spectacular firework displays!

So, before the winter chill sets in, take time to re-charge your batteries and make the most of the sunny, milder days we have left by heading out of the house. We’ve included tons of ideas for half term and weekend family action, indoors and out, so fun is guaranteed whatever the weather!

And before we know it, Christmas will soon be here… to help you plan for a magical time, we’ve highlighted some fabulous activities and events taking place near you – make sure you look on page 15 What’s on When and book ahead to secure your festive spots!

In the meantime, we hope you have a wonderful time with your families this half term and beyond, and we’ll see you again in the new year!

What’s Inside 4 Pinboard 11 Spooky Watch 13 Half Term Activities 15 What’s On When 19 Festive Watch 23 Competitions

For Advertisers

We are the largest free magazine in Northamptonshire, with this issue reaching over 94,750 readers. If you’d like to advertise directly to this audience please call 0118 972 4980

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Notices and News updates for parents and teachers

Pitsford is proud to be a Green Flag Eco School!

Through the Eco Schools scheme, the Juniors at Pitsford school have been developing their understanding of sustainability and other global issues that are important to them. Working together on projects linked to ten Eco themes, the children have taken the lead on a wide range of activities during the year, many of them based within the wonderful school grounds. Outside learning seems to develop an increased appetite to learn, to absorb and let go – whether by discovering nature, gardening, or simply picking Pitsford pears from the school orchard.

Personal growth and confidence with Tiska Karate At Tiska Karate, students are taught the importance of fitness and self-defence. From the outset, they learn that karate is to be used for defensive purposes and are reminded never to use their fighting skills outside the dojo (training hall) except in cases of extreme provocation, and even then, only in self-defence. During the first few weeks of their training, children learn the essentials of basic etiquette.

Emphasis is placed on politeness, and respect for their fellow students, instructors, and parents. They soon become aware that good manners consist of having the utmost consideration for others.

Karate can help equip children with essential skills for life!

Mrs Rachelle Heard, Head of the Juniors said, “‘Real world learning’ outside of the classroom is hugely important to us; it means children benefit from the best of both worlds by experiencing education in both formal and informal contexts. Pitsford is a great place to be when inspiring and encouraging children to learn and engage with the environment around them. After all, what could be better than cooking and eating fruit crumble made from home-grown school produce?” To see the school in action, get in touch.

T: 01604 880306 E: registrar@pitsfordschool.com

T: 01753 882012 W: www.tiska.com E: tiska.karate@btconnect.com

Find out how exciting education can truly be this November!

Northampton High School knows how important the right school is to a child’s health, happiness, and overall achievement. A good school will exude excitement, energy, and opportunity, it will propel every child on to a path which will lead them to achieve great things.

Northampton High School are experts in educating girls; providing an inspiring curriculum alongside a vast array of extracurricular activities and outstanding pastoral care. From model making club in Year 2 to junior strings club in Year 3 to the current affairs club in Year 6 - there are always so many opportunities. Northampton High School is holding an Early Years Fun Morning for girls on Saturday 13th November. If you are looking for a Nursery or Reception Class for your daughter, please go along and see for yourselves how exciting her education could truly be. Sign up on their website for this, and many more events.

W: www.northamptonhigh.co.uk/

Flu vaccine – available at your child’s school The children’s Flu vaccine is offered as a yearly nasal spray to children to help protect them against flu. Flu can be a very unpleasant illness for children, with potentially serious complications, including bronchitis and pneumonia.

The Flu vaccine will be offered to all children from Reception to Year 11 in the school setting between the end of September 2021 and the end of January 2022. A link to an e-consent will be sent to you via the school. Please complete this and submit within 48 hours of receipt to ensure that your child receives this protection.

For children in school years Reception and Year 1, there will be an option to bring them to a clinic setting rather than receiving this in school. The date of the school-based session will be provided in the covering letter which accompanies the e-consent link. If you would like your child to have a gelatine free vaccine, this is available and can be requested via the consent and can also be delivered in school.

W: www.nhs.uk

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Everyone Active - swimming offers vital life skills to children NMPAT Saturday Music and Arts Centres – delivering fun, friendship and education NMPAT Centres enable music and artistic opportunities for children and young people at venues local to you. Open access activities provide first experiences for those interested in exploring music and the arts, and there are classes and ensembles for those already having lessons to enjoy the experience of making music with others. Centre staff are specialists in their subject and put students’ interests at the heart of everything they do. A wide range of activities are provided at Centres including:

Learning to swim is a vital life skill which every child should experience.

Swimming lessons teach children independence and give a sense of accomplishment as they feel themselves improving. As well as offering a whole-body workout like no other, swimming helps children to keep active while having fun. It also gives children the ability to get themselves out of potentially dangerous situations, enabling them to fully enjoy trips to the seaside and beach holidays. Once your children can swim confidently and competently, the door opens to a huge range of other activities, like kayaking, canoeing and water polo. These provide further opportunities for keeping active, meeting friends and developing new skills. Everyone Active’s awarding-winning learn to swim programme offers lessons for all ages, with child classes starting at four months, right through to adult classes. These are available at sites around the country and all swimming teachers are Swim England level 2 – or equivalent – qualified.

W: https://joinonline.everyoneactive.com/lessons

• Instrumental ensembles (bands, orchestras, folk, jazz, percussion) • Contemporary music groups • Choirs • Drama and dance • Art • Exam support • Early years • Groups for students with no previous experience (some instruments may be available for loan) Your first term is fully funded due to a grant from the Cultural Recovery Fund. Following terms are subject to a subscription of £80 per term*.

Find your nearest Centre here at: www.nmpat.co.uk/centres *Information on the assistance with membership subscriptions scheme available at: www.nmpat.co.uk/finance

Are you looking for an extraordinary education for your child?

Visit St Peter’s School and see for yourself Kettering’s only independent school and Nursery, established in 1946. Celebrating their 75th year in 2021, the school has established a reputation as a warm and friendly school with a strong family atmosphere. Focused on inclusive, high-quality learning, small class sizes are set in a beautiful, walled garden historic setting. Proud of their values-led approach with an emphasis on community, they seek to educate the whole child valuing a vibrant and rich curriculum - the arts, music and sport. Of course, academic rigour is important, but so is creativity, and children are encouraged to become life-long learners, well prepared for any secondary school. They warmly invite you to arrange a visit.

Local Glazing Company T&K Wins National Glazing Award T&K are proud to be winners of the GGP20 Installer Awards for the best Conservatory/ Orangery installation. The team are overjoyed to be granted this prestigious award, with it always being a pleasure to help enhance local properties with premium-grade conservatories and orangeries.

The win comes from a stunning conservatory that was installed by T&K. The homeowner had previously had a bespoke veranda installed by the T&K team, however they enquired about a more permanent living space to be fitted, and decided on a larger conservatory installation, in Chartwell Green to match, as they still wanted to incorporate the original veranda.

The biggest challenge the team faced was incorporating the original structure with the new conservatory installation. However, with 35 years of experience, their award-winning surveyor Steve Love was able to design a structure that fitted the homeowner’s original vision perfectly and added a new living space to their home seamlessly.

To find out more about how T&K could enhance your home with Windows, Doors or Living Spaces please call 0800 622 716 or visit www.tkhi.co.uk and quote: PT5

T: 01536 512066 W: www.st-peters.org.uk E: stpsoffice@st-peters.org.uk

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Flu vaccine – available at your child’s school The children’s flu vaccine is offered as a yearly nasal spray to children to help protect them against flu. Flu can be a very unpleasant illness for children, with potentially serious complications, including bronchitis and pneumonia.

The Flu vaccine will be offered to all children from Reception to Year 11 in the school setting between the end of September 2021 and the end of January 2022.

A link to an e consent will be sent to you via the school.

Please complete this and submit within 48 hours of receipt to ensure that your child receives this protection.

For children in school years reception and year 1 there will be an option to bring them to a clinic setting rather than receiving this in school. The date of the school based session will be provided in the covering letter which accompanies the e consent link. If you would like your child to have a gelatine free vaccine, this is available and can be requested via the consent and can also be delivered in school.

The NHS website www.nhs.uk/conditions/vaccinations/ child-flu-vaccine/# will provide further details. If you would like to speak to an Immunisation Practitioner via the Admin HUB please call 0800 170 7055 Line 5 or use the Live Chat tool and we will have someone on duty to answer your query.

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PLUS EXTRA 5% FOR PRIMARY TIMES READERS

QUOTE: PT5

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Halloween Specials

Saturday 30th & Sunday 31st October

Saturday times: 12.00, 13.00, 14.00, 15.00, 16.00, Break, 18.00, 19.00 Sunday times: first train 10.00, last train 15.00

Santa Specials

28th November, 4th & 5th, 11th & 12th and 18th & 19th December 10.00, 11.00, 12.00, 13.30, 14.30, 15.30

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spooky Watch There’s a whole cauldron of ideas brewing up to entertain little ones this half term, from ghostly thrills to hair-raising, haunted trains! Be brave, read on and have yourselves an un-boo-lievably festive Halloween!

Free, fearsome fun this Halloween at Kettering Market Place Head off to Kettering Market Place on Wednesday 27th October in your best scary outfit and celebrate in spooky style, with a fantastic day of free activities for the whole family.

From 10am-3pm, enjoy face painting, a ghost train, Circus of Horrors entertainment, crafts, musical games and much more!

W: www.thisiskettering.com

Fright Fiesta at Gulliver’s Land This October half-term it’s all about colour, costumes and music at Gulliver’s Land Milton Keynes. The popular theme park is getting ready to celebrate the spookiest season of the year. Gulliver’s Land has extra surprises and treats for their ghoulish guests, and you can join the fun from Saturday 23rd October 2021. Book early and save more on your theme park tickets. You don’t have to travel far for a frightfully fun adventure! Visit the website for more information and to book.

W: www.gulliverslandresort.co.uk

Spook Services take over

at Northampton & Lamport Railway this Halloween

Northampton & Lamport Railway have some fiendish fun planned for their passengers! Running on Saturday 30th and Sunday 31st October, pop on your best scary costume and creep down for a day of Trick or Treat Trains with friendly ghosts and ghouls, suitable for all ages. For an additional fee, there’s a new children’s activity bundle including creepy crafts and slimy games! They also have two special Fright Night Trains, running after dark on the Saturday – but beware, these are aimed at slightly braver souls! Their ‘Platform 3 Buffet’ will be open throughout, serving hot and cold drinks, snacks and freshly prepared hot food. See their website for more details.

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

Steve the Magician in a Spooky Halloween Magic Show!

This October half term, get set for Steve the Magician’s Spooky Halloween Magic Show in our new for 2021, Autumn Playschemes. Taking place on Tuesday 26th October at 11am at The Centre at Mawsley, Thursday 28th October at 11am at Broughton Village Hall and then finally on Friday 29th October at 11am at Rothwell Library. They’re all free and you can just turn up, except for Rothwell Library - please contact them directly to book via their Facebook page, pop in or by email.

E: RothwellCML@gmail.com

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*This voucher entitles the bearer half price admission for up to 2 children and 2 adults. Valid 7 days a week. Photocopies not accepted. Cannot be used in conjunction with any other offer.

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After the busy weeks at school, adjusting after the summer break, every family member will be ready for a well-earned rest and some fun! To keep everyone happy, we’ve rounded up some family friendly activities, inside and out, to ensure you’re not short of ideas this half term!

Enjoy the simple pleasure of fresh, local milk and mouth-watering milkshakes Do you want to savour the wonderful taste of farm-fresh milk from local cows this season? Why not round up the family and visit The Egg Shed’s vending machine at Wollaston for your milk. You can purchase a reusable glass bottle or recyclable plastic is available. They also provide milkshake syrups so you can enjoy a nice cold glass of milkshake with the kids. They have strawberry, chocolate, banana, butterscotch and coffee. You can find the vending machine at The Egg Shed, Abbey Farm, on the A509 between Wollaston and Wellingborough.

Follow them on Facebook @MilkMadCows

Treat the whole family to a Party Night at Thunderbowl this Autumn!

Delapré Abbey – a unique destination where kids can touch, play and explore all season long!

There’s lots to captivate curious young minds at Delapré Abbey this festive season. With free entry for under 18s and 900 years of exciting history to explore, the Abbey will be open for admission alongside a fun events programme. Delapré’s hands-on approach to bringing history to life makes it a unique family day out. Play, explore, and touch every object in the historic rooms. Discover the Abbey’s medieval past and the gruesome Battle of Northampton, the changes it went through under Henry VIII, and its time as a family home. On Sunday 31st October bring your little monsters along to the Abbey to take part in the Delapré Spooktacular. Enjoy a great day out for all the family at the Christmas Fair on Saturday 27th and Sunday 28th November, plus meet Father Christmas and his elves at Santa’s Grotto from 19th to 22nd December. You’ll have to be quick though as the Abbey’s popular family events sell out fast!

W: www.delapreabbey.org

Party Nights at Thunderbowl mean party time! Fun for all, this package includes 2 games of bowling, a delicious basket meal and drink, all for £22 per person. Planning a get together with family, friends or colleagues couldn’t be easier- just get booked in and they will take care of the rest. Upon booking, a food list will be sent to pre order meals. Once you’ve checked in at reception, drinks vouchers for your group are issued to be redeemed during your visit. Your meals will be freshly cooked and served at a time of your choosing, typically between games or after bowling is completed. All you need to do is relax and have fun, unless you have a competitive side, then it’s game on! Why not upgrade to the VIP area for £3 per person? And you could add a round of golf or escape room experience at discounted rates. T&Cs apply.

T: 01536 414 004 W: www.thunderbowl.co.uk

Lamport Hall Christmas Market 4th & 5th December 10am-4pm

Over 90 stalls Festive food and drink • Roasted chestnuts • Fun for all the family • Hall and Gardens open • •

Lamport Hall, Northamptonshire, NN6 9HD | www.lamporthall.co.uk

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TRADITIONAL INTERNATIONAL SHOTOKAN KARATE ASSOCIATION

• • • • • • •

FITNESS SELF AWARENESS SELF DEFENCE CONFIDENCE ETIQUETTE RESPECT SELF DISCIPLINE

No special clothing required.

Ladies, gentlemen and children welcome.

Families welcome minimum age 4 years.

Classes held:

Chief Instructor Sensei G. Sahota, 8th Dan.

Northampton

Every Friday at 6.00pm Every Saturday at 10.30am Caroline Chisholm School Wooldale Road Northampton NN4 6TP

Kettering

Every Thursday at 5.45pm Isebrook School, Eastleigh Road Kettering NN15 6PT All our instructors have enhanced Disclosure and Barring Certificates

BEGINN SPECIA ERS L OFF 4 WEEK ER S FREE

For more information please contact us on

07885 294418 or 01753 882012 tiska.karate@btconnect.com

| www.tiska.com

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Salcey Forest

what’s on when On-going National Trust Properties National Trust properties are open to visitors, pre booking recommended. https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/ whats-on

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

Fineshade Wood The forest is open for visitors with a Gruffalo Spotters trail. Fineshade Wood, Top Lodge, Near Corby. https://www.forestryengland.uk/ fineshade-wood

Located 7 miles from the centre of Northampton featuring walking trails, a family cycling trail, adventure play area and an onsite café. https://www.forestryengland.uk/

Gorsehill City farm The farm is open with additional safety measures in place. Pre-booking is essential. Gorsehill City Farm, Anstey Lane, Leicester, LE4 0FJ. www.gorsehillcityfarm.org

Canal Museum The canal Museum at Stoke Bruerne is now open. Housed on two floors of a historic corn mill, the museum provides an overview of the history of Britain’s canals. It offers a fascinating insight into the rich waterway heritage of Stoke Bruerne and the Grand Union Canal and the people that lived and worked on them. Stoke Bruerne, Towcester, NN12 7SE. https://canalrivertrust.org.uk/

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

October Saturday 16th

Halloween Fun Running 16th-31st October. All the Spooky Fun on the Farm Park including your pass to the pumpkin patch (pumpkin included), wand making and Daisy the Witch’s house. West Lodge farm Park, Desborough. https://westlodgeruralcentre. digitickets.co.uk/tickets

Sunday 17th

Discover Boughton Gardens in Autumn For one day only this Autumn, Boughton Gardens and Parkland will open to the public in aid of the National Garden Scheme. The gardens will open on Sunday 17th October, 1pm-5pm allowing visitors to explore the stunning Boughton gardens as it glistens for Autumn. Adult £6, Child £3. Boughton House, Kettering. https://www.boughtonhouse.co.uk/

Tuesday 19th

Halloween Fun This Autumn half term, Rockingham Castle opens for spooktacular Halloween activities. A fun day out for all the family.

Running 19th-21st & 26th-28th October. https://www.rockinghamcastle.com/

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Friday 22nd

Ghost Hunt by Torchlight The Ghosts of West Lodge Past have escaped and it’s your job to find them!

There are at least 10 ghosts to find however it won’t be easy! The ghosts will be constantly on the move around the grounds of the farm, some will be easier to find than others. 6-9pm. Also on 29th October. West Lodge farm Park, Desborough. https://westlodgeruralcentre. digitickets.co.uk/tickets

Saturday 23rd

The Haunted Castle Join the ghosts, ghouls, wizards and witches of Warwick Castle and enjoy a day brimming with spooky tales and family-friendly frights. Running 23rd31st October. Warwick Castle. https://www.warwick-castle.com/ explore/events/

Nature Club @ Brandon Marsh A fun outdoor session for children with additional needs including social, emotional and mental health needs. 10:30am – 12noon. Brandon Marsh, Brandon Lane, Coventry, CV3 3GW. https://www. warwickshirewildlifetrust.org.uk/

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what’s on when October Autumn Half Term Fun Enjoy a fantastic family day out at Wicksteed Park during half term. The train will be running along with all the rides and attractions in the Adventure Zone. Running until 31st October. www.wicksteedpark.org/events/ autumn-half-term-fun/

Sunday 24th

Halloween Activities Running on October 23rd, 27th and 31st. Pumpkin Painting, Halloween Trails, Toasting Marshmallows over the fire pit and a Mindfulness Day on 31st October. Sulgrave Manor. https://sulgravemanor.org.uk/

Tuesday 26th

Saturday 6th

Autumn Playschemes

Festive Gift Fair

Steve the Magician will be hosting a Spooky Halloween Magic Show in the new Autumn Playschemes.

Tuesday 26th October,11am at The Centre at Mawsley, Thursday 28th October,11am at Broughton Village Hall, Friday 29th October at 11am at Rothwell Library. Free, drop in, except for Rothwell Library please contact directly to book via their Facebook page, drop in or email.

E: RothwellCML@gmail.com

Gift fair featuring artisan craft stalls, Father Christmas will be in attendance for photo opportunities as well as a falconry display in the gardens. Holdenby House, Northampton. Also on 7th November. https://www.holdenby.com

Wednesday 27th

Northampton High School is holding an Early Years Fun Morning for girls.

If you are looking for a Nursery or Reception Class for your daughter please go along and see for yourselves how exciting her education could truly be. Sign up on their website for this, and many more events. www.northamptonhigh.co.uk/

Free Halloween fun at Kettering Market Place Go along in your best scary outfit and celebrate in spooky style, with a fantastic day of free activities for the whole family. Enjoy face painting, a ghost train, Circus of Horrors entertainment, crafts, musical games and much more! From 10am -3pm.

Saturday 30th

Flame and Thunder An action-packed day for all the family featuring Jet Cars, Drag Racing demos including Top Fuel Dragsters, stunt displays and Monster Trucks. Plus funfair, live stage, bonfire and huge firework finale! Santapod Raceway. https://santapod.co.uk/

October 24, 27 & 31

HALLOWEEN ACTIVITIES AND CHILDREN’S YOGA Venue: Sulgrave Manor Time: Varies This Halloween half term Sulgrave Manor are delighted to be offering Pumpkin Painting, Halloween Trails, Creative Activities and Toasting Marshmallows over the fire pit. 31st October is also their Children’s Mindfulness Day with Halloween baby and childrens yoga.

Prices starting from £4.

Address: Manor Road, Sulgrave, Banbury, OX17 2SD Tel: 01295 760205 Facebook: SulgraveManorWashington www.sulgravemanor.org.uk

Monday 25th

Halloween Trail at Stanwick Lakes Visit and explore the Spooktacular trail at Stanwick Lakes! From 25th – 31st October. This family fun trail includes spooky Halloween decorations, hidden nature facts and a look into Stanwick Lake’s magical history plus fun live demonstrations on selected days. https://www.stanwicklakes.org.uk/ We take great care to ensure this information is correct at the time of going to press. However, we would advise parents to phone and check details prior to making a long trip …or promise!

Wicky’s Mini Monster Ball Dance the afternoon away with Wicky and his friends at Wicksteed Park.

Halloween disco, spooky games and fancy dress. Tickets £5. www.wicksteedpark.org/events/ autumn-half-term-fun/

Sunday 31st

Delapré Spooktacular Take your little monsters along to the Abbey to take part in a family-friendly Halloween spooktacular. Watch out for fearsome creatures and ghostly apparitions from the Abbey’s past as you follow the pumpkin themed trail through the house before collecting your trick or treat goodie bag.4-7pm.

Tickets £5 per child including a trick or treat goodie bag (adults go free).

Ages 12 and under. Delapré Abbey. https://delapreabbey.org/

November Friday 5th

Towcester Firework Frenzy A magical evening of silent fireworks & laser displays to music along with a stunning drone display plus a carnival fairground. 6pm. Towcester Racecourse. https://towcester-racecourse.co.uk/

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Saturday 13th

Northampton High School Open Morning

Friday 19th

Market Harborough Christmas Lights Switch On The launch of Christmas in Market Harborough! There will be late night shopping, a Christmas Market and the Christmas light switch on! https://visitharborough.com/

12 Days of Christmas Trail around Kettering Town Centre 12 days of Christmas Trail around Kettering Town Centre shops. Grab a map from Kettering Swimming Pool and explore the town centre to find twelve clues in different shops and claim your treat. Runs until 24th December. www.thisiskettering.com/Christmas

Magical Wicksteed Festive Experience This year’s Magical Wicksteed will include a Christmas show in the park’s new theatre as well as a visit to Santa’s reindeer and meeting Mr & Mrs Claus and their cheeky elves. Price also includes unlimited rides on the train and all the rides in the Adventure Zone.

Runs until 24th December. Tickets £19.50 for children, £17.50 adults.

W:www.wicksteedpark.org

December Wednesday 1st

Lap of Lights An award-winning winter attraction, the only light and laser drive in the UK. Runs until 3rd January at Silverstone. https://www.silverstone.co.uk/

Saturday 20th

Saturday 4th

Weston Favell Presents Santa!

Santa’s Lapland Workshop

Santa will be headlining Christmas at Weston Favell Shopping centre from Saturday 20th November to Friday 24th December, 2021. Meet Santa in his sparkly new grotto this Christmas and enjoy other fun activities and live acts throughout the centre as we countdown to the big day! Visit www.westonfavellshopping.com for details and tickets for Santa’s Grotto.

Booking fee applies. Ticket includes entry with gift.

Thursday 25th

Christmas in Kettering Christmas Lights switch on 4pm-8pm, hosted by local community radio station Shire Sounds at Kettering Market Place.

Christmas markets in the market place are on December 4th, 11th and 18th. www.thisiskettering.com/Christmas

Saturday 27th

Christmas Fair A great day out for all the family at this annual Christmas Fair. Stalls selling a variety of unique gifts, food & drink, children’s activities, and the historic house dressed for Christmas, there will be something for all ages. 10am-4pm. Entry £1, includes Victorian horse & carriage ride bookable on the day, under 5s free. Also on 28th November. Delapré Abbey. https://delapreabbey.org/

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Meet Santa and see the Elves busy at work making lots of presents at Santa’s Lapland Workshop on Kettering Market Place, on selected days from Saturday 4th – Friday 24th December,10am – 4pm. Late night opening 17th & 23rd December, 10am – 8pm. £7 per child.

Booking required. Bookings W: www.thisiskettering.com/Christmas or T: 07392 665 143. Open Mon Thurs 6th -17th December, 10am - 4pm you can walk through the workshop and see the Elves at work while Santa is away on other business, entry is £1 per person. Drop in.

Christmas Market at Lamport Hall Lamport Hall are hosting their first ever Christmas market on the 4th & 5th of December! Shop over 90 stalls of gifts, crafts and produce – you’re sure to find something for all the family.

Indulge in an array of festive food and drink options during your visit. www.lamporthall.co.uk

Sunday 19th – Wednesday 22nd

Santa’s Grotto 9:30am-4pm. £5 per child (max.

2 adults per child). Meet Father Christmas at the Abbey, receive a present lovingly wrapped by his team of elves, and hear a Christmas story. www.delapreabbey.org

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Festive Festive Watch Watch

Long held family traditions make Christmas magical for both children and grown-ups alike!

From trimming the tree, to digging out the stockings and leaving a mince pie out for Santa, it’s a season to be treasured. Make yours even more special with a visit to some of these sparkling destinations – all ready to treat and entertain you to make it your merriest Christmas yet.

Northampton & Lamport Railway host Santa Specials this November & December Get in the festive mood with a magical, relaxing train ride aboard the Northampton & Lamport Railway and meet Santa in his magical Grotto! Details of the event will be released soon, so keep an eye on their website for dates and times.

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

Festive joy returns with Magical Wicksteed bigger and better than ever!

Wicksteed Park has launched its incredibly popular Magical Wicksteed festive experience for this Christmas. The event will run from Saturday November 27th through to Christmas Eve, with this year promising to be bigger and better than ever.

This year’s Magical Wicksteed will include a Christmas show in the park’s new theatre as well as a visit to Santa’s reindeer and meeting Mr and Mrs Claus and their cheeky elves.

The price also includes unlimited rides on the train and all the rides in the Adventure Zone. Tickets are £19.50 for children and £17.50 for adults. A Wicksteed Twilight experience will also be available on selected midweek evenings.

Magical Wicksteed is covered by the park’s Covid promise, which guarantees guests a full refund if the government introduces restrictions which prevent it from putting on the event. Check out all the details online.

W: www.wicksteedpark.org

Ho Ho Ho - Weston Favell presents SANTA!

The Christmas Lights BIG Switch on event will run from 4-8pm and will be hosted by local community radio station Shire Sounds on Thursday 25th November at Kettering Market Place. The fun and festive schedule will be released soon, so keep your eyes peeled on This is Kettering social media channels as you won’t want to miss what’s in store this year! There will be plenty of chances to support your local town centre with Christmas Markets on Kettering Market Place on Saturdays 4th, 11th and 18th December with lots of gift ideas, food and drink with festive entertainment for the whole family.

The star of the show is back! Santa will be headlining Christmas at Weston Favell Shopping centre from Saturday 20th November to Friday 24th December.

Meet Santa in his sparkly new grotto this Christmas and enjoy other fun activities and live acts throughout the centre as we countdown to the big day! Discover a rather cheeky talking post-box, make a wish on the wishing star, receive some good old-fashioned advice from a Pink Fairy Godmother and so much more! Visit the website for more details and to book tickets for Santa’s Grotto. T&C’s and a booking fee applies. Ticket includes entry with gift.

W: www.thisiskettering.com

W: www.westonfavellshopping.com

The magic of Christmas set to illuminate Kettering

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Festive Watch

Decking the halls with a sparkling, traditional Christmas Market Lamport Hall are hosting their first ever Christmas Market on the 4th and 5th of December! Go along to shop over 90 stalls of gifts, crafts and produce – you’re sure to find something for all the family. From hand poured wax candles to homemade cakes, Christmas decorations to handmade baby clothes, their talented stallholders will help take the stress out of Christmas shopping. Refuel after all that retail therapy with seasonal food and drink and get your festivities off to a traditional start with roasted chestnuts from Falcon Forge. The Hall and Gardens will also be open under separate entry.

W: www.lamporthall.co.uk

It’s a busy time of year in Santa’s Lapland Workshop Go along and meet Santa and see the Elves busy at work making lots of presents at Santa’s Lapland Workshop on Kettering Market Place, on selected days from Saturday 4th – Friday 24th December, between 10am – 4pm. Late night opening 17th & 23rd December, between 10am – 8pm. The cost is £7 per child and booking is required. For more details visit www.thisiskettering.com/christmas/ or call the booking office on 07392 665 143.

Plus, open Monday to Thursday from 6th – 17th December, between 10am – 4pm, you can walk through the workshop and see the Elves at work while Santa is away on other business! Entry is £1 per person and there’s no booking required, just turn up!

20 Go to www.primarytimes.co.uk/Northamptonshire for thousands more great days out

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Go to www.primarytimes.co.uk/Northamptonshire for thousands more great days out

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Theatre Watch Castle Theatre

The Core

Deco Theatre

Royal And Derngate

Wellingborough https://www. parkwoodtheatres.co.uk/

Corby, Northants https://www.thecorecorby.com

Northampton https://www.thedeco.co.uk/ events/

Northampton https://www. royalandderngate.co.uk/

Sunday 24th October

Tuesday 26th-Saturday 30th October

Friday 29th-Sunday 31st October

DRAGONS AND MYTHICAL BEASTS Unveil a myriad of dark secrets and come face to face with some of the most magnificent monsters and terrifying beasts ever to walk the earth. Discover the colossal Stone Troll, the mysterious Indrik and Japanese Baku; the Tooth Fairy (not as sweet as you’d think), an adorable Unicorn and majestic Griffin. Take your place among legendary heroes, just don’t wake the Dragon.

Saturday 4th December 2021 – Sunday 2nd January 2022

SLEEPING BEAUTY Get ready for the pantomime you’ve been dreaming of and awaken to a world of wonders this Christmas! Join us this Christmas as we transform the much-loved classic story into a fun-filled family panto, full of songs, dances and even a firey Dragon! Cursed by the jealous Wicked Queen on her 16th birthday, the beautiful Princess falls into a deep sleep that can only be ended with a kiss from her betrothed. Prince Charming, our hero, needs all the help he can get from the good fairies to help him escape the Queen’s evil clutches, wake the Princess and live happily ever after. Will true love win the day? Join us and find out!

Sunday 31st October

WE ALL WOBBLE Join the two lovable clowns as they weeble and wobble their way through a chaotic picnic. This life-sized roly poly spectacle is full of hilarious slapstick, near misses, and messy chaos for the whole family.

Thursday 11th -Friday 12th November

THE VERY HUNGRY CATERPILLAR SHOW Created by Jonathan Rockefeller, this critically acclaimed production features a menagerie of 75 lovable puppets, faithfully adapting four of Eric Carle’s stories, Brown Bear, Brown Bear, 10 Little Rubber Ducks, The Very Lonely Firefly and The Very Hungry Caterpillar.

Wednesday 8th-Friday 24th December

SANTA’S MAGICAL MYSTERY GUEST Santa, Ellie, and Rudolph are getting ready for the big night!

One of their presents is a magic cabinet which mysteriously conjures up a pirate who seems to be lost. With lots of Christmas songs to sing along with and tons of magic and festive cheer, see if Santa can help the Pirate find his way home in time for the big day.

STAND UP COMEDY FOR KIDS Live on Stage Mester the Jester’s real-life alter-ego Mark Jones brings his solo comedy show to The Deco.

Saturday 20th November

FIREMAN SAM SAVES THE CIRCUS When all of his friends go away, Norman Price decides to find adventure in Pontypandy and become the star of a visiting circus. But with a tiger on the loose and faulty lights, the adventure soon turns to danger. Can Fireman Sam come to the rescue and save the circus?

Friday 10th -Friday 31st December

ALADDIN 2021 The classic adventure story of Aladdin and his magic lamp springs to life with flying carpets, genies and lots of comic mayhem.

Milton Keynes Theatre Central Milton Keynes ATGTICKETS.COM/ MiltonKeynes Saturday 11th December – Saturday 8th January 2022

JACK AND THE BEANSTALK

SANTA’S MAGICAL MYSTERY GUEST THE CORE AT CORBY CUBE 22 Go to www.primarytimes.co.uk/Northamptonshire for thousands more great days out

Follow Jack and climb a beanstalk of gigantic proportions to cloudland in this spectacular family pantomime. Doomed to sell his trusty cow, join Jack as he fights to save the beautiful Princess, outwit the evil giant and win riches beyond his wildest dreams, and the hand of the girl he loves.

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SHREK THE MUSICAL Featuring characters from the film, Shrek an Ogre, finds himself on a daring adventure alongside a wisecracking Donkey to rescue the feisty Princess Fiona.

Performed by Northampton Musical Theatre Company.

Monday 13th December 2021-Sunday 2nd January 2022

THE GRUFFALO Join Mouse on a daring adventure through the deep, dark wood in Tall Stories’ magical, musical adaptation of the classic picture book by Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler. Searching for hazelnuts, Mouse meets the cunning Fox, the eccentric old Owl and the high-spirited Snake.

Will the story of the terrifying Gruffalo save Mouse from ending up as dinner for these hungry woodland creatures?

After all, there’s no such thing as a Gruffalo – is there? Songs, laughs and monstrous fun for children aged 3 and up and their grown-ups, in the much-loved show that’s toured Britain and the world!.

Thursday 9th DecemberSunday 2nd January

DICK WHITTINGTON Dick Whittington is the purrfect pantomime adventure that follows our hero to seek his fame, fortune and happiness in London Town. With help from the magical Fairy Bowbells and his trusty feline friend, what could possibly go wrong?

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

Primary Times

Competitions

You can enter Primary Times competitions by sending an email to competitions@primarytimesmag.com When you enter make sure you give us your name, address, email, age and school. Closing date is 5th November.

Please note: Primary Times will only use your details to contact the competition winners.

Win a Family ticket to see Jack & the Beanstalk at the Milton Keynes Theatre on Thu 6 Jan at 7pm Starring Britain’s Got Talent winners, Street Dance sensations Ashley Banjo & Diversity, Jack and the Beanstalk will be a GIANT adventure for all the family!

To enter just answer the following question: Which beloved animal does Jack have to sell at the market?

WIN A FAMILY DAY PASS TO WICKSTEED PARK There is so much to enjoy at Wicksteed Park this autumn, from outside space to thrilling rides and shows. To celebrate, we’re giving you the chance to win a Family Pass (up to 2 adults and 3 children) on rides for a day of your choice in October half term!

a) his dog b) his cat or c) his cow

There is so much to entertain you – including their ever-popular train which will be running, along with all the rides and attractions in The Adventure Zone!

To win please send your answer marked ‘ Jack & The Beanstalk’ .

Closing date 5th November *Ticket is for a family of 4 which must include at least 1 adult **Tickets are non-transferrable

To win your Family Pass, simply send in your entry marked ‘Wicksteed’ and you’ll be placed in our prize draw.

Closing date is 5th November

Go to www.primarytimes.co.uk/Northamptonshire for thousands more great days out

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