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What’s On Guide
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in Birmingham &
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April 2017
0844 338 8222 * FEBRUARY ISSUE 2017
6 FEB – 26 MARCH 2017
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THE PAULINE QUIRKE
ACADEMY OF PERFORMING ARTS
IS ENROLLING NOW IN WOLVERHAMPTON!
With outstanding performing arts tuition for 4-18 year olds, your very own movie
screened at the cinema, free Trinity exams and our West-End show - what are you
waiting for?
FREE OPEN DAY
SATURDAY 4TH MARCH
Starts 1.45pm Ends 5pm
Find us at Aldersley High School,
Barnhurst Lane, Codsall,
Wolverhampton, WV8 1RT
2
Call FREEPHONE 0800 531 6282
Visit www.pqacademy.com
Primary Times FEBRUARY Issue | www.primarytimes.net/birmingham
OF BEING AMAZING

Welcome to our February half term issue.
We hope that you all enjoyed the festive break and that you have
managed not to get the awful cold virus that seems to have swept
across our country. Daylight hours are already stretching out and
provide encouraging thoughts that outdoor play after school is not
far away now.
In this issue we bring you a whole host of events and activities that
will be happening across Birmingham & Black Country during half
term and beyond – indoor and outdoor activities that will help to
keep you children entertained, from indoor climbing to squishy
steps with National Trust! There is something to suit all talents and
abilities, we haven’t been able to include all activities in this issue
so please don’t forget to check online at www.primarytimes.net/
birmingham for additional things to do.
It is time to start planning for Wear A Hat Day, register online to
get involved in this very worthy cause, see details below. Calling all
budding young gardeners, Birmingham Botanical Gardens invite
you to join their Schools Gardening Club, see page 14.
Don’t forget to send us your news – are you holding any special
events at Easter that you would like us to include in our listings –
email us on marion@schoolspublishing.co.uk.
With very best wishes from
WOW – What’s On Where 4
Box Office 12
Competitions 13
Pinboard 14
Don’t forget to
check us out online
www.primarytimes.net
/birmingham
Calling all pupils,
teachers & parents
Please don’t forget to send
in your news for our news pages.
We would love to hear
from you!
The Primary Times Team
Editor:
Marion McAdam
marion@schoolspublishing.co.uk
Sales:
Vanessa Allan
ptwestmids@schoolspublishing.co.uk
Design:
Stuart Cameron
Primary Times in Birmingham &
Black Country
Schools Publishing Limited
Unit 1A
Thamesview Industrial Estate
Newtown Road
Henley on Thames RG9 1HG
T: 01491 411848
F: 01491 411416
www.primarytimes.net/birmingham
FEBRUARY ISSUE 2016
6 FEB – 26 MARCH 2017
The UK’s biggest free ‘what’s on’
magazine for parents! Primary Times
in Birmingham and Black Country
distributes 58,000 copies seven times a
year, and is part of a national network
distributing more than 2.7 million copies
in 59 regions across the UK and Ireland
Primary Times is independently published and distributed free through national primary schools in Birmingham & Black
Country. It aims to inform families and children about current educational issues, forthcoming events, courses, attractions
and to give teachers, pupils and parents the opportunity to participate in the magazine by adding to its contents or by
joining in the competitions. It is NOT our intention to publish any racist, sexist or politically based material whatsoever.
We also undertake not to carry any advertising which we would consider to be offensive to young families or harmful to
the best interests of young children. Primary Times would like to thank all the schools in Birmingham & Black Country for
their assistance in distributing the magazine and for their contributions to its contents. We would also like to thank all the
advertisers who have supported this publication and therefore made it possible. Please support their endeavours when
and where you can. The copyright on all written material, logos and advertising artwork produced by our studio remains
with Primary Times or with the relevant contributor. Primary Times is currently publishing over 2 million copies per issue
under franchise licences throughout Britain.
Save the date and put your thinking caps
on – Wear A Hat Day is coming again!
● What is Wear A Hat Day?
Wear A Hat Day is the UK’s premier brain tumour research fundraising event.
Taking place on Friday 31st March 2017, which is the last day of Brain Tumour
Awareness Month, schools and families across the country get involved to help
raise funds for research into this devastating disease.
● Why get involved?
Brain tumours kill more children and adults under the age of 40 than any
other cancer… yet just 1% of the national spend on cancer research has
been allocated to this devastating disease. No parent should lose a child and
no child should lose a parent prematurely. Brain Tumour Research is the only
national charity that invests in sustainable long-term research at UK Centres of
Excellence.
Wear A Hat Day is a great way to show support and raise money for this
research. Children and adults take part in days of hat-filled fundraising events.
School children maximise their fundraising by selling exclusive hat-shaped pin
badges – with new designs from the charity created
each year, they have become collector’s items among
the youngsters!
● How do I get involved?
Register now at www.wearahatday.org and start
planning your event. Your fundraising pack will include
leaflets and posters to help promote your event and
will arrive in plenty of time for
your Wear A Hat Day.
The charity provides
exciting Wear A Hat Day
merchandise to buy and sell
to help with your fundraising
– wristbands, plush hats,
baseball caps, car hats
and designer brooches for
parents and teachers joining
in with little fundraisers.
Event ideas and fundraising
top tips can be found
on the website. Many children make hats, have hat
competitions, parades and fashion shows, and the
charity publishes the best photos on social media.
All in all it is simply too HATTASTIC to miss!
www.primarytimes.net/birmingham | FEBRUARY Issue Primary Times 3

what's on where
If you are looking for more inspiration, there
are over 350 events on our website
www.primarytimes.net/birmingham
11 Feb
Creative Writing
Birmingham Children’s Library, B1 2ND
www.libraryofbirmingham.com
3:00pm-4:15pm Working alongside the
BBC 500 words competition. Come along to
improve your dialogue skills. Remember
to bring in a book that you really
like! Suitable for children aged
8—13 years. Booking essential
by email childrens.library@
birmingham.gov.uk or in
person at the desk.
T: 0121 242 4242
Saturday Craft Club FREE EVENT
Selly Oak Library, B29 6AE
www.libraryofbirmingham.com
11:00am-12:00noon Craft sessions for
children and their carers. T: 0121 464 0403
11 – 12 Feb
Scales and Tales Weekend
Hatton Adventure, CV35 8XA
www.hattonworld.com
10:00am-5:30pm Learn about the
different continents through
animal handling with our
experts and create some
worldly artefacts in arts and
crafts! T: 01926 843411
11 – 19 Feb
Gastro Space
The National Space Centre, LE4 5NS
www.spacecentre.co.uk
10:00am-4:00pm Discover the world of
space gastronomy, including what we eat
Don’t forget to
say you saw it in
Primary Times!
We check
listings carefully but
event details and prices
may be subject to change.
Please always check
with the venue.
and how the human body deals with eating,
digesting and expelling waste in space!
Join our Mission Commanders for a bumper
half term period dedicated to bogies, bums,
trumps and burps… the science of all the
gross stuff our bodies do in space. Booking
recommended. T: 0116 261 0261
12 Feb
Music Maze Workshop FREE
EVENT
CBSO Centre, B1 2LF
www.cbso.co.uk
10:00am-2:30pm Music Maze is
a series of fun, creative, participatory
workshops. Suitable for Ages 8-11. Young
people will be invited to create duets for
pairs of similar instruments which have
particular musical features and personality.
Children do not need to play a musical
instrument to take part. Booking essential.
T: 0121 616 6500
Toy Collectors Fair
NEC, B40 1NT
www.thenec.co.uk
10:30am-3:30pm Explore 550
stands filled with all kinds of
collectables for sale from the
UK’s leading dealers. Models
of cars, lorries, buses and
aeroplanes, model railways,
Star Wars, James Bond and
many other sci-fi and TV related
collectables, teddy bears, Scalextric and
hundreds of other new and old
collectables. Adults £7, Child £2.
T: 0121 780 4141
Watercolour Landscapes
The Barber Institute of Fine Arts, B15 2TS
www.barber.org.uk
11:00am-12:30pm (ages4-8), 1:30pm-
3:00pm (ages 8-12) Learn watercolour
painting techniques to create a colourful
landscape inspired by David Cox. £5 per child,
booking essential. T: 0121 414 7333
13 – 21 Feb
Half Term Fun
Rays Farm, WV16 6PF
www.raysfarm.com
Farm Yard Treasure Hunt – Follow the clues
around the farm and into the woods and
claim your prize when you hand in your
answers. Get muddy and build a den in the
woods. Colouring Competition. Get creative
with crafts in the schoolroom.
T: 01299 841255
18 Feb
Muller Indoor Grand Prix Birmingham
Barclaycard Arena, B1 2AA
www.barclaycardarena.co.uk
12:00noon Some of the best athletes in the
world and the heroes of the Rio Olympic
Games compete at the state of the art
Barclaycard Arena. Booking recommended T:
0844 338 0338
BMAGPokeHunt - Pokémon Go Hunt
FREE EVENT
Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery, B3
3DH
www.birminghammuseums.org.uk
11:00am-3:00pm Pokémon Go players have
another chance to get out and about and
explore the galleries looking for Pokémon.
See what you can discover amongst the
artwork. We also have several pokestops that
can be picked up at different points in the
museum. Badges will be given out to the
trainers that take the best Pokémon pictures
within the galleries. There will also be a
Pokémon treasure hunt for trainers to solve;
those that do will be entered into a special
prize draw. Join us and use the hashtag
#BMAGpokehunt to show us what you’ve
caught. T: 0121 348 8038
So you think you know about...
Dinosaurs? with Ben Garrod
Town Hall, B3 3DQ
www.thsh.co.uk
10:30am Did dinosaurs eat their own
families? Was every Tyrannosaur a fearsome
carnivore? Why did Allosaurus headbutt
its prey to death? Come and test your
knowledge against Ben Garrod (the TV
scientist in ‘Attenborough and the Giant
Dinosaur‘). Tickets £12.50 T: 0121 780 3333
18 – 19 Feb
Snowdrop Time +A46:C49
Dudmaston Estate, WV15 6QN
www.nationaltrust.org.uk
12:00noon-4:00pm. Enjoy the great outdoors
with a walk through the Dingle woods,
taking in the snowdrops that tell us spring
is on its way. Free event, normal admission
charges apply. T: 01746 780866
RSPB Sandwell’s Nestival
RSPB Sandwell Valley Nature Reserve,
B43 5AG
www.rspb.org.uk
11:00am-3:00pm Come and make a nest
box for the feathered friends in your garden.
Our experts will be on hand to help you
make a high quality bird box from a kit and
provide advice on the best place to locate
your new bird home. We will also be making
bird feeders and nest bundles to hang up,
so the birds have the things they need to
make a comfy home ready for spring. £8
per box for RSPB Members £10 per box for
non members, small donations for other
activities. Booking essential.
T: 0121 357 7395
18 – 22 Feb
Wassailing and Campfire Cooking
Moseley Old Hall, WV10 7HY
www.nationaltrust.org.uk
11:00am-3:00pm Its time to wake up our
new orchard, so join in wassail each day at
2pm and practice your campfire cooking
toasting marshmallows over the campfire.
£1 per bag of marshmallows, normal
admission charges apply.
T: 01902 782808
18 – 25 Feb
Family Trail Pet Ducks FREE ENTRY
Red House Glass Cone, DY8 4AZ
www.dudley.gov.uk
10:00am-3:00pm A simple search around
the venue. Drop in anytime but allow at
least an hour. Suitable for ages 4+.
T: 01384 815571
18 – 26 Feb
Family Fun Days
Baddesley Clinton, B93 0DQ
www.nationaltrust.org.uk
9:00am-4:00pm Grab those wellies
and try out our natural play trail with
stepping stones, rope swings and a
winding labyrinth. Or get the whole family
together for a walk across the Warwickshire
countryside on our estate walk and discover
our new bird screen in the woods. Normal
admission charges apply. T: 01564 783294
Trains and Trams
Coventry Transport Museum, CV1 1JD
www.transport-museum.com
Come along and ‘have-a-go’ at operating
the miniature trams. The tramway was
hand-built by members, past and present
and is a magnificent sight to behold.
T: 024 7623 4270
Big Top Bonanza
Hatton Adventure, CV35 8XA
www.hattonworld.com
Marvel at the Amazing Acrobats and
Awesome Aerialists. Applaud Comical
Clowns and Champion Jugglers. Enjoy
Hatton’s very own Zoobee with his Magic
and Puppet Shows and also the Flea Circus.
Enjoy all the usual Hatton Favourites
with Animal Handling, Funfair Rides (for
younger children), Laser Combat (8 years
+) and Thrills and Spills for all in Snorty’s
Superslide Mania. The earlier you book the
more you save. T: 01926 843411
Lambing Live
Lower Drayton Farm, ST19 5RE
www.lowerdraytonfarm.co.uk
10:00am-5:00pm There’s nothing cuter than
newborn lambs, so come and join us to help
celebrate the arrival of the first lambs of the
year. T: 07506 359453
4
Primary Times FEBRUARY Issue | www.primarytimes.net/birmingham

Take a big squishy step
into half-term
Pull on your wellies, cuddle up in your cosiest scarf, and have
some fun with the National Trust. There’s lots to do inside
and out: build the best den, scramble around our natural
playgrounds, or cosy up with a hot drink and yummy treat.
• Attingham Park • Carding Mill Valley • Dudmaston
• Kinver Edge and Rock Houses • Sunnycroft
nationaltrust.org.uk/midlands
#NTMidlands
When you visit, donate, volunteer or join the National Trust, your support helps us to
look after special places for ever, for everyone.
The National Trust is an independent registered charity, number 205846. © National Trust 2017. Photography © National Trust Images.
www.primarytimes.net/birmingham | FEBRUARY Issue Primary Times 5

6what's on where
EducationInvestor
Awards 2016
Primary Times FEBRUARY Issue | www.primarytimes.net/birmingham
The Welly Walk
Packwood House, B94 6AT
www.nationaltrust.org.uk
9:00am-4:00pm Pick up a map and a
‘Doodle your dream day’ sheet from Visitor
Reception, and head off on a journey
together through the woods. Build a den,
play hoop-la, splash in the puddles and
have your own family adventure. Don’t
forget to bring those wellies! Normal
admission charges apply. T: 01564 782024
February Half Term 50 Things Family
Activities
Wightwick Manor and Gardens, WV6 8EE
www.nationaltrust.org.uk
11:00am-4:00pm Get outdoors and have a
go at our self-led family activities. Follow
our wellie walk and pick up items to create
some wild art, build a den or have a go at
orienteering. Free event, normal admission
charges apply. T: 01902 760106
19 Feb
Natural Bird Feeders
Kingsbury Water Park, B76 0DY
www.warwickshire.gov.uk
10:30am-12:30pm Join the Rangers to
create bird feeders using a range of natural
materials. Drop in, Child £2.T: 01827 872660
Painterly Monoprints
he Barber Institute of Fine Arts, B15 2TS
www.barber.org.uk
11:00am-12:30pm (ages4-8), 1:30pm-
3:00pm (ages 8-12) Inspired by Francis
Bacon, combine expressive painting
with printmaking. £5 per child, booking
essential. T: 0121 414 7333
20 Feb
Make A Rain Catcher
Kingsbury Water Park, B76 0DY
www.warwickshire.gov.uk
11:00am-1:00pm Drop in to make a simple
rain catcher from recycled materials. Take
it home and measure how much rain falls
where you live! An event for children aged 5
years and over. Child £2. T: 01827 872660
Pet Fest - Duck Day
Red House Glass Cone, DY8 4AZ
www.dudley.gov.uk
10:30am-12:30pm Come along and join in
the fun with lots of ducks around the site.
Suitable for ages 4+. £2.50 per person.
T: 01384 815571
20 – 21 Feb
Dino Days
Museum Of Cannock Chase, WS12 1TD
www.museumofcannockchase.org
11:00am-3:00pm Join us for Dino
adventures during half term, arts and craft
drop-ins with a dinosaur theme. Prehistoric
workshops to make a variety of crafts using
all different materials, so you have your very
own dinosaur to take home. Child £2.
T: 01543 877666
20, 22 & 24 Feb
Junior Ski Camp
Ackers Adventure, B11 2PY
www.ackers-adventure.co.uk
10:00am-4:00pm Ski tuition for beginners
aged 8-16 with a fully qualified and
experienced instructor. Juniors may be left
in our care with a signed consent form from
a parent/guardian. £45 per person per day
and includes all equipment and instruction.
Booking essential T: 0121 772 5111
20 – 24 Feb
Half Term Fun
Birmingham Botanical Gardens, B15 3TR
www.birminghambotanicalgardens.org
11:00am-3:00pm Arts and Crafts, Bug
Hunting and Story Trails! T: 0121 454 1860
Holiday Camp
Haden Hill Leisure Centre, B64 7HA
www.slt-leisure.co.uk
9:00am-3:00pm Jam packed full of
activities such as football, table tennis,
rounders, swimming, bouncy castle, hockey
and athletics. Suitable for ages 8 -16. Camp
runs Monday-Friday £55, Full day £12.20.
Booking essential. T: 0300 012 0121
Holiday Camp
Wednesbury Leisure Centre, WS10 7HP
www.slt-leisure.co.uk
9:00am-4:00pm Activities available include
Handball, Arts and Crafts, Hockey, Netball,
Football, Kick Cricket, Rounders, Short
Tennis and Bouncy Castle. Suitable for ages
8-16. Day Camp £12.20, Full Week £55.
Booking essential T: 0300 012 0121
21 Feb
Animal Pom Poms
Blakesley Hall, B25 8RN
www.birminghammuseums.org.uk
12:30pm-3:30pm Learn how to make Pom
Poms and turn them into animals. Use a
variety of crafts and the help of our talented
craft master to create your own little pom
pom farmyard. Animal themed quiz and
trails also available. Child £1.50. Booking
essential. T: 0121 348 8120
Winnie the Pooh Birthday
Celebration FREE EVENT
Coleshill Library, B46 3LD

www.warwickshire.gov.uk
2:30pm-4:00pm Join us for an afternoon
of fun stories and make and take craft
activities, as we celebrate Winnie the Pooh’s
90th birthday. For school aged children
5-11years.T: 01675 463307
The Angry Birds Movie (U)
Forest Arts Centre, WS3 1AG
www.forestartscentre.co.uk
11:00am In this hilarious animated
adventure comedy, you’ll finally find out
why the birds are so angry. Tickets £3.
T: 01922 654555
Family Workshop
Ikon Gallery, B1 2HS
ikon-gallery.org
1:00pm-3:00pm Enjoy a special family tour
of the Roger Hiorns exhibition, followed
by the opportunity to make your own
artworks exploring new materials and
techniques, led by artists. Child £8, booking
essential.
T: 0121 248 0708
Birdy Bistro
Kingsbury Water Park, B76 0DY
www.warwickshire.gov.uk
11:00am-1:00pm Make some ‘delicious’
food for the birds in your garden. Be
prepared to get messy! A family event.
Child £2. T: 01827 872660
All That Glitters
Museum Of The Jewellery Quarter, B18 6HA
www.birminghammuseums.org.uk
1:00pm-3:00pm Join us for this fun and
creative workshop where you will make
your own treasured piece of jewellery from
old junk and recycled materials! Drop in
family friendly workshop. Suitable for 5
years upwards. Child £1.50.
T: 0121 348 8140
Pet Fest - Cats and Dogs
Red House Glass Cone, DY8 4AZ
www.dudley.gov.uk
10:30am-12:30pm Come along and join in
the fun as we celebrate our furry friends.
Suitable for ages 4+. £2.50 per person.
T: 01384 815571
Glass Fusion Cats vs Dogs
Red House Glass Cone, DY8 4AZ
www.dudley.gov.uk
10:30am or 11:30am or 1:00pm or 2:00pm
Working in our glass fusing studio, make
lovely glass treasures. Sessions last about
30 minutes and need to be booked in
advance. Suitable for ages 5+. £4.50 per
person. Booking essential
T: 01384 815571
Hobbit Hole
Sarehole Mill, B13 0BD
www.birminghammuseums.org.uk
1:00pm-3:00pm Join us for a crafty
afternoon and make your own hobbit hole!
Drop in family activity. Child £1.50.
T: 0121 348 8000
Myths and Legends FREE EVENT
The Barber Institute of Fine Arts, B15 2TS
www.barber.org.uk
11:00am-3:00pm Make your own dragon
or fairy wings at this drop in art workshop!
Hear heroic tales in our live storytelling
sessions! Seek out myths and legends in
our gallery trail! Dress up as a legendary
character and take a selfie!
T: 0121 414 7333
Wildlife Watch Red Robin
The Parkridge Centre, B91 3HW
www.warwickshirewildlifetrust.org.uk
10:30am-11:30am Head out and see how
many brilliant birds you can see, can you
identify them all before, learning why
they tweet and even make a bird feeder
to take home.This session is suitable for
children aged 6 years and up. Child £3.50.
Pre-booking is recommended.
T: 0121 704 0768
Wildlife Watch Den Building
The Parkridge Centre, B91 3HW
www.warwickshirewildlifetrust.org.uk
12:00noon-1:00pm Would you be able to
survive outside this winter? Find out by
discovering how to make a survival den in
the woods, to keep warm and sheltered
away from the cold. Suitable for children
aged 6+. Child £3.50. Pre-booking is
recommended. T: 0121 704 0768
Dream Catcher
Walsall Leather Museum, WS2 8EW
www.walsall.gov.uk/leathermuseum
10:30am-12:30pm or 1:30pm-3:30pm Drop
in and make your own dream catcher with
artist, Ruth Turnbull. Child £0.50.
T: 01922 652288
21 – 23 Feb
Team Challenge
Blue Coat School, B17 0HR
www.kingscamps.org
Fun activities and challenges, designed to
encourage communication & team work.
The programme combines sports with
multi-age group activities and is suitable
for children aged 4 to 14 years. Our Red
Tops will bring out the very best in every
child, helping them to learn from each
other, develop their ability to work as a
team, and grow in confidence – as well as
having lots of fun along the way. Costs for 3
days - 8:30am-12:30pm £51, 9:00am-
4:00pm £87, 8:30am-5:30pm £101.
T: 0114 263 2160
21 – 26 Feb
RSPB Sandwell’s Nestival
RSPB Sandwell Valley Nature Reserve,
B43 5AG
www.rspb.org.uk
11:00am-3:00pm See details 18-19 Feb.
Booking essential. T: 0121 357 7395
22 Feb
Steve The Juggler FREE EVENT
Blackheath Library, B70 8DZ
www.discoversandwell.co.uk
2:30pm-3:00pm A high energy speciality
act including amazing feats of skill and
dexterity. To book T: 0121 559 1884
Storytelling FREE EVENT
Blakesley Hall, B25 8RN
www.birminghammuseums.org.uk
12:00noon-12:30pm, 1:00pm-1:30pm,
3:00pm-3:30pm Join in with ‘A Squash and
a Squeeze’, a fun filled rhyming tale by the
author of ‘The Gruffalo’. Storytelling for 3- 8
year olds. T: 0121 348 8120
Book by 7 March
EDGBASTON and
WOLVERHAMPTON
Outstanding holiday childcare for 4-14 year olds
this Easter and Summer!
From Swimming, Zorbing and Tennis to Archery
Art and Cookery... a new experience every day!
Book by the day or week
See online for dates
0330 111 7077
www.ultimateactivity.co.uk
February
half term
Wrap up warm and join
us this February half term
for some Winter fun in
the gardens.
20 th - 24 th February 2017
There will be lots of fun
activities for all weathers
such as; Arts & Crafts,
Bug Hunting and Story Trails!
For more information please
contact reception or visit us at;
birminghambotanicalgardens.org.uk/whatson
Find us on:
Your support keeps the
Gardens growing
what's on where
www.primarytimes.net/birmingham | FEBRUARY Issue Primary Times 7

8what's on where
Fun Session
Haden Hill Leisure Centre, B64 7HA
www.slt-leisure.co.uk
1:15pm-2:45pm Raft float session in
the small pool with Mini Disco. Child £3,
Adult and 1 child £5, £10 for a family of 4.
Booking essential. T: 0300 012 0121
Anime and Pokémon
Museum Of Cannock Chase, WS12 1TD
www.museumofcannockchase.org
11:00am-3:00pm Join us for our Anime and
Pokémon drop-ins! Do you like drawing
anime and manga cartoons. Get tips and
make art and craft to take home. Pokémon
hunt and card swapping sessions - gotta
catch em all! Child £2. T: 01543 877666
Wild Wednesday
RSPB Sandwell Valley Nature Reserve,
B43 5AG
www.rspb.org.uk
11:00am-3:00pm Nest Next Door- we will
be building nest boxes and cooking around
a campfire make a comfy home ready for
spring. Child - Members £4, non Members
£5.activities. Booking essential.
T: 0121 357 7395
Creature Thumb Pots Pottery
Workshops
Walsall Leather Museum, WS2 8EW
www.walsall.gov.uk
10:30am-12:30pm or 1:30pm-3:30pm
Come along and enjoy a fun pottery session
with potter Helen Brown. Learn how to
make a clay thumb pot and then turn it
into your favourite animal or an imaginary
creature! Suitable for ages 5-12. Child £2.
Booking essential. T: 01922 652288
22 – 23 Feb
Periscope Workshop
Beacon Park, WS13 6QZ
www.lichfieldhistoricparks.co.uk
10:00am-11:00am, 11:30am-12:30pm,
Curious Collections, Amazing
Architecture, Local Lives...
...see it all at Hartlebury
Worcestershire County Museum,
Hartlebury Castle, DY11 7XZ.
01299 250416
www.museumsworcestershire.org.uk
Primary Times FEBRUARY Issue | www.primarytimes.net/birmingham
1:00pm-2:00pm, 2:30pm-3:30pm Make
and decorate your own periscope. Most
suitable for ages 5+. All children must be
accompanied. £2 per periscope, booking
essential. T: 01543 308869
Buried History
Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery,
B3 3DH
www.birminghammuseums.org.uk
11:00am-2:00pm An Anglo Saxon drama
adventure day for families exploring the
mystery of the Staffordshire Hoard. Buried
History is an exciting participatory drama
with interactive digital activities exploring
Anglo Saxon life and culture. Discovered by
chance in a field by a metal detectorist, the
Hoard is the largest cache of Anglo Saxon
gold and silver ever found, comprising
thousands of beautiful and intricate objects.
Despite years of painstaking research, how
and why it came to be buried and who it
belonged to remains a mystery. Can you
solve this archaeological whodunnit? £3 per
person. Pre-booking is essential.
T: 0121 348 8038
Tree Planting FREE EVENT
Peascroft Wood, WV14 6LW
www.bbcwildlife.org.uk
11:00am-1:00pm Come along and help us
to improve the woodland for wildlife! As
part of our management work to improve
the woodland, we’ll be planting some
young trees to increase the diversity of
species of tree and also the age range of the
trees in the wood - the dense, unmanaged
canopy means that the young trees haven’t
•Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery
survived, so there is a generation of trees
missing. All ages are welcome, children
must be accompanied by a responsible
adult. We’ll provide the tools and the
trees and show you how - no experience
necessary. Join Reserve Officer Alison Wilkes
in this fantastic opportunity to make a
difference in your local environment.
T: 0121 454 1199
23 Feb
Animal Masks
Blakesley Hall, B25 8RN
www.birminghammuseums.org.uk
12:30pm-3:30pm Create your own animal
masks. Use a range of craft materials
to make your own animal mask to take
home. Animal themed quiz and trails also
available. Child £1.50. Booking essential.
T: 0121 348 8120
Arty Winter Wander
The Parkridge Centre, B91 3HW
www.warwickshirewildlifetrust.org.uk
10:30am-11:30am Come with us as we go
on a winter wander to see what we can
spot, we’ll even get crafty outside with stick
pictures, special mud paint and so much
more. This session is suitable for children
aged 2 years and up. Child £3.50. Prebooking
is recommended. T: 0121 704 0768
Teeny Tiny Den Building
The Parkridge Centre, B91 3HW
www.warwickshirewildlifetrust.org.uk
12:00noon-1:00pm Why should den
building be just for the older kids?! Head
out and help us make dens for teddy and
Jan2017 ARTEFACTS_134x190mm.f.indd 1 03/01/2017 10:32

maybe even a toddler or two. Suitable for
children aged 2-5. Child £3.50. Pre-booking
is recommended. T: 0121 704 0768
Badgemaking
Walsall Leather Museum, WS2 8EW
www.walsall.gov.uk
10:30am-12:30pm or 1:30pm-3:30pm
Drop-in and design your own badge. £0.30
per badge. T: 01922 652288
23 – 24 & 26 Feb
Whodunnit?
Aston Hall, B6 6JD
www.birminghammuseums.org.uk
11:00am-4:00pm A drop dead fun murder
mystery trail aimed at families, and those
young at heart. An unexpected visit by the
King Charles I brings visitors and strangers
to Aston Hall but all seems in hand until one
of them is found dead! Has the king’s friend
died of natural causes, or has there been
foul play? Sir Thomas and his staff cannot
risk upsetting the king so the mystery
needs to be solved by you! Visit the Hall and
investigate the death – find out who might
have wanted him dead, and who could have
done the deed. Interview the suspects and
try and solve this most perplexing mystery
set in the magnificent surroundings of
Aston Hall. Adult £8, Child £3.
T: 0121 348 8038
24 Feb
Animal Mania
Blakesley Hall, B25 8RN
www.birminghammuseums.org.uk
11:00am-3:30pm Animal Mania comes
to Blakesley, The animals include lizards,
snakes, chinchillas, hedgehogs, giant
bunnies, tortoises and creepy crawlies!
Children can see and interact with the
animals in slots of 20 minutes. £2 per
person to see the animals or free with entry
to the Hall. Booking recommended
T: 0121 348 8120
Creative Badges
Museum Of The Jewellery Quarter, B18 6HA
www.birminghammuseums.org.uk
1:00pm-3:00pm Join us for this fun and
creative workshop where you will make
your own badges using the museum badge
making machine! Drop in family friendly
workshop. Suitable for 5 years upwards.
Child £1.50. T: 0121 348 8140
999 Emergency Day
Soho House, B18 5LB
www.birminghammuseums.org.uk
12:00noon-4:00pm Does your little one
love playing pretend police? Are they a
fan of Fireman Sam? Emergency Vehicles
will be on display outside the museum,
as well as hands on activities taking place
all day. Meet Fireman Sam. Meet Fire
Fighters, a chance to sit in a fire engine.
Meet Handsworth police. 999 family craft
activities and activity trail. Meet Guide Dogs
for the Blind. T: 0121 348 8150
25 Feb
Craft Club FREE EVENT
Dudley Library, DY1 1HR
www.dudley.gov.uk
10:30am-11:30am Come and join in craft
activities. Suitable for children 5-12 years
old. T: 01384 812 885
Vitality Netball Superleague Super
Ten
Genting Arena NEC, B40 1NT
www.gentingarena.co.uk
Ten teams will compete for the 2017 title,
and Superleague fans will get their chance
to run their eye over every single team, as
five matches are played out in one historic
day for Round 2 of the new season. Booking
essential T: 0844 33 88 222
Sandwell Swans - Wildlife Explorers
YOLO You Obviously Love Owls
RSPB Sandwell Valley Nature Reserve,
B43 5AG
www.rspb.org.uk
1:00pm-3:00pm Sandwell Swans Wildlife
Explorers Club are wild about nature;
involving and enthusing children about
wildlife with fun and engaging outdoor
activities, games, arts and crafts. Suitable
for children aged 8 - 12 years old and
designed so that parents can leave if
they wish; children under 8 years old are
welcome if accompanied by an adult. £1
for RSPB Wildlife Explorers, £1.50 for nonmembers.
T: 0121 357 7395
25 – 26 Feb
Snowdrop Time
Dudmaston Estate WV15 6QN
www.nationaltrust.org.uk
12:00noon-4:00pm. Enjoy the great
outdoors with a walk through the Dingle
woods, taking in the snowdrops that tell
us spring is on its way. Free event, normal
admission charges apply. T: 01746 780866
26 Feb
Snowdrops & Early Spring Wildlife
Walk FREE EVENT
Peascroft Wood, WV14 6LW
www.bbcwildlife.org.uk
2:00pm-3:00pm Join Reserve Officer,
Alison Wilkes, to see the beautiful displays
of snowdrops and learn more about the
wildlife emerging in Spring. Booking
essential. T: 0121 454 1199
‘Ship ahoy!’ Boat Building
The Barber Institute of Fine Arts, B15 2TS
www.barber.org.uk
11:00am-12:30pm (ages4-8), 1:30pm-
3:00pm (ages 8-12) See the tall ships in our
Turner painting and make your own model
boat. £5 per child, booking essential.
T: 0121 414 7333
4 Mar
Craft Play
Bilston Craft Gallery, WV14 7LU
www.wolverhamptonart.org.uk
11:00am-12:30pm or 1:30pm-3:00pm See
event details 18 Feb. For children aged 0-7
years. Child £3, booking essential.
T: 01902 552414
Family Saturday
Ikon Gallery, B1 2HS
ikon-gallery.org
1:00pm-3:00pm Join us for practical and
hands-on activities inspired by the current
exhibition. Spend some creative time
making and experimenting as a family.
Please consider making a donation for
this free event. Please note children must
accompanied at all times. Suggested
donation £2 T: 0121 248 0708
DO YOU LOVE
ANIMALS??
Would YOU love to be able
to pet and hold animals
whilst learning about them?
Then visit the
OWL,FALCONRY
& WILDLIFE PARK
Bridgenorth Road, Shipley,WV6 7EJ
Tel: 01902 701334 Open 10am – 4pm
For more information Visit
www.owlandfalconrycentre.co.uk
You could even become a volunteer in your spare time.
The closest
holiday park
to the beach
* Please see our website for T&C’s
HOLIDAYS
FROM
£79
Visit us at
www.woolacombe-sands.co.uk
for further details
UP TO
20% OFF *
if you book before
the end of February
woolacombe-sands.co.uk
01271 870569
Beach Road, Woolacombe, North Devon EX34 7AF
e: bookings@woolacombe-sands.co.uk
Free
entry for under
5’s
what's on where
www.primarytimes.net/birmingham | FEBRUARY Issue Primary Times 9

what's on where
Kids Run Free
Kings Heath Park, B14 7TQ
Priory Park Priory Road, Dudley, DY1 4EU
www.kidsrunfree.co.uk
Get the kids up and running. We engage
children in physical activity and support
them to realise their potential through
running by gaining confidence and
fitness at the same time. There are specific
distances for each age group ranging
from 50m – over 1k. All children receive a
running card and a free welcome gift when
they start. Whether your child is the next
Olympic champion or just starting to find
their running legs there is something to
suit everyone. Suitable for children up to 16
years old. To register T: 07711 349 592
5 Mar
Bacon Shapes
The Barber Institute of Fine Arts, B15 2TS
www.barber.org.uk
11:00am-12:30pm (ages4-8), 1:30pm-
3:00pm (ages 8-12) Bring Bacon’s painted
figures to life by creating your own 3D
figures using Plasticine and wax. £5 per
child, booking essential. T: 0121 414 7333
9 – 12 Mar
Crufts 2017 UNDER 12’s GO FREE
NEC, B40 1NT
www.thenec.co.uk
Crufts is the BIGGEST and BEST celebration
of dogs. Booking essential
T: 0844 33 88 222
11 Mar
Saturday Craft Club FREE EVENT
Selly Oak Library, B29 6AE
www.libraryofbirmingham.com
11:00am-12:00noon Craft sessions for
children and their carers. T: 0121 464 0403
12 Mar
Portrait Drawings
The Barber Institute of Fine Arts, B15 2TS
www.barber.org.uk
11:00am-12:30pm (ages4-8), 1:30pm-
3:00pm (ages 8-12) Study portraits and
learn how to measure and draw a face. £5
per child, booking essential.
T: 0121 414 7333
Wildlife Watch Group - Starting A
Family
Wildside Activity Centre, WV6 0HA
www.bbcwildlife.org.uk
10:00am-12:00noon Join Wildlife Watch
leader Steve Downs to learn all about how
our birds & animals look after their young.
Suitable for ages 5+. Child £3.
T: 01902 572240
13 Mar
Wildlife Watch After School Club -
Flower Power
The Parkridge Centre, B91 3HW
www.warwickshirewildlifetrust.org.uk
3:45pm-5:00pm Wildlife Watch will be
heading outside to learn about something
new, every month will have a different
theme, which could be anything from
a pond adventure to building survival
shelters. Suitable for children aged 4+
but younger siblings are welcome (a small
donation is welcomed for accompanying
younger siblings), adults must accompany
their children unless they are 8 years and
over. Child £3.50. Booking essential.
T: 0121 704 0768
15 – 18 Mar
The Big Bang Young Scientists &
Engineers Fair FREE EVENT
NEC, B40 1NT
www.thenec.co.uk
The largest celebration of science,
technology, engineering and maths
(STEM) for young people in the UK. The
Big Bang Fair aims to show young people
(primarily aged 7-19) the exciting and
rewarding opportunities out there for
those with the right experience and
qualifications, by bringing classroom
learning to life. Booking essential
T: 0121 780 4141
17 – 19 Mar
Spring Steam Gala
Coventry Transport Museum, CV1 1JD
www.transport-museum.com
A tantalising festival of locomotives large
and small! A great event for all the family;
come along and get up close to an array
of exciting steam locomotives whilst
experiencing a slice of railway history,
then jump on board a comfy carriage and
prepare to venture back in time! The Gala
will see a number of visiting locomotives
journeying to the Railway. Attractions
include: Autotrains, Local trains to-ing
and fro-ing between stations, Goods
trains, Intensive timetable.
T: 024 7623 4270
18 Mar
Dream Extreme Cheer & Dance
Championships and University Nationals
Barclaycard Arena, B1 2AA
www.barclaycardarena.co.uk
If you were born to cheer, born to dance,
born to coach or born to have straight up
fun, then this is the UK’s Ultimate Cheer &
Dance Competition Experience. Booking
recommended T: 0207 993 2228
Craft Play
Bilston Craft Gallery, WV14 7LU
www.wolverhamptonart.org.uk
11:00am-12:30pm or 1:30pm-3:00pm See
event details 18 Feb. For children aged 0-7
years. Child £3, booking essential.
T: 01902 552414
Sticky Saturday FREE ENTRY
Red House Glass Cone, DY8 4AZ
www.dudley.gov.uk/see-and-do/
museums
1:30pm-3:30pm See details 18 Feb.
Suitable for ages 4+. Drop in at any time
but allow 30 minutes. T: 01384 815571
18 – 19 Mar
If You Go Down To The Woods Today
Moseley Old Hall, WV10 7HY
www.nationaltrust.org.uk
11:L00am-3:30pm Join in with our
weekend of outdoor fun to tick off more
things on your list of 50 things to do before
you’re 11 and 3/4s! Child £1.50, normal
admission charges apply.
T: 01902 782808
Brickish Weekend
The National Space Centre Exploration Drive,
LE4 5NS
www.spacecentre.co.uk
10:00am-4:00pm A weekend dedicated to
LEGO©, the iconic colourful plastic brick.
See the whole building filled with huge
LEGO creations, rare kits, planes, trains and
automobiles. There will be a whole gallery
dedicated to LEGO space, with huge LEGO
builds of real and fictional crafts. Take part
in a special LEGO treasure trail to be in with
a chance of winning some very exciting
brand new Star Wars LEGO kits! Visitors
will be invited to help build a giant LEGO
mosaic and smaller visitors, or even the big
ones who just love LEGO, can sit down at
the building tables and just get creative.
Booking recommended.
T: 0116 261 0261
19 Mar
Draw Like Bacon
The Barber Institute of Fine Arts, B15 2TS
www.barber.org.uk
11:00am-12:30pm (ages4-8), 1:30pm-
3:00pm (ages 8-12) Draw the human figure
using experimental techniques and collage.
£5 per child, booking essential.
T: 0121 414 7333
The Sound Of Music Film (U)
The Highbury Theatre Centre, B73 5HD
www.highburytheatre.co.uk
6:00pm A woman leaves an Austrian
convent to become a governess to the
children of a Naval officer widower. Tickets
£6.T: 07703 139500
20 Mar
A Street Cat Named Bob (12A)
Stourbridge Town Hall, DY8 1YE
www.dudley.gov.uk
1:30pm-3:30pm The real Bob stars in the
heart-warming true story of a cat who
saved a homeless man’s life. James Bowen
(Luke Treadaway) is in a bad place. Addicted
to drugs from an early age, the Covent
Garden busker lives a chaotic life and has
endured periods of homelessness. But his
life changes when a stray ginger tom cat
turns up in his supported housing complex.
He names his new feline pal Bob and the
duo soon become inseparable, giving James
the motivation to turn his life around. Based
on the inspirational bestseller of the same
title, which was credited with changing
public perceptions about the homeless, this
is a moving, uplifting and often humorous
story of hope. Tickets £4.50. Booking
essential.
T: 01384 812812
24 – 25 Mar
Music To Move To
CBSO Centre, B1 2LF
www.cbso.co.uk
11:00am This toddler friendly mini-concert
features the CBSO string section. There’ll
be bite-sized music, lively presentation,
lots to see, and plenty of chances for
fidgety feet to get up, move around, and
dance! FREE craft activities take place
from an hour before each concert. At the
end there is also a chance to meet the
musicians and see their instruments close
up. Tickets £8. Booking essential. T: 0121
616 6500
25 Mar
Craft Club FREE EVENT
Dudley Library, DY1 1HR
www.dudley.gov.uk
10:30am-11:30am Come and join in craft
activities. Suitable for children 5-12 years
old. T: 01384 812 885
Sandwell Swans - Wildlife Explorers
Sticky Saturday
RSPB Sandwell Valley Nature Reserve,
B43 5AG
www.rspb.org.uk
1:00pm-3:00pm Sandwell Swans Wildlife
Explorers Club are wild about nature;
involving and enthusing children about
wildlife with fun and engaging outdoor
activities, games, arts and crafts. Suitable
for children aged 8 - 12 years old and
designed so that parents can leave if
they wish; children under 8 years old are
welcome if accompanied by an adult. £1
for RSPB Wildlife Explorers, £1.50 for nonmembers.
T: 0121 357 7395
26 Mar
Mothering Sunday
Birmingham Botanical Garden, B15 3TR
www.birminghambotanicalgardens.org
10:00am-5:00pm Treat your mum to a
relaxing day at the historic Gardens.
T: 0121 454 1860
Mother’s Day
Dudmaston Estate, WV15 6QN
www.nationaltrust.org.uk
11:30am-5:00pm Spend time together as
family. Go walking, make a Mother’s Day
gift in the activities tent or indulge in some
tasty treats in the tearoom. Free event,
normal admission charges apply.
T: 01746 780866
Clay Landscapes
The Barber Institute of Fine Arts, B15 2TS
www.barber.org.uk
11:00am-12:30pm (ages4-8), 1:30pm-
3:00pm (ages 8-12) Turn a landscape
painting into a clay artwork. £5 per child,
booking essential. T: 0121 414 7333
10
Primary Times FEBRUARY Issue | www.primarytimes.net/birmingham

5-GastroSpace-Primary-2016-TG-1.pdf 1 13/01/2017 16:36
Book online to upgrade to a free annual pass
THE THRILLING NEW
INDOOR CLIMBING
ADVENTURE
Rock Up at Broadway Plaza offers the perfect activity for the whole
family, regardless of age. There are over 26 climbs, towering 25 feet in
the air; a soft play area for under 6's and a café for everyone to relax
in. There is no better way to get active and have fun together.
Book online for climbing at rock-up.co.uk or just turn up for soft play.
BIRTHDAY PARTIES
CLASSES
SOFT PLAY
CAFÉ
CORPORATE EVENTS
TEAM BUILDING
C
M
Y
CM
MY
CY
CMY
K
GASTRO SPACE
11 – 19 February
Discover the
world of space
gastronomy,
including how
the human body
deals with eating,
digesting and
expelling waste
in space!
www.rock-up.co.uk
/rockupbirmingham
@rockupadventure
@rockupadventure
Tel: 0121 271 0322
Free parking for 3 hours
Book online to
beat the queues
spacecentre.co.uk
www.primarytimes.net/birmingham | FEBRUARY Issue Primary Times 11

ox office
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Your Family Theatre Guide
BOX
OFFICE
Arena Theatre WV1 1SE
Box Office: 01902 321321
www.wlv.ac.uk/arena-theatre
24 – 26 Feb
Calamity Jane
Join Starcross Youth Theatre as they
return to the Arena with their “Whip-
Cracking” musical production including
all the famous songs!
25 Mar
Holi: Basant Ke Rang
7:30pm An entertaining evening of music
and dance, celebrating the rich diverse
South Asian heritage and culture present
in the UK today. Holi is globally known as
the Indian festival of colour when people
gather, sing and dance in celebration.
Basant Ke Rang translates as ‘the
colours of the spring season’. The festival
joyously signifies the arrival of spring,
traditionally celebrating as thanksgiving
for a good harvest.
Birmingham Hippodrome
B5 4TB
Box Office: 0844 338 5000
www.birminghamhippodrome.com
7 – 11 Feb
The Red Shoes
A tale of obsession, possession and one
girl’s dream to be the greatest dancer in
the world. Victoria Page lives to dance
but her ambitions become a battleground
between the two men who inspire her
passion. Suitable for ages 5+.
17 Feb
First Steps, A Child’s First Cinderella
1:00pm This hour-long, interactive
show, specially adapted for children
aged from three to seven, features ballet
excerpts from Cinderella, performed
by Birmingham Royal Ballet’s amazing
dancers and orchestra, interspersed with
scenes in which a storyteller introduces
the children to the music and the
leading characters, and shares some
technical magic. A feast of dance, music,
costumes and lots of fun, this is a perfect
introduction to ballet.
18 – 25 Feb
Cinderella
Cinderella’s life with her cruel stepmother
and stepsisters is one of drudgery
and hardship until the evening of
an extravagant party at the palace.
Cinderella is a sure-fire mix of wonderful
dance, spectacular scenery, and a cast of
characters that include mice, lizards and
even a dancing frog, that captures every
imagination.
7 Mar – 29 Apr
Billy Elliott The Musical
Set in a small mining town in the north
east of England, against the background
of the 1984/’85 miners’ strike, Billy Elliot
is the inspirational story of a young boy’s
struggle against the odds to make his
dream come true. Billy Elliot the Musical
is a funny, uplifting and spectacular
theatrical experience that will stay with
you forever. Suitable for ages 8+
Birmingham Repertory
B1 2EP
Box Office: 0121 236 4455
www.birmingham-rep.co.uk
20 – 26 Feb
Cirque Berserk
Combining contemporary cirque-style
artistry with adrenaline-fuelled stunt
action, this astoundingly talented
international troupe includes over thirty
jugglers, acrobats, aerialists, dancers,
drummers, daredevil stuntmen and of
course the award-winning clown, Tweedy.
The show also features the world’s most
hair-raising circus act - the legendary
motorcycle ‘Globe of Death’.
Genting Arena
B40 1NT
Box Office: 0844 33 88 222
www.gentingarena.co.uk
1 – 5 Mar
Cirque De Soleil Varekai - Tales Of
The Forest
Deep within a forest, at the summit
of a volcano, exists an extraordinary
world - a world where something else
is possible. A world called Varekai. On
this day at the edge of time, in this place
of all possibilities, begins an inspired
incantation to life rediscovered. The word
Varekai means “wherever” in the Romany
language of the gypsies the universal
wanderers.
Hall Green Little Theatre
B27 7RY
Box Office: 0121 707 1874
www.hglt.co.uk
17 – 25 Feb
Romeo and Juliet
7:30pm Celebrating 400 years since
the birth of Shakespeare, we present
the heartbreaking tale of forbidden love.
Share in the passion of the world’s most
famous young lovers, and get swept up in
the heartbreak as the tragedy of their two
worlds collide!
New Alexandra Theatre
B5 4DS
Box Office: 0844 871 3011
www.atgtickets.com
6 – 11 Feb
Wonderland
An enchanting musical adaptation of Lewis
Carroll’s Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland
and Through the Looking Glass, with a
huge heart, a medley of magic and a
whole lot of wonder.
13 – 18 Feb
Thoroughly Modern Millie
Based on the 1967 Academy Awardwinning
film, Thoroughly Modern Millie
takes you back to the height of the Jazz
Age in New York City, perfectly constructed
evening of madcap merriment for all the
family.
New Hampton Arts Centre
WV1 4AN
Box Office: 01902 572090
www.newhamptonarts.co.uk
22 Feb
Beginnings
2:00pm Follow the antics of a wrinkly,
mischievous creator as he struggles
hilariously to create. Using his imagination
he conjures up a new creation from the
objects he finds on the stage. But not
everything is plain sailing and soon some
raucous and deliciously disgusting mishaps
befall him! Beginnings is a playful story of
persistence in the face of adversity with few
words accompanied by a wonderfully loud
drum kit! Puppet Making Workshops - Join
Helen Ainsworth, award-winning puppeteer
and puppet maker for a fun filled session
of inventive puppet making! Using recycled
fabric and wire and lots of unusual bits
and bobs we will create characterful and
striking glove puppets. 12:00noon ages
4+ with an adult, 3:00pm for ages 8-12.
Show £7, Advance tickets £6. Workshop
£6 (Accompanying adults free), Show and
workshop combined ticket (children) £10.
Stourbridge Town Hall
DY8 1YE
Box Office: 01384 812812
www.dudley.gov.uk
24 Feb
The First Hippo On The Moon
1:00pm David Walliams fantastical
adventure featuring puppetry, music,
mayhem and a giant space race to the
moon!
Sutton Coldfield Town
Hall B73 6AB
Box Office: 0121 296 9543
www.cloc.org.uk
7 – 11 Feb
Robin Hood and the Babes in the
Wood
Legend tells the story of courage and
friendship as Robin and his trusted band
of Merry Men try to outfox the greedy
Sheriff of Nottingham. Meanwhile, Nurse
Nellie Nickerlastic is desperately trying
to protect the Babes from the clutches of
the Sheriff’s bungling henchmen, Snivel
and Grovel. It’s fun and frolics all the way
with a hilarious schoolroom scene, not to
mention the mayhem of Nellie’s haunted
boudoir! Cram-packed with comedy, this
true pantomime version offers plenty of
Chorus involvement, audience participation
and honest-to-goodness family fun!
Symphony Hall B1 2EA
Box Office: 0121 780 3333
www.thsh.co.uk
12 Feb
Tim and Tom’s Symphonic Adventure
2:30pm Presenter Brothers Tim and Tom
discover an old suitcase full of mysterious
treasures and their imaginations begin to
run wild. With a bit of help from the full
City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra,
they’re all set for an adventure without
limits. Music can tell any story they want
– or transport them to wherever they want
to go. Come and join them! FREE craft
activities in the foyer from 1:00pm.
18 Feb
Musical Picnic FREE EVENT
10:30am Following her exciting Emulsion
festival of new music in January,
saxophonist Trish Clowes is back in
Birmingham with her brilliant band for
a fun and jazz-inspired Musical Picnic!
Recommended for ages under 7.
22 Feb & 22 Mar
Musical Picnic : Midweek Explorer
FREE EVENT
10:30am Take time out in a relaxing and
friendly space with your little ones. Explore
music, dance and story- telling whilst
making new friends. Recommended for
ages 5 and under, our music practitioners
will help facilitate early years learning in a
supportive and fun environment.
The Core Theatre
B91 3RG
Box Office: 0121 7046962
www.thecoretheatresolihull.co.uk
15 – 18 Feb
Les Miserables School Edition
Set in nineteenth century, the well-known
epic story follows Jean Valjean has he is
relentlessly pursued by police inspector
Javert, who refuses to believe Valjean can
change his ways. Valjean tries to help a
poor factory worker, Fantine, by saving her
daughter, Cosette, from the evil innkeepers.
Marius, during the battles of post-French
Revolution, falls for Cosette, joins a band of
revolutionaries at the barricades in Paris...
but let’s leave it there.
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Primary Times FEBRUARY Issue | www.primarytimes.net/birmingham

21 Feb
King Arthur
2:30pm A thrilling tale of magic, heroism,
love and betrayal adapted from the
novel Arthur: High King of Britain, by
Michael Morpurgo. A fast-moving family
adventure packed with physical theatre
and outstanding storytelling. Suitable for
ages 7+.
24 Feb
BANG! The Ultimate Pop Show
3:30pm Touring pop show featuring a
talented cast of professional singers and
dancers performing the chart and pop
music of today’s charts. 2:00pm Optional
workshop lasting approx. 40 mins working
with professional dancers, and will take
place in our studio.
The Dovehouse Theatre
B92 7ER
Box Office: 07974 784 1761
www.nouveautheatreschool.com
10 – 11 Feb
Peter Rabbit
Nouveau Theatre School present Peter
Rabbit and the curious disappearance of
Benjamin Bunny.
The Old Rep Theatre
B5 4DY
Box Office: 0121 359 9444
www.oldreptheatre.org.uk
25 Feb
The Ugly Duckling and Other Stories
11:00am and 2:00pm Together with
our skilled troupe of storytellers, explore
four of Mr. Andersen’s famous fables,
on a humorous, heart-filled and musical
journey.
Wolverhampton Grand
Theatre WV1 1DE
BOX OFFICE: 01902 429212
www.grandtheatre.co.uk
6 Feb
Swan Lake
7:30pm The greatest romantic ballet of
all time is brought to life by Tchaikovsky’s
haunting and unforgettable score.
Presented by the Russian State Ballet Of
Siberia.
7 Feb
Coppelia
7:30pm Every toy has a story, especially
in this charming comedy of errors, a witty
combination of antics and abracadabra,
set in a doll maker’s workshop. This
light-hearted tale of mistaken identity
and confused lovers follows mischievous
Swanilda, her impetuous suitor Franz
and the eccentric toymaker Dr.Coppelius
as they are brought to life by sparkling
choreography and the animated score of
Delibes. Coppélia is perfect for first-time
ballet goers, families and everyone in
between.
10 -11 Feb
Ben and Holly’s Little Kingdom
Holly is a young Fairy Princess, who is
still learning how to fly and her magic
doesn’t always go quite according to plan.
Her best friend, Ben the Elf, doesn’t have
wings and he doesn’t do magic, but he
runs very fast and flies on the back of
Gaston the Ladybird. They live in the Little
Kingdom, a tiny land where flowers and
grass rise high above them and every day
is an adventure. Join Ben and Holly, and
their friends on this exciting, enchanting
and magical musical adventure packed
full of games, songs and laughter. This
beautiful story of elves, princesses and
childhood innocence will delight all the
family!
12 Feb
Chinese New Year Extravaganza
2:30pm Chinese New Year Extravaganza’
features a team of performers showcasing
incredible Chinese performing arts. This
fun and exciting show is the perfect
entertainment for all ages. Booking
essential.
22 Mar
Mr Bloom’s Nursery Live
2:30pm Bring your ‘tiddlers’ along and join
Mr Bloom and the Veggies on their first
ever live tour. Mr Bloom and his Veggies
are getting the Nursery ready for a very
special occasion - a member of the Royal
family is paying them visit! Can you lend
a hand and help them get the Allotment
ready in time? Using song, play and
interaction with strong educational values
which will entertain parents and tiddlers
alike!
22 – 26 Mar
Gangsta Granny
It’s Friday night and Ben knows that
means only one thing – staying with
Granny! There will be cabbage soup,
cabbage pie and cabbage cake and Ben
knows one thing for sure – it’s going to
be sooooooooo boring! But what Ben
doesn’t know is that Granny has a secret
– and Friday nights are about to get more
exciting than he could ever imagine, as
he embarks on the adventure of a lifetime
with his very own Gangsta Granny!
BOX OFFICE
© Disney
Win a family ticket for Disney On Ice
celebrates 100 Years of Magic in
Sensational Skating Spectacular
This Ultimate Disney Experience
Featuring More than 50 Disney
Characters
Tickets for Birmingham show go
on general sale 11thNovember
2016
Grab your Mickey ears and
get ready for the celebration of
the century at Disney On Ice
celebrates 100 Years of Magic.
Produced by Feld Entertainment,
this fanfare production features
more than 50 unforgettable
Disney stars, a sing-along score of
melodious masterpieces, stunning
choreography, beautiful costumes
and intricate sets. This monumental
ice skating spectacular is coming
to Birmingham on the 12th April to
16thApril.
Primary Times has joined forces
with Feld Entertainment to offer 2
lucky readers a family ticket for 4
people to attend the opening night
of this fabulous show on 12th April at the Genting Arena, Birmingham.
● For your chance to win just answer the following question correctly
How many Disney characters will be featured in the
‘Disney On Ice celebrates 100 Years of Magic’ show?
A. More than 50 B. More than 600 C. More than 1,500
Enter online at www.primarytimes.net/birmingham/competitions
or https://www.facebook.com/PrimaryTimesWM
Closing
Date
17 March
2017
12th – 16th
April 2017
0844 338 8222 *
*Calls cost a maximum of 7 pence per minute plus your phone company’s access charge.
Calls from mobiles may be higher and are dependent on your mobile company’s charges and tariffs.
©Disney / ©Disney/Pixar.
COMPETITIONS
www.primarytimes.net/birmingham | FEBRUARY Issue Primary Times 13

PINBOARD
Great Books for Kids
Wondering what books to dive into with your kids
this half-term? At Foyles Birmingham, our friendly and
knowledgeable booksellers have carefully selected
some of their favourite reads to entertain children (and
adults too!).
Grandpa’s Great Escape -
David Walliams
A funny and heart-warming
story in Walliams’ inimitable
style. This book takes readers
on an incredible journey with
Spitfires over London and great
escapes through the city, with a
beautiful portrayal of the bond
between a boy and his beloved
Grandpa.
Let’s Find Fred - Steven
Lenton
A picture book with extra
oomph! You’ll love spotting
Fred the panda as he hides at the market, in the park,
at the funfair and at a riotous ‘Panda-monium’ ball!
Super Good Skills - Liz Pichon
Tom Gates is back and the whole family are going on
holiday. An exciting new story - with doodle-your-own
elements.
Our children’s section is the jewel in our crown,
brimming with fun and wonder. If you haven’t visited us
already (or even if you have), why not come along to our
half-term activities including story time, face painting,
and an interactive mystery event with author Sara Grant.
Find out more at www.foyles.co.uk/events
Foyles bookshop, Grand Central,
Birmingham, B2 4BF
Ultimate Activity Camps –
outstanding holiday childcare!
Children can have the most ultimate fun
during the holidays as Ultimate Activity
Camps are running their outstanding holiday
childcare programmes in the area for
children aged 4-14 years!
With over 25 years’ experience of running
first-class holiday camps, Ultimate Activity
Camps offer the opportunity for children
to have fun, meet friends and try a huge
array of exciting activities during the school
holidays.
From swimming, zorbing and tennis to
archery, art and fencing, there are over 40
games, sports or creative activities giving
children a new experience every day.
All Ultimate Activity Camps are Ofstedregistered
children’s activity day camps that
have been rated ‘Good’ or ‘Outstanding’
and their staff on camp are trained to offer
high levels of care to ensure children are
safe and engaged.
Whether children are new to holiday clubs
or seasoned ‘campers’, their team will
encourage children to try new activities and
build self-confidence – and naturally have
lots of fun!
They run at the best schools in the country
which offer first-class facilities including
indoor heated pools, sports pitches, sports
halls and indoor space, the perfect setting
for holiday fun whether for a day or several
weeks – the choice is yours (or your child’s!).
Some locations also offer brilliant story-led Survival childcare programme – again bookable by the
day or week and offering an optional Camp Out each week.
To start your child’s holiday adventure, visit their website www.ultimateactivity.co.uk which explains
everything about their locations, dates, activities and special offers, or you can call them on
0330 111 7077 (local rate number).
Creating Thrills And
Skills For Life
The Pauline Quirke Academy is a weekend performing arts
school for 4-18 year olds - and due to popular demand PQA
Wolverhampton is opening a new afternoon Academy on Saturday
4 th March.
Students spend three hours with us, rotating through hour long
sessions in Comedy & Drama, Musical Theatre and Film & Television.
Our specialist modules, packed full of tips that Pauline has learnt from
nearly 50 years in the business, will teach you everything you need
to know to act, sing, dance or direct like a professional. By working
with people we believe are outstanding in their field, we aim to provide
our students with a constantly evolving experience- something that is
fresh, exciting and bang up-to-date.
PQA believe in inspiring and rewarding our students, so we offer free
group Trinity exams, masterclasses, cinema screenings, the chance to
join our exclusive agency - Quirky Kidz and the opportunity to perform
in London’s West End.
PQA Wolverhampton is holding a free open day on Saturday 4 th
March from 1.45 – 5pm at Aldersley High School, Barnhurst Lane,
Codsall, Wolverhampton, WV8 1RT. For more information please visit
www.pqacademy.com or call 0800 531 6282.
New education
programme
for budding
young
gardeners
Young green-fingered
enthusiasts are
being invited to join
Birmingham Botanical
Gardens for its latest
educational venture:
the Schools Gardening
Club.
The club, which costs
£3 per child per session,
will take place once
a month between
March and July 2017,
and invites pupils to
learn about exciting
and topical gardening themes, such as plants for food, plants for
decoration, wildlife and wider issues.
At the end of every session, pupils will receive a Children’s University
credit, as well as a certificate of attendance once they have finished
the programme.
The Schools Gardening Club is designed to help pupils engage with
concepts such as healthy living, healthy eating and sustainability,
and makes important links with other subject areas, such as English,
maths, science and art.
To find out more about Birmingham Botanical Gardens’ Schools
Gardening Club, call 0121 450 5093 or email:
education.manager@birminghambotanicalgardens.org.uk
and quote PRIMARY TIMES. n
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Primary Times FEBRUARY Issue | www.primarytimes.net/birmingham

www.primarytimes.net/birmingham | FEBRUARY Issue Primary Times 15

February
Half Term
in Birmingham
We have a huge range of activities for
the whole family to enjoy! Including:
• Aqua Challenge Splash Sessions
• Splash Sessions with Inflatable
• Strikes Football Holiday Club
• Intensive Swim Courses
• Tennis Camps
• Gymnastics
• Playdays
• Softplay
+ much more!
See website for full details of all
activities available at each centre:
www.birminghamleisure.com
Beeches Pool & Fitness Centre
Tel: 0121 516 5638
/BeechesPool
Fox Hollies Leisure Centre
Tel: 0121 796 2330
/foxhollieslc
Billesley Indoor Tennis Centre
Tel: 0121 796 2221
/BillesleyIndoorTennisCentre
in partnership with
Cocks Moors Woods Leisure Centre
Tel: 0121 516 5641
/cmwlc
Stechford Cascades
Tel: 0121 796 2331
/stechfordcascades
Erdington Leisure Centre
Tel: 0121 516 5650
/ErdingtonPool
Holiday Kids Club at
Wyndley & Stechford
book your place now!
Wyndley Leisure Centre
Tel: 0121 516 5659
Wyndley Pool
Tel: 0121 516 5652
/wyndleyleisure
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Primary Times FEBRUARY Issue | www.primarytimes.net/birmingham