Spring Events

It’s here – the prospect of longer days and warmer weather – so make sure you have some top family entertainment in the diary! There are some excellent events back on the cards this year, so celebrate the start of the new, more hopeful season ahead and plan an action-packed spring.

15th - 17th April ENTER A MAGICAL LAND WITH ALICE AND FRIENDS AT NEWBURY’S EASTERFEST!

A Wonderland-themed EasterFest comes to Newbury for the first time this Easter, from 10am8pm on Friday 15th and Saturday 16th April, and 10am-5pm on Sunday 17th April. Grab selfies in Wonderland with Alice, Mad Hatter, and the Queen of Hearts, and don’t miss showstopping © OddShoe Photography musical performances! Listen to the Easter Bunny tell magical tales during story-time and hunt for Easter eggs hidden amongst scattered giant objects such as a life-size chess set and wacky furniture! See street entertainers, live music, and enjoy the sizzling smells from the nearby street food and vibrant market stalls. Plus, participate in a two-week Easter Egg Hunt in Newbury from Saturday 9th – Sunday 24th April, with prizes to be won and all proceedings going to the local Swings & Smiles charity. W: www.visitnewbury.org.uk/events

Sunday 27th March TREAT MUM TO A SPRING FAMILY RACEDAY AT ASCOT

Ascot’s Spring Family Raceday, on Sunday 27th March, has plenty of delights in store! Fortuitously falling on Mothering Sunday, it’s the perfect opportunity to spend an action-packed afternoon of Jumps racing and familyfriendly activities in the company of your nearest and dearest. Free for under 18s, younger children can explore fun countryside-themed attractions from pony rides, face painting, and petting farms, to dog agility displays, treasure hunts, ferret racing, and more. On course, the final fixture of Ascot’s 2021/22 Jumps season features a varied card including a popular Veterans Chase and a valuable two-mile juvenile hurdle which is bound to keep budding racing fans on the edge of their seats. Tickets from £26.00, with free entry for under 18s. W: www.ascot.com

11th - 18th April SHREK THE MUSICAL COMES TO SOUTH HILL PARK

Everyone’s favourite ogre is back this Easter in South Hill Park’s hilarious stage spectacle, based on the Oscar-winning smash hit film and outrageous Broadway musical. Unlikely hero Shrek, and his wisecracking friend Donkey, lead a cast of fairytale misfits – cast off by tiny terror Lord Farquaad – on an adventure to rescue a feisty princess and find true acceptance. Part romance and part twisted fairy tale, Shrek The Musical is an irreverently fun show with a powerful message for the whole family. With a West End standard musical score, an award-winning creative team and cast of home-grown talent, it’s the must-see show this Easter holiday. Box Office T: 01344 484123 W: www.southhillpark.org.uk

12th -14th April DINOSAUR WORLD LIVE AT THE CORN EXCHANGE NEWBURY

Dare to experience the dangers and delights of Dinosaur World Live in this roarsome interactive show for all the family. Grab your compass and join their intrepid explorer across uncharted territories to discover a pre-historic world of astonishing (and remarkably life-like) dinosaurs. Meet a host of impressive creatures, including every child’s favourite flesh-eating giant, the Tyrannosaurus Rex, a Triceratops, Giraffatitan, Microraptor and Segnosaurus! Suitable for ages 3+, shows take place on: Tue 12 Apr, 1.30pm & 4pm; Wed 13 & Thu 14 Apr, 11am & 2pm. To book tickets visit them online. W: www.cornexchangenew.com

Saturday 16th & Sunday 17th April NEWBURY RACECOURSE HOSTS EASTER ACTIVITIES AND ACTION-PACKED RACING FOR FAMILY FUN

Newbury Racecourse’s action packed 2022 Flat season kicks off over the Easter Weekend on Saturday 16th and Sunday 17th April with the Dubai Duty Free Spring Trials meeting. Two days of family fun include the Racing Experience Day on Saturday, where everyone including young racegoers will get a glimpse into the racing world with opportunities to meet and be a Jockey, learn about ownership, book signings, as well as a collection of fun family activities. Then on Sunday 17th April, the Easter fun starts! Get the whole family down to experience storytelling, Easter egg hunts and crafts, a petting zoo and more! Harry the Horse is even joined by his good friend, the Easter Bunny! Tickets are now on sale for all 2022 fixtures. W: www.newburyracecourse.co.uk

Friday 22nd & Saturday 23rd April JOIN ALICE AND HER MAGICAL FRIENDS AT THE KENTON THEATRE

DK Productions are back at The Kenton Theatre as we follow Alice and drop down the rabbit hole to a magical place in Wonderland. You would be ‘mad’ to miss it! Expect a fast-paced show with lots of audience interaction, colourful animated scenery, bright costumes and memorable music! Keep your head firmly on your shoulders and stay on the good side of the Queen of Hearts, plus attend a tea party that would make anyone go crazy. Performances at 1pm & 4pm on Friday 22nd & Saturday 23rd April. Visit them online to book for one of the world’s greatest adventures! W: www.kentontheatre.co.uk

20th - 23rd April THEATRE ROYAL WINDSOR PRESENTS THE LITTLE MERMAID JR.!

Journey “under the sea” with Theatre Royal Windsor this Easter as the TRW Easter School presents Disney’s The Little Mermaid JR.! This is an amateur production featuring some of the finest youth talent direct from within the local community – it’s not to be missed! Registration is still open for TRW’s Easter School community project – places are open to anyone aged 9 to 18 years old who have a passion for performing or technical theatre. Contact learning@theatreroyalwindsor.co.uk for further information about how to get involved. Performances run from Wednesday 20th – Saturday 23rd April for those looking for a family treat this Easter and you can book your show tickets online. W: www.TheatreRoyalWindsor.co.uk

14th May - 5th June FUN AND MAYHEM AT READING CHILDREN’S FESTIVAL 2022

This year’s festival celebrates its 33rd anniversary with three fun packed weeks of events and activities for children all over the borough. The festival gets off to an action-packed start with Forbury Fiesta on Saturday 14th May, where there will be something for everyone on the day. Reading’s Children’s Festival promises to bring plenty of fun, mayhem and madness. From sport and music workshops to fun days with art and craft sessions, take your pick from the many exciting events taking place at venues across Reading. This year’s festival is celebrating everything biscuit related as they celebrate 200 years of Huntley and Palmers biscuit factory in Reading – so expect a biscuity themed event! T: 0118 937 2771 or 0118 937 2395 E: events@reading.gov.uk Twitter: @ReadingCFest Facebook: www.facebook.com/ReadingCFest

SPRING TRIALS WEEKEND

SATURDAY 16 APRIL RACING EXPERIENCE DAY SUNDAY 17 APRIL EASTER FAMILY DAY

BOOK NOW KIDS GO FREE NEWBURYRACECOURSE.CO.UK

Join us this Easter!Join us this Easter!Join us this Easter! 4th - 19th April9th 24th April 9th 24th April

www.wellingtoncountrypark.co.uk

SPRING

WITH THE FAMILY Nature Detective’s Trail 8 - 24 April

This Easter holiday, solve riddles and puzzles to discover more about the trees, plants and wildlife that live in Windsor Great Park.*

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*£1.50 per trail from The Savill Garden Visitor Centre. Car park charges apply. Please scan the QR code for further information.