Add a little to your free time

from Cracking Easter 2023

Egg-cellent for everyone!

If you fancy a quiet Easter, the Kelmarsh Show (April 9 & 10) isn’t for you. However, if you want quality entertainment, shopping, yummy food, fun for the kids, music and more, you’ll be well catered for.

Awesome performances and brilliant stunts, demonstrations and interactive displays make this an unbeatable way to spend a day.

Highlights in The Main Arena will include appearances by the Red Devils Parachute Display Team and Paws For Thought Dog Display Team, and elsewhere you can get in a flap at The British Falconry and Raptor Fair. Feeling peckish on site is not something to worry about. With everything from BBQs to vegan choices, and tempting curries, cheeses and pies, your tastebuds will be in overdrive. Got a sweet tooth? There will be just as much choice, and a few companies will be selling their alcoholic beverages too. From gin to cider and all kinds of other temptations.

The Wilson Browne Kids Zone will have balloon modelling, gold panning, Punch & Judy and face painting, so little mites will be all smiles.

There’s so much more, including a Pet Dog Arena, a Craft Marquee, Traditional Rural Crafts and plenty of Have A Go Activities.

Investigate the full line-up for yourselves at kelmarshshow.co.uk

At The Umbrella Fair Organisation in Northampton, an Easter craft fair and bonnet parade is being held on Sunday, April 2.

A number of stalls will be selling handmade goods, some of which will be Easter themed. The fair will run between 2pm and 6pm, and entry is free. Well behaved dogs are welcome too, because Rover might like to get involved.

Helen Verrill runs regular recycled craft workshops at the Umbrella Fair, and she will also be hosting a recycled materials Easter bonnet making workshop on March 31.

Hat’ll do nicely for those of you wanting to be fun and festive at the craft fair.

For more details email helen.verrill@hotmail.co.uk

MK Handmade and Vintage will be back in Rushden for its Easter Fair on Good Friday and Easter Saturday (April 7 & 8).

It’s another chance to shop a variety of independent designer-makers, artists, vintage and antique dealers and small businesses from the area; everything from clothing and gifts to homewares and accessories will be for sale.

“With the beautiful spring nature walk, the Easter fun and activities onsite, and the treats from our exhibitors plus the amazing shops and eateries, it’s the perfect spot for your Easter Friday or Saturday!” encouraged organiser Jen North.

Entry and parking is free and the event runs between 9am and 6pm both days.

Animals in Need is holding its Spring Fayre on Easter Sunday. Head to Pine Tree Farm in Little Irchester and ready the pennies and pounds – there will be raffles, a tombola and lots of stalls ready to entice you as the charity raises much-needed funds to look after the 100s of animals in its care.

The animals will be on their best behaviour and ready to greet you too – it’s a welcome chance to meet the furries and the farm animals and show them some love.

You can pop to the cattery, be social with the doggies when they are out for walkies around the site, and swing by to see the resident farm animals living a safe life in the care of AIN. Entry is just £2 and if you are feeling peckish, the cafe will be open and serving lots of yummy vegan food.

St Peter’s Church in Brackley invites primary school aged children (and their grown-ups) to get in ‘the mix’ and Bake the Easter Story on Saturday, April 8, with an event that will explore the meaning of Easter...but might just include a sprinkling of 100s and 1000s!

The cost is £5 per family, and the baking begins at 9.30am.

Popkids UK will visit Kiln Farm venue MK11 for The Big Easter Neon Rave.

Aimed at youngsters aged between four and 12 years, this afternoon nightclub bash promises two hours of entertainment and music. Kids will be able to let loose their inner pop star singing along to familiar songs spanning Disney to chart hits.

Ticket-holders will have the opportunity to meet the guests (in the past, Pikachu, Iggle Piggle, Bugs Bunny, Elsa, Olaf and The Greatest Showman have made appearances) with some lucky youngsters able to join onstage for a really special time. And parents, don’t get pop envy – you’ll be able to get involved too!

Adding to the fun, there will be giveaways and prizes, a face painter, full lighting and laser show, confetti, foam and more.

Little ears are fragile and so the sounds will be monitored and kept at a safe level. The Popkids Neon Rave will run between 1pm and 3pm on Wednesday, April 12. As organisers say, ‘There ain’t no party like a Popkids party!’

To book tickets for your little ravers, head to mk11kilnfarm.com

At Olney’s Cowper & Newton Museum, children will be invited to get stuck into some craft making activities for half term, which they can take home afterwards.

Happening outdoors, and using the Museum’s pretty gardens for inspiration, participants will work to create a decorative tile. All the necessary materials will be provided. The activity – on April 4 & 6 - is suitable for children up to the age of 12 and runs between 2pm and 3.15pm.

Miniature game craft making will also be offered. It costs £4 per child and places are limited, so advance booking is recommended. Email info@cowperandnewton museum.org.uk

The Museum will also offer garden collage making sessions on April 13 & 14. Timings, costings and booking details as above.

Find your sport this Easter with MK Movers, at Midsummer Place. Children can explore dance, martial arts, parkour and more, with demonstrations and FREE taster sessions across the weekend!