Primary Times Northamptonshire - February Half Term 2022

38,600 copies for families of Primary School Children

Northamptonshire

www.primarytimes.co.uk February Half Term Issue 103 1 February - 14 March 2022

Hip, hip hooray for Superworm!

Visit the trail at Salcey Forest and Fineshade Wood.

New for 2022!

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

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

Hello Everyone

What’s Inside

Dear Readers

In Northamptonshire

A big hello to everyone and welcome to our first edition for 2022 – a year that we all hope will be an especially good one in every way! As ever, we’ve included local news updates, competitions, and fabulous ideas to help brighten up your week and plan some fun winter activities with your children this half term.

Published by Moonscape Media Ltd Tel: 0118 9724980 Email: office@primarytimesmag.com Editor: Michelle Dilger

Pull on your winter woollies and head out to some of the wonderful places we’ve featured which offer masses of family entertainment and things to do, inside and out. Older children may love the chance to join a choir or discover their flair for drama, whilst younger family members can enjoy roaming through woodlands and getting involved in the interactive, child-friendly activities that are going on throughout the school break.

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.

Got a birthday party to organise? Run out of inspiration? Then check out the Party Ideas pages, highlighting brilliant entertainment and venues for kids, so you can plan a stress-free celebration this year that you will enjoy too!

We’ll be back again in March with lots to look forward to - warmer weather, longer Spring days, Easter fun and the promise of a sunny summer ahead. Until then, we wish you happy family times in the weeks to come.

N issueext Mar out 14thch

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Half Term Activities

10 WOW What’s On When 13 Party Guide 14 Theatre Watch 15 Competitions For Advertisers

We are the largest free magazine in Northamptonshire, reaching over 96,500 family readers per issue.

If you’d like to advertise directly to this audience please call 0118 972 4980

SWIMMING LESSONS FOR CHILDREN OF ALL LEVELS Swimming lessons for all levels, Monday to Friday evenings and Saturday and Sunday mornings.

Fully Qualified Swim England teachers and coaches based at various locations in Northampton.

FREE LESSON

and initial assessment call 01604 622264 or 07494 965590

or email coach.clarke@northamptonswimming.com

www.northamptonswimming.com Twitter: @NSC_Swim Instagram: nsc_swim Facebook: Northampton Swimming Club

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Notices and News updates for parents and teachers See times gone by at Kettering Market Place at a fantastic family event

NMPAT welcomes children who love to sing!

Northamptonshire Music and Performing Arts Trust are bringing the opportunity to sing in a County Choir to you! NMPAT Singers currently rehearse in both Northampton and Wellingborough on Wednesday evenings during term time and join together to perform at regular concerts throughout the year. The choir welcomes children aged 8-15 who love to sing and offers progression opportunities within the NMPAT County Group structure. As the existing membership grows, they are looking to add additional regional rehearsal venues to bring NMPAT into your local community – check their website for the latest information on your closest County Choir and to register for your free trial: www.nmpat.co.uk/choirs

Kettering Town Centre hosts a Victorian Market on Saturday 12th March – enjoyment for all the family - and it’s free! Go along to Kettering Market Place any time between 10am and 4pm and see how the Victorians used to live and trade. There will be street characters from the period, and workshops on art and storytelling, for young and old, plus magicians and games. You can find out how the Victorians made all sorts of things - from butter and bread, to candles, soap, and baskets. They’ve got a juggler as well! Want a go at pottery making? Pop along. Never heard of Thaumatrope Making? Your chance to find out. Buy some flowers, watch a forge, and enjoy the mobile music cart in action.

W: www.ketteringtowncouncil.gov.uk

New students are welcome to join at any time throughout this year - annual auditions are held each July to secure your membership for the following academic year. Details will be shared on their website during the summer term.

W: www.nmpat.co.uk/auditions

Improve fitness and spend time with the family – at TISKA Karate!

Photograph of Tiska’s youngest Black belt, 8-year-old Tyler Yamamoto

At TISKA Karate, children and adults alike learn the essentials of etiquette, respect, self-discipline, selfawareness, confidence, fitness, and self-defence. Classes are taught by TISKA’s Chief Instructor, 8th Dan Black Belt, Shihan Sahota. Students at TISKA start from the age of 4 years old and up. It is a very family-based club, and many families train together. Karate for children can help with bullying issues, exam stress and the building of self-esteem. It teaches children etiquette, respect and politeness to fellow students and their instructor. It can also help develop their concentration and focus. Karate for adults can help with general fitness and wellbeing and, with regular training, strength and flexibility will improve. Contact them directly for further details about their 4-week free trial.

W: www.tiska.com E: office@tiska.com

Energy Bill Crisis - How can you save more?

In 2021 energy prices have soared hitting record levels. With a further 50% increase likely to hit

by April 2022, it’s becoming a crisis that is likely to plummet thousands into poverty. There are, however, several solutions to help you improve the energy efficiency of your home. From turning standby appliances off at the plug when not in use, using energy smart meters, thick curtains, and adding insulation to your roof and walls – this will all help to retain the heat and reduce bills.

However, one major addition is upgrading to A+22 Triple glazing. This height of technology seals the heat in, significantly reducing energy bills for years to come. As prices rise further, it is likely to save you £1000s every year.

T&K Home Improvements are a Family Run Business that provides quality Windows, Doors and Conservatories. To find out more about their highly efficient glazing options visit their website.

W: www.tkhi.co.uk

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Try Kumon’s one-week Free Trial for your child now At your local Kumon study centre, Instructors aim to help children of any age and any ability discover their full potential and achieve beyond expectations. Kumon is proud to be recognised as an education provider that delivers proven academic results. An independent research study revealed that Kumon students are over a year ahead of the national average, and over six months ahead of their peers in their maths learning at the end of primary school (study conducted in England, 2020).

Kumon believes this opportunity to grow on both an academic and a personal level should be available to all children. That’s why, from 1st February – 15th March 2022, they are offering a Free Trial to all new students. For more information and to enrol your child for a one-week Free Trial, contact your local Instructor.

Quinton House School is the home of excellence

W: www.kumon.co.uk

Delivering a modern-day independent school education in a unique and historic 12th century setting, Quinton House School provides an inclusive environment in which all children can achieve personal success. They pride themselves on being the home of excellence, helping students to discover and live up to their full potential, while feeling happy, supported, and inspired through an innovative curriculum. With regular open events throughout the year, they’d love to welcome you onsite to show you everything that a Quinton education has to offer. Get in touch for more information.

T: 01604 684828 W: www.quintonhouseschool.co.uk

If You are Feeling Anxious, You are not Alone!

Unleash your daughter’s creativity at an Arts Experience Day at Northampton High School Does your daughter have a passion for Art or a flare for Drama? Does she fizz with creativity each day or perhaps she would like to explore her creative side further? Then why not head along to Northampton High School’s super exciting Arts Experience Day on Saturday 7th May. All girls from all schools in years 1-6 are very welcome to join in and unleash their expressive and creative abilities. Not wanting to leave the smallest imaginative explorers out, the same day will also host an Early Years Fun Morning with a range of fantastic activities for girls aged 1-5, with their parents. Contact them today and book your place.

T: 01604 765765 W: www.northamptonhigh.co.uk: E: nhs.admissions@nhs.gdst.net

At the Parenting with Anxiety Project at the University of Sussex, they are focused on finding ways to help parents and children navigate the world with confidence.

Learn an essential life skill with Northampton Swimming Club Northampton Swimming Club is a not-for-profit organisation that provides swimming lessons and coaching every day of the week after school and at weekends for children of all ages in and around Northampton. They are based at The Northampton High School, The Duston School, Weston Favell Academy and Headlands School. Classes range from Parent and Baby lessons, to advanced lessons, to development squads and international swimmers within their competitive programme. They are a Swim England SwimMark accredited club with fully qualified teachers and coaches. Their aim is to help children within their teaching programme to learn a life skill, improve their water confidence and learn new skills in a fun and safe environment whilst achieving badges and certificates at every level. During school holidays they host intensive swimming courses and stroke development courses to aid the development for each swimmer. For more information, please contact Ellie Clarke via email.

If you feel anxious you may find yourself feeling worried about your children. Their research shows that with the right support, parents can help their children become more confident. They now want to find out if families will benefit from an 8-module online course. If you would describe yourself as high in anxiety with a child aged 2-11, they would love you to join them.

Half of the parents will do the course and the others will just answer questions, but everyone is playing an important role in helping children with anxiety. Visit their website for more information.

W: www.parentingwithanxiety.org.uk

E: coach.clarke@northamptonswimming.com 6

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!

https://www.flipout.co.uk/view/ flip-out-rushden-lakes

*This voucher entitles the bearer half price admission for up to 2 children & 2 adults. Valid 5 days a week, Wednesday-Sunday. Photocopies not accepted. Cannot be used in conjunction with any other offer.

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Half Term Watch Enjoy a FUN-tastic February at the Favell Fun Club!

ROLL UP, ROLL UP! The Circus is coming to Weston Favell Shopping centre this February Half Term! From Saturday 12th – Sunday 20th February, 10am-2pm, discover the magic of the Circus with exciting performances, face painting and a special hunt around the centre to win a tasty treat! On Wednesday 16th February from 10am-2pm, meet the larger-than-life stilt walking ring master, and take part in a free Circus skills workshop, where your little ones can learn some mesmerising skills to impress the family and enjoy some tasty popcorn being served! Check out their website for more details.

W: www.westonfavellshopping.com

There’s lots to captivate curious young minds at Delapré Abbey With free entry for under 18s and 900 years of exciting history to discover, the Abbey reopens this February half term for little ones and their grown-ups to explore together. 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. Try on a helmet, fire a bow and arrow and create a crest in the newly reopened Battlefield rooms, plus discover the Abbey’s medieval past with a new interactive exhibition. The Abbey reopens on Sunday 13th February 2022 with a week of family fun and activities celebrating the Abbey’s early history.

Dressing up is encouraged! Visit their website to book tickets and find out more.

AB Photography UK

February weather isn’t always reliable and can bring some gloomy-looking skies, but fun days can still be had! Enjoy the break from routine, wrap up warm and discover some great things to do from kid-friendly, handson museums to fun forest trails! Take a look at these family favourites and make the most of your half term holiday.

W: www.delapreabbey.org

Gruffalo

Sculptures at

Fineshade Wood “Oh help! Oh no! IT’S A GRUFFALO!” If you venture into the deep dark wood, you may bump into Gruffalo and his wonderful creature friends from Julia Donaldson’s classic story. These hand-crafted sculptures of fox, mouse, owl, squirrel and snake have recently joined the original Gruffalo sculpture. Head to the trails to find them all on your next visit to Fineshade Wood.

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Hip, hip, hooray for SUPERWORM! From the creators of The Gruffalo, the hugely popular children’s book Superworm has arrived at Salcey Forest and Fineshade Wood with a brand-new family trail. The Superworm trails follow the animated premiere, which aired on BBC One on Christmas Day. These latest trails showcase the unsung heroes of the forest.

Based on the picture book written by Julia Donaldson, highlighting the small but mighty creature, such as toad, beetle, and Wizard Lizard, they show their amazing abilities to make their home in the forest. At either forest, families will discover illustrated panels, packed with amazing activities and questions designed to get children thinking about these unsung heroes. The trails should keep young ones entertained for around an hour. Trail packs are available to purchase from the Visitor Welcome Points at both forests for £3.50 including stickers, superhero mask and creature fact cards.

W: www.forestryengland.uk/ activities/superwormactivity-trails

W: www.forestryengland.uk/ fineshade-wood/gruffalosculptures-fineshade-wood

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Gruffalo Sculptures at Fineshade Wood

what’s on when On-going Daventry Leisure Centre The centre is open with a reduced list of activities and available spaces.

W: www.everyoneactive.com

Superworm Arrives!

Brand new Superworm family trail at Salcey Forest and Fineshade Wood.

The trails showcase the unsung heroes of the forest based on the book by Julia Donaldson. Purchase a trail from the visitor welcome points for £3.50.

W: www.forestryengland.uk/ activities/superworm-activity-trails

Walking Trails at Salcey Forest Situated just 7 miles from Northampton Salcey Forest has walking trails to keep the family fit and active. Details are on their website.

W: www.forestryengland.uk/ salcey-forest

If you venture into the deep dark wood, you may bump into Gruffalo and his creature friends from Julia Donaldson’s classic story. See handcrafted sculptures of fox, mouse, owl, squirrel and snake alongside the Gruffalo. Head to the trails to find them all on your next visit.

W: www.forestryengland.uk/ fineshade-wood/gruffalosculptures-fineshade-wood

Saturday 12th

Sunday 13th

Saturday Club at Brixworth Library

Fun at Delapré Abbey

Crafts, games, quizzes, scavenger hunts...a brand new activity every week! Ages 4-12. Drop in. Brixworth Library, Spratton Rd, Brixworth, Northampton. 11am-1pm.

W: www.northamptonshire.gov.uk/ councilservices/library-service

Runic Trail Stanwick Lakes All play equipment, including that on the assault course and adventure trail, is open but the waterplay remains closed. The toilets are open.

W: www.stanwicklakes.org.uk

February Saturday 5th February

West Lodge Farm Lambing Festival From 5th February West Lodge has 120 ewes waiting to give birth, Visitors will have the opportunity to bottle feed the cade and orphaned lambs.

You may even see a lamb being born!

West Lodge Farm, Kettering.

W: westlodgeruralcentre.digitickets.co.uk /tickets

Take a journey through Northampton Museum & Art Gallery – can you find the Vikings and decipher their runic message to win a share of their treasure hoard? Suitable for families.

Children must be accompanied by an adult. Drop in. Running until 20th February. £2. Northampton Museum and Art Gallery.

W: www.northamptonmuseums.com

Fun-tastic February at the Favell Fun Club

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. Try on a helmet, fire a bow and arrow and create a crest in the newly reopened Battlefield rooms, plus discover the Abbey’s medieval past with a new interactive exhibition. The Abbey reopens during February half term for little ones and their grown-ups to explore together. Visit the website to book tickets and find out more.

W: www.delapreabbey.org

Monday 14th

Kids Splat Holiday Club Running 14th-18th February at Lodge Park Sports Centre, Corby. Suitable for ages 5-12, £19 per day.

W: www.corbyleisure.co.uk/splatholiday-club

Tuesday 15th

Bird Box Builders

From Saturday 12th–Sunday 20th February 10-2pm discover the magic of the Circus with exciting performances, face painting and a special hunt around the centre to win a tasty treat! Weston Favell Shopping Centre.

W: www.westonfavellshopping.com

Celebrate National Nest Box Week by building a special home for our feathered friends. All materials and tools will be supplied to create your own wooden nest box.12-1pm, 1.15-2.15pm and 2.303.30pm. £15. Booking essential. Ages 8+.

Abington Park Museum. Booking essential.

W: www.northamptonmuseums.com

Bird Trail

Wednesday 16th

Enjoy a beautiful bird trail at Abington Park Museum – find and identify the birds hidden in the museum to win a small prize. Collect your trail from the entrance desk.

Afterwards use your trail spotter to look for birds in the park. Available during opening hours. Running until 20th February. £2. Northampton Museum and Art Gallery.

W: www.northamptonmuseums.com

Here Come the Vikings As part of the exciting Valhalla exhibition, celebrate the Vikings by creating your own longboat, ready to sail across the North Sea to attack England. All materials supplied. Children must be accompanied.

Booking essential. 10-11am, 11.30am12.30pm, 1.30-2.30pm, 3-4pm. £3.50.

Northampton Museum and Art Gallery.

W: www.northamptonmuseums.com

Sunday 20th 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!

The Lighthouse Theatre Kettering We have lots to look forward to in 2022, including: Sunday 27th March 2022

Twirlywoos Live!

Monday 4th April 2022

Exciting Science Monday 11th April 2022

The Wind In The Willows Wednesday 13th April 2022

The Wizard of Oz Please check our website for more!

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FEBRUARY HALF TERM ISSUE 2022

Snowdrop Walk Running February 20th and 27th at Deene Park, Corby, Northamptonshire.

W: www.deenepark.com

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 5.30pm 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 office@tiska.com

| www.tiska.com

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Wednesday 23rd

Sunday 27th

Saturday 5th

Sunday 13th

Wildlife Watch-Den Building

Big Band Night

Guitarstravaganza

Wind Band Spectacular

In conjunction with Northampton West Rotary, this evening of jazz music will also celebrate the life and work of Jon Lloyd. Featuring performances from County Jazz 3, County Jazz 2 and the County Youth Big Band, as well as improvisation workshop group, Jazz Matters. 6pm. (£10/£6) Performance venue: Spinney Theatre, Northampton, NN3 6DG. Tickets are available from Northampton West Rotary.

T: 07732 638245

Sunday 6th

Discover how to make a survival den in the woods, to keep warm and sheltered away from the cold. Ages 2+. Brandon Marsh, Brandon Lane, Coventry.

W: www.warwickshirewildlifetrust.org.uk

Saturday 26th

Constructive Play at Wellingborough Library Free constructive play for all the family, free drop in from 9am-5pm.

Wellingborough Library, Pebble Ln, Wellingborough NN8 1AS. W: www.northamptonshire.gov.uk/ councilservices/library-service

Highly Strung The annual performance of Northamptonshire county string players featuring County Junior Strings, County Training Strings and the string section of the County Youth Orchestra. 6pm. (£6/£4) Performance venue: Spinney Theatre, Northampton, NN3 6DG. Tickets are available from the NMPAT Office.

T: 01604 637117

March Friday 4th

Northampton High School Open Morning A sense of belonging from the very first moment. Experience all that Northampton High School can offer at their Open Morning. Go along and get a feel for what a High School education could do for your daughter.

Book your visit.

T: 01604 765765 or W:www.northamptonhigh.co.uk/ visit-us 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!

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

A celebration of all things guitar in Northamptonshire, featuring Guitarlactica, The Tarrega Guitar Ensemble, NMPAT Contemporary and some special guests from schools across the county. 6pm. Tickets are available from the NMPAT Office: 01604 637117 (£6/£4) Performance venue: TBC. W: www.nmpat.co.uk/events

Orchestra Spectacular

See all three generations - junior training and senior “youth” - of NMPAT’s county wind orchestras perform, sharing aspiration and inspiration. 6pm. (£10£16) Performance venue: Derngate, Northampton, NN1 1DP. Tickets available from the Derngate box office.

T: 01604 624811

Friday 25th

Wear A Hat Day

An opportunity to see all three generations – junior training and senior “youth” - of NMPAT’s county orchestras perform, sharing aspiration and inspiration.

Also featuring the world music group, Zingaresque, in the foyer. 6pm. (£10£16). Performance venue: Derngate, Northampton, NN1 1DP. Tickets are available from the Derngate box office.

T: 01604 624811

Join thousands of school children, parents and teachers across the UK and get hatty to help find a cure for brain tumours. This year’s unmissable fundraiser has a regal theme, celebrating the Platinum Jubilee with four new royal hat badges. The perfect way to bring everyone together and enjoy hat-themed events for Brain Tumour Research. Register today to get your free fundraising pack.

W: www.wearahatday.org

Saturday 12th

Sunday 27th

Victorian Market at Kettering Town Centre

Northampton and Lamport Railway

Go along to Kettering Market Place any time between 10am and 4pm and see how the Victorians used to live and trade. Featuring street characters from the period, and workshops on art and story-telling, for young and old, plus magicians and games.

W: www.ketteringtowncouncil.gov.uk

Opening Day of the Season – Normal Operating Day ALSO Mother’s Day Cream Tea Specials. Enjoy first class travel as you indulge in a delicious afternoon Cream Tea whilst gently rolling through the beautiful Northamptonshire Countryside. PRIOR BOOKING ESSENTIAL W: : www.nlr.org.uk/whats-on/

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Party Watch Take the stress and strain out of

organising your little one’s birthday by checking out these party ideas –

they’ll definitely put a smile on your

child’s face and you’ll get to relax and enjoy the celebrations too!

Flip Out T: 01933 274598 W: www.flipout.co.uk/locations/rushden-lakes-northampton Flip Out Rushden Lakes offers an exciting mix of trampolines and inflatables, making it the perfect place to celebrate in style for your next birthday party! With packages to suit every budget, why not let your Little Flippers blow off steam while you enjoy relaxing at their onsite bar? Every package includes a 1-hour bounce, Flip Out grip socks and hot food box, plus additional items depending on your chosen party.

Which is your favourite activity? Jumping over the car? Are you brave enough to take the leap onto the giant airbag? We love the Wipeout Balls, why not challenge your friends, and see who can get around the quickest? It will be a fantastic time for all!

Gallone’s Ice Cream Parlour

Tigers Indoor Play T: 01327 312188 W: www.tigersplay.co.uk Book your child’s birthday party at Tigers Indoor Play, and you can enjoy all of the following as part of the celebration package: Entry into Tigers for all party friends, plus one free adult per child; a month’s free entry pass for the Birthday Child; reserved seating for you & party guests; a choice of three themed party rooms; unlimited cordial drink for the party kids; a choice of 2 Menu options; 1 hour and 30 minutes of play in the play frame; 30 minutes in your Party Room; Throne chair for the Birthday Child; a dedicated Party Host Team; and half Price Entry vouchers for all Party Guests with the purchase of their Party Bags. It will be a party to remember!

W: www.gallones.co.uk Gallone’s Ice Cream has been a household name in Northampton for over 80 years so, when the first parlour was opened in 2013, in Kingsthorpe, it was met with a great response. With over 50 flavours of ice cream, waffles, pancakes, milk shakes and hot drinks on offer, there is something for everyone. The party factory is a unique party experience where the birthday child gets to be the factory boss for the day and make their very own flavour of ice cream, with lots of fun surprises along the way.

There is a party tea, obviously lots of ice cream and your party will be hosted by one of their expertly trained party hosts. Parents are invited to enjoy a discounted treat in the parlour while the party is in full swing! Gallones Parlours are now open in Market Harborough, Leamington Spa, Bedford, Weston Favell and Towcester.

Thunderbowl T: 01536 414004 W: www.thunderbowl.com At Thunderbowl Kettering we are ready to Party 7 days week, day or night! So let us help you to celebrate your special occasion or get together. We have Party packages available for children, teens and adults, all of which include food and drink. We offer Add ons and upgrades to suit all events. Upgrade to our VIP area to take your bowling experience to another level. Add an extra game of Bowling, or a round of Pirate Themed Adventure Golf. If you’re up for a challenge why not try an Escape Room. T&Cs apply, Minimum participants required for all packages. We look forward to celebrating with you.

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Theatre Watch Castle Theatre Wellingborough www.parkwoodtheatres.co.uk Monday 14th February

THE WIND IN THE WILLOWS Pack your picnics and join Ratty, Mole, Badger, and the fantastically irrepressible Toad as they embark on the adventure of a lifetime culminating in a colourful battle to save Toad Hall from the mischievous weasels!

Tuesday 15th February

MILKSHAKE! LIVEMILKSHAKE MONKEY’S MUSICAL Learn the amazing songs and dances with your favourite Milkshake friends and watch as the music, the lights, the costumes and the stage brings Milkshake! to life. With great Milkshake friends, anything is possible.

Thursday 17th February

POP DIVAS LIVE! Get ready to experience all your favourite pop divas as the greatest female stars of today appear on the same stage for the first time ever!

Saturday 5th -Sunday 6th March

OLIVER! Oliver! is a musical theatre masterpiece, featuring many well-known songs, such as I’d Do Anything, Consider Yourself and Food Glorious Food.

Sunday 13th March

BASIL BRUSH’S FAMILY FUN SHOW Fresh from appearances on CBBC’s Crackerjack, Britain’s most loveable fox takes you on a journey of laughs, storytelling and song in show for all the family specially written for the live stage and packed with fun and excitement.

The Core Corby, Northants www.thecorecorby.com Tuesday 15th-Thursday 17th February

DRAGONS AND MYTHICAL BEASTS From the creators of the West End smash hit Dinosaur World Live, who bring spectacular puppets to life, don’t miss this brand-new spellbinding adventure, live on stage!

Wednesday 23rd February

PINOCCHIO

WIND IN THE WILLOWS Pack your picnics and join Ratty, Mole, Badger, and the fantastically irrepressible Toad as they embark on the adventure of a lifetime culminating in a colourful battle to save Toad Hall from the mischievous weasels!

Wednesday 13th April

THE WIZARD OF OZ Join Dorothy as she goes on a magical adventure to the Land of Oz. Brought to you by KD Theatre Productions.

Northern Ballet returns to The Core with an original retelling of the classic children’s story, Pinocchio.

Royal And Derngate

Thursday 17th March

Thursday 24th February

LETS PERFORM FOR NANNA

THE RUSSIAN STATE BALLET OF SIBERIA- CINDERELLA

Variety show for all the family. Enjoy an afternoon of entertainment by local performers. Compered by Neil Richardson, the show will include singing & dancing for all ages, plus a local group. Money raised from the show will go the Nanna Animal Rescue. Northamptonshire Animals Needing Nurturing & Adoption.

The Lighthouse Theatre Kettering www.lighthousetheatre.co.uk Wednesday 16th February

THE LITTLE MIX SHOW The energetic show that follows in the footsteps of the awardwinning girl band, Little Mix. Sunday 27th March

TWIRLY WOOS LIVE The funny, loveable Twirlywoos are brought to life on stage with beautifully inventive puppetry promising an hour of colourful fun and laughter.

Monday 4th April

EXCITING SCIENCE With fun & fact filled experiments, watch in amazement as you see the recreation of a volcanic eruption; turn a vacuum cleaner into a missile launcher or take aim at you with the smoke blaster!

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

Monday 11th April

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Northampton www.royalandderngate.co.uk

The world’s favourite rags to riches fairy-tale where dreams can come true is a magical mix of Prokofiev’s energetic score, lively choreography and colourful costumes.

Friday 25th February

THE RUSSIAN STATE BALLET OF SIBERIA- SNOW MAIDEN Based on a traditional folk-tale, set in the snow covered landscape of the Russian countryside, this seasonal sparkler follows Snow Maiden as she dances into the human world.

Saturday 26th February

THE RUSSIAN STATE BALLET OF SIBERIA- SNOW MAIDEN This classic ballet never fails to delight audiences.

Monday 28th FebruarySaturday 5th March

BEDKNOBS AND BROOMSTICKS Enter a world of magic and fantasy as Disney’s classic movie Bedknobs and Broomsticks makes its world premiere as an exciting new stage musical.

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

Competition !

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 4th March.

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

WIN A GOLF PARTY FOR A FAMILY OF FOUR Adventure Golf is now open at Thunderbowl, Kettering.

To celebrate we are giving away Adventure Golf for a family of four.

Send your answer marked ‘Golf Party’ and all correct entries will be placed into the prize draw.

Closing date is 4th March.

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

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A FREE EVENT FOR ALL THE FAMILY

A AKettering A A Victorian Market Saturday 12th March 2022 Kettering Market Place 10-4pm

Step back two centuries to see how our ancestors lived and worked

Photographs: Rob Butler

A A Watch or take part at a host of stalls A A

Cooking g Bread Making g Butter Making g Basket Making Forge g Art Workshop g Music & Mobile Music Cart g Storytelling Games g Thaumatrope Making g Candle Making g Flower Seller Street characters g Street Magician g Plus our very own Steve the Juggler www.ketteringtowncouncil.gov.uk