Primary Times Leicestershire Oct 17

54,000 copies for families of 

Primary School Children 

Leicestershire 

& Rutland 

OCTOBER HALF TERM 

9 OCT - 26 NOV 2017

Dear reader... 

Welcome to our October issue. 

We have recently taken over the 

production of this title and would 

like to wish former Editor Kim Hardy 

a very happy retirement. 

We are delighted to bring you 

this issue which is full of fun and 

exciting events and activities, from 

swimming lessons with Everyone 

Active to Halloween treats at 

Beaumont Shopping Centre! 

In our WOW section we have a fantastic selection 

of events for you to choose from that are taking place across 

the region including a Halloween walk with Leicester Animal 

Aid to making wind chimes at Leicestershire Craft Centre! We 

have even more events on our website www.primarytimes. 

net/leicestershire if you need extra inspiration when planning 

activities with your children. 

Panto season is now upon us – check out our Panto Special in 

our Box Office section for child friendly productions appearing 

in a theatre near you. It is always such a thrill to watch children 

as they become engrossed in panto mayhem! Book now to 

save disappointment. 

We have four fabulous competitions for you to enter on page 

22, plus a chance to design the Primary Times Christmas card, 

see page 5 for details. 

As always, we love to hear your news so please email marion@ 

schoolspublishing.co.uk if you have something to celebrate. 

Marion, Helen, Niki & Nathan 

Contents 

Inside this issue... 

Leicestershire news.....................................7 

WOW............................................................ 6-18 

Frights & Fireworks.......................................8 

Box Office................................................19-20 

Pantoland..................................................... 21 

Competitions............................................... 22 

The Primary Times in Leicestershire & Rutland team: 

Editor: 

Marion McAdam 

marion@schoolspublishing.co.uk 

Sales: 

Helen Pattinson 

01491 411848 

ptleics@schoolspublishing.co.uk 

Production: 

Niki Ince-Green 

productionpt@ 

schoolspublishing.co.uk 

Design: 

Nathan Pretlove 

nathan@winterhilldesign.co.uk 

Primary Times in Leicestershire & Rutland 

Schools Publishing Ltd 

Unit 1A, Thamesview Industrial Estate 

Newtown Road, Henley on Thames 

Oxfordshire RG9 1HG 

T: 01491 411848 | www.primarytimes.net/leicestershire 

Primary Times is independently published and distributed free through national 

primary schools in Leicestershire & Rutland. It aims to inform families and children 

about current educational issues, forthcoming events, courses, attractions and 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 biased 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 your children. Primary Times would like to thank all of 

the schools in Leicestershire & Rutland for their assistance in distributing the magazine 

and or their contributions to its contents. We would also like to thank all the advertisers 

who have supported the 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 59 titles and over 2.7 

million copies per issue under franchise licenses throughout the United Kingdom and 

Ireland. All advertisements are accepted in good faith and on the same basis that 

the advertised goods and services are as stated in the advertisement. 

For thousands more ideas visit www.primarytimes.net 

9 October - 26 November 2017 3

LEICESTERSHIRE & RUTLAND NEWS 

leicestershire&rutlandnews 

Children in Need – November 17th 

‘Give Pudsey your round pounds’, new partnership urges. BBC Children in 

Need will be partnering with The Royal Mint and HM Treasury on their 

£1 coin campaign, joining forces for Pudsey’s Round Pound Countdown. 

Kicking off a nationwide campaign, BBC Children in Need, The Royal Mint 

and HM Treasury will challenge the country to join Pudsey to hunt down 

the millions of remaining round £1 coins, and put them to good use by 

donating to BBC Children in Need. With less than four weeks to go before 

the round £1 stops being accepted in shops and restaurants, BBC Children 

in Need is encouraging everyone to check their piggy banks, empty coat 

pockets and dive down the back of sofas to dig out any lurking round 

pound coins. There are thousands of BBC Children in Need drop off points 

across the country where you can handover your donations. 

For more information on where to find them, visit www.bbc.co.uk/ 

Pudsey to find out more information about the campaign. 

Steve’s Walk 

On Saturday 16th September, the employees (past and present) of Primary 

Times magazine, took on the challenge of a 10K walk in memory of their 

former boss Steve Edwards who very sadly passed away in December 2016. 

The ladies, joined by Shareholder Doug Ash, decided a fitting tribute (and 

one that Steve would really appreciate) was to walk between two of his 

favourite pubs. The walk concluded with a much appreciated pub lunch and 

the ladies finished their day with an invitation to a local rugby match, where 

the spectators happily boosted their fund raising. The Primary Times ladies, 

and Doug! successfully raised over £2,800 for Sue Ryder Hospice, Nettlebed. 

They embarked upon this fund raising day to thank the staff of Sue Ryder for 

looking after Steve and his family in the most kindest and gentlest of ways. 

Thanks to everyone who donated for their very generous support. 

Marion McAdam 

Fun for all the Family at the NEC 

Wheelchair Masters! 

Looking for a fun family day out this winter? Why not head down to the 

indoor NEC Wheelchair Tennis Masters at Loughborough University? Taking 

place from Tuesday 29th November to Sunday 3rd December, the five-day 

spectacular sees the world’s top-ranked wheelchair tennis singles players 

battling it out to be crowned the master of their division! But it’s not just the 

action on-court that will get your little ones excited. The Masters also plays 

host to a dedicated ‘Activity Zone’ – packed full of inflatable tennis games, 

speed of serve tests and mini courts to keep the whole family entertained 

for hours! With a host of tennis coaches present to assist with activities and 

games throughout the tournament, you can take a well-earned break and 

enjoy a range of hot and cold meals, snack options and drinks available on-site 

whilst you watch your child perfect their serve game. With ‘Activity Zone’ entry 

included in your ticket price, simply head to www.wheelchairtennismasters. 

com to purchase yours today! Tickets start from £1. Special arrangements for 

schools available. 

For more information about wheelchair tennis, 

visit www.tennisfoundation.org.uk. 

• SEWING 

• CRAFTING 

• ART 

• PARTIES 

• CRAFT KITS 

• FOR ALL 

AGES 

Leicestershire Craft Centre • 10a High Street 

Market Harborough • LE16 7NJ 

Phone 01858 466692 

www.leicestershirecraftcentre.co.uk 

create@leicestershirecraftcentre.co.uk 

Brocks Hill Country Park 

& Centre 

Washbrook Lane, Oadby, LE2 5JJ 

Tel: 0116 2572888 

Self-Led Crafts 16th – 20th October 

Drop In-Led Crafts 16, 18, 20 October 

10:30 to 12:00 (no need to book) 

https://facebook.com/BrocksHillCountryPark 

Free entry and parking 

Brocks Hill 

Country Park 

To advertise 

here and reach 

54,000 

parents, 

teachers 

& children 

call 

01491 411848 

4 

69 October - 23 26 November 2014 2017 For thousands more ideas visit www.primarytimes.net

Stoneygate School 

opens new Early Years 

‘School House’ 

Stoneygate School, part of Leicester Grammar 

School’s Trust, has opened its new dedicated 

Pre-prep school building for Reception and 

Year 1 pupils. 

Our youngest pupils benefit not only from 

new classrooms, a bright new cloakroom, 

but also a ‘creative play room’. They have their 

own fenced off outdoor play area in addition 

to the wonderful extensive grounds used for 

sports and outdoor play by all our pupils. Our 

parents are also benefitting from a separate 

designated parking area. 

The school will be holding an Open Morning 

on Saturday 28th October and those 

interested in the school are warmly invited to 

visit us and take a look at our new facilities. 

For more information about the school 

or our Open Morning, please visit our 

website www.stoneygateschool.co.uk or 

contact the school office on 0116 259 2282 

to book a tour of the school. 

Autumn is an exciting time for children with 

lots to celebrate such as, Halloween, Bonfire 

Night and Diwali. 

However, pumpkins with candles, fireworks, 

bonfires and hot drinks all pose a risk to children. 

Burn prevention and good First Aid are key 

to reducing the number of burns and scalds 

occurring in the UK every day. 

In 2016, 6,637 children were seriously burned or 

scalded. National Burn Prevention day on October 

18 is about raising 

awareness. 

Remember: COOL the 

burn with running tap 

water for 20 minutes, 

CALL for help, and COVER with Clingfilm; and if your 

clothes are on fire STOP, DROP & ROLL. 

Sleep easy 

Life can feel incredibly busy 

sometimes for kids and adults alike, 

which is why it’s important to help 

children establish good sleep habits 

so that they have the energy they 

need. Without enough sleep, they’ll 

struggle to concentrate at school, 

as well as feeling short-tempered or 

emotional. 

The amount of sleep children need 

changes as they get older, but as 

a general rule, children of primary 

school age need between 10 and 11 

hours’ sleep each night. In practice 

that means going to bed between 7 

and 8 every night. 

Kids get creative - design the 

Primary Times Christmas card! 

Every year, we at Primary Times send out 

thousands of Christmas cards and we would like 

you to create the picture for this year’s card. 

It can be any picture you like that you think means 

“Christmas”, a snowman, Rudolf with his red nose, a robin 

on a snow-covered branch or maybe a nativity scene. 

Our picture shows our card from last year 

which was created by May and Sam Fletcher 

from Nottinghamshire. 

All you have to do is draw and colour or paint 

your picture on an A4 piece of card or paper 

and send your entry along with your name, 

age, address, telephone number and school 

name to: 

Christmas Card Competition 

Primary Times 

Schools Publishing Limited 

Unit 1A Thamesview Industrial Estate 

Newtown Road 

Henley on Thames RG9 1HG 

Establishing a regular bedtime 

schedule can be difficult, but a 

good routine can really help ensure 

children get enough sleep. To help 

prepare them for bed, make winding 

down part of their sleep routine. 

Here are a few helpful tips: 

• A warm (not hot) bath starts to 

relax the body ready for sleep. 

• Reading a book or listening to a 

story CD helps the mind switch off 

from a busy day by distracting it 

from any worries or anxieties. 

• Dim the lights and avoid screen 

time - the blue light from phones 

and tablets is too stimulating 

• If they’re feeling tense, some deep 

breathing exercises can help. 

Visit www.healthforkids.co.uk/ 

staying-healthy/sleep/ or talk to 

your public health nurse (school 

nurse) for more advice. 

Closing date for entries is 29th October 2017. 

Teachers and schools are very welcome to send in entries from an entire class in a single 

envelope ensuring that the school name, child’s name and age are clearly written on the 

back of each entry. The winner’s design will be used for the 2017 Primary Times Head 

Office Christmas card and the winner will also receive 50 copies of the card with envelopes. 

For thousands more ideas visit www.primarytimes.net

WHAT’S ON WHERE 

If you are looking for more inspiration, 

there are many more events on our website 

www.primarytimes.net/leicestershire 

6 Oct – 5 Nov 

Diwali Wheel of Light 

After last year’s success the 110-foot Ferris 

wheel is returning to the Diwali celebrations 

this year. Leicester’s Wheel of Light arrives at 

Belgrave Road through to the end of Diwali. 

The wheel will be lit at night to provide 

a glittering centrepiece to the 

festivities. Leicester CC Festivals 

Belgrave Road, Leicester, LE4 6AS 

www.facebook.com/ 

leicesterfestivals 

7-29 Oct 

6,000 Lights: The Story of Diwali 

The exhibition explores why Leicester has 

this spectacular festival and the people, 

organisations and events that have made 

it happen. Local people have shared their 

Don’t forget to 

say you saw 

it in Primary 

Times! 

memories and photographs to create a unique 

record of how Leicester’s Festival of Lights 

has been celebrated through the decades. 

Leicester CC Festivals New Walk, Leicester, 

Leicstershire, LE1 7EA 

www.visitleicester.info 


Mini Professors 

This innovative and fun science 

class for pre-school children aged 

2 - 5 years will open up a whole 

new world of scientific adventure 

to your child. Every class has a hands 

on experiment and we cover everything 

from polymers to dinosaurs, maths to tropical 

rainforests and much more. Newtown Linford 

Ex Serviceman Club Leicestershire LE6 0AD 

www.babysensory.com 


Market Harborough parkrun 

Parkrun organise free, weekly, 5km timed runs. 

Free, safe and easy to take part in. Events take 

place in pleasant parkland surroundings and we 

encourage people of every ability to take part. 

Welland Park Market Harborough, LE16 9DR 

www.parkrun.org.uk 


Spooky Space 

This Halloween Half Term 

Holidays the Spooky Science 

team have taken over and we 

have all gone slightly batty! Join 

us every day to discover The School 

of Science Magic, make your very own 

slime to take home and drop in for a session 

that will have you spinning. Space Centre 

Exploration Drive, Leicester, LE4 5NS 

www.spacecentre.co.uk 


Spooky Half Term Fun 

Spooky activities to keep you entertained. 

Pumpkin carving, Spooky walkway, Witch’s 

house tours, Spooky Tractor rides, Panto 

style ghost stories plus all of the usual farm 

activities. West Lodge Farm Back Lane, 

Desborough, Northamptonshire NN14 2SH 

www.westlodgeruralcentre.co.uk 

14 Oct 

Harry Potter Party 

Celebrating Libraries Week! Witches and wizards 

are welcome to this free, drop in event. Magical 

crafts & activities, house sorting & quizzes. 

Come in your best wizarding outfit! 10am-2pm. 

Free event Earl Shilton Library LE9 7NE 

www.leicestershire.gov.uk 

We check 

listings carefully but 

event details and prices 

may be subject to 

change. Please always 

check with the 

venue. 

Family Forest Adventure day 

Join us for exploring, adventuring, woodland 

crafts, den making, campfire cooking and a 

picnic lunch in the wild woods! Suitable for 

children aged 4-7 years with an accompanying 

adult and 8-12 years unaccompanied (but 

parents can come too if they wish). Glen 

Parva Nature Reserves by the 

Library, Dorothy Avenue, Glen 

Parva, LE2 9JD 

www.mymuddyboots.org.uk 

Family Open Day 

Join us, for our FREE familyfriendly 

Open Day, complete 

with: BBQ, Bar, Live music, Food 

and craft stalls, Kids activities, A 

petting zoo, Raffle and tombola! Following a 

hugely successful event last year, which saw 

more than 800 people attend and more than 

£5,000 raised, how could we resist organising 

another Open Day this year? So come along 

and see for yourself what a fantastic place 

LOROS Hospice is. LOROS Hospice, Groby Road, 

Leicester, LE3 9QE 

www.loros.co.uk 


Meet the Animals 

You are cordially invited to come and enjoy 

seeing the animals at the sanctuary, as well as 

enjoying beautiful handmade cakes, jams and 

crafts for sale in our straw barn & drinks in our 

café. Please support us to raise funds for vet 

fees so that we can help more animals in our 

area! Open between 11am and 3pm Redgate 

Farm Animal Sanctuary Markfield, LE67 9PW 

www.redgatefarmanimalsanctuary.co.uk 

Continued on page 10... 

6 9 October - 26 November 2017 


Come and join us at CONKERS 

for October Half Term 14th to 22nd October 

Live Shows, Craft and 

Ranger Activities... 

Over October Half Term 

Excludes Halloween Nights 


Four Nights of 

Halloween - 

28th to 31st October 

Terms and conditions: 

Please complete the above and bring this voucher with you and hand into 

the Reception Team. Valid until 30th November 2017. No photocopies are 

accepted. Not to be used in conjunction with any other offers or online. 

Other terms and conditions apply. Only valid for general admission – not 

valid for outdoor pursuit activities or events or the High & Low Rope Aerial 

Adventure. We will only use your email address for marketing purposes. 

There is a separate charge to use the High & Low Rope Aerial Adventure. 

The Enchanted Forest 

Indoor Play 

New 4D Cinema 

Save 20% on your 

general admission 

price by booking online 

CONKERS: Rawdon Road (B586), Moira, 

Nr Ashby-de-la-Zouch, Derbyshire DE12 6GA 

info@visitconkers.com 



Frights and Fireworks 

Four Family Halloween Nights at CONKERS 

Saturday 28th, Sunday 29th , 

Monday 30th and Tuesday 31st 

October! 

Doors open at 6.30pm and we 

finish by 10:30pm. All your worst 

nightmares are set to become 

reality this Halloween at Conkers 

Annual Ghostly encounter at 

the Waterside Centre. Are you prepared to come along and follow 

their footsteps into the haunted woods? With all the ghostly ghouls, 

witches and trolls…will you make it out alive? 

There’s lots to do: You can take a trip on the runaway train, all are 

welcome at the “Ugly Bugs Disco”, there’s a fancy dress competition 

with creepy prizes for the winners (Ages 0-3, 4-6, 7-10, 10 +, Adults) 

and there’s entertainment in our covered Amphitheatre with our 

Fantastic Halloween show at 7pm and 8pm 

Book online - http://www.visitconkers.com 

Spooky Space 

14-29 October 

This Halloween Half Term 

Holidays the Spooky Science 

team have taken over and we 

have all gone slightly batty! 

Join us every day to discover The School of Science Magic, 

make your very own slime to take home and drop in for a 

session that will have you spinning. 

BUY IN ADVANCE TO UPGRADE TO A FREE ANNUAL PASS 

AND TO GUARANTEE ENTRY 

www.spacecentre.co.uk 

Diwali Leicester Sunday 8 - Sunday 22 October 

Diwali Lights Switch On Sunday 8 October 

Diwali Day Thursday 19 October 

Cossington Street Recreation 

Ground, Belgrave Road Road, 

city centre and other venues 

The Diwali celebrations in 

Leicester are one of the biggest 

outside of India, with around 

35,000 people attending the 

switch on of the lights on 

Belgrave Road, and even more attending Diwali day. Enjoy the 

fireworks, street arts, rangoli and live cultural entertainment on stage 

and look out for the two-week events programme including dance, 

music and exhibitions across the city. 

W: visitleicester.info 

West Lodge Farm 

West Lodge Farm 

in Desborough, 

Northamptonshire has loads 

of spooky fun this half term. 

There’s pumpkin carving, 

spooky tractor rides, witch’s 

house tours and a spooky 

walkway. Their brand new indoor adventure barn will also open 

it’s doors bringing the outdoors indoors. They are expecting it to 

be very busy so please book online to avoid disappointment. All 

this plus the usual fun on the farm – piglet races, cuddle corner, 

free barrel rides and more! 


Spine-tingling fun at Beaumont 

Bring your little monsters to our free Trick or Treating event at 

Beaumont on Saturday 28th October. You’ll have a fa-BOO-lous time! 

Pick up a Trick or Treat bag at the 

event 

stand and then follow the treasure 

trail round to the stores. 

Expect squeals of excitement 

as your little horrors say the 

magic word to receive frightfully 

delicious sweets and treats. 

Oh, and there will be fangtastic 

face painting to make your kids 

look even more horrible too. 

It’s all free. So come along on 

Saturday 28th October from 10am to 4pm and have a 

terrifyingly awesome time! 

Beaumont is located just off the A46 and offers great shopping with 

stores including Tesco Extra, Next and Boots, as well as a range of eateries 

like McDonalds and Costa Coffee. With 1,500 parking spaces available, 

free for up to four hours, your visit to Beaumont couldn’t be easier. 

www.beaumontshopping.net 

Abbey Park Bonfire & Firework Display 

Saturday 4 November 

Be dazzled by Leicester’s biggest bonfire & firework display at the 

city’s official celebration. The fantastic fun takes place on Saturday 

4 November from 5pm – 9pm on Leicester’s Abbey Park. 

The lighting of the bonfire and main display is always a 

spectacular sight – with a quieter fireworks show perfect for the 

younger audience. Watch the skies light up at this annual family 

event, with a programme of live entertainment, funfair and 

plenty of warming food stalls. 

Savings of up to 40% can be made by purchasing your tickets in 

advance. Tickets can be bought from Visit Leicester, De Montfort 

Hall Box Office and online. 

Further details and ticket prices at visitleicester.info 

It’s Spooktacular at 360 Play 

360 Play is the one stop family entertainment venue for creative, 

active, stimulating fun whatever the weather. 

Enjoy soft play on our huge play frames; giant wave slides, aerial 

gliders, interactive ball zone, assault race track, aerial swings, cargo 

nets and tunnels, roundabout 

and much, much more. 

Our Spooktacular Halloween 

Party is back again this year, 

plenty of activities for every little 

monster. Tuesday 31st October 

2017 from 6.30pm - 8.30pm. 

All you can eat buffet for adults 

and children. Loads of fun and 

games: 360 Disco, Safe Trick or Treating in our Street; Dracula’s Cave 

for lucky dips and lots lots more fun. 

Prices are as follows: Children £10.50, Adults £5.50, Children under 1 

are free. 

Our 360 café prides itself in providing fresh food, from a snack to a 

full meal. Order at the counter then sit back and we will deliver your 

freshly prepared food to your table. We serve fresh food – not fast food. 

360 Play is great for birthday parties. We understand the work 

involved when you want to organise that special family event and 

want everything to be just right. 

360 Play, unlimited play, unlimited fun. Visit us at http://360play.co.uk 



The need to speak out and stay safe 

Did you know that in every primary school class, 

an average of at least two children have suffered 

abuse or neglect? 

It is a shocking statistic 

but thanks to the NSPCC’s 

Speak Out Stay Safe 

service, children are being 

empowered to speak out and 

seek help. 

It delivers essential 

safeguarding information to 

children aged four to 11 in a 

lively, memorable way. 

Child-friendly, interactive assemblies and workshops teach 

children about abuse in all its forms and how to spot the signs. 

The service also helps children understand who they can turn 

to for help, including the NSPCC’s Childline service. 

It is delivered by specially trained volunteers who know how 

important it is for children to have this knowledge. 

The service spoke to 1,711,275 children in 7,756 schools across 

the UK throughout 2016/17. Now the NSPCC needs your help 

to reach even more children. 

By signing up to become a volunteer for Speak Out Stay Safe, 

you can help the NSPCC change lives by delivering these vital 

assemblies and workshops. 

For more information on becoming a volunteer in your 

local area, please visit www.nspcc.org.uk/volunteer or call 

0121 227 7577 




SOUTH LEICESTERSHIRE BADMINTON CLUB 

BADMINTON TASTER 

SESSIONS 

School years 3 to 6 ~ £3.50/week or special price 

of £14.00 for the 5 weeks 

Friday 4:30 – 5:30 pm 27th Oct – 24th Nov 

Brockington College, Enderby 

Fun, friendly taster sessions are delivered by qualified 

and licensed CRB/DBS Badminton England Coaches 

For more information contact: 

Ray Phipkin @ 07582 195940 or R.PHIPKIN@SKY.COM 

www.southleicesterbadminton.co.uk 

South Leicestershire Badminton Club 

The South Leicestershire Badminton Club first 

started a Junior Section in 2003, which makes 

the Junior Club 14 years old. 

Over the last 2 years with a new structure and Clubmark Accreditation, 

the Junior Club has been more integrated within the main Club rather 

than a separate entity. 

Over the years, many Junior 

members have gone on to 

represent Leicestershire and 

older members have followed 

the pathway into the Senior 

Club, and now enjoy playing 

badminton in the Leicestershire 

Leagues. 


Autumn Steam Gala 

Rounding off the year is our Steam Gala. 

You know how steam locos look in the cold 

Autumn air don’t you? Rocks By Rail LE15 7FF 

www.rocks-by-rail.org 


Beaded Wind Chimes 

Spend a happy hour making a wind chime for 

your garden or bedroom. For more crafty courses 

visit the website. Leicestershire Craft Centre 

10a High St, Market Harborough, LE16 7NJ 



Half Term Playscheme 

We are open Monday - Friday 12pm - 3pm, 

with indoor and outdoor spaces where 

children can express themselves creatively and 

test themselves physically. Goldhill Adventure 

Playground Saffron Lane, Leicester, LE2 6SB 

www.goldhilladventureplayground.org 

17 Oct 

Halloween Children’s Day 

Admission to museum free (£2.50 for activities 

& small charge for train rides). Halloween 

crafts, traditions and trails around the 

museum. Refreshments available in the LMTA 

café. Abbey Pumping Station, Corporation 

Road, Leicester, LE4 5PX 

www.abbeypumpingstation.org 

Badge Workshop 

Draw your favourite character from a book 

and turn your picture into a badge. Or colour 

in one of our designs instead. The choice is 

yours! A great quick make and take workshop 

suitable for all ages. Purple Pumpkin Patch 

Ashby Road, Loughborough, LE11 3AF 

www.facebook.com/pg/PurplePumpkinPatch 


Loogabarooga Festival 

Enjoy a celebration of children’s 

literature with incredible 

illustrations and brilliant 

books. There are plenty of free 

events running throughout this 

year’s Loogabarooga Festival. 

Children must bring a grown-up. This 

year the festival is delighted to welcome 

Waterstones Children’s Laureate, Lauren Child. 

We look forward to welcoming families to this 

year’s fantastic events. Various locations 

www.loogabarooga.co.uk 


Burghley Halloween Trail 

Why not come and join us for the Burghley 

Halloween Trail around the Sculpture Garden. 

Tread through the crispy Autumn leaves and 

find the hidden spooks to receive a treat. 

Burghley House, Lincolnshire, PE9 3JY 

www.burghley.co.uk 


Will Mabbitt - I can only Draw Worms 

If you thought drawing worms was easy, 

think again. Will Mabbitt (probably the worst 

illustrator of his generation) shows you how he 

created his latest picture book ‘I Can Only Draw 

Worms’. He’ll guide you through the seven 

rules of worm portraiture, making balloon 

animals, and getting children drawing with his 

inspirational lack of talent. He’ll also be reading 

from a couple of his books and for a finale will 

attempt the impossible: drawing something 

that isn’t a worm. Loughborough Town hall 

Market Place, Loughborough, LE11 3EB 

www.loughboroughtownhall.co.uk 

It is physically 

impossible for 

pigs to look up 

into the sky 

Clay Bear Workshop 

The workshop includes all materials. Come 

and make your favourite bear from clay. We 

will help you create and paint a masterpiece. 

Your bear will be available to take home 

on the day. Creations Pottery Church Gate, 

Loughborough, LE11 1UD 

http://creationspottery.co.uk/ 

Diwali Day 

Diwali celebrations in Leicester are one of the 

biggest outside of India, with over 40,000 

people attending Diwali Day in the heart of 

the city’s Asian community. Key times: 4pm 

Diwali Village starts, 5pm Full road closure, 

6pm Stage starts on Cossington Street 

Recreation Ground, 8pm Aerial Firework 

Display, 8.30pm Stage ends, 9pm Diwali 

Village ends, 9.30pm Road re-opens Leicester 

CC Festivals Cossington Street Recreation 

Ground, Leicester, LE4 6JD 

www.visitleicester.info/diwali 

Children’s Glass Fusion 

Design and make mini sun catchers with lots 

of different coloured glass, with glass tutor 

Sarah. They will be taken away and fired for 

you to collect. For lots more crafty courses visit 

the website. Leicestershire Craft Centre 10a 

High Street, Market Harborough, LE16 7NJ 


Hungry Caterpillar Workshop 

Everybody knows the story of the Hungry 

Caterpillar! Make your own hanging caterpillar 

or butterfly decoration with sparkle, sequins, 

buttons and lots of colour. You are welcome 

to take them home straight away or leave 

them with us to collect later when they 

have dried. All materials are included in the 

workshop price along with refreshments 

for participating children and their adult. 

Purple Pumpkin Patch Ashby Road, 

Loughborough, LE11 3AF 

www.facebook.com/pg/ 

PurplePumpkinPatch 


Card Making (7+) 

Dig through our collage and 

card making materials, create 

a design and make a series of 

one of a kind cards! Suitable for 7-11yrs 

Leicestershire Craft Centre Market Harborough, 

LE16 7NJ 



Diwali Family Extravaganza 

FREE! But booking advised. Celebrate the 

festival of lights with a special day of creative 

family activities. Discover the world through 

sensory materials and work with artists to 

create crafts. Learn about the themes and 

stories behind Diwali and make this festive 

season a memorable one for the whole family! 

Attenborough Arts Centre Lancaster Road, 

Leicester LE1 7HA 

www2.le.ac.uk/hosted/attenborougharts 

Creat-A-Con OCT 

Creat-A-Con is back for the SECOND time 

this year! Featuring Raspberry Pi, Arduino, 

drawing machines, virtual reality, 3D printing, 

and more, this free event has something for 

everybody! Join us on Saturday 21st October 

in Queen’s Building, DMU (LE2 7DR) in 

Leicester to get hands on with some amazing 

creative technologies. Faculty of Technology 

De Montfort University, Mill Lane, Leicester, 

LE2 7DR 

www.facebook.com/creatacon 



Imagination Station 

Have a go at art and craft activities inspired 

by children’s illustrated literature. Join local 

illustrator, Andy and have a go at paper 

engineering - learn what goes into making popup 

books pop! Charnwood Museum Queens 

Hall, Granby St, Loughborough, LE11 3DU 

www.charnwood.gov.uk/pages/ 

charnwood_museum 

Library Book Sale 

Second birthday book sale: Saturday 21 

October, 10-1. Donations of good quality 

books welcome. We’re raising money for the 

new LEGO club. LEGO donations and people 

to help also welcome! Rothley Community 

Library Mountsorrel Lane, Rothley, LE7 7PS 

www.rothleycommunitylibrary.co.uk 


Loughborough Comic Con 

Chock full of workshops, panels and a 

comics and zine market all based 

at Loughborough’s town hall 

it’s the perfect warm up to 

Loughborough comic con 

where you can get involved 

with some of the hottest up 

and coming comics talent in 

England! 

Loughborough Town hall Market 

Place, Loughborough, LE11 3EB 



Tricks and Tonics 

Thrilling tricks and tasty treats await at creepy 

Bolsover Castle. Join the potion master and 

weave your magic as you make your very own 

potion to take home - remember... don’t eat 

the bottle! Discover some amazing tricks with 

elastic bands that will amaze and astound 

friends and family. Show off your spooktacular 

costumes and frighten our fearless staff - will 

you win the fancy dress competition? 

Bolsover Castle Derbyshire, S44 6PR 

www.english-heritage.org.uk 


Spook-takular trail 

Pick up a spook-takular trail and discover the 

hidden features of Belton, as we challenge 

your perspectives of this special place. £2 per 

trail, normal admission applies. Belton House 

Grantham, Lincolnshire, NG32 2LW 

www.nationaltrust.org.uk/belton-house 

Family fun in the Discovery Centre 

Open every day of the school holidays, get 

inspired and create sculptures and masks to 

celebrate the 30th anniversary of Moondial. 

Or explore more about conservation and 

the history of Belton House. Belton House 

Grantham, Lincolnshire, NG32 2LW 



Oskar’s Amazing Adventure 

An original, heart-warming play for young 

children and their families – full of good 

humour, adventure, music and song. Funloving 

puppy Oskar has been snowbound in 

the little house on top of the mountain for 

weeks, and desperate for a game, goes out 

into the snow to find a friendly animal to play 

with. But the animals Oskar meets are not at 

all friendly... *Workshop: There is a 20 minute 

craft workshop immediately after each show 

linked to the performance. Loughborough 

Library Granby Street, Loughborough, LE11 

3DZ 

www.leicestershire.gov.uk 

Dreamt is the 

only English word 

that ends in the 

letters “mt” 

Fairy Academy 

Where little faries earn their wings. Budding 

fairies learn all about the magic of fairyland 

in this amazing workshop. Suitable for fairies 

aged 3- 7 years. The Fairy Dell 207 Forest Rd, 

Old Woodhouse, Leicester, LE12 8TZ 

www.thefairyacademy.co.uk 


Wildlife Watch Drop in Session 

Preparing for winter……. Drop in to the 

classroom anytime between 2-3.30pm. Lend 

a hand to our feathered friends by making bird 

feeders to help them survive the cold winter 

months ahead. Activities suitable for ages 

4-12 years. £2.50 per child. Rosliston Forestry 

Centre Rosliston, Swadlincote, DE12 8JX 

www.roslistonforestrycentre.co.uk 


Halloween Fun 

Take part in the spooky pumpkin 

activities. Activities include: Quiz 

& Crossword in the Castle, 

Pumpkin Trail in the Formal 

Gardens, Biscuit Decorating 

and Pumpkin Rolling down the 

Castle Battlements. Fancy Dress 

encouraged! Rockingham Castle 

Rockingham, LE16 8TH 

www.rockinghamcastle.com 


Kraftiz Shop Drop in Session 

Join Julie in the Kraftiz Shop for a craft activity. 

Adults & children welcome. £2.50 pp Rosliston 

Forestry Centre Rosliston, Swadlincote, DE12 8JX 

www.roslistonforestrycentre.co.uk 


Halloween Firewalk 

Grab your scariest Halloween costume and 

get ready to face your fears as you hot foot it 

across 20ft of burning coals to raise money 

for Leicester Animal Aid. Full training is 

provided on the night which will show you 

how this is possible! Bring your friends and 

family and enjoy a night of firewalking and 

entertainment! Not suitable for little ones to 

take part but great to get mum or dad to do 

it! Stanton Restaurant and Lakes Broughton 

Road, Stoney Stanton, Leicester, LE9 4JA 

www.leicesteranimalaid.org.uk 

Family house tour 

Discover untold stories of Belton House with 

this special tour. Designed for families with 

children aged 5 years and over in mind. Spaces 

are limited, so pre-booking is required. Belton 

House Grantham, Lincolnshire, NG32 2LW 



Friday #50things challenge 

Join the play team in the Outdoor Adventure 

Playground as they challenge families to 

catch a falling leaf. Belton House Grantham, 

Lincolnshire, NG32 2LW 



Pumpkin Spooktacular 

Pick a pumpkin off our special patch, carve a 

scary face with a carving kit you get to keep, 

hear about Spookley the square pumpkin before 

possibly winning the best carved pumpkin prize! 

Child ticket includes pumpkin to carve, carving 

kit, cake & juice. Cherry Lane - Glebe Garden 

Centre, Foston Road, Countesthorpe, LE8 5QP 

www.cherry-lane.co.uk 


Covering Oadby, Evington, Market Harborough, Lutterworth, 

Enderby and Loughborough 

FOR THE ULTIMATE 

BIRTHDAY PARTY! 

CONTACT US NOW! 

www.karts4kids.co.uk 

07512 955 111 • info@karts4kids.co.uk 

BOOK YOUR PARTY TODAY! 

PLEASE QUOTE PRIMARY TIMES WHEN ENQUIRING 

Be part of Beauchamp 

Age range from 

4 to 10 years old 

Held indoors or outdoors 

Totally safe and loads of fun! 

Themed birthday cake 

available - yummy! 

Party food available for all 

Let them experience their 

first chance of driving 

Bouncy castle also available 

at Parklands Leisure in Oadby 

FOLLOW US 

@Karts4Kids 

We have now welcomed our first 

Year 7 students and are pleased 

to say they’ve settled in very 

well. 

Our full 11-19 pathway offers 

even better provision for 

progress; we will be able to 

develop stronger relationships 

with learners, understand 

their academic and personal needs in order to give them the best 

fit education, and guarantee KS5 places for students with the right 

grades. 

If you’d like to be part of Beauchamp we’re taking applications 

now, see beauchamp.org.uk for details. 




14 96 October - 26 23 November 2017 2014 



Museums at Night 

The Ghostly Engineer and other Stories from 

7pm - 10.30pm. Museum Admission £3.50 

Discover the Ghostly Engineer and other tales 

whilst one of the mighty beam engines turn 

above your head or below your feet. Wrap up 

warm and wear sensible shoes as the basement 

can be damp and has steep steps. Refreshments 

available in LMTA café. Abbey Pumping Station 

Corporation Road, Leicester, LE4 5PX 

www.abbeypumpingstation.org 

Fireworks! 

Camping & caravan pitches are available 

to book, with a full fun fair from 3pm it’s 

fun for all the family. Bosworth Water Park 

Wellsborough Rd, Market Bosworth, CV13 6PD 

www.bosworthwatertrust.co.uk 

Halloween Craft Club 

We are a friendly and creative 

club located in The Crafty 

Treasure House workshop. Clubs 

are run by First-Aid trained and 

DBS approved staff. Children can 

enjoy fun filled hours of making 

and creating art and crafts learning 

skills along the way. The Crafty Treasure House 

22 Hotel Street, Coalville LE67 3EP 

www.facebook.com/kidscraftclubcoalville 

Halloween Party 

Free entry. Fancy dress - prize for best adult 

costume. Prize for best children’s costume. 

£3.00 for buffet - tickets can be purchased at 

the bar on the night. Disco starts at 8pm till 

midnight Tollemache Arms 48 Main Street, 

Buckminster, NG33 5SA 

www.tollemache-arms.co.uk 

Ghost hunt by Torchlight 

The ghosts of West Lodge Past have escaped 

and it’s your job to find them! Search the 

grounds of the farm to find all of the ghosts, 

prizes for the winners then join us back 

in the new adventure play area to meet 

the ghosts and dance at our spooky disco 

West Lodge Farm Back Lane, Desborough, 

Northamptonshire NN14 2SH 


Stoneygate Open Morning 

Stoneygate School, part of Leicester Grammar 

School’s Trust, has opened its new dedicated 

Pre-prep school building for Reception and 

Year 1 pupils. Those interested in the school 

are warmly invited to visit us and take a 

look at our new facilities, from 9.30am until 

12.30pm. Stoneygate School London Road, 

Great Glen, LE8 9DJ 

www.stoneygateschool.co.uk 

Wicky’s Little Monsters’ Ball 

Wicky Bear is holding his annual Little 

Monsters Ball, and he can’t wait! He and his 

crew will be performing spooktacular dances 

as well as hosting party games and a disco. 

Tickets are £6* for kids and £2* for adults. 

Come in fancy dress! Doors open 11.30am, 

party starts at 12noon to 2pm Wicksteed Park 

Barton Road, Kettering NN15 6NJ 

www.wicksteedpark.org 


Hallowe’en Weekend 

Dare you travel on the spooky Trains? 

Competitions & fancy dress during the day 

and evening trains. The Battlefield Railway 

Line Shackerstone Station, Shackerstone, Leics 

CV13 6NW 

www.battlefieldline.co.uk 

Tigers have 

striped skin, 

not just 

striped fur 


Halloween Nights 

Doors open 6.30pm and we finish by 10:30pm. 

All your worst nightmares are set to become 

reality this Halloween at Conkers Annual 

Ghostly encounter at the Waterside Centre. Are 

you prepared to come along and follow their 

footsteps into the haunted woods? With all 

the ghostly ghouls, witches and trolls... will 

you make it out alive? Conkers Rawdon Road, 

Moira, Nr Ashby-de-la-Zouch, DE12 6GA 

www.visitconkers.com 


Woodland Campfire & Spooky Trail 

Toast a treat on the campfire, join in our 

Halloween Hunt and Halloween crafts (11am- 

2.30pm). Follow the Wizard and his owl on a 

‘Spooky Trail’ to meet the Witch of the Woods. 

(4pm). See animals in fancy dress and 

join in animal activities. Manor 

Farm & Woodlands Castle Hill, East 

Leake, Loughborough, LE12 6LU 

www.manorfarm.info 

Halloween Spooktacular 

Meet Daisy the Witch in the Witch’s 

house! Loads of spooky activities to 

keep you entertained including pumpkin 

carving, spooky walkway, Witch’s house tours, 

Scary Tractor trailer rides, Panto style ghost 

stories plus all of the usual farm activities. 

Make sure you wear you Halloween outfits, 

there’s a fancy dress competition too! 




Scary Spooktacular 

Walk in the weird woods and take part in our 

terrifying treasure hunt and carve a petrifying 

pumpkin to take home - frightening fun for 

all the family - kids in costume visit free! 

Barnsdale Gardens, Oakham, Rutland LE15 8AH 

www.barnsdalegardens.co.uk/ 

Big Cat Day 

We are allowing a limited number of members 

of the public to view our collection of rare cats. 

All funds raised support the work of the Big 

Cat Project within Rutland Wildlife Sanctuary. 

Rutland Falconry and Owl Centre LE15 7TA 

www.rutland-falconry.com 

Halloween Story Imagin-ory 

Book only event. Delve into pages of spooky stories, 

scary songs and spellbinding story activities. Two 

classes 9.45-10.45 Mixed ages & 11.15-12.15 

Mixed ages Wigston Liberal Club LE18 1PA 

www.facebook.com/Storyimaginory 


Halloween Party 

The Best Halloween Party in Town! Get into 

the Halloween Spirit with a disco, fancy dress 

& ghoulish games. 360 Play Meridian Leisure 

Park, Lubbesthorpe Way, Leicester, LE19 1JZ 

www.360play.co.uk 

Steam & Scream 

Who knows what ghastly or ghoulish creatures 

you’ll meet on board our after dark ghost 

trains. Trains depart from Loughborough & 

Rothley for a fun family night out. Take a ride 

into the unknown, with Ghost Trains that go 

shunt in the night! We want to see lots of 

little witches, ghosts & ghouls, don your best 

costume and join us for a THRILLING ride! Great 

Central Railway see website for venue details 

www.gcrailway.co.uk 







After School Art Club 

Join us for 4 sessions of Creative Arts learning 

and exploring. Our Tuesday sessions are ideal 

for creative 7-11yr olds. Contemporary Art 

Graduate Meg will run these relaxed tutored 

sessions, exploring different mediums, 

subjects, artists and ideas each week: All 

materials, guidance and inspiration included! 

Leicestershire Craft Centre Market Harborough, 

LE16 7NJ 


3 Nov 

Bonfire Night 

Quorn and Woodhouse station is the best 

place to be! We’ve a fantastic fire, a huge 

firework display, refreshments and children’s 

rides. It’s a magical night out for all the family. 

It’s one of the biggest and best shows in 

Leicestershire so come along and join in the 

fun. Arrive at the gate - or even better, travel 

in heritage style by train from Loughborough, 

Rothley or Leicester North stations. Combine the 

magic of a train ride at night with a sensational 

fire work display. Great Central Railway 

see website for venue details 


ENT Clinic 

Does your child have an ear, 

nose or throat concern? Talk to 

us. This free event is for anyone 

concerned that their child has an 

ear, nose or throat problem and would like to 

explore the options for treatment. Nuffield 

Health Leicester Hospital Scraptoft Lane, 

Leicester, LE5 1HY 

www.facebook.com/ 

NuffieldHealthLeicesterHospital 

The 

Reading 

Shop 

...helping children to 

success since 2001 

Skilled one-to-one 

tuition for children 

who need extra 

help in reading 

and spelling 

For further information 

about classes telephone 

0116 2720005 

07973 952879 

www.thereadingshop.co.uk 

Opposite 

sides of dice 

always add up 

to seven 

Created by Freepik 

4 Nov 

Open Morning 

Please visit us on Saturday 4th November any 

time between 9.30am and 1.00pm to see 

our outstanding facilities and meet our staff 

and pupils. No appointment is necessary, but 

please complete a registration form either 

now or on the day. Leicester Grammar School 

London Road, Great Glen, Leicester, LE8 9FL 

www.leicestergrammar.org.uk 

Abbey Park Bonfire & Firework Display 

Don’t miss Leicester’s biggest firework display! 

Gates open 5pm, last admission 7.30pm. Save 

up to 40% buying your tickets in advance.... 

Abbey Park Abbey Park Road, Leicester, LE4 5 

www.facebook.com/leicesterfestivals 

Cattows Farm Fireworks 

Fireworks display, Licensed Bar, Various Food 

Stalls, Fresh Coffee & Tea, Toffee Apples StallS. 

4-10pm Cattows Farm Swepstone Road, 

Heather, Leicestershire, LE67 2RF 

www.cattowsfarm.co.uk 

Family Bonfire Night 

Our annual family bonfire night is 

set to take place again this year on 

Saturday 4th November at Glebe 

Garden Centre Leicester. As usual 

there will be the mix of massive 

bonfire, music, refreshments, 

and of course - fireworks. One of 

the best Bonfire nights and firework 

displays in Leicestershire, this long running 

event is a great opportunity for everyone to 

enjoy Bonfire night in a family environment. 

Cherry Lane - Glebe Garden Centre 

Foston Road, Countesthorpe, LE8 5QP 

www.cherry-lane.co.uk 

Individual 

Tuition 

The Reading Shop first started 

offering individual tuition to 

children in September 2001. 

Since then it has taught over 400 

children. 

Its aims are simple: “we 

only take children who are 

showing a significant delay in 

learning to read and spell and 

we don’t give up until they have 

caught up.” Most children make 

rapid progress: an average gain 

of 13 months in reading age over 

8 hours of tuition, i.e. 30 minutes 

a week of 1:1 specialist teaching 

over 16 weeks. 

As soon as they are reading 

and spelling at the right level 

for their age, they leave! “We 

recognise that parents who bring 

their children to us have often 

endured months if not years of 

worry, so we aim to make them 

welcome. In our friendly and 

comfortable premises, they can 

relax and see that their children 

are enjoying their lessons and 

making progress.” 

Please telephone 079739528 

for further information. 

Fireworks at CONKERS 

Come and watch one of the largest firework 

shows in the Midlands. Along with the 

fireworks we have a great line up of additional 

activities: New for 2017 - a laser show! 

Fairground amusements. Face painting. 

Balloon modelling and tombola. All of the 

traditional activities to make a great night out 

for the family! Doors open at 5pm so please 

come and join in the fun! Conkers Rawdon 

Road, Moira, Nr Ashby-de-la-Zouch, DE12 6GA 

www.visitconkers.com 

Pennies for the Guy Bonfire Night 

Remember, remember…the fourth of 

November, as this is when Rainbows will be 

hosting the annual family-friendly bonfire 

night at Leicester Racecourse). Perfect for all the 

family, our Bonfire Night promises to be filled 

with fun, laughter, enjoyment and spectacular 

fireworks. Enjoy a brilliant bonfire which 

is certain to keep you toasty as night falls. 

Leicester Racecourse, Oadby, Leicester, LE2 4AL 

www.rainbows.co.uk 

Barrowden Bonfire and Fireworks 

Gates open at 6pm, the bonfire will be lit at 

6.15pm and the firework display will start 

at 7pm. Donation buckets on the gate as the 

money raised this year goes towards next 

year’s display. Food & hot drinks available. 

Recreation Ground, Barrowden, Oakham, LE15 

www.discover-rutland.co.uk 

Bonfire Night Spectacular 

Bonfire and Fireworks at Market Bosworth. 

Travel by train from Shackerstone. 

The Battlefield Railway Line Shackerstone 

Station, Shackerstone, Leics CV13 6NW 


Fireworks Extravaganza 

Gates open 5pm. Funfair and on-stage 

entertainment. Family disco in Wicksteed Pavilion. 

Wicksteed Park Barton Rd, Kettering NN15 6NJ 

www.wicksteedpark.org 

4-5 Nov 

Big Bonfire Party 

Free sparklers for every family, make a guy, 

apple bobbing, Farmer Ed’s Big Bonfire with 

Gunpowder plot re enactment, Toasted 

marshmallows, NO FIREWORK event. 




5 Nov 

Leicester Bonfire Night 

Be dazzled by Leicester’s biggest bonfire 

and firework display at the city’s official 

celebration! Watch the skies light up at this 

fantastic family event, with live entertainment, 

a fun fair and plenty of food stalls. The lighting 

of the bonfire and main display is always a 

spectacular sight – little ears need not worry! 

Evening includes a quieter fireworks show, 

perfect for younger audiences. Abbey Park 

Abbey Park Road, Leicester, LE4 5 

www.facebook.com/iluvleicester 

8-9 Nov 

Beaumanor Hall – A Winter’s Fair 

From unique gifts, something special for those 

with a sweet tooth and classic Christmas 

cards, you’ll find something for everyone at 

these festive Christmas Fairs. Beaumanor Hall 

Woodhouse, Loughborough LE12 8TX 

www.rainbows.co.uk 


Try Kumon’s two-week Free Trial now 

Your local Kumon Study Centre is offering a two-week Free 

Trial between 1 October and 20 November 2017 for new 

students. 

Your child can experience how the Kumon Maths and English 

Programmes help children of any age and ability to become 

confident, independent learners with a positive attitude 

to study. 

The Kumon Maths and English Programmes are worksheetbased 

study programmes aimed at building good learning 

foundations and 

developing ability in 

small, manageable 

steps. Through the 

use of example 

questions, students 

are encouraged to 

problem solve and 

work out answers 

independently. 

All our Instructors are highly trained in the Kumon Maths and 

English Programmes and will look to help your child build 

fluency, ability and confidence as well as a love of learning. 

Your child will be assessed so your Kumon Instructor can tailor 

the level of study precisely to their ability. 

Enrol your child now on the two-week Free Trial to get a 

glimpse of how Kumon could help develop their abilities for 

the future. 

For more information and to find your nearest study centre, 

visit our website at www.kumon.co.uk. 




Loughborough • 01509 236622 

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Kip McGrath Tuition Loughborough – linking school and home 

When you bring your child to Kip McGrath for a free assessment, we know that 

you may be desperate with worry for your child. We offer hope, reassurance and 

support. 

Hope is for knowing that there is light at the end of the tunnel. No matter how far 

behind in school your child is, we will work 1-2-1 with your child to stop the slide 

and start the rise. 

Reassurance is for the knowledge that our teachers are qualified and experienced, 

love their work and will understand the needs of your child. 

Support is for taking your child at their level, no matter how high or low, and 

moving them up. We also support parents, helping with questions you want to ask 

in school but are afraid to, or don’t know how. 

Parents and teachers tell us about the remarkable difference that Kip McGrath 

tuition has made. 

We want our students to succeed, to enjoy tuition and arrive and leave with a smile 

on their faces. We make learning enjoyable and fun. 

Come and join us and find out how Kip McGrath works. See our advert for details. 

9 Nov – 17 Dec 

Riverside Street Food Festival 

Artisan Street food, Live Entertainment, 

Morrocan pipes, Give your palate something to 

remember. Riverside Street Food Festival Little 

Holme Street, leicester, LE3 5NG 

www.facebook.com/pg/Riverside- 

Street-Food-Festival 

11 Nov 

1 City Celebration 

On the day, each community 

operates a stand/stall where they 

showcase their heritage, culture and 

achievements via their history, traditions 

and FREE samples of their cultural food. The 

festival is a celebration, there will be a main 

stage, where communities can showcase their 

national dress, dance and music along with 

other entertainment. EAVA FM 102.5 and 

Takeover Radio 103.2 FM will be broadcasting 

live on the day from the festival. Curve Theatre 

Rutland Street, Leicester, LE1 1SB 

www.facebook.com/colab2uk 

Family Forest Adventure day 

Join us for exploring, adventuring, woodland 

crafts, den making, campfire cooking and a 

picnic lunch in the wild woods! Suitable for 

children aged 4-7 years with an accompanying 

adult and 8-12 years unaccompanied (but 

parents can come too if they wish). Glen 

Parva Nature Reserves by the Library, Dorothy 

Avenue, Glen Parva, LE2 9JD 

www.mymuddyboots.org.uk 

A Christmas at Hogwarts 

Welcome Wizards, Witches, Muggles and 

Squibs’ This year we are hosting our first ever 

themed Christmas Fayre! Louis was a major 

Harry Potter fan, and as he would have been 

17 this year, the theme is very fitting for 

Harry’s last year at Hogwarts. FREE ENTRY! 

For our magical stalls to buy your Christmas 

Wares.Loubob’s Legacy Oadby Royal British 

Legion, Wigston Road, Leicester, LE2 5QA 

www.facebook.com/loubobslegacy 

12 Nov 

Remembrance Day Service and Parade 

The city’s main memorial event this year takes 

place at the War Memorial in Victoria Park. 

Proceedings begin with a parade by veterans 

and contingents, from De Montfort Hall to the 

memorial. The Remembrance Day service itself 

begins at 10.55am, for which members of the 

public need to be in place by 10.40am. Victoria 

Park, Victoria Park Rd, Leicester LE2 1XD 

18 Nov 

Christmas Bazaar 

Grab yourself a Christmas bargain at our 

annual Bazaar. There are lots of stalls including 

toys and gifts. If you love bargains, you will 

not want to miss out. See you there! Blaby 

Village Hall Leicester Road, Blaby, LE8 4GQ 

www.leicesteranimalaid.org.uk 

19 Nov 

Big Fish Little Fish 

Ages 8 & under though older siblings are 

welcome - Family rave sensation bring their 

award winning, ultimate family party to Corby! 

This is social, daft, anarchic and creative for all the 

family to enjoy. Expect: ‘Animal Fantastical’ theme, 

a top DJ playing (grown up) dance music, crafts, 

multi-sensory dance floor with glitter cannons 

and giant balloons, a baby chill-out space, a 

tents and tunnels play area, a colouring mural, 

glow sticks, licensed bar and more! The Core at 

Corby Cube George Street, Corby NN17 1QG 

www.thecorecorby.com 

Kangaroos 

cannot walk 

backwards! 

Ride The Rutlander Train 

The return of The Rutlander, offering brake 

van rides throughout the day. Our exhibition 

centre and workshop will be open to all to see 

recent progress on our restoration projects. 

Rocks By Rail LE15 7FF 

www.rocks-by-rail.org 

20-24 Nov 

Victorian Christmas 

It’s Christmas Eve 1849 and 

excitement ripples through the 

Castle. Trees are decorated, the silver 

is shining in the Great Hall, the kitchen 

is smelling delicious and gifts are nestled 

beneath candlelit boughs. Experience the 

magic of Christmas in this unique setting sure 

to get all the family in the mood for festive 

fun. Rockingham Castle Rockingham, LE16 8TH 

www.rockinghamcastle.com 

24 Nov 

Sponge 

Two friendly dancers are here to guide you, 

revealing small & large-scale squishy, squashy 

environments, fascinating in shape, texture and 

touch. Meet the leggy character Splegs, who 

needs help walking. Dance company Turned On 

Its Head makes exciting participatory theatre for 

early years, taking children on a creative journey, 

engaging audiences and encouraging lots of 

family interaction. Suitable for ages 6 mths – 4 yrs 

Curve Theatre Rutland Street, Leicester, LE1 1SB 

www.curveonline.co.uk 

25 Nov 

Christmas Craft Fair 

Fantastic local crafts, Charity stalls, Visit Father 

Christmas, Free entry, Free parking Brocks Hill 

Country Park & Visitor Centre Washbrook Lane, 

Oadby, Leicester, LE2 5JJ 

www.oadby-wigston.gov.uk 

25-24 Nov 

Santa Steam Trains 

Santa has swapped his sleigh for a fun filled 

journey on an enchanting steam train. Ride 

on board our award winning Santa Specials 

and let Father Christmas surprise you with an 

exciting present at your seat and a chat with 

the man himself! Great Central Railway see 

website for venue details 


Santa Special Trains 

Meet Father Christmas on his train, children 

receive a gift and parents festive refreshments 

- weekends only plus Friday 22nd December. 

The Battlefield Railway Line Shackerstone 

Station, Shackerstone, Leics CV13 6NW 


25-26 Nov 

Christmas Market 

Start the festive season with a visit to 

Leicester’s BIGGEST Christmas Market. 50+ 

artisan craft stalls, magical santa’s grotto, 

craft beers, spirits, fabulous food, mini funfair, 

ice rink, carol singers and brass band... and 

much more! Woodside Animal Centre Leicester 

Scudamore Road, Leicester, LE3 1UQ 

www.rspcaleicester.org.uk 

26 Nov 

Sock Christmas Art & Craft Fair 

Loughborough Town Hall is introducing 

its very first SOCK Christmas Art and Craft 

Fair. 11am – 4pm. On this day is the annual 

Loughborough Christmas Lights Switch On 

too! Loughborough Town Hall Market Place, 

Loughborough, LE11 3EB 




BoxOffice 

Your family theatre guide... 

0231512 

0231513 

TICKET 

TICKET 

BOX OFFICE 

De Montfort Hall 

Granville Road, Leicester, LE1 7RU 

www.demontforthall.co.uk 


Ray Mears: Born To Go Wild 

From a very young age Ray discovered the joys 

of exploring the Wilderness, the most intact, 

undisturbed wild natural areas left on our 

planet. His fascination with this environment 

that has not been modified by civilized human 

activity, has greatly shaped his life. Ray will 

take you on a journey that he deeply values for 

cultural, spiritual, moral and aesthetic reasons 

and explain why he believes these are vital for 

the human spirit and creativity. 

Attenborough Arts Centre 

Lancaster Road, Leicester LE1 7HA 

www2.le.ac.uk/hosted/ 

attenborougharts 

17 Oct 

Doug & Matt Tell Scary Stories 

Around a Campfire Indoors 


Mini Fridge presents Kids Court 

After successfully administering justice 

and receiving a nomination for Best 

Kids Show at this year’s Leicester 

Comedy Festival, Kids Court is 

back! Parents sit in the dock 

in the court where the kids 

are in charge! With a Judge, 

Prosecution and Defence played 

by local comedians, children get 

the chance to put their parents 

or older siblings on trial and decide 

a suitable penalty for their misdemeanours, 

with you helping to decide whether they are 

guilty or not. 


Mini Fridge presents 

Improv 

Come join award-winning comedians Ian Hall 

and Lindsey Warnes Carroll as they create a 

fully-fledged tale before your very eyes. Join 

in with their incredible escapades and suggest 

new ideas. Take part in performing, play 

legendary games such as “Chuck the Lobster” 

or simply sit back, relax and watch as the magic 

unfolds. 

Please check 

details of show 

times with each 

venue before 

booking, and have 

a great time! 


Wonderwoman: The naked truth 

One big project. Two ambitious women. 

Mothers to several small kids. No 

bed-time routine. But the show 

must go on. To work or not to 

work? That is the question. Our 

ambition did not disappear when 

we had kids. They both fight for 

our attention. Can we soothe our 

babies and our ambition? Join us 

in probing 21st Century parenthood. 

The Little Theatre 

Dover Street, Leicester, LE1 6PW 

www.thelittletheatre.net 


Annie The Musical 

The hit Broadway and West End musical Annie 

is based on the famous Harold Gray comic strip 

‘Little Orphan Annie’. With a score by Charles 

Strouse, lyrics by Martin Charnin, and book by 

Thomas Meehan, the show follows the plucky 

red-headed orphan as she is taken out of the 

hard-knock life of Miss Hannigan’s orphanage 

and embraced by millionaire Daddy Warbucks. 

1 Nov 

The Sleeping Beauty 

The classic fairytale set to Tchaikovsky’s 

magnificent score, stunning choreography, 

beautiful costumes all combine to portray the 

struggle between good and evil. Following the 

traditional tale of Sleeping Beauty, this ballet is 

sure to enchant audiences of all ages. 

Century Theatre 

Ashby Road, Coalville, LE67 3LN 

www.centurytheatre.co.uk 


The Three Musketeers 

A rip roaring, fast paced, swashbuckling 

show ideal for families (ages 5+). Inventive 

stagecraft, witty dialogue and with colourful 

characters from the novel, this exciting story is 

brimming with energy and skillful storytelling 

to keep audiences captivated. In his struggles to 

join the Musketeers, D’Artagnan must learn that 

life is not always simple and love never is, but 

with him all the way are his friends risking all for 

country and comradeship! 


Lauren Child Live 

Wednesday 18th October – 

11am 

Join Lauren Child, Waterstones 

Children’s Laureate and learn the 

stories behind Charlie and Lola, 

Clarice Bean and the amazing spykid, 

code-cracker Ruby Redfort. 

Tickets: £12 Standard/£10 U.16/ 

£40 Family 

The Hairy Maclary and 

Friends Show 

Thursday 19th October – 

11.30am 

“Out of the gate and off for a 

walk, went Hairy Maclary from 

Donaldson’s Dairy”. Anyone with 

young children will recognise these 

immortal words instantly as the 

opening lines of the book as the 

characters come alive on stage! 

Tickets: £12 Standard/£10 Child’s/ 

£40 Family 

Horrible Histories: More 

Best of Barmy Britain 

14th/15th April – Times vary 

We all want to meet people from 

history. The trouble is everyone 

is dead! So it’s time to prepare 

yourselves for a special production 

of Horrible Histories featuring MORE 

of your favourite characters from 

our barmy past – and a brand new 

scene with wordy Will! 

Tickets: £14.50 Standard/£12.50 

Conc/£48 Family 



BOX OFFICE 

Curve Theatre 

Rutland Street, Leicester, LE1 1SB 

www.curveonline.co.uk 


The Magic Fish 

A classic Indian tale retold through dance, 

storytelling and beatboxing for young thinking 

minds. Vishnu, one of India’s shape-shifting 

Supergods, wakes up after sleeping for 

thousands of years to find a greedy demon 

called No-Knowledge has taken earth’s most 

precious treasures for himself. Enlisting the 

help of King Manu to save the essentials for life, 

Vishnu changes his form into something quite 

unexpected! In this interactive performance, 

boys and girls are invited to join King Manu’s 

adventure in a new production to enchant all 

children. Recommended for ages 5 – 9 years. 


Ramayana 

Hanuman, the honourable Monkey King, tells 

this exciting epic with your help; following 

Prince Rama and his beautiful wife Sita, through 

an interactive story of love conquering evil. 

Experience this thrilling journey and celebrate 

light defeating darkness. Stay with us for Deity 

finger puppet making after the show, so you 

can create your own Diwali stories at home. 

Recommended for ages 5+ 

Loughborough Town Hall 

Market Place, Loughborough, LE11 3EB 



Charlie & Lola Parties with Devon 

Black 

How many raindrops can fit in a jar and how 

many leaves in a tree? Come and help Ditzy 

Devon learn how to count with the help of her 

friends, Charlie and Lola and Lauren Child’s book 

‘One Thing’. Also get an early sneak peak of the 

just published Charlie and Lola: ‘A Dog with Nice 

Ears’. What happens when Charlie and Lola want 

to get a dog? A fantastically funny show with 

storytelling, songs, puppets and magic! 


The Hairy Maclary & Friends Show 

‘Out of the gate and off for a walk, went Hairy 

Maclary from Donaldson’s Dairy.’ Anyone with 

young children will recognise these immortal 

words instantly as the opening lines of the 

book ‘Hairy Maclary from Donaldson’s Dairy’ by 

Lynley Dodd. Featuring many of the characters 

from the books like Hercules Morse, as big as 

a Horse - Bottomley Potts, covered in spots – 

Schnitzel von Krumm, with the very low tum 

and Scarface Claw – the toughest tomcat in 

town. With music, singing and several of your 

favourite Hairy Maclary stories, this show is a 

must for the whole family. 


Meet the Little Adventurers 

It’s ‘Bring in a Pet Day’ and Finnegan, Floss, 

Peanut and Sprat are looking forward to telling 

each other about their pets, but Sprat can’t 

find Shadow, his little black cat, anywhere. 

What to do? Make a leaf his pet - Leafy - of 

course! But the others are NOT impressed! Join 

award-winning author, Philip Ardagh & rising 

star author & illustrator, Elissa Elwick for an 

hour of puppets, storytelling, drawing, silliness 

and FUN! 


Dino Diggers 

Join award-winning author, Rose Impey and 

rising-star illustrator, Chris Chatterton for a 

fun-filled picture book event all about their new 

series, Dino Diggers. Dino Diggers Chris and 

Rose are the best in town – for stories, activities 

and a draw-a-long! 


Gary Northfield - Purveyor of Bogeyed 

Loonies 

Fresh from judging the Loogabarooga Dog 

Show, get hysterical over history with Gary 

Northfield, creator of the fantastically funny 

Julius Zebra series. In his fact-filled, actionpacked 

books, Gary’s motley crew of characters 

take you on a romp through Rome, Britannia 

and Egypt. Join him to find out why he finds 

ancient history so fascinating and learn how he 

draws his madcap, brilliant illustrations. 

Melton Theatre 

Asfordby Rd, Melton Mowbray, LE13 0HJ 

www.meltontheatre.co.uk 

10 Nov 

Melton’s Got Talent 

SKY Theatre Presents: Melton’s Got Talent! Come 

along and find out how much talent Melton’s 

got! 

The Core at Corby Cube 

George Street, Corby NN17 1QG 

www.thecorecorby.com 


Michael Morpurgo’s 

King Arthur 

A drowning boy is rescued by a mysterious 

figure claiming to be Arthur Pendragon. As the 

old man tells his stories, he is transported back 

to the heady days of Camelot, the Round Table, 

Merlin, Excalibur, Lancelot and Guinevere. Join 

the award-winning Story Pocket Theatre as they 

tell exciting stories of chivalry, battles and the 

search for the Holy Grail, in a fast-moving family 

adventure packed with physical theatre and 

outstanding storytelling. 

3-4 Nov 

The Snow Dragon 

The night of the Snow Dragon approaches… 

Billy has everything a young goat could need 

– and more besides. On New Year’s Eve, Billy 

is looking forward to the annual visit of the 

legendary Snow Dragon, who will bring him 

even more goodies. But when Billy bumps into 

some hungry wolves in the forest, New Year’s 

Day seems a long way off. How will Billy escape? 

And has he been naughty or nice? Toe-tapping 

songs and lots of laughs for everyone aged 3 and 

up, from Tall Stories. 

22-23 Nov 

Shakespeare Schools Festival 

Shakespeare Schools Foundation is proud 

to present the world’s largest youth drama 

festival. In the celebratory finale of their Festival 

journey, 30,000 young people from primary, 

secondary and special schools nationwide will 

unite for thrilling performance evenings across 

the country. Join us for an exhilarating evening 

of theatre, with a series of unique Shakespeare 

productions staged by local schools. 

The Y Theatre 

East Street, Leicester LE1 6EY 

www.leicesterymca.co.uk/theatre 


3 2 1 Blast off! 

Quite Remarkable Productions are over the 

moon to be back with a new magical and 

musical space adventure ‘3,2,1 Blast Off!’ Take 

off with Geoffrey Jumper and his silly little 

friend Mandy as they blast into outer-space! 

Learn to moonwalk, meet friendly aliens and 

help Geoffrey Jumper and Mandy get home in 

time for tea on an interactive and epic journey 

through space. A sensory-swamped galactic 

voyage for 2-6 year olds with puppetry, live 

music, magic and mayhem! 



PantoLand 

George 

“a child who hasn’t 

seen a pantomime 

is a public danger!” 

Bernard Shaw 

BOX OFFICE 

A Beauty of a Panto…A Beast of a Show! 

After breaking box office records last year, the spectacular family pantomime returns to 

Leicester with Beauty and the Beast at De Montfort Hall. 

Richard ‘Dick’ McCourt of children’s TV’s Dick and Dom fame will star alongside the star of 

ITV’s Heartbeat, David Lonsdale and Leicester’s very own singing sensation Sam Bailey. The 

show also stars Martin Ballard, from BBC Radio Leicester, as the dame. 

Don’t delay – book your tickets today 

Snow White and The Seven Dwarfs 

Friday 18- Saturday 23 December 

Ticket price: £8 Adults, £6 conc - £25 family 

of 4 

18-20 December, 2.30pm 

21-22 December, 7.30pm Evening 

23 Dec 2.30pm Matinee and Evening 7.30pm 

The story of the Princess Snow White, who 

is hated by her step-mother the evil and vain 

Queen Caligula, but is saved by the seven dwarfs. 

Add in a dashing prince, a talking mirror, a 

couple of inept murderers, a Dame to die for, the 

Queen’s henchman and - oh yes - an apprentice fairy trying to earn her 

wings and you get a fast moving, action packed traditional pantomime. 

Loughborough 

Town Hall 

Following the 5 star smash hit 

Cinderella comes a brand new 

pantomime adventure that targets 

your funny bone as Robin Hood 

comes to Loughborough! 

Travel into the heart of Sherwood 

Forest, where the men wear the 

tights and the women wear the 

trousers. 

King Richard is away negotiating a trade deal and the wicked 

Sheriff of Nottingham is hatching a plan to dispose of his niece 

and nephew, inherit a fortune and steal the crown for himself. It’s 

down to Robin and the gang to stop him! 

The PANTO Company presents - Aladdin 

Saturday 9 & Sunday 10 December, 2pm at the Century Theatre, 

Coalville 

Will the evil Abanazer convince 

Aladdin to enter The Cave of a 

Thousand Dreams and fetch the 

lamp? Will Princess Jasmine find 

the boy of her dreams? 

And will Widow Twankey finally 

wear something that doesn’t 

look like an explosion in a paint 

factory? 

Featuring all the latest chart hits, 

great costumes, great cast and 

full of fun, laughter and energy. 

£9.50, groups (10+) £8.50. 

Book online at www.centurytheatre.co.uk or call the Box Office 

01530 278444 (between 10am – 4pm). 



COMPETITIONS 

WIN! 

To enter these fantastic competitions and 

more please go to... 

www.primarytimes.net/leicestershire/competitions or 

through Facebook.com/PrimarytimesLeicestershire 

Like us on Facebook 

Win a family ticket for four to see Beauty and the 

Beast at De Montfort Hall, Leicester City Council 

A Beauty of a Panto…A Beast of a Show! 

After breaking box office records last year, De Montfort Hall 

today announces their star studded line up for this year’s 

spectacular family pantomime Beauty and the Beast. 

Simply answer this question: 

Q: Which enchanted flower rules the Beast’s future? 

Closing date: 11/12/17 

WIN 2 x Family tickets this year’s Robin Hood 

pantomime at Loughborough Town Hall 

This show is jam packed with daring duels, stunning 

sets, outrageous costumes and a very merry man in a 

dress that will set your heart a quiver. 

Come and join us for this fun filled, fantastic family 

pantomime! I Sher-wood if I were you! 

From which East Midlands city is the evil Sheriff 

in Robin Hood from? 

a) Leicester b) Nottingham c) Derby 


Win a family ticket (worth up to £24) to 

Abbey Park Bonfire & Firework Display. 

Be dazzled by Leicester’s biggest bonfire & firework 

display at the city’s official celebration! The fantastic 

fun takes place on Saturday 4 November from 5pm – 

9pm on Leicester’s Abbey Park. 

For your chance to win answer this question 

correctly 

Abbey Park is Leicester’s premier park and lies 

approximately one mile north of the city centre. 

What is the postcode? 

Check out visitleicester.info for the answer. 


WIN a family pass to the 

National Space Centre 

With six interactive galleries, the UK’s largest 

planetarium, unique 3D Simulator Experience and the 

iconic 42m high Rocket Tower, 

the award-winning National 

Space Centre is an out of this 

world experience. 

For your chance to win just 

answer the following question; 

What year did the first man 

walk on the moon? 




What race is 

never run? 

A swimming 

race. 

Which letter 

is the 

coolest? 

Iced t. 

What holds 

the sun up in 

the sky? 

Sunbeams. 

What did the 

ocean say to 

the sailboat? 

Nothing it 

just waved. 

PRIMARY TIMES 

Unit 1A 

Thamesview Industrial Estate 

Newtown Road 

Henley on Thames 

RG9 1HG

Primary Times Leicestershire Oct 17

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