East London October Half Term 2021 Primary Times by Alison Watson

What’s On Where

FOR FAMILIES OF PRIMARY SCHOOL CHILDREN

Photo credit: Picture Plane/Victoria and Albert Museum, London

East London

V&A MUSEUM OF CHILDHOOD RENAMED YOUNG V&A Construction Beings On £13M Transformation

DAYS OUT • COMPETITIONS • THEATRE & MORE...

OCTOBER HALF TERM 2021 11 OCT - 28 NOV 2021 - ISSUE 75

t ’ a s h N ew W

Festive Fun for Everyone with Water Rokit!

This Christmas get your kids outside with an exciting and hands-on, science-based Water Rokit. Hinterland’s original water rocket has been entertaining and educating children, teenagers, parents and teachers around the world for decades. Its simple assembly makes it perfect for science experiments or for pure fun out in the fresh air - with kids racing to collect rockets from far afield. All you need, alongside your Water Rokit kit, is a used plastic carbonated drinks bottle, a bicycle pump and some water (try and use recycled water).The water rocket flies really fast and high into the air. It can reach the height of a ten-storey building! You have to see it to believe it. Newton’s Laws of Motion in front of your very eyes. To find out more, visit www.waterrokit.com.

Christmas Craft Book

Christmas is such an exciting time that it can be hard to know what to do with all that Santa-fuelled energy. Luckily GMC Publications has the answer, the Christmas Craft Book by Laura Minter & Tia Williams! This new book from the award-winning blogging mums, channels that festive power into fabulous fun-ﬁlled crafts! Suitable for kids and parents with little crafting experience, these simple projects are just the thing to spread Christmas cheer and make your home ready for the holiday season. From binoculars for keeping watch for Santa to puppets for putting on festive shows, there is a wide selection of crafts to keep children occupied and entertained right up till Christmas Day.The Christmas Craft Book is available online and in shops for £12.99 and is particularly suitable for ages 4-8.

Dodo ‘World of Animals’ Observation Puzzle

The Dodo ‘World of Animals’ Observation Puzzle (£7.99) is an exciting educational puzzle that includes 80 pieces and is the perfect gift for children ages 5+. The colourful image details many of the various animal breeds that can be found across the globe. It’s educational and great fun – the perfect activity for Boxing Day. Once the puzzle is built, it will reveal a fun ‘ﬁnd and seek’ picture border for added play value, encouraging children to then identify where on the world map those animals can be found. The puzzle is available from www.halilit.co.uk , from high street toyshops or online.

Endangered Animal Bingo

Learn about 64 threatened species that need our help with Endangered Animal Bingo by Magma, illustrated by Marcel George.This family friendly game is packed with astonishing and beautiful creatures from all over the world.What unites them all? They are under threat. But there’s still time! Learn about the okapi, the whale shark and the southern sea otter and be inspired to take action. A proportion of proceeds are donated to the WWF who are dedicated to saving these animals and their habitats. Endangered Animal Bingo is available at www.laurenceking.com.

Try Goat Yoga

You may have heard of Goat Yoga, though you may be very grateful that you haven’t! But if you like goats and you’re partial to a bit of yoga this game is deﬁnitely for you. If you look on YouTube you might see various people doing yoga with goats, however, this is much more fun for all the family and you won’t end up with goat poop on your carpet. In this hilarious party game, players perform real yoga poses while completing ridiculous challenges with an inﬂatable goat - from balancing the goat on your head, to batting it in the air, to bleating the tune of a song. Don’t worry, real goats are not needed, just a sense of fun and some unusual balancing techniques. Goat Yoga is available from the Unusual Gift Company, www.theunusualgiftcompany.com, at £18.99.

So Slime DIY Ice Cream Factory

Innovative and fun, the So Slime DIY Ice Cream Factory from Canal Toys lets you create squishy slime ice creams with lots of extra decoration. Get creative and make three different textured slimes including ﬂuffy, icee and scented – a completely different way to enjoy slime! Use the ice cream factory mixer to help you get the perfect texture. Pour and press it into the ice cream mould.Then press down and squeeze your slime into the mini cup, use the turntable to create a fabulous swirling effect. Mix the different slimes together to create the perfect slime sundae! The So Slime DIY Ice Cream Factory is available in store and online at a recommended price of £21.99.

The Bear and her Book

A bear marched out on a moonlit night, Her fur was thick and her eyes were bright. She sniffed the air and she licked a paw — She loved her home, but she wanted more. In The Bear and her Book by Frances Tosdevin and Sophia O’Connor, a book-loving bear sets off to see the world. She takes one special thing—her Bear’s Big Book of Being Wise. But when she meets different creatures, each needing her help, she discovers that books aren’t just brilliant at ﬁxing problems—they can also help you make new friends. And if you’re lucky, books can take you to a very special place indeed… The Bear and her Book is published in paperback by UCLan Publishing at £7.99.

Dear Readers Welcome to the first half term issue of the year. For all our new readers we publish two weeks before each school holiday so once you see us appear in school you know a break is on it’s way. Tel: 020 8318 0400 There are so many things to do during half term from Email: office@primarytimes.biz activities in local parks and family friendly farms, sports Website: www.primarytimes.co.uk clubs, craft clubs, multi activity day camps, museums, Twitter: @PT_LondonSandE galleries and so much more. This half term magazine also Instagram: @primarytimesse covers Halloween and Fireworks Night. Whatever you end Publishing Editor: Peter Watson up doing, have fun! Sales: My Yen Doyle, Andrew Langridge, We prepare our listings a long time in advance so Ty Smith & Catherine Dillon do remember to check each event before turning up, Listings: Claire Wood, Hayley Hughes especially with all the Covid19 uncertainty. Production: Alison Watson If you’re going to have some fireworks then read the Office Manager: Chris Blower following from the British Fireworks Association. Administrator: Claire Wood • Do not buy fireworks from unlicenced retailers. These Social Media: Rachel Benson fireworks may be unsafe and illegal • Only buy fireworks Primary Times is independently published and distributed free in primary and junior schools throughout the boroughs of Barking & Dagenham, that comply with current safety standards • Always keep Havering, Newham, Redbridge, Tower Hamlets and Waltham Forest. Its fireworks in a closed box. Take them out one at a time aims are to inform families and children of current educational issues, forthcoming events, courses and attractions and to give teachers, pupils and close the box. • Never put fireworks in your pocket and parents the opportunity to participate in the magazine by adding to its contents or joining in the competitions which we run. It is NOT • Be considerate. Let your neighbours know you will be our intention to publish any racist, sexist or politically based material having a display, especially if they are elderly or they have whatsoever. We also undertake not to carry any advertising which we would consider to be offensive to young families or harmful to the best pets or children • Avoid setting fireworks off late at night, interests of young children. The opinions expressed in either the editorial or advertisements within this publication are not necessarily those held particularly if it is a school-night • Ensure your pets are safe by the editor or publisher. While we take great care with the compilation • Carefully follow the instructions on each firework of information within this magazine, neither the editor nor publisher will accept any liability for the accuracy of the editorial or advertising • Never go back to a lit firework unless the instructions contained within the publication. We welcome listings being sent to us for inclusion in our What’s On section. Free listings are dependent on advise otherwise • Never throw fireworks; it is dangerous. available space and we cannot guarantee to print all the listings we are • Light fireworks one at a time, at the end of the fuse, and sent. Please send them to listings@primarytimes.biz. Primary Times would like to thank all the schools in the boroughs of at arm’s length • Light sparklers one at a time and wear Barking & Dagenham, Havering, Newham, Redbridge, Tower Hamlets and Waltham Forest for their assistance in distributing the magazine and suitable gloves, even when lighting them • Never give for their contributions to its contents. We would also like to thank all the sparklers to a child under the age of 5• Never throw spent advertisers who have supported this publication and therefore made it possible. Please support their endeavours when and where you can. fireworks on a bonfire. No part of this magazine, including the advertisements within it may be reproduced, in part or in whole, without the express written permission For more advice visit www.britishfireworksassociation.co.uk of the Publishing Editor. Primary Times is currently publishing over 2.5 Primary Times in East London 7 Southbrook Mews London SE12 8LG

million copies per issue under franchise licences throughout England, Ireland, Scotland and Wales. Primary Times East London is operated under franchise licence.

Contents

inside this issue.... Local News...............................4 What’s On.................................6 Family Theatre..........................8 Fun Days Out with the Family.....13 Film Preview Guide....................17 Competitions........................... 19 All Your Own Work!................. 21 DESIblitz Literature Festival.....23

Peter and the Primary Times team

Discover the Wonder of Christmas at Gulliver’s Theme Park Resorts! From 3rd December 2021

Christmas at Gulliver’s Land Resort Join the festive fun at Gulliver’s Land Resort Milton Keynes this Christmas. Bing and Flop will be making special appearances each day throughout the festive season. Festive adventures are closer than you think, Gulliver’s Milton Keynes is less than one hour away from London when traveling by train! Pre-book your theme park tickets early and enjoy a magical day out for less.

Book Early and Save at: Gulliverslandresort.co.uk

Santa Sleepovers and Themed Stay s SAVE

Magical Theme Park Packages

20% on Christmas Park Day Packages With Code: PTLDE

Valid for visits on 3rd, 4th, 5th, 10th, 17th, 20th, 21st Dec 2021. Code valid for use by 14th November 2021. Not valid on sleepovers.

Rides & Attractions · Santa Appearances · Winter Wonderland Cosy Family Rooms · Children’s Gifts · Festive Shows & More

GULLIVERSLANDRESORT.CO.UK @Gulliversfun

GULLIVER’S LAND, MILTON KEYNES, MK15 0DT

11 Oct - 28 Nov ‘21

Local News

YMCA Romford Holiday Club

ZAPspace Parties A ZAPspace party will make your child the most popular in the playground! ZAPspace will get the party started with an hour of non-stop bouncing fun with their friends. They can race each other down the Ninja Slide, battle on The Beam or test their reactions on the Activity Wall before heading off for some great party food and drinks. Speak to the dedicated parties’ team about custom options to ensure the most special of parties. Choose from a selection of food platters, Balloon modelling, face painting or card tricks, custom invitations and party bags, private party rooms or booths with a view over the trampolines. Soft play parties for the youngest of Zappers are also available. Contact parties@zapspace.co.uk to speak to the parties’ team. You’ll find ZAPspace at 369 High Street, Stratford. Visit www.zapspace.co.uk to find out more.

Discover the Benefits of Taking Part in the Performing Arts At the Anna Fiorentini Theatre & Film School, they believe that participating in the performing arts can be extremely beneficial. For example, the idea of getting up in front of people to perform or even talk may be extremely daunting for a shy child. But with the help of the school’s encouraging and supportive teachers, students will step out of their comfort zone by using their imagination and participating in fun games and activities to build confidence. Students will also be taught valuable public speaking skills like projection and pronunciation so that they can speak comfortably in front of a group of people. Anna Fiorentini classes help children learn how to collaborate with others. It can be an excellent opportunity for children who have a hard time fitting in. They may even come away with a group of new, like-minded friends. Students often get a great sense of achievement from participating in shows with friends. And if they sign up to the schools this term, they’ll get the opportunity to perform at the Anniversary Showcase next year! The Anna Fiorentini Theatre & Film School has branches in various locations in London for students aged between 4-18 years old. For more information visit www.annafiorentini.com

Festive Fun for Everyone with Water Rokit! This Christmas get your kids outside with an exciting and hands-on, science-based Water Rokit. Hinterland’s original water rocket has been entertaining and educating children, teenagers, parents and teachers around the world for decades. Its simple assembly makes it perfect for science experiments or for pure fun out in the fresh air - with kids racing to collect rockets from far afield. All you need, alongside your Water Rokit kit, is a used plastic carbonated drinks bottle, a bicycle pump and some water (try and use recycled water).The water rocket flies really fast and high into the air. It can reach the height of a ten-storey building! You have to see it to believe it. Newton’s Laws of Motion in front of your very eyes. The officially licenced NASA Water Rokits bring a fresh view to space travel this century. Inspiring children to be tomorrow’s engineers, scientists and astronauts. In 2024, NASA and its partners will be landing the first woman and next man on the moon with its Artemis Programme. Get the kids’ imaginations fired up with the Water Rokit and feed their interest in space exploration and what it means to planet earth. To find out more, visit www.waterrokit.com 4

11 Oct - 28 Nov ‘21

If you’re looking for affordable, quality childcare during October Half Term, then look no further. YMCA Romford has a range of fun-filled activities to suit all ages. Their October programme includes rock climbing, boating at Miniports, swimming, slime making, a trip to the Olympic Park and more. Coaches from West Ham United FC will also be visiting as part of the Kicks programme, and children will be able to enjoy a game of football whilst learning new skills from those who train local heroes. Sessions can be booked as a oneoff or for the week. Prices start from £34.99 per day with a hot lunch included (excluding day trips).YMCA offers a 12.5% discount to emergency services and armed forces staff and a 25% discount for siblings (second/third child). They accept childcare payment vouchers, tax-free childcare payments and student childcare grant payments. The holiday club also provides a pre-school, a parent and toddler group, before and after school clubs and a holiday club and offers a wide range of birthday parties. Other services include supported housing for young people, a fitness centre, a restaurant and spaces available for hire. For more information, please visit www.ymcatg.org or call 01708 766 211.

Stock-up for a Monstrous Halloween

This October plan a visit to Hoxton Street Monster Supplies. This unique store was established in 1818 and started to welcome humans in 2010. It’s open Thursdays and Fridays, 1-5pm and Saturdays 11-5pm, and offers monstrous essentials of every kind, from Thickest Human Snot and Fairy Dust to Sugar Dusted Bogies and Bottled Smog. Find out more at www.monstersupplies.org. Mini monsters might also stroke the invisible cat and, for a small postal fee, write to a monster and get a unique, personalised reply. As an olive branch to the human community - they are very sorry about the recent incident involving missing socks and some mischievous pixies - they are offering a 10% discount on all products in-store and online throughout October (use code SNOT2021 at the checkout or take your copy of Primary Times when you visit). All profits go to the charity Ministry of Stories who inspire confidence and creativity in east London children through their writing workshops.

Local News

V&A Museum of Childhood Renamed Young V&A

Construction has begun on the £13m redevelopment of the V&A Museum of Childhood, the iconic Grade 2 listed site in Bethnal Green, marking a critical milestone in the most ambitious transformation of the museum in its history. A place to play, create, debate and design for tomorrow, this beloved institution is being reimagined into the UK’s premier national museum entirely dedicated to children. Designed with and for 0–14 year olds, a new name for the museum – Young V&A – has been unveiled, reflecting its new mission to inspire young people with the creative ingenuity of design. New acquisitions for display include Olympian Sky Brown’s skateboard, garments from Bethany Williams’ Spring/Summer 2021 ‘All Our Children’ collection in collaboration with The Magpie Project and a 3D printed prosthetic Hero Arm by Open Bionics In the lead-up to reopening, and to celebrate the 150th anniversary of the V&A in Bethnal Green in 2022, the Young V&A team will be engaging with every school in Tower Hamlets – offering creative assemblies, running workshops with students, teacher forums, and developing new activities for families with grassroots local organisations. These sessions will be designed to give young people the opportunity to generate hundreds of ideas inspired by the themes within the new galleries. Photo credit: Picture Plane/Victoria and Albert Museum, London

How One School Is Using the Power of Reuse to Inspire Pupils to Recycle

Primary Times spoke to teacher Dennis Hollywood from Charlton Manor Primary School in Greenwich who shared his school’s strategy to engage pupils to get passionate about recycling. From compost heaps to arts and crafts, Dennis shared how they’re bringing sustainability into the classroom. “There is a need for schools, now more than ever, to prepare students for their future and the challenges that come with it. As a primary school teacher, I know that encouraging pupils to think about issues around recycling at an early age is essential as it gives them the skills they need to guarantee a future for themselves. “One of the most important aspects of how we teach recycling is to first ensure that the materials we use in school can be recycled. By educating pupils and families on the less traditional products that can be recycled, eg pens and ink cartridges, we can ensure that these good habits continue in and out of school. In our school, we have various recycling bins for different items and we not only teach students how to recycle but also how to reuse products. We’ve organised arts and crafts competitions for our pupils and have seen so many inventive entries made from recyclable materials such as bottles and paper cups. “The recycling programme at Charlton Manor comes directly from our teachers. Recycling is at the centre of our school ethos and this has really helped us to attract staff that understand the importance of sustainability and want to find new ways of introducing it into our school. Resources such as the WRAP Action Pack really help students to understand the importance of recycling in a fun and

interactive way. Using these types of resources can really help students to be more action-driven and it helps them understand how the small changes they make can have an impact on a global scale. “Our school chef, Joe, teaches the importance of recycling in the kitchen by showing our pupils the benefits of reusing food they would otherwise throw away. Anything that can’t be used such as egg shells and bones are all recycled. Joe teaches pupils how older fruits and vegetables can be used to make soups and chutneys as well as how to compost foods and fertilise the school gardens. Taking what they’ve learned from school and putting it into practice in their own family kitchens, pupils have the opportunity to develop long term habits that can last them the rest of their lives.” Charlton Manor worked with Recycle Now who have developed a WRAP Action Pack which offers a way for teachers to effortlessly bring recycling into the classroom with lots of ideas for incorporating recycling into the curriculum in a fun and instructive way. Download a free copy from schools.recyclenow.com. 11 Oct - 28 Nov ‘21

What’s On

What’s On Your family diary for October and November

Due to Covid 19 restrictions please do check with the venue that the listing is up to date before planning your visit.

Ongoing Freestyle Jump, ZAPspace, Stratford, E15 4QZ Enjoy a full hour of fun with unlimited access at the 3 storey trampoline park. Try your hand at the Power Tower, race down the Ninja Slide or take on your mates at Dodgeball. Jumpers must be aged 4 or over. For more information and to book a session visit www. zapspace.co.uk

Cutty Sark Characters, Cutty Sark, Greenwich, SE10 9HT 11am, 12noon, 1.30pm and 2.30pm. Meet Captain Woodget, the ship’s most daring master, Nannie the ship’s figurehead, James Robson, the ship’s cook, or the ship’s new dockworker character, who all have special stories to tell. For more information and to buy tickets visit www.rmg.co.uk

Voyage to the Islands of Ifland, Free Online Event Join Patchlarks on three adventures in storytelling, games and drawing for children of all ages. Each video launches you on a voyage as far as your imaginations will take you. Expect story prompts, how to draw guides and games to play. For more information visit www.royaldocks. london

Wondering Wanders in the Royal Docks, E16 Explore the Royal Docks this autumn with self-guided activity trails for families. Pick up or download a map and complete challenges as you go discovering brilliant stories, both real and imagined. For more information visit www.royaldocks.london

Daily

Luna Loves Art, Discover Children’s Story Centre, Stratford, E15 4QZ There are 10 bright and colourful artworks to find on a special art trail around Discover. Find the art and make your own pieces inspired by Fiona Lumbers’ illustrations. Pick up a free trail sheet on your way into the Story Worlds and join the trail. For more information visit www.discover.org.uk

11 Oct - 28 Nov ‘21

The Untold Stories, Discover Children’s Story Centre, Stratford, E15 4QZ Free with your session pass, this audio storytelling installation runs on a continuous loop in the first floor storytelling space and is available to drop in any time during your visit. For more information visit www.discover.org.uk

“

I saw your event in Primary Times.... Please mention you saw the event listed in Primary Times

”

Children’s Art Trail, Canary Wharf, E14 4SG Canary Wharf have put together an art trail for children, ‘Big Inspiration for Little Minds’ which features 12 pieces of art, plus a handy map to show their locations. To download the art trail before you go visit www.canarywharf.com

Minigolf, Canary Wharf, E14 4SG 12noon-6pm. Head over to Columbus Courtyard to test your putting skills on a colourful course. With 9 holes to play through it’s the perfect place to show off your minigolf skills to your friends and family. Free of charge. For more information visit www.canarywharf. com

Children’s Floor Games, Canary Wharf, E14 4SG Alongside Minigolf in Columbus Courtyard, children’s fun floor games return this summer. Whether it’s a colourful hopscotch or space invader line maze, the games are the perfect afternoon entertainment. For more information visit www. canarywharf.com

The Canary of the Wharf Mystery History Family Trail, Canary Wharf, E14 4SG Go on an adventure around Canary Wharf’s open spaces. The trail begins in Crossrail Place Roof Garden and ends in Jubilee Park.

Our listings are prepared a long time in advance. To make sure you have the latest details do contact the event nearer the time to make sure they haven’t changed

Along the way kids will complete various tasks and activities to help unlock a code to receive a reward. For more information visit www. canarywharf.com

Family Trails, National Maritime Museum, Greenwich, SE10 9NF 10am-5pm. Pick up a family trail from the Play and Explore trolley to discover exciting objects in the Museum’s galleries. Choose from seven different trails across a range of galleries, with activities suited to any age. For more information visit www.rmg.co.uk

Be The Best You Can Be, Bank Street Park, Canary Wharf, E14 4SG Artist Yinka Ilori has transformed Bank Street Park with his colourful installation which includes a 3×3 basketball court, creating somewhere for friends and family to come together for both sports and relaxation, in a bright and inviting public space. For more details visit www.canarywharf.com

Every Sat

Street Athletics, Roding Valley Rec Ground, IG10 3LG 10.15-11.15am. Epping Forest’s Street Athletics sessions for children age 4-12 years will help improve their co-ordination, balance and speed through athletics games whilst having fun. Charges apply. For more information visit www. eppingforestdc.gov.uk

Street Tennis, Roding Valley Rec Ground, IG10 3LG 8.45-10am. Street Tennis is about having fun and playing games all while improving skills such as co-ordination, movement and improving your tennis ability. This session is the perfect introduction

to Tennis for 4-12 year olds. Charges apply. For more information and to book visit www.eppingforestdc.gov.uk

Every 3rd Tues

KidsTime Workshop, International Praise Centre, E6 1EN Fun group workshops for children aged 5-18, where a parent or carer in the family has a mental illness. They offer a safe, non-judgmental place where families can come together to talk and learn about mental illness. For more information visit www. families.newham.gov.uk

Teen Talk Online Workshop Young people (10-16 years) can connect with peers in similar situations, share what’s on their mind and get helpful answers, information and support to cope with some of the challenges of having a parent with a mental illness. For more information visit www.families.newham.gov.uk

Until 17 Oct

Newham Unlocked Art Trail, Various locations An art exhibition in front windows and front gardens around Plaistow and Green Street. View the map on your mobile device and take an exciting walk around these two neighbourhoods to see a curated display of artworks. For more details visit www.newhamunlockedfestival. org

Until 31 Oct

Pet Life, Museum of the Home, Kingsland Road, E2 8EA Go along to this pawsome pet adventure, a new multi-sensory immersive experience for families. Families will be able to attend in small groups, choosing one of four animal companions to take with them on their adventure. To find out more visit www.museumofthehome.org.uk

500 Years of Mischief and Misadventure in Greenwich, Old Royal Naval College, SE10 9NN Discover Nick Ellwood’s charming illustrations in this exhibition inspired by the history of the Old Royal Naval College and the Painted Hall. For more information and to book tickets visit www.ornc.org

For lots more What’s On ideas see page 10...

MINI monsters Visit London’s only shop for Monsters this October…. Visit free trick or treat*

* * In store only, while stocks last, please bring your copy of Primary Times

Thursdays & Fridays: 1-5pm Saturdays: 11am-5pm Hoxton Street Monster Supplies 159 Hoxton Street, N1 6PJ

www.monstersupplies.org

We’ve joined Instagram! #FollowUs for posts about places and events in South London, East London, Kent and Sussex!

@primarytimesse

Our childcare services are designed to cater for the whole family, helping you to balance your busy days and get the most out of the quality time spent together. Our childcare services include: Holiday clubs Before & after school clubs Pre-school Parent & toddler group Birthday parties & more!

Call us for more information or to reserve your child's space today!

Spaces available for October half-term holiday club!

E Qualitychildcare@ymcatg.org T 01708 766211 ext. 602 W www.ymcatg.org

11 Oct - 28 Nov ‘21

Family Theatre

Kenneth More Ilford Box Office: 020 8553 4466 20-22 Oct

Aladdin Jnr

The best shows around... 2 Dec – 1 Jan

Barbican

Box Office: 020 7638 8891 23 Oct

Rapunzel: A Tangled Tale

Enjoy the show! And don’t forget to say you saw it in

This festive extravaganza about the lonely Princess Jacqueline with the super hair, Wilson’s trapped in a tower Primary Wonderful but longing for a life of Times! adventure World in the outside Join Jacqueline Wilson as world will keep audiences of all she reads from her hugely ages amused and entertained. popular books in a multimedia Hackney Empire orchestral adventure. Expect sorcery, charm, rhythmic drive Box Office: 020 8985 2424 and hypnotic sounds from the 20 Nov-2 Jan BBC Symphony Orchestra.

Broadway Barking Box Office: 020 8507 5607 16 Oct

LDN Wrestling Back by popular demand, the bone crunching superstars of LDN Wrestling, bringing a host of top American wrestling stars to the ring to face the very best of home-grown talent and fans’ favourites for all the family to enjoy.

Jack and the Beanstalk

Join Jack on his journey up an enchanted beanstalk as he tries to outwit a rampaging giant, all with the help of his larger-thanlife mum, Dame Trot.

26-28 Oct

Mary Poppins Reappears The mystical nanny, Mary Poppins, returns to London to save the day in this musical dance show suitable for all the family.

31 Oct

Christmas Memories A spectacular mix of over 60 of your favourite Christmas songs and carols, lots of good old fashioned festive fun, and a unique atmosphere that will warm your heart on the coldest winter’s day.

Half Moon Young People’s E1

Box Office: 020 7709 8900 www.halfmoon.org.uk 16 Oct

Family Folk Show Get ready to sway, dance and feel the rhythm as a live music event takes centre stage with an organic, authentic and fun folk concert for big and little music connoisseurs. Suitable for 0-8 years.

13 Nov

The Hug A tale of hope, empathy and acceptance starring a Hedgehog and a Tortoise, both in search of a restorative hug,

based on the heart-warming and funny book by Eoin McLaughlin and Polly Dunbar.

11 Oct - 28 Nov ‘21

Aladdin is down on his luck until he discovers a magic lamp and the Genie who has the power to grant him three wishes. Performed by The Redbridge Drama Centre Performing Arts School.

old fashioned festive fun, and a unique atmosphere that will warm your heart on the coldest winter’s day.

Theatre Royal Stratford East

Box Office: 020 8534 0310 25 Oct-21 Nov (Online)

Oliver Twist

Box Office: 01708 443 333 25 Nov-2 Jan

Born into poverty and misfortune, Oliver Twist escapes the workhouse for a life of adventure where he joins Artful Dodger, Fagin and their mischievous gang of pick pockets. A landmark production specially filmed for audiences to enjoy in the comfort of their own home.

Aladdin

27 Nov-31 Dec

Queen’s Theatre Hornchurch

This much-loved traditional pantomime is from the team behind Robin Hood. With original tunes played live, for all ages and plenty of panto antics, this is a laugh-out-loud Christmas treat to remember.

28 Nov

Red Riding Hood Travel into the deep, dark wood where the red-cloaked heroine soon discovers all is not quite as it seems… With show-stopping new songs, this promises to be a brilliant night out for young and old alike.

Christmas Memories A spectacular mix of over 60 of your favourite Christmas songs and carols, lots of good

Panto Time at Theatre Royal Stratford East

Stratford panto is back! The team at the Theatre Royal cannot wait to bring you another jaw-dropping extravaganza this holiday season between Saturday 27 November and Friday 31 December. With something for everyone, Stratford East pantomimes are constantly praised for turning classic stories on their head and making them relevant for the local community and beyond. And this year’s festive treat, Red Riding Hood, promises to continue that legacy with a show suitable for all ages. Venture into the deep, dark wood where our redcloaked heroine soon discovers all is not quite as it seems. Go along and see panto done properly! With show-stopping new songs, thighslapping gags and breath-taking sets and costumes, you are guaranteed a brilliant night out for young and old alike. There’s a reason audiences go back year after year! Tickets cost from £10. Prices increase as the theatre fills, so book early for the best seats at the lowest prices. Call the Box Office on 020 8534 0310 or go to www.stratfordeast.com. Visit the website for school ticket prices. Access performances: BSL-interpreted performance - Thursday 16 December, 7pm Captioned performance - Friday 17 December, 7pm Audio Described performance - Saturday 18 Dec, 2pm (touch tour, 1pm) Relaxed performance - Thursday 30 December, 2pm

Family Theatre

BOOK NOW

Sat 23 Oct The best-selling children’s author reads from her hugely popular books in a multimedia orchestral adventure through the imagination.

20 Nov- HACKNEYEMPIRE.CO.UK 02 Jan 020 8985 2424

Jack and the Beanstalk at the Hackney Empire

How to See Jacqueline Wilson Live this Half Term 02 JACQULINE_WILSON_QP_AD_90X135mm.indd 1 28/09/2021

When happy-go-lucky Jack is tempted into selling his family’s beloved cow for a fistful of magic beans, he finds himself tangled in an adventure of epic proportions! Join Jack on his journey up an enchanted beanstalk as he tries to outwit a rampaging giant, all with the help of his larger-than-life mum. This tall-tale is packed full of slapstick comedy, laugh-out-loud gags, stunning costumes, dazzling song and dance numbers and plenty of chances to cheer, boo and hiss. Hackney Empire’s pantomime has become one of the city’s most anticipated annual highlights bringing West End value at East End prices to attract an ever growing local, national and global fan base. In what will be 120 years since the Hackney Empire opened, Olivier Award winner Clive Rowe and Hackney panto veteran Tony Whittle will co-direct and star for the first time together in the 2021 pantomime, Jack and the Beanstalk, which will run from 20 November to 2 January. Both are making their 14th pantomime appearances. Grande Dame Clive Rowe will star as Dame Daisy Trott while Tony Whittle will play Councillor Higginbottom. Tickets for Jack and the Beanstalk are on sale now at www. hackneyempire.co.uk.

bbc.co.uk/symphonyorchestra

Have you heard? The beloved children’s author, Jacqueline Wilson (plus some very special guests to be announced) is joining the BBC Symphony Orchestra and conductor Mei-Ann Chen for a unique concert at the Barbican this half term. Her books have inspired generations of children for 30 years. Now the renowned writer joins forces with a full orchestra for a family concert that will carry you into the worlds of some of her favourite characters – the fearless Tracy Beaker, the determined Hetty Feather and many more. Wilson believes anything can tell a story – music included. This multimedia concert will expand the imagination with miraculous music by composers past and present, including well-known tunes like the iconic circus music Entrance of the Gladiators. You can expect sorcery in Nymphs by Mason Bates, charm in Anna Clyne’s Masquerade and rhythmic drive in Hans Christian Lumbye’s Copenhagen Steam Railway Gallop, not forgetting the iconic theme from CBBC’s The Story of Tracy Beaker – newly reimagined for orchestra! Before each show, get stuck into free creative workshops in the Barbican foyers, all themed around Jacqueline Wilson’s books. You can see the concert at either 4.30pm or 7pm on Saturday 23 October at the Barbican Centre. If anyone in your family is deaf or hard of hearing, the first of these will also be BSL-interpreted. Tickets cost £5 for under-18s and £10-16 for adults, plus booking fee, making it an affordable way to kick off your half term with a bang. Now you just have to think about what to do on the other eight days… Find more details on the Barbican’s website, www.barbican.org.uk/ whats-on 11 Oct - 28 Nov ‘21

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What’s On

More What’s On Your family diary for October and November

Ongoing Tudors to Windsors, National Maritime Museum, Greenwich, SE10 9NF 10am-5pm. This major exhibition will give visitors the opportunity to come face-to-face with the kings, queens and their heirs who have shaped British history and were so central to Greenwich. All ages. For more information and to book visit www.rmg.co.uk/national-maritimemuseum

Black History Month 365, National Maritime Museum, Greenwich, SE10 9NF Royal Museums Greenwich will be showcasing an annual programme of activity celebrating the achievements of people of African descent. Join in for an exciting range of activities from creative workshops to evening talks that tell our shared British history. For more information visit www.rmg.co.uk

Black History Month, Various Locations in Tower Hamlets October is Black History Month. Once again there will be a fabulous array of events right across the borough to mark this important celebration of black and African Caribbean art, culture and history. For more details and to view the full programme of events visit www. towerhamletsarts.org.uk

Until 12 Dec

Sunday Forest School, Walthamstow Wetlands, N17 9NH 10am-12.30pm. For children aged 5-10 years who love nature. Go along for a Sunday of bushcraft, minibeast hunting, exploring and much more. For more information and to book visit www.wildlondon. org.uk

Mighty Mega Digital Sessions (Online), Discover Children’s Story Centre, Stratford, E15 4QZ For people unable to return to the in-person Mighty Mega sessions, join Embracing Arts Artisitic Director, Claire Sundin, and take part in a series of interactive sensory stories. Explore a different theme each week via weekly emails sent every Sat. For more details visit www. discover.org.uk

Until 27 Dec

Future of Youth Project, Caxton Hall, Bow, E3 2EE (Every Mon 5-6.30pm) Go along and enjoy arts and crafts, outdoor activities and fun days out. Empowering youth in the community, for ages 8-14. For more details visit www.towerhamletsarts. org.uk

Selected Dates in Dec

Christmas at Gulliver’s Land, Milton Keynes, MK15 0DT Escape to Gulliver’s Land at Christmas time for a festive family adventure. Look out for Elfie mischief, fairy fun and snowy surprises. For more information and to book visit www. gulliverslandresort.co.uk

Until 31 Dec

Bing and Flop, Gulliver’s Land Resort, Milton Keynes, MK15 0DT With special appearances each day, Bing and Flop will be at Gulliver’s Land Milton Keynes, until 31 Dec. Check the information board for appearance location and times upon arrival. Book tickets early and save more. For more details visit www. gulliverslandresort.co.uk

10am-12noon, every Sat. This is a free club for disabled children and children with SEN, and their families or carers. Create special, inclusive performances together using textures, puppets, music and storytelling. (No sessions 23 & 30 Oct). For more details visit www. discover.org.uk

” October Fri 1 - Sun 31 Oct

Hoxton Street Monster Supplies Thurs and Fri 1-5pm, Sat 11-5pm. Selling monstrous essentials from Thickest Human Snot to Sugar Dusted Bogies. Get a 10% discount on all products in-store and online throughout Oct (use code SNOT2021 at the checkout or take along your copy of Primary Times when you visit). For more details visit www.monstersupplies.org

Sun 3 Oct

Black Brits African and Caribbean Community Fairs, Redbridge Central Library, Ilford, IG1 1ZJ (Also Sun 17 Oct) 10am-5pm. A celebration of Black culture with stalls featuring arts, crafts, food, music, fashion, jewellery, health and wellbeing, and much more. For more information visit www.visionrcl. org.uk

Fri 15 - Sun 31 Oct Royal Dock Rainbows, Silvertown Way, E16

(Wed-Sun) International multisensory experience designers Bompas & Parr will be at the Royal Docks creating the world’s first rainbow you can actually interact with. Twice a day the docks will be illuminated with the sight of a rainbow. For more information visit www.royaldocks.london

Sat 16 Oct

Relaxed Opening, Tower Bridge, SE1 2UP

Until 18 Dec

Mighty Mega In-Person Sessions, Discover Children’s Story Centre, Stratford, E15 4QZ

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Also 20 Nov (selected times). Explore the Towers, Glass Floor and Engine Rooms and take part in a family trail in a calm, tranquil atmosphere. For people with autism and other special needs, as well as their siblings, families and carers. To book visit www.towerbridge.org.uk

Mass Movement, Queen’s Market, Upton Park, E13 9BA 12noon-4pm. Rosetta Arts present a dance performance in Queen’s Market for the community as

part of the Newham Unlocked Festival. This event is suitable for all ages and free to attend. For more information visit www. newhamunlockedfestival.org

Pop ‘n’ Paint Black Icons: Be a Superhero, Fullwell Cross Library, Barkingside, IG6 2EA 12.30-2.30pm. Go along for two hours of fun and creativity whilst your child paints their own superhero. No experience needed, there’ll be competitions, games and lots of music for an interactive and fun class. To find out more visit www.visionrcl.org.uk

Ilford Food Festival, Ilford High Road, IG1 11am-5pm. Celebrate Black History Month and World Food Day with food from all over the world. The event will feature art trails, town centre dance performances and music to celebrate diversity and inclusion in Ilford.Visit www. eventbrite.co.uk and search for ‘Ilford Food Festival’.

Holiday Fun Drop-Ins, Hainault Library, Chigwell, IG7 4DD (Also 23 Oct) 10.30am-12noon. Get your creative juices flowing as you design and make crafts and take part in games, colouring and puzzles to enjoy with your friends. This is a free event for ages 5+ in celebration of Black History Month. For more information visit www.visionrcl. org.uk

Sat 16 - Sun 17 Oct

Apple Weekend, Thames Chase Forest Centre, Upminster RM14 3NS 10am-4pm. A selection of locally grown English apples, juices, honey and preserves will be available to purchase and activities for all the family to enjoy too, including scarecrow making on the meadow and a treasure hunt through the forest. For more details visit www. thameschase.org.uk

RBC Race for the Kids, Various locations Sign up to the 2021 virtual RBC Race for the Kids, supporting Great Ormond Street Hospital. Take on your own race between 1km, 3km, 5km 10km or 15km and do it alone or with friends and family. Run, walk, wheel or scoot - you decide. For more details visit www. rbcraceforthekids.com

For lots more What’s On ideas see page 12...

Due to Covid 19 restrictions please do check with the venue that the listing is up to date before planning your visit. 10

11 Oct - 28 Nov ‘21

What’s On

More What’s On Your family diary for October and November

October Sun 17 Oct

Newham’s Talent Unlocked, Plaistow Park, E13 0AS 12noon-4pm. Go and see this showcase of the very best talent in Newham. This is a free event for the community and is suitable for all ages. For more information visit www.newhamunlockedfestival.org

Thurs 21 Oct - Sun 6 Mar

Beano: The Art of Breaking the Rules, Somerset House, WC2R 1LA Revisit a much-loved childhood comic masterpiece and explore the Beano’s larger-than-life characters with your own little rebels. This exhibition will prove that there really is no age limit on the art of breaking the rules. Charges apply, under 6s free. For details visit www. somersethouse.org.uk/whats-on

Fri 22 - Sun 24 Oct

MCM London Comic Con, ExCel London, Royal Victoria Dock, E16 1XL This three-day spectacular will see thousands of sci-fi fans, gamers, comic collectors, movie buffs and anime enthusiasts immerse themselves in a world of fun and fantasy. The show welcomes all ages and there’s something for everyone to enjoy. To book tickets visit www. mcmcomiccon.com

Our listings are prepared a long time in advance. To make sure you have the latest details do contact the event nearer the time to make sure they haven’t changed

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Fri 22 - Sun 31 Oct

Smoke and Spiders, Jubilee Park, Canary Wharf, E14

5-9pm. This Halloween go and explore the spooky spectacular in Jubilee Park. As dusk falls, the park will come to life with ghoulish greenery, giant spiders and the odd surprise to delight children and adults of all ages. For more information visit www.canarywharf. com

Sat 23 Oct

RIB Rides, Royal Docks Adventure, E16 2QT 10am-4pm. See the iconic architecture of the Royal Docks as you’ve never seen it before – from the water. This event is run by the Atlantic Pacific International Rescue organisation. Rides are free, but must be booked.Visit www. eventbrite.co.uk and search for ‘RIB Rides’.

Runthrough, Lee Valley Velopark, Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, E20 3AB

The Good, The Bad, and the Spooky

Written by Jory John, illustrated by Pete Oswald Looking for the perfect Halloween book and activities, both funny and fun? The Good,The Bad, and the Spooky is based on the New York Times bestselling picture book sensation The Bad Seed. Jory John and Pete Oswald’s The Good, the Bad, and the Spooky includes two sticker sheets, perfect for decorating your own mini pumpkin. Halloween is the Bad Seed’s favorite holiday of the year. But what’s a seed to do when he can’t find a show-stopping costume for the big night? Postpone trick-or-treating for everyone, of course! Can he get a costume together in time? Or will this seed return to his baaaaaaaaad ways? Find out in this hilarious, charming, and thought-provoking continuation of Jory John and Pete Oswald’s bestselling Food Group series. The Good,The Bad, and The Spooky is out now at a recommended price of £7.99. It’s suitable for ages 4 plus.

(Also on 27 Nov). 9am. Run a Half Marathon, 10 Mile, 10k, 5k or Mile, on this unique one mile Moto GP styled circuit. There will also be free kids’ mile for you to take any young ones along with you and make a day of it. For more information visit www.findarace.com

Distant Drums, Community Pitch, Ilford High Road, IG1 11am-6pm. Distant Drums is a dynamic and thought-provoking performance that tells the story of Reggae Sound System culture and its role in the fight for racial equality. This free event is suitable for all ages. For more information visit www.visionrcl.org.uk

Diwali Festival, Trafalgar Square, WC2N 5DN 4-10pm. The London Diwali festival attracts approximately 35,000 people each year to celebrate this Hindu, Sikh and Jain festival of light. Expect lots of lively music, dance and an authentic market with food, craft, art and henna. For more information visit www. diwaliinlondon.com

Sat 23 - Sun 24 Oct

Riso Printing Poster Workshop, Barbican Centre, EC2Y 8DS 10am-4pm.Young film fans can design their very own movie poster with the help of DIY Print Collective. Sign up on the day and then drop in between 10am-4pm to take part for free. For more information visit www.barbican. org.uk

Sat 23 - Sun 31 Oct

Space Adventures, Discover Children’s Story Centre, Stratford, E15 4QZ 11am. Interactive story building for families. The story builders need your help to solve the mystery. Take off on an epic space mission, powered by your imagination. Pre booking is essential as numbers are limited for safety. For ages 3-7. For more details and to book visit www. discover.org.uk

Fright Fiesta, Gulliver’s Land Resort, Milton Keynes, MK15 0DT Fright Fiesta will be nine days of fabulous family activities, frights and theme park fun. Go together and celebrate the spookiest season of the year at Gulliver’s. To book tickets visit www.gulliverslandresort. co.uk

Sat 23 Oct - Sat 26 Feb Ice Rink, Canary Wharf, E14

Get your skates on as the amazing ice rink returns for another season. Canada Square Park will be transformed with a traditional alpine theme and the covered rink will be decorated with thousands of twinkling fairy lights. To book visit www.canarywharf.com

Sun 24 Oct

Celebrating Winnie-the-Pooh, Discover Children’s Story Centre, Stratford, E15 4QZ 1pm. In honour of the 95th anniversary of Winnie-the-Pooh, author Jane Riordan has created a collection of stories, written in the style of AA Milne. Join Jane to celebrate this special anniversary with a reading from her new book Once There Was a Bear. To book visit www.discover.org.uk

Mon 25 Oct

Children’s Games Galore Craft Camp, Jack Silley Pavilion, Epping, CM16 6SS 9.30am-2pm. Go along and enjoy a fun packed day of games and crafts. All materials will be provided. Wear old clothes and

For lots more What’s On ideas see page 16...

Due to Covid 19 restrictions please do check with the venue that the listing is up to date before planning your visit. 12

11 Oct - 28 Nov ‘21

Christmas at Gulliver’s Land Resort

Christmas adventures are closer than you think. Gulliver’s Land Milton Keynes will be hosting a festive season designed just for families. Step into a land of Christmas magic complete with rides, attractions and shows. All festive packages will include entry to the theme park’s Winter Wonderland.You’ll find all the magical elements of a Christmas trail with snow-dusted trees and twinkling lights. Gulliver’s have a special surprise for Bingsters this December. Bing and Flop will be making appearances each day. Visit Gulliver’s over half term between 23 and 31 October for ‘Fright Fiesta’, nine days of fabulous family activities, frights and theme park fun. Go along and celebrate the spookiest season of the year at Gulliver’s. You don’t have to travel far for a fabulous festive adventure. Gulliver’s Land Milton Keynes is less than one hour away from London when travelling by train. Visit www.gulliverslandresort.co.uk for more information and to book.

Home Activities at the Bank of England Museum

Looking for things to do at home this October Half Term? Check out the Bank of England Museum’s online activities where you can learn all about money and gold. Watch a workshop video on how to make your own banknote. You’re free to design and colour it yourself, although you can’t use it afterwards to buy the things that you want! Play the banknote checking game to see if you’re up to the task of spotting errors on a banknote and make your own gold bar shaped money box to keep all your cash in. Simply download the template and enjoy crafting it. More fun activities are available on the Museum’s website, from word searches to drawing sheets. For these activities and more information, please visit www.bankofengland.co.uk/ museum.

11 Oct - 28 Nov ‘21

Fun Days Out with the Family

Flip Out in East Ham

Flip Out offers the UK’s biggest and best Indoor Adventure Parks, full of fun for all the family and all ages. Explore the unique arenas and step into an extraordinary world of flippin’ fun as you take on exhilarating activities. Flip Out London (E6) brings all the bouncing fun you can possibly imagine to East London. Visit Flip Out London (E6) and you’ll ‘flip-out’ with excitement, challenging yourself to greater leaps and bounds in the most entertaining, family-based environment! Bounce off the walls and fly to new heights with a variety of Indoor Adventure Attractions. On Sunday 31 October from 10am – 4pm, join them for some spooktacular pumpkin-themed fun at their Pumpkin Party. The arena will transform into a mysterious land, full of ghosts and ghouls, and if you go in your best Halloween costume, you’ll get a free goody bag. For more information on the whole event, visit the website. This is ultimate excitement, plan your visit today or learn more about all the Flip Out parks by visiting www.flipout.co.uk.

Fright Week at the Epping Ongar Railway

The Epping Ongar Railway will be running its ‘Fright Week’ services from its re-named North Weird Station to and from Ongar. Until 1994 this was part of the Central Line but for 5 zany days in the October Half Term holiday it will be taken over by ghouls, zombies and other scary creatures who would like to invite you to join them. The Halloween specials in the October Half Term have grown in popularity and are now a regular feature at the Railway. The staff and volunteers are constantly looking to ensure that the ‘Fright Week’ experience remains good fun and this year is no different. For many of the services there is a bus to pick up passengers from right outside Epping Tube station as in previous years, but now it will whisk you off to North Weird station. Once there, you’ll find a full-sized Ghost Train to take you to Ongar and its gruesome graveyard and after that you can take the ‘Spooky Train’ to the Forest – if you dare! Fright Week trains will be running from 27- 31 October. Adult fares are £16, children £10 and compartments for 6 are £75.You can find more details on the EOR website www.eorailway.co.uk/events/ halloween.

Somerset House celebrates their spirit of rebellion with a major new exhibition this autumn. Step into the pages of the comic and take a trip into Beanotown to explore how the Beano has fired up successive generations to break the rules, while discovering artists who push boundaries in their own original and wonderful ways. Come face-to-face with the Beano gang - including Dennis and Gnasher, Minnie the Minx, Bananaman and the Bash Street Kids – through original comic artwork and amazing artefacts, plundered from the Beano’s archive. So whether you want to be inspired by fearless artistic mavericks, revisit a much-loved childhood comic masterpiece or explore the Beano’s larger-than-life characters with your own little rebels, this exhibition will prove that there really is no age limit on the art of breaking the rules. Beano: The Art of Breaking the Rules runs from 21 October to 6 March. Entrance costs £16, concessions £12.50, under 6’s free. “Stupid rules! If I had my way there’d only be one – that there are no rules!” - Minnie the Minx.

Visit Essex this Autumn

Wrap up warm and get out and about making memories close to home this autumn. There’s a lot to do and see with fun for the whole family. Half term promises to be full with autumn and Halloween activities whether it be Shriek Week at Colchester Zoo, a spooky day out with Thomas the Tank Engine at East Anglian Railway Museum, a Halloween festival at Old EOR2379-Halloween2021-94x136mm-002.pdf 1 22/09/2021 10:48 MacDonald’s Farm, a

EPPING ONGAR RAILWAY

DARE YOU RIDE THE GHOST TRAIN TO OUR ‘NORTH WEIRD’ STATION WHERE SPOOKY GOINGS ON AND HALLOWEEN FUN WILL BE FOUND?

For details of all our Halloween Services check our website eorailway.co.uk/events/halloween

TICKET

S £16 ADULT £10 EN CHILDR R 6 £75

Beano: The Art of Breaking the Rules

Calling all mayhem-makers and rule-breakers. Do you remember your mum and dad dragging you round boring old museums? Bleugh! Well, Beano is taking over Somerset House! Prepare for your favourite Beano characters to shake things up as 14

11 Oct - 28 Nov ‘21

PRICES TS FO

RTMEN

COMPA

27,28,29,30,31 October

eorailway.co.uk 01277 365200

Epping Ongar Railway

@eorailway

Autumn at Romford Shopping Hall

Halloween is a big deal at Romford Shopping Hall. Not only do they have a fabulous trick or treat hunt for the kiddiewinks with awesome animatronics hidden in the shops, they are also running an amazing choice of crafting events throughout the half term holiday including pumpkin basket weaving, scary spiders, bat dream catchers, monster puppets and witch plate decorating. By paying Romford Shopping Hall a visit this Halloween half term, not only will your child have heaps of fun but you will also be introduced to 30 family owned businesses who all get involved with events. Craft events are £5 per child and the trick or treat hunt is £3 per child. Don’t forget that fancy dress is positively encouraged! All events can be prebooked by visiting the Romford Shopping Hall events Facebook page.

HALF TERM HALLOWEEN CRAFT FUN AT ROMFORD SHOPPING HALL 10 AM - 11 AM

43 MARKET PLACE ROMFORD RM13AB WWW.ROMFORDSHOPPINGHALL.COM

MONDAY 25 OCTOBER - BAT DREAM CATCHERS TUESDAY 26 OCTOBER - MONSTER PUPPETS WEDNESDAY 27 OCTOBER - PUMPKIN BASKET WEAVING THURSDAY 28 OCTOBER - SUPER SCARY SPIDERS FRIDAY 29TH OCTOBER - WITCH PLATE DECORATING To pre book visit our Facebook Page

ROMFORDSHOPPINGHALL

£5.00 PER CHILD PER ACTIVITY

TRICK OR TREAT HUNT HALF TERM FUN FRIDAY 29TH OCTOBER 12 NOON - 4PM - £3.00 PER CHILD Fancy Dress Positively Encouraged!

Fun Days Out with the Family

Halloween trail at Markshall Estate or a Magical Mishap escape room at Hedingham Castle. Autumn is a great time to go for a crisp walk or bike ride with the family, take a stroll through one of the country parks, or take to the saddle and discover new parts of the coast and watch the migrating birds. Now is the time to also start booking your Christmas events whether it be to visit Father Christmas, watch a panto, or go to one of the many festive events in the county. There are lots of ideas for half term, Halloween and fireworks on www.visitessex.com.

You can meet our animatronic friends! Maps will be available at the front of our building on the day

43 MARKET PLACE ROMFORD RM1 3AB WWW.ROMFORDSHOPPINGHALL.COM

11 Oct - 28 Nov ‘21

What’s On

More What’s On Your family diary for October and November

October dress appropriately for indoor and outdoor activities. Booking is essential. For more information visit www.eppingforestdc.gov.uk

Storytelling and Songwriting, Discover Children’s Story Centre, Stratford, E15 4QZ 1pm. Join Chitra Soundar in a storytelling session from her lyrical collection of stories from Indian folklore, A Sliver of Moon and a Shard of Truth. Then help Prince Veera and Suku complete a travel song for the royal baby in an interactive songwriting activity. To book visit www.discover.org.uk

Adventures of Amari Through Black History, Discover Children’s Story Centre, Stratford, E15 4QZ 1pm. Stories of great black leaders, artists and change makers in history as well as inspiring songs to sing all

year round. Join Paula David for a storytelling adventure, full of music and celebration, for children aged 4+ and their families. To book visit www.discover.org.uk

A Mummy for Melissa, Centre of the Cell, Whitechapel, E1 2AT 2pm. Melissa, a newborn monster is trying to find her mummy. Along the way she meets new friends

Our listings are prepared a long time in advance. To make sure you have the latest details do contact the event nearer the time to make sure they haven’t changed

Mishka by Mike Maroney This is a pretty near perfect animal action adventure. Readers will be captivated not only by the heroic actions of Mishka, but Mike Maroney’s relatable characters – both the dastardly and the good guys. Ingeniously setting his story in Siberia, a place we all know little about, also provides plenty of scope for the vivid imaginations of its young readers. It’s a great bedtime story for youngsters, or an independent read for older children. Mishka wholeheartedly deserves to be recognised as a modern children’s classic. It also beautifully illustrates that special bond between grandparent and grandchild. Horridgrad in Siberia lived up to its name, a town full of criminals and corrupt officials, ruled by Ivan the Horrid. When Natasha had to stay, her grandfather bought her a snow-white puppy, to cheer her up. She called him Mishka. Mishka grew to be big and brave. He foiled a post office robbery and saved some children from drowning. Soon he helped scare all the thugs from the streets. Everyone felt safer with Mishka around. But Mishka turned out to not be a little puppy at all. Ivan was not about to let the ‘Big Dog’ ruin his racket. When he discovered Mishka’s secret he plotted to use it to get rid of him for good. Published by Talisman, Mishka is available in paperback priced £6.99 and in Kindle format on Amazon.

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who teach her about the world of living things, cells and DNA. This is a child-friendly introduction to the concepts of cells and genetic inheritance. To book tickets visit www.centreofthecell.org

Mon 25-Fri 29 Oct

Halloween Craft Fun, Romford Shopping Hall, RM1 3AB 10am-11am. Go along this half term for craft fun every day including Bat Dream Catchers, Monster Puppets, Pumpkin Basket Weaving, Super Scary Spiders and Witch Plate Decorating. Charges apply. To prebook visit the Romford Shopping Hall Facebook page.

Tues 26 Oct

Holiday Fun Drop-Ins, Redbridge Central Library, Ilford, IG1 1ZJ 2-3pm. Get your creative juices flowing as you design and make crafts and take part in games, colouring and puzzles to enjoy with your friends. This is a free event for ages 5+ in celebration of Black History Month. For more information visit www.visionrcl. org.uk

The Art of African Head Wrapping, Redbridge Central Library, Ilford, IG1 1ZJ 12noon-2pm. This workshop is fun for all ages (7+) and great to boost confidence, self- esteem and creativity. It also gives people an opportunity to share and discuss their culture, hair and fashion. For more information visit www. visionrcl.org.uk

Tues 26 – Sun 31 Oct

Six Day London, Lee Valley Velopark, E20 3AB See the world’s best riders, including world, Olympic and European champions, as they compete for six intense days for the chance to be crowned winners on the final night. With cheap kids’ tickets available, this is a great half-term treat for all the family. For more details visit www.visitlondon.com

Wed 27 Oct

Spooky Cup Cake Decorating Workshop, The Limes Centre, Chigwell, IG7 5LP 10am-12noon. Go along for some spooky cup cake decorating fun. Learn lots of piping tricks and tips to make some decorative cupcake creations with a Halloween twist to take home. For ages 5-14 years. Booking is essential. For more information visit www. eppingforestdc.gov.uk

War on the Wards and STEM Pod experience, Centre of the Cell, Whitechapel, E1 2AT 2pm. Explore medical gore and more from the First World War. Investigate the history of wartime medicine and innovation and how this has influenced medicine today. Suitable for 10-14 year olds. To book tickets visit www. centreofthecell.org

Wed 27 - Fri 29 Oct

Barkingside Holiday Art Club, Fullwell Cross Library, IG6 2EA This holiday art club covers a selection of inspiring famous artists over three days, encouraging young minds to think outside the box and develop individual style. For children ages 5-16 years. Charges apply. For more information visit www. barkingsideartclub.com

Wed 27 – Sun 31 Oct

Fright Week, Epping Ongar Railway, CM5 9BN Dress up in your scariest outfit and take a ride on the steam hauled ghost train from North Weird for some Halloween fun. During the journey, watch out for spooky characters on board who will scare and entertain in equal measure. To book tickets visit www.eorailway. co.uk

Thurs 28 Oct

IROKO African Drumming Workshop, Fullwell Cross Library, IG6 2EA 2pm. Go along and participate in the workshop, using rhythms, movement, singing, chanting and musical games to relax both body and mind.You will leave the event feeling entertained, invigorated and inspired. Suitable for ages 7+. For more information visit www.eventbrite.co.uk and search for ‘IROKO African Drumming Workshop’

For lots more What’s On ideas see page 20...

Due to Covid 19 restrictions please do check with the venue that the listing is up to date before planning your visit. 16

11 Oct - 28 Nov ‘21

Film & DVD Preview Guide Boss Baby 2: Family Business In this highly anticipated sequel,Tim and his Boss Baby little bro have become adults and drifted away from each other.Tim is now a married stay-at-home dad. Ted is a hedge fund CEO.Tim and his wife, Carol, the breadwinner of the family, live in the suburbs with their supersmart 7-year-old daughter,Tabitha, and adorable new infant,Tina. When baby Tina reveals that she’s a top secret agent for BabyCorp on a mission to uncover the dark secrets behind Tabitha’s school and its mysterious founder, Dr Erwin Armstrong, the Templeton brothers reunite in unexpected ways, leading them to re-evaluate the meaning of family and discover what truly matters. Boss Baby 2 will be released in cinemas on 22 October.

Watch Monster Family 2 at Home A year after the happy end of Monster Family, the Wishbone family are struggling with their various shortcomings. Max is the smallest and most bespectacled kid in eighth grade. Fay has the feeling that all her friends are talented at something but she’s not. Emma tries to help her children, but her advice is at best ignored.Then there’s Frank, whose happiness in his new job is ruined by seeing his family so unhappy. The wedding of the witch Baba Yaga and the hunchbacked butler Renﬁeld provides a much-needed distraction. But just seconds before they can exchange their vows, the two love birds are abducted! The Wishbones have no choice, if they want to save Baba Yaga and Renﬁeld they must transform into monsters again. Monster Family 2 will be available on Sky Cinema and Now TV from 22 October.

Ron’s Gone Wrong Arrives in Cinemas 20th Century Studios and Locksmith Animation’s Ron’s Gone Wrong is the story of Barney, a socially awkward middle-schooler and Ron, his new walking, talking, digitallyconnected device, which is supposed to be his ‘Best Friend out of the Box.’ Ron’s hilarious malfunctions set within the backdrop of the social media age launch them into an actionpacked journey in which boy and robot come to terms with the wonderful messiness of true friendship. Featuring the voices of Zach Galiﬁanakis, Jack Dylan Grazer and Olivia Coleman, the script was created by Arthur Christmas writer, Peter Baynham. Directed by Pixar veteran Jean-Philippe Vine, the ﬁlm promises to be fun for the whole family. Ron’s Gone Wrong opens in cinemas nationwide from 22 October.

The Addams Family 2 Everyone’s favorite spooky family is back in the animated comedy sequel,The Addams Family 2. Morticia and Gomez are distraught that their children are growing up, skipping family dinners, and totally consumed with ‘scream time’.To reclaim their bond they decide to cram Wednesday, Pugsley, Uncle Fester and the crew into their haunted camper and hit the road for one last miserable family vacation.Always staying true to themselves, the Addams Family bring their iconic spookiness and kookiness wherever they go.Their adventure across America takes them out of their element and into hilarious run-ins with their iconic cousin, IT, as well as many new strange characters.What could possibly go wrong? The Addams Family 2 is in cinemas now.

DVDs

Daisy Quokka

Feel Festive with Christmas at Cattle Hill

Get ready for Christmas with the fun animated Daisy Quokka is a cute and colourful family adventure from the team behind Peter Rabbit. family adventure Christmas at Cattle Hill. For Klara, Christmas is everything. However, when she When an unbearably adorable, eternally arrives at her father’s farm there’s no festive cheer optimistic Quokka named Daisy wants to in sight.With time ticking away it’s up to Klara, her achieve the impossible – to win the annual new friends and a very hungry gnome to get a ‘World’s Scariest Animal’ championship, she moo-ve on and bring Christmas to the farm. Can enlists the guidance of a washed-up, former they do it? Christmas at Cattle Hill is directed champion, a grouchy Saltwater Crocodile, to help her achieve her dreams and prove by Will Ashurst and written by Ole Christian that champions can come in all sizes. Daisy Quokka comes to Digital Platforms from Solbakken. It will be available on digital platforms from 18 October. Signature Entertainment on 25 October.

WIN WIN WIN WIN WIN WIN WIN WIN WIN WIN WIN WIN WIN WIN To be in with a chance of winning one of ﬁve Addams Family 2 goody bags, send an email to competitions@primarytimes.biz with ‘Addams Family 2’ as the subject, telling us the name of the Addams family’s cousin, by Friday 12 November. Don’t forget to include your name, age, address, school and contact telephone number.

11 Oct - 28 Nov ‘21

Katie

lown’s

Halloween Howlers

Word Search H P R G O B L I N D

B N G E L T R L B P

V S H K X D C I E K T S D E I X B KWV O OWO O E TW RWK C C F Y T WD E T

C G O G G T L A O N

I R AM H G J Q N U WA AW L B MA U A

T R E A T J F R L H

Can you find all these words in the word search? Halloween, Witch, Black, Haunted, Brew, Ghost, Goblin, October Trick, Treat, Boo, Fangs, Bat, Magic

Where do baby ghosts go during the day? Day-scare

Spot the 5 Differences

What do ghosts wear when their eyesight gets blurred? Spooktacles!

What’s a zombie’s favourite cereal? Rice Creepies B

Where do ghosts go on holidays? The Boohamas.

What did the fisherman say on Halloween? Trick or trout.

Can you draw a picture or write a poem about anything to do with Halloween or Fireworks? Make it as bright and colourful as you can! Send it to us to have a chance of winning a Primary Times Tee Shirt AND seeing your prize winning entry published in the next Primary Times! Categories: ages 4-7 and 8-11 Please write your details in CAPITALS Name: Age: Address:

Postcode: School:

Send your entry together with this completed form to:

Annie's Competition, Primary Times, 7 Southbrook Mews, London, SE12 8LG or scan them both and email them to:

competitions@primarytimes.biz Closing date 12 November 2021. Good Luck!

How to carve the perfect pumpkin…

1. Choose a large pumpkin and let a grownup use a sharp serrated knife to cut off the crown. 2. Using a large serving spoon, scoop out the seeds and ﬁbres and discard. Then remove some of the ﬂesh. 3. With a marker pen, draw a simple outline of a face on the pumpkin. Get a grown-up to use a small serrated knife to cut out the eyes, nose and mouth. Always cut away from you in case the knife slips. 4. Pop a tea light inside the pumpkin, light it and replace the crown.

A n s w e r s

Win an Addams Family 2 Goody Bag

Everyone’s favorite spooky family is back in the animated comedy sequel, The Addams Family 2. Morticia and Gomez are distraught that their children are growing up, skipping family dinners, and totally have ??????? to give away to consumed with ‘scream time’. To ders. For your chance to win, ????????????. Send your answer to reclaim their bond they decide to cram Wednesday, Pugsley, g with your name, age, Uncle Fester and the crew into hool and phone number to their haunted camper and hit petition, Primary Times, the road for one last miserable k Mews, London SE12 8LG family vacation. Always staying wer together with your details to true to themselves, the Addams s@primarytimes.biz with Family bring their iconic he subject by Friday 28 February. spookiness and kookiness wherever they go. Their adventure across America takes them out of their element and into hilarious run-ins with their iconic cousin, IT, as well as many new strange characters. What could possibly go wrong? The Addams Family 2 is in cinemas now. We have five goody bags to give away to lucky readers packed with prizes. For your chance to win one, tell us the name of the Addams family’s cousin. See below for details of how to enter.

Your chance to win lots more prizes We have many more books, toys and games to win than we have room for on these pages. For your chance to win a prize follow us on

@PT_LondonSandE and retweet to win

Adams Family COMP.indd 1

Pirate Stew COMP.indd 1

Win an Copies Addams Family 2 Goody Bag Win of Pirate Stew

Competitions

Everyone’s spooky family is back in the animated Meet Longfavorite John McRon, ship’s cook… and the most unusual comedy sequel, The Addams Family 2. Morticia babysitter you’ve ever seen. Long John has a wholeand crew of wild Gomez distraught children are growing piratesare in tow, and – forthat two their intrepid children – he’s aboutup, to skipping dinners, transform a perfectly ordinary evening into family a riotous adventure beneath a pirate moon. It’sconsumed with and totally time to make some Pirate Stew. ‘scream time’. To reclaim Marvellously silly and gloriously entertaining, their bond they decide to this tale of pirates, flying ships, donut cram Wednesday, Pugsley, feasts and some rather magical stew Uncleis Fester and the crew perfect for all pirates, both young and old. into their haunted camper With deliciously rhyming text from master and hit the road for one storyteller Neil Gaiman and spellbinding last miserable family illustrations by the supremely talented Chris vacation. Always staying Riddell, this is a wonderful book. Pirate Stew true to themselves, the is published by Bloomsbury Children’s books at a recommended price of £7.99Addams Family bring their You can go and join Long John McRon on a new discovery trail iconic spookiness and kookiness wherever they go. Their around theacross HistoricAmerica Dockyard, Chatham - 31 adventure takes themthis outOctober of their(9element October). See if you can find his their missing pirate crew? IT, More details and into hilarious run-ins with iconic cousin, as well simp www.thedockyard.co.uk. asatmany new strange characters. What could possibly go For yourThe chance to winFamily one of 2five of Pirate Stew, tell us wrong? Addams is copies in cinemas now. the name of the pirate cook. See below for details of how to We have five goody bags to give away to lucky readers enter. packed with prizes. For your chance to win one, tell us o the name of the Addams family’s cousin. Send your answer to us along with your name, age, address, school Win Tickets toThethe Grand ‘? and phone number to Addams FamilyPremiere 2 Competition,of Primarythe Times,CBeebies 7 Southbrook Mews, London SE12 8LG Christmas Show orThe email yourCBeebies answer together with yourisdetails to this annual Christmas Show back and competitions@primarytimes.biz with ‘The Addams Family 2’ year it’s an adaption of the classic poem, The Night asBefore the subject by Friday 12 November. Christmas. The show will be sprinkled with plenty of CBeebies magic, festive music, stunning dance performances and a star cast of CBeebies favourites. Follow the adventures of Holly and her brother Jack on Christmas Eve, as they send their wishes to Father Christmas. But then they have to deal with the mischievous Wish Taker who steals those wishes. The CBeebies Christmas Show will be in local cinemas on the weekend of 4 and 5 December with a grand premiere in Leicester Square on Sunday 28 November. Primary Times have five family tickets to see the premiere in Leicester Square on 28 November. For your chance to win, tell us which poem this year’s show is based on. 06/10/2021 13:49 See below for details of how to enter.

To enter any of the competitions send your answer along with your name, age, school, address and phone number to Primary Times, 7 Southbrook Mews, London, SE12 8LG. Don’t forget to include the name of the competition. Alternatively email your answer and details to

competitions@primarytimes.biz with the competition name as the subject by Friday 12 November 2021. If you are entering more than one competition you can put all entries in the same envelope.

11 Oct - 28 Nov ‘21

What’s On

More What’s On Your family diary for October and November

October Holiday Fun Drop-Ins, Goodmayes and Seven Kings Library, Ilford, IG3 9QB 11am. Get your creative juices flowing as you design and make crafts, and take part in games, colouring and puzzles to enjoy with your friends. This is a free event for ages 5+ in celebration of Black History Month. For more information visit www.visionrcl. org.uk

your muscles healthy. Ages 7-14 years. To book tickets visit www. centreofthecell.org

Trick or Treat Fun, Romford Shopping Hall, RM1 3AB 12noon-4pm. Go along in your best Halloween costumes for some trick or treat fun and meet the animatronic friends at Romford Shopping Mall. Maps will be

Fri 29 Oct

Muscling In Show and STEM Pod Experience, Centre of the Cell, Whitechapel, E1 2AT 2pm. Discover how our muscles, bones and joints work together to help us move and find out how many bones there are in the human skeleton. Uncover what bones are made of and learn how to keep

Our listings are prepared a long time in advance. To make sure you have the latest details do contact the event nearer the time to make sure they haven’t changed

“

I saw your event in Primary Times.... Please mention you saw the event listed in Primary Times

”

available at the front of the building on the day. For more information visit www.romfordshoppinghall.com.

Fri 29 – Sat 30 Oct

Icy Mystery: Halloween Voyage into the Unknown, Old Royal Naval College, Greenwich, SE10 9NN 11am, 12noon, 2pm and 3pm. Meet Captain Sir John Franklin as he regales you with stories of his long lost expedition to the Arctic. Go along dressed as ghostly sailors and follow spooky clues left by missing crew members before taking part in a creative workshop, and receive a special prize at the end. Ages 6+. To book visit www.ornc.org

Sat 30 Oct

Halloween in Ilford, High Road, IG1 11am-5pm. Go to Ilford Town Centre for a fun filled day of frighteners set to entertain the family. There will be dance performances, photo opportunities, the 1959 Ghostbusters Cadillac, flash mob dance routine and trails for all to enjoy. For more details visit www.eventbrite.co.uk and search for ‘Halloween in Ilford’

Holiday Fun Drop-Ins, Gants Hill Library, Ilford, IG2 6LA 11am. Get your creative juices flowing as you design and make crafts, and take part in games, colouring and puzzles to enjoy with your friends. This is a free event for ages 5+ in celebration of Black History Month. For more information visit www.visionrcl. org.uk

For lots more What’s On ideas see page 22...

Due to Covid 19 restrictions please do check with the venue that the listing is up to date before planning your visit.

Things to Do This Autumn The leaves are changing, the air is cooler and the days are getting shorter, which only means one thing, autumn is here. Primary Times takes a look at what to do outdoors and indoors this autumn.

Pumpkin Picking 

Head down to your local ‘Pick Your Own’ and choose your favourite looking pumpkin, ready to carve.

Watch a Fireworks Display 

Check out your local ﬁreworks display and watch the bright colours light up the sky. Remember to socially distance and take your gloves!

Make Leaf Cookies 

Cut out the shape of a leaf on card and use it to shape your own leaf cookies. Alternatively, use an oval cookie cutter for the base of the leaf, and score the lines into the dough to make a leaf print.

Make a Scarecrow 

They may not actually scare many crows away, but they are great fun to make and they do look good in your home or school garden. So why not have a go at making one. You could use a pumpkin for the head and it’s a good way to get rid of some old clothes.

Make a Pinecone Bird Feeder 

A simple activity that will beneﬁt the birds in your garden through the colder season! Just tie some string around a pinecone. Then spread peanut butter all over it and stick on lots of birdseed. After that, hang it up on a tree or fence and watch the happy birds.

Listen to Spooky Stories 

Get in the mood for Halloween by hosting your very own spooky story session. Choose some age suitable stories and read the haunted tales by torchlight. This could even inspire children to write and share their own spooky stories.

Plant Some Bulbs 

Now is the perfect time to plant some bulbs to give yourself a lovely display come the spring. You can plant in a pot, a window box or in a garden. As spring arrives, it’s so lovely to see the ﬁrst daffodils, tulips or other ﬂowers brighten up our lives after a hard winter.

Make a Leaf Collage 

The leaves are now turning beautiful colours of brown, red and golden. It’s the perfect time to collect a few fallen leaves and create some great autumn artwork.

Celebrate Apple Day 

Apple Day is 21 October but the whole of autumn is a great time for apples. Bake an apple in the oven, make a pie or just bite into one. Can anyone in your family peel an apple in one long strip?

Carve a Pumpkin 

Make Your Own Halloween Costume 

There are lots of designs and tutorials available online. Opt for a ghoulish ghost or why not try and carve your favourite ﬁctional character?

Bake Together 

While the trees are in beautiful colour, take a trip with the family down to a local woodland for some fresh air and exercise.

Whether it’s a ghoulish ghost, vicious vampire or a wicked witch, homemade Halloween costumes are great if you are on a budget. Baking is fun anytime of the year, but why not make the most of the seasonal produce such as apples, pears and pumpkins, to make some pies or tarts. 20

11 Oct - 28 Nov ‘21

Explore a Local Park Woodland 

How many can you tick off? For more information about what to do this autumn visit www.primarytimes.co.uk

All your own work!

Aksayan Jeevaranjam aged 5

Daniel Cendrzak aged 10

Imaani Muhaimin aged 9

. Rose Tingley competitions in our September Back to School issue Congratulations to the following people who won a prize with gorill ing amaz the won ry School. Noah Day won a box of books for her school, Miers Court Prima ombe and Dunc Bella kov, Kuten Philip , Nikola Jovanovski Cindergorilla. Our Epping Ongar Railway winners were mies Mum of copy a won s Roger Juliette Steyn and Elsa Lyla Foster. Daniel Baker, Teddy Flude, Nike Ezeasor, son Harri as, Thom ary Zach s, Welman, Willow-Dixie Vagg Unwrapped. Paws in the Park winners were Jackie and we the Annie's drawing competition for the under 8's won m ranja Halliday and Emma Wiffin. Aksayan Jeeva etition comp our all to done rzak and Imaani Muhaimin. Well had two winners in the older catergory, Daniel Cend If you would like to see winners on this page and enjoy all the artwork! your work displayed here then just send us a drawing, poem, riddles, jokes or short story and we'll do our very best to include it. Send it to: Good Work Page Primary Times 7 Southbrook Mews London SE12 8LG

Thank you to Katharina Hopkins, Juveria, Mollie Rose Irwin and Freddie Cheshire for all their really lovely, fun artwork. We love seeing your work so do please keep sending it to us. We're happy to receive artwork from the whole class so do feel free to send us class entries.

What’s On

More What’s On Your family diary for October and November

October RIB Rides, Royal Docks Adventure, E16 2QT 10am-4pm. See the iconic architecture of the Royal Docks as you’ve never seen it before – from the water. This event is run by the Atlantic Pacific International Rescue organisation. Rides are free, but must be booked. To book your tickets visit www.eventbrite.co.uk and search for ‘RIB Rides’.

The Knowing Newham Hero Hunt, Discover Children’s Story Centre, Stratford, E15 4QZ 1pm. Pakiki Theatre CIC is a Performing Arts company with a passion for making locally relevant theatre for diverse audiences. Created for Newham Heritage Month and supported by Discover, this interactive show is for children aged 5+ and their families. To book visit www.discover.org.uk

Sat 30 - Sun 31 Oct

Family Weekender, Bow Arts, Royal Albert Wharf, E16 1AG Head to the covered stage to watch exciting live performances or visit the Art in The Docks Gallery to see inspiring art and take part in fun activities. The whole site will be bursting at the seams with things to see and do for all the family. For more information see www. royaldocks.london

Sun 31 Oct

Pumpkin Fest, Haven House Children’s Hospice, Woodford Green, IG8 9LB Wear your best costume and be part of the Best Dressed Competition to be in with a chance of winning a Halloween hamper. There will also be a face painter so you can prepare to go out trick or treating later in the day. For more details and visit www.havenhouse. org.uk

Silent Disco – Halloween Special, Kenneth More Theatre, Ilford, IB1 1BT Featuring three different channels of music so you are sure to find something to get you moving, plus spooky Halloween activities, games and fancy dress competition. Charges apply. For more information visit www.redbridgedramacentre. co.uk

Pumpkin Party, Flip Out London (E6), East Ham, E6 1LB 10am-4pm. Go along for some spooktacular fun as the arena is transformed into a mysterious land full of ghosts and ghouls. If you go in your best Halloween costume, you’ll get a free goody bag. For more information on the whole event visit www.flipout.co.uk

November Fireworks, Victoria Park, Tower Hamlets, E3 5TB (Exact date to be confirmed) Make your way to Victoria Park for an evening of fantastic fireworks and fun over Bonfire Night, hosted by the Mayor of Tower Hamlets. Please check closer to the time for confirmation of the event. See www. visitlondon.com

Newham Fireworks Night, Silvertown Docks, E16 (Exact dates to be confirmed) Enjoy a breath-taking fireworks display, alongside performances, food stalls and funfair rides in Newham’s Royal Docks. Please check closer to the time for confirmation of the event. See www.visitlondon.com

Sat 6 – Sun 7 Nov

Climate Change Workshops, The Space, E14 3RS 10am-1pm. Every child matters today and tomorrow. Rising tides deliver informative, creative and fun workshops that explore and engage participants in the subject of climate change. Suitable for children age 9-11 years. For more information and to book visit www.space.org.uk

Sat 13 Nov

The Lord Mayor’s Show, Various Locations in London The Lord Mayor’s Show is a celebration that takes place annually in London and dates back to 1215.

Our listings are prepared a long time in advance. To make sure you have the latest details do contact the event nearer the time to make sure they haven’t changed

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For over 50 years, City has played a proud part in the event, flying the flag for its role in the City of London. For more information visit www.lordmayorsshow.london

Wed 17 Nov - Sun 16 Jan Skate at Somerset House, WC2R 1LA

Hailed as one of the capital’s favourite winter experiences, Skate at Somerset House heralds the start of the festive period with unrivalled skating, contemporary music, the perfect gift selection from Hotel Chocolat, and delicious food and drink. To book visit www. somersethouse.org.uk/whats-on

Fri 19 Nov – Sun 9 Jan

Light Fantastic, Epping Ongar Railway, CM5 9BN Go along for a wonderful experience of lights and music at Epping Ongar Railway, featuring a specially designed show to highlight the stations, rural setting and woodlands. It’s the winter experience that you will not want to miss. To book tickets visit www. eorailway.co.uk

Sat 20 - Sun 21 Nov

Discover Dogs, ExCel London, Royal Victoria Dock, E16 1XL 10am-5pm. Meet up to 100 different dog breeds, find out about the breeds you’ve never heard of and treat your canine companion at a range of shops. There will also be world-class dog displays, competitions and a Kids Zone to keep kids entertained. For details visit www.excel.london/whats-on

Christmas Craft Fair, Thames Chase Forest Centre, Upminster RM14 3NS 10am-4pm. Find that last minute unique gift from a wide range of craft stalls including woodcraft, jewellery, cards, textiles, glass and lots more. For more information visit www.thameschase.org.uk

Sat 27 Nov

identify trees using their leaves, bark and seeds. Discover how trees, from seeds to logs, contribute to our environment and landscape. For more information visit www. visiteppingforest.org

Christmas in Ilford, High Road, IG1 11am-5pm.Visit Ilford high street for this family-friendly free event including the Christmas lights switch on, artistic displays, trails, a Greatest Showman performance, a Cinderella carriage, and a fireworks show.Visit www.eventbrite.co.uk and search for ‘Ilford Christmas Light Switch on Event’.

Supernova London, Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, Stratford, E20 2ST 6pm. Get the family together, dig out your fluorescent clothes, head torches and glow sticks, then you’re all set to light up the park in the Supernova 5K. Everyone is welcome - entrants under 15 must be accompanied by an adult. For more details visit www.supernovarun.com

Christmas Wonderland, Haven House Children’s Hospice, Woodford Green, IG8 9LB 10am-4pm. Meet Father Christmas in his grotto, explore the enchanted woodland and refuel with some mulled wine and mince pies. With carol singing and fun games, this is an event not to be missed. To pre-book tickets visit www. havenhouse.org.uk

December Sun 5 Dec

Christmas Winter Walk, Thames Chase Forest Centre, Upminster RM14 3NS 10.30am-1pm. Go for a seasonal walk with the family dressed as your favourite Christmas character. After the walk go to the barn for mince pies and mulled wine. Children can make decorations for the Christmas tree and one to take home. For more information and to book visit www.thameschase.org.uk

Our next copy deadline is

12 November 2021 If you have something you would like us to try and publicise

National Tree Week Walk, Epping Forest Field Centre, Loughton IG10 4A 10am-12.30pm. This is an event for families with children aged 7+. Go along for a walk and learn how to

(space permitting) please email it to

listings@ primarytimes.biz

Due to Covid 19 restrictions please do check with the venue that the listing is up to date before planning your visit. 22

11 Oct - 28 Nov ‘21

- Diversity in Children’s Books The DESIblitz Literature Festival 2021 opened in September with leading British South Asian and South Asian literary names for a mix of in-person and digital events. The festival’s aim is to encourage young and aspiring British Asian writers with a programme of author events, workshops, performances and panel discussions, showcasing the work of British South Asian authors and poets, and international writers with South Asian heritage. Primary Times were lucky enough to go to the panel discussion on diversity in children’s books with authors Monika Singh Gangotra, Serena Patel, Sita Brahmachari, and Irfan Master with Tommy Sandhu hosting. Tommy: Why is it important that we see ourselves in stories if stories are escapism? Monika: I agree that books are a way to escape your world, but I also believe that you still want to be you when you’re escaping the world that you’re in. So when you’re escaping the world into characters you can’t relate to, it’s no more than living a normal life. When you’re reading a book and you ﬁnd characters that are aspirational because they look like you, you become a hero in your own life. That’s why books about empowerment and loving the skin you’re in need to be out there - so you feel seen. My colour wasn’t seen. As I’ve gotten older I want people to see my colour, I want them to see I’m brown and that I’m different, because that’s what makes me amazing and makes my kids amazing and our community amazing. I think building our lives in that way, in empathy through diverse characters in books is really important. Tommy: Would you agree with that, Serena? And what books influenced you growing up? Serena: Yeah, I think I never questioned the fact that there were no characters who looked like me who were the hero of the story, but I think it compounded

something in me, again growing up in a majority white community. It compounded feelings of being invisible, that your voice didn’t matter, that your story didn’t matter. Equally, I’ve had messages from readers who are not from a South Asian community, and they’ve never come across a brown person in their lives, but they’ve read Anisha (Serena’s latest book series) and they’ve learnt something new. It works on two levels, it’s a reﬂection but it’s also a window into someone else’s experience. Coming back to what Monika said, that creates empathy. If kids from other backgrounds can see a brown child as the hero of a story, that does something as well, and I think that can be really powerful. Tommy: What does the power of a good story do for children? Irfan: Why is it important for that 5/6 year old to see him/herself in a story? If they feel like superheroes, then they could possibly change the world. Tommy: And for yourself Sita? I want to know the power of a story and what it can do for the kids? Sita: For me, writing stories was initially to help myself, to piece myself together, but now it’s also an offering to children. And you see it, that sense of needing all the pieces of my history talked about, in stories. Belonging. I wrote a book called Corey’s Rock recently with an illustrator called Jane Ray, and when we were growing up we used to go to Orkney on holiday. I have a picture of me and my dad and he’s looking out to sea and he’s standing on a rock and I’m standing next to him. I remember the conversation. I

said, “Dad, what are you looking at? Are you looking for seals?” And he said, “No, I’m looking for home.” And little girl Sita saw the tears in his eyes and he said, “I will always be suspended between worlds.” Children see this stuff! When I was working in Notting Hill in the eighties, I was doing work with young people in communities where they were experiencing extreme racism, and lack of opportunity. I’m old enough now to know that there are repeats in history. There is always the voice of the author, there is always something you want to express and feel, and I’m really emotional when I’m writing, because you’ve got this chance to put something in this book. Then young people write to you about being inspired to write their own books and you think, “this is the best job in the world!” Tommy summed up the discussion with this: When I think back to my childhood, I loved stories. You lose yourself in other worlds, so on a final note I just want to say thank you for creating those worlds for children, it’s brilliant. The panel was full of challenging and inspiring messages, but what really stood out was that the inclusion of more diverse authors in children’s literature is a team effort for a shared gain - we all have a responsibility. The DESIblitz Literature Festival was organised by DESIblitz, the UK’s leading British Asian web magazine. For more information, please visit www.desiblitz.com.

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