BBC February 18

58,000 copies for families of 

Primary School Children 

www. primarytimes.co.uk 

in Birmingham & 

Black Country 

© Disney, © Disney/Pixar. 

28th March – 

1st April 2018 

FEBRUARY ISSUE 

5 FEB – 18 MAR 2018

February 

Half Term 

Activities! 

with Birmingham Community Leisure Trust 

• Intensive Swim Courses 

• Intensive Snorkel Courses 

• Superstars Holiday Camp 

• Trampolining 

• Gymnastics 

• Softplay 

• Roller Disco 

• Aqua Challenge 

Giant Inflatable 

• Tennis Camps 

+ Much More! 

19th - 25th February 

Activities vary between sites, please 

visit www.birminghamleisure.com 

for full details and booking! 

Cocks Moors Woods Leisure Centre 

Beeches Pool & Fitness Centre 

Tel: 0121 516 5638 

BeechesPool 

Cocks Moors Woods Leisure Centre 

Tel: 0121 516 5641 

CMWLC 

Stechford Leisure Centre 

Tel: 0121 796 2331 

StechfordCascades 

Erdington Leisure Centre 

Tel: 0121 516 5650 

ErdingtonPool 

Billesley Tennis & Fitness Centre 

Tel: 0121 796 2221 

BillesleyIndoorTennisCentre 

Fox Hollies Leisure Centre 

Tel: 0121 796 2330 

FoxHolliesLC 

Wyndley Leisure Centre 

Tel: 0121 516 5652 

WyndleyLeisure 

2 

Primary Times FEBRUARY Issue 2018 | www.primarytimes.co.uk/birmingham

Welcome to 2018 and the latest issue of Primary Times. We hope 

you’ve had a wonderful start to the New Year. 

The temptation at this time of year is to stay indoors, find something 

entertaining on the TV and relax on the sofa under a blanket until 

the weather starts to turn distinctly more summery. Whilst this might 

sound like a good plan (and it does) there’s always plenty to see and 

do once you venture from the sofa and out of the front door. 

In our What’s On Guide you’ll find plenty of ideas for fun days out and 

if you fancy swapping your sofa for a comfy seat for a while, then you 

could always head to the theatre. You’ll find the best shows in your 

area in the Box Office section. Pop along to intu Merry Hill for some 

intergalactic adventures, swap the cold winter weather for a tropical 

paradise at Stratford-upon-Avon’s Butterfly farm or maybe catch 

a show at the theatre. Whatever you decide to do, there are lots of 

opportunities for memorable days out! 

Don’t forget to enter our competition to win tickets to the opening 

night of Disney On Ice presents Worlds Of Enchantment at The 

Genting Arena also head to our website to find more great 

competitions. 

Our next issue will be full of the joys of Spring, but until then, here’s to 

a wonderful 2018! 

4 WOW 

12 Box Office 

14 Pinboard 

15 Movie Reviews 

15 Competitions 

Calling all 

families 

and teachers! 

Remember to send in 

your news for our news 

pages – we would love 

to hear from you! 

Don’t forget 

to visit us 

online at 

www.primarytimes.co.uk 

/birmingham 

http://www.facebook.com/ 

PrimaryTimesWM 

...the UK’s biggest, free ‘what’s on’ magazine for parents! 

Primary Times Birmingham & Black Country, Schools Publishing Limited, Unit 1A, 

Thamesview Industrial Estate, Newtown Road, Henley on Thames, Oxon, 

RG9 1HG. Tel: 01491 411848 Fax: 01491 411416 

www.primarytimes.co.uk/birmingham 

Editorial: Sam Shepherd sam@schoolspublishing.co.uk 

Sales: Vanessa Allan ptwestmids@schoolspublishing.co.uk 

Design: Stuart Cameron 

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. 

contents 

WHAT WILL 

YOU DISCOVER BIRMINGHAM 

MUSEUMS? 

Loads to see and do this February half term. 

OPERATION 

EARTH 

Thinktank 

COLOUR AND CREATE: 

RAINBOW MAGIC 

Museum & Art Gallery 

great fire 

of london 

Blakesley Hall 

birminghammuseums.org.uk/whats-on 

Funded by: 

Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery 

Thinktank, Birmingham Science Museum | Aston Hall 

Blakesley Hall | Museum of the Jewellery Quarter 

Sarehole Mill | Soho House | Weoley Castle Ruins 

www.primarytimes.co.uk/birmingham | FEBRUARY Issue 2018 Primary Times 3

what's on where 

If you are looking for more inspiration, there are 

many more events on our website 

www.primarytimes.co.uk/birmingham 

5 – 16 Feb 

Thinktank Weekdays 

Thinktank, B4 7XG B4 7XG 

www.birminghammuseums.org.uk 

3:00pm-5:00pm Visit Thinktank for £3 per 

person on weekdays during term-time until 

16th February. What could you do in 

2 hours? Enter at the Ticket Desk 

on Level 2 - Wildlife Gallery 

and the brain! Level 0 explore 

the old engines and vehicles. 

Level 1 challenge yourself to 

reconstruct a Mini! Level 3 

Planetarium show for only an 

extra £1.50, voyaging into space. 

T: 0121 348 8000 

5 – 28 Feb 

Harry Potter a History of Magic 

Library Of Birmingham B1 2ND 

libraryofbirmingham.com 

3:00pm-4:15pm Have you ever wanted 

to delve into Divination, ponder the 

peculiarities of Potions and discover 

magical creatures? Then come to the Library 

of Birmingham and check out The Harry 

Potter: A History of Magic regional display. 

10 Feb 

Family Forest School 

Mary Stevens Park, DY8 2AA DY8 2AA 

www.dudley.gov.uk 

10:00am-11:30am Outdoor activities 

aimed at children aged 3 – 8 

and their parents / carers. We 

encourage free play and we 

make crafts, play games, 

cook on an open fire etc… 

(term time only) Every 

Saturday. 

Family Fit 

Mary Stevens Park, DY8 2AA 


10am-11am Walk / Jog / Run a mile, sports 

challenges and games. Parental supervision 

required. Meet at the Activity Centre. Every 

Saturday. 

10 – 11 Feb 

Pancake Day 

Black Country Living Museum DY1 4SQ 

www.bclm.co.uk 

We are celebrating Shrove Tuesday at the 

weekend with some good old-fashioned 

pancakes. See pancakes being made over 

the stove in our homes, hear about the 

history of the tradition of flipping the batter 

mix and join in the pancake races - don’t 

forget to toss your pancake before you start 

running if you want to be in with a chance 

to win. Usual opening hours and admission 

prices apply. 

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. 

10 Feb – 9 April 

Clangers, Bagpuss & Co. 

Wolverhampton Art Gallery WV3 9LQ 

www.wolverhamptonart.org.uk 

As well as telling the story of Bagpuss and 

the Clangers, the exhibition from the V&A 

Museum of Childhood goes behind 

the scenes of some of their other 

creations, including Pogles’ 

Wood, Noggin the Nog and Ivor 

the Engine. 

11 Feb 

Superheroes Afternoon Tea 

Moor Hall Hotel B75 6LN 

www.moorhallhotel.co.uk 

2.30pm Super boys and Super girls, 

Mums and Dads are invited to join us for a 

special afternoon tea - dress in your best 

superhero outfit, bring your superpowers 

and join us. 

Pop-up Italian scenes 

The Barber Institute of Fine Arts B15 2TS 

barber.org.uk 

11:00am-12:30pm Use the architecture 

in our paintings and create your own 

decorative Italian diorama. Learn about 

foreground and background; Fold and cut 

paper. Age 4-8 years. 1.30pm - 3pm for 8 - 

12 years. Tickets £6. T: 0121 414 4414 

12 Feb 

Youth Choir 

Forest Arts Centre WS3 1AG 

www.forestartscentre.co.uk 

5.30-7pm If you enjoy 

singing why not join our 

Youth Choir. Years 7 to 13. 

Term time. Every Monday. 

13 Feb 

Coding Club 

Halesowen Library B63 4AB 


4.30-5.30pm Coding clubs are aimed 

at children 9-11 and take place after 

school. Coding clubs are great fun and 

help develop creative thinking and 

collaboration. Children learn how to make 

animations and games. [Every Tuesday. 

Term-time only]. 

Community Clean Up 

Deer’s Leap Wood, B17 8LS 

www.bbcwildlife.org.uk 

10am-12pm This is a community event to 

raise awareness about the damage litter 

does to our local area, environment, our 

children, wildlife and pets. It’s also great 

exercise for all ages and abilities and a 

chance to do something good in your 

community. 

17 Feb 

Fun with the Clangers at 

Wolverhampton Art Gallery 

Wolverhampton Arts & Culture WV3 9LQ 


11:00am Enjoy a day of fun with children’s 

television favourite, The Clangers. 

Craft Play Stay and Play 

Bilston Craft Gallery WV14 7LU 


11am or 1.30pm Create, explore and play 

with your child using unusual materials in 

our inspiring space. Meet other families 

and explore easy low cost ideas to try out 

at home with your child. Babies and young 

toddlers can explore special sensory spaces 

whilst older children can build, construct and 

make things go! 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 Have a go at being messy 

and sticky…and we tidy up. Quick, simple 

crafts to make and take home with you. Drop 

in at any time but allow 30 minutes. 

17 – 18 Feb 

Snowdrop Season 

Dudmaston Estate WV15 6QN 

www.nationaltrust.org.uk 

11am-4pm 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 

17 – 25 Feb 

Big Top Bonanza 

Hatton Adventure World 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 Welly Walk 

Packwood House B94 6AT 


11:00am-15:30pm 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 

18 Feb 

Monoprint Street Scene 


barber.org.uk 

11:00am-12:30pm Create a busy street 

scene, inspired by George Grosz. Trace and 

draw free hand; Cut out shapes. Age 4-8 

years. 1.30pm - 3pm for 8 - 12 yrs. Tickets 

£6. T: 0121 414 4414 

19 Feb 

Light Drawing Rainbow Special FREE 

EVENT 

Museum & Art Gallery B3 3DH 


11:am-1:00pm and 2:00pm-4:00pm Light 

Drawing is long exposure photography, 

where you draw in the air with light! How 

cool! Use the colours of the rainbow to make 

your own special digital art. You draw in the 

air; we’ll capture it on camera on a picture 

and give you a print to take home. Free drop 

in activity from 11.00am – 1.00pm and 

2.00pm – 4.00pm. T: 0121 348 8038 

School of Wizardry 

Selly Manor Museum B30 2AE 

www.sellymanormuseum.org.uk 

10:00am Enter the School of Wizardry and 

learn what it takes to become the perfect 

witch or wizard. Make a magic wand, an 

awesome owl mask, brilliant broomstick 

bookmark and embark on the magical spell 

trail. Cost: adults £4.00 and children get in 

for £1.00! 

February Half Term Fun | Pond 

Dipping 

Birmingham Botanical Gardens B15 3TR 

www.birminghambotanicalgardens.org.uk 

11:00am Bring the kids along for a fabulous 

session of pond dipping or bug hunting. 

We will also have story walk sessions 

throughout the day – these will only 

have limited spaces on a first-come-firstserved 

basis, so please arrive early to avoid 

disappointment! 

Sammy Taypot FREE EVENT 

Great Barr Library B43 6NW 

www.discoversandwell.co.uk 

2.30pm Bring along your little ones to enjoy 

this popular children’s entertainer 

19 – 23 Feb 

Half Term Nature Walks 

Baddesley Clinton B93 0DQ 


9:00am-4:00pm If you’re looking for an 

outdoor adventure this half-term grab those 

wellies and try out our natural play trail 

out on the estate. Or get the whole family 

together for a walk across the Warwickshire 

countryside on our estate walk and discover 

our bird screen in the woods. 

• National Trust: The Welly Walk 

4 



6what's on where 

Half Term Fun 



11:00am-3:00pm Arts and Crafts, Bug 

Hunting and Story Trails! T: 0121 454 1860 

Wassailing and Campfire Cooking 

Moseley Old Hall WV10 7HY 


10,30-3pm It’s 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 

Half Term Fun 

Walsall Leather Museum WS2 8EW 

www.walsall.gov.uk/leathermuseum 

There will be plenty to do in the museum 

throughout the holidays including quizzes 

and trails and opportunities to make a 

badge and key-ring during your visit. 

Aqua Camp 

Beeches Pool and Fitness Centre B42 2HQ 

www.birminghamleisure.com 

10.00am- 1pm £5 per day or £20 per week 

age 8+ 

Superstars Holiday Camp 

Stechford Cascades B33 8QN 


9.00am- 3.00pm £68.25 per week 8 yrs + 

Superstars Holiday Camp 

Wyndley Leisure Centre B73 6EB 


9.00am- 3.00pm £68.25 per week 8 yrs + 

Mini Tennis Camp 

Billesley Tennis & Fitness Centre B13 0ST 


9.00am- 3.00pm Tennis camp for children 

aged 5-10 yrs £16.50 per day or £60 per 

week. 

• Birmingham Leisure: Mini Tennis Camp 

19 – 25 Feb 

Family Half Term Trail 

Coventry Transport Museum CV1 1JD 

www.transport-museum.com 

Pick up our February half term trail from 

reception during opening hours, and have 

fun exploring the museum! 

20 Feb 

Create the Great Fire of London 

Blakesley Hall B25 8RN 


11am and 3.30pm Join in the fun for Great 

Fire of London week at Blakesley Hall. Use 

a variety of craft materials to create and 

decorate your own 17th century London 

buildings. Add some flames and some final 

touches then add them to our Large collage 

of the London Skyline up on the windows of 

our visitors centre. £2 per child+ 

Glass Fusion Bugs 



Working in our glass fusing studio, make 

lovely glass treasures. Sessions last about 30 

minutes and need to be booked in advance 

Beast: Sonic Paintings 


barber.org.uk 

4-8 yrs 11:00am-12:30pm, 8-12 yrs 

1.30pm-3:00pm Delve into sound and the 

visual image in this interactive workshop, 

exploring and crafting sounds to create a 

sonic painting! Led by Emma Margetson, 

a composer with BEAST (Birmingham 

Electroacoustic Sound Theatre), who 

specialises in sculpting sound. £6 per child, 

booking essential T: 0121 414 4414 

DIY Drive-In 

Mac Birmingham B12 9QH 

macbirmingham.co.uk 

10am Join our DIY Drive-in! We’ll be building 

our own cars using scrap and craft materials 

and then settling in to watch an entertaining 

Primary Times FEBRUARY Issue 2018 | www.primarytimes.co.uk/birmingham 

array of animations from Flatpack’s Colour 

Box Programme. You’ll find all kinds of 

creatures, great and small setting off on 

funny little adventures in this programme 

of colourful short animated films. Tickets £6 

per adult and child; £3 per additional person. 

Meet the Animal Man 

Wolverhampton Art Gallery WV3 9LQ 


11am - 2pm Make one of the 12 animals 

from the Chinese Zodiac to take home and 

play with, including dragons, monkeys 

and snakes! £5 per child, drop-in. Everyone 

welcome. 

20 – 21 Feb 

Rainbow stories FREE EVENT 



11:00am-1:00pm and 2:00pm-4:00pm 

Interactive storytelling where they start the 

story and you draw on the floor to complete 

it. Part storytelling, part mass drawing, this 

creative play session is ideal for all ages 

and packed with fun. Your drawing and 

imagination will decide what happens in 

our story. All materials provided. Free drop 

in sessions take place at 11.00am – 1.00pm 

and 2.00pm – 4.00pm. T: 0121 348 8038 

20 – 22 Feb 

Colour Craft 



11:00am & 2:00pm Help make a giant 

rainbow sculpture that contains a mini 

version of you! Help us build our rainbow 

world, full of people, animals and plants. We 

have one giant version to add to, and a little 

version for you to take home. We take your 

picture in a cool pose. You make the scenery, 

add a speech bubble, do lots of fun cutting 

and sticking. A very fun family session that 

will make you smile, with great memories 

to take home with you as well as cool art. 

All materials provided, suitable for ages 4 

and upwards. Drop in between 11.00am – 

1.00pm and 2.00pm – 4.00pm. £1.50 per 

child. T: 0121 348 8038 

20 – 23 Feb 

Little Skippers 

Dudley Canal and Tunnel Trust DY1 4SB 

www.dudleycanaltrust.org.uk 

Join Little Skippers for a 45 minute boat 

trip followed by things to make and do. 

Discover how locks work with our miniature 

canal, get messy making some watery paint 

pictures and create a paper fish complete 

with scales for our fish pond! £5 each. 

Booking advised. 

20 – 25 Feb 

February Half Term 

Sarehole Mill B13 0BD 


11:00am-4:00pm Join us this February Half 

term for some family fun! Trail £2 per child. 

Please purchase the trail sheet from the 

shop, solve the clues around the grounds 

and collect your prize. Craft activity £2 per 

child. Please purchase your kit from the shop 

and use the craft tables to complete your 

craft. Children must be accompanied by an 

adult at all times. T: 0121 348 8160 

21 Feb 

All That Glitters 

Museum Of The Jewellery Quarter B18 6HA 


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 

Mini Beasts 



Come along and join in the fun 

Alien Pottery Workshop 



10:30am-12:30pm or 1:30pm-3:30pm Make 

your own weird and wonderful alien pot 

with potter Helen Brown 

Baking day – Pancake day 

Sarehole Mill B13 0BD 


2:00pm-3:00pm Join us for a drop in baking 

session and enjoy a tasty pancake! Drop in 

sessions: 12.00-1.30pm and 2.00- 3.00pm. 

£2 per child. Children must be accompanied 

by an adult at all times. First come, first 

served. A limited amount of ingredients will 

be prepared for the sessions. 

T: 0121 348 8160 

Wildlife Watch - Hedgehogs and 

Creepy Creatures 

The Parkridge Centre B91 3HW 

www.warwickshirewildlifetrust.org.uk 

10:30am-11:30am Get ready for lots of 

wildlife challenges and find out about these 

prickly subjects and other creepy night time 

creatures. This session is suitable for children 

aged 6 years and up. Child £3.50 and free 

entry for one accompanying adult. Pre- 

Booking is recommended. T: 0121 704 0768 

Family Textiles: Felt Animal Masks 

mac Birmingham B12 9QH 

www.macbirmingham.co.uk 

10am-3pm Be creative together as a family 

and learn how to create your own Spring 

themed felt animal masks. 

Make an Elf House 

Wildside Activity Centre WV6 0HA 

www.wildsideac.co.uk 

10:30am Let your imagination fly to create 

some magical elf houses. Who knows what 

adventures could happen in these little 

creations. Cost: £4.00 per child. 

21 – 22 Feb 

Trampolining 

Fox Hollies Leisure Centre B27 7NS 


12pm and 1pm Trampolining for 4-11 year 

olds £5 per session 

22 Feb 

Holiday Stay and Play 



10.30am or 1.30pm Create, explore and 

play with your child using unusual materials 

in our inspiring space. Meet other families 






Child £3, booking essential. 

T: 01902 552414 

Create the Great Fire of London 



11am and 3.30pm Join in the fun for Great 

Fire of London week at Blakesley Hall. Use 

a variety of craft materials to create and 

decorate your own 17th century London 

buildings. Add some flames and some final 

touches then add them to our Large collage 

of the London Skyline up on the windows of 

our visitors centre.

FEBRUARY 

HALF TERM 

Wrap up warm and join 

us this February half term 

for some Winter fun in 

the gardens. 

19 – 23 February 

2018 

There will be lots of fun 

activities for all weathers 

such as; Arts & Crafts, 

Bug Hunting and Story 

Trails! 

Registered charity number 1153487 (England and Wales) SC046840 (Scotland). Company limited by guarantee number 08570737. 

For more information please contact 

reception or visit us at; 

birminghambotanicalgardens.org.uk/whatson 

Find us on: 

Your support keeps the Gardens growing 

ENTER NOW! 

BBC.CO.UK/500WORDS 

WIN A ONCE IN A LIFETIME 

EXPERIENCE AT THE 

HAMPTON COURT PALACE 


8what's on where 

Glass Fusion Bugs 



Working in our glass fusing studio, make 

lovely glass treasures. Sessions last about 30 

minutes and need to be booked in advance 

999 Emergency Day – FREE event 

SOHO house B18 5LB 


12:00noon-4:00pm Join us at our 999 

Emergency Day where there will be a 

selection of emergency vehicles on display 

outside the museum, as well as hands on 

activities taking place all day. Free entry. 

T: 0121 348 8150 

Family Fun Days 

Museum Of The Jewellery Quarter B18 6HA 


1:00pm-3:00pm Join our Learning Officer 

for a fun filled afternoon at the Museum of 

the Jewellery Quarter! Take a family friendly 

guided tour of the Smith & Pepper jewellery 

factory and then enjoy a fun craft activity in 

our Education Space. Pre-booking essential. 

Tickets £8 per adult, £4 per child. 

T: 0121 348 8140 

Pinhole portraits – Family workshop 

Ikon Gallery B1 2HS 

ikon-gallery.org 

1:00pm-4:00pm Join us during half-term 

holidays for an afternoon with artist Jo 

Gane as we make pinhole cameras from 

recycled materials. Inspired by our current 

exhibitions take and process your own 

images out and about in the galleries. This 

workshop is suitable for children over 7 

accompanied by an adult. When booking 

please indicate children’s ages. £4 per child. 

Booking essential. T: 0121 248 0708 

Wildlife Watch - Frosty Fairies and 

Wintry Wizards 

The Parkridge Centre B91 3HW 


10:30am-11:30am Come with us as we 

journey to help the frosty fairies in our 

magic woods, can you make a wintry wizard 

magic potion. This session is suitable for 

children aged 2 years plus. Child £3.50 with 

one FREE accompanying adult. Booking is 

recommended. T: 0121 704 0768 

February Half Term Fun | Meet Our 

Animals 



10:30am We will be giving presentations 

throughout the day from 10.30 until 

3.00pm. You’ll have the opportunity to learn 

about some of the animals we keep in our 

Education department. 

Fossil Fuelled Thursday 



1pm-3pm Explore our exhibition, ‘Fossil 

Fuelled’ and find out about the industries 

and crafts that Bilston became famous for. 

Make your own ‘fossil’ with a real artist to 

take home and impress your family and 

friends then have your face painted to 

complete the fun! £5 per child, drop-in. 

Everyone welcome. 

22 – 23 Feb 

Den Building 

Moseley Bog & Joy’s Wood Nature Reserve 

B13 9JX 


Build a natural den! When you become a 

den builder, the most ordinary of spaces 

can become a magical, secret world, where 

you can play, read, or just chill out! Have 

a go at building yourself a den out of 

natural materials! Make sure its waterproof 

though, there may be a surprise rain shower 

coming... 

22 – 24 Feb 

5,4,3,2 fun! 

Intu Marry Hill DY5 1QX 

intu.co.uk 

11:00am Get ready for fun for all the family 

this half term at Intu Merry Hill. Explore 

the outermost areas of the universe at 

the free mobile planetarium. The mobile 

planetarium is a free experience and will be 

open from 11am until 4pm 

23 Feb 

Scavenger Hunt 

Moseley Bog & Joy’s Wood Nature Reserve 

B13 9JX 


1pm-3pm Become a nature detective as 

you hunt high and low for natural treasures 

hidden all around our wonderful nature 

reserve. 

Animal Mania 



12:00noon - 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 essential. Tickets £2. 

T: 0121 348 8120 

Rainbow Robots 



11:00am-1:00pm and 2:00pm-4:00pm Build 

and design your own robot using pre made 

kit. You’ll be shown you how to add your 

motor, battery, body and legs to your robot. 

Its legs are made of pens, as soon as you set 

it off, it will run around on the floor. Watch 

as it draws rainbow patterns and test them 

against your friends in robot drawing battles, 

and help us make a giant picture draw by 

robots. What will your robot look like? Happy 

Primary Times FEBRUARY Issue 2018 | www.primarytimes.co.uk/birmingham 

or sad, nice or mean? What rainbow colours 

will you choose for your robot? How big can 

we make the rainbow on the floor? Find out 

in this very fun and popular family session. 

Drop in from 11.00am – 1.00pm and 

2.00pm - 4.00pm. Cost £3.50 per kit. 

T: 0121 348 8038 

Family Bike Ride 

Wildside Activity Centre WV6 0HA 

www.wildsideac.co.uk 

10:00am Bring your own bikes, water and 

snacks. A free safety check will be available 

before the rides towards Wombourne on 

flat towpaths and cycle ways. Maximum 1.5 

hours ride with a stop for refreshments. Cost: 

£3.00 per person. 

Wildlife Watch | Frosty Fairies and 

Wintry Wizards 

The Parkridge Centre B91 3HG 


10:30am Come with us as we journey to 

help the frosty fairies in our magic woods, 

can you make a wintry wizard magic potion. 

Cost: £3.50 per child and one accompanying 

adult free. 

Beauty & the Beast – meet and greet 

FREE EVENT 

Great Barr Library B43 6NW 

www.discoversandwell.co.uk 

11.00am Meet & greet. come in fancy dress 

(optional) fun crafts to do 

Trampolining 

Wyndley Leisure Centre B73 6EB 


Trampolining fun every Friday for children 

aged 3- 14 yrs £4.60 

24 Feb 

Learn to Ski in a Day 

Ackers Adventure B11 2PY 

www.ackers-adventure.co.uk 

10.30am - 4pm Day courses run on Saturdays 

throughout the winter season from 10:30am 

– 4:30pm. This includes 5 hours of tuition 

with fully qualified, experienced instructors 

and all equipment. 1 hour’s worth of breaks 

will be given throughout the day. Please 

bring your own refreshments and lunch. 

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 

• Birmingham Museums: Animal Mania 

wish; children under 8 years old are welcome 

if accompanied by an adult. £1 for RSPB 

Wildlife Explorers, £1.50 for non-members. 

T: 0121 357 7395 

Childrens Art Club 



1.30-3.30 Each month they’ll be trying 

something new, so why not give it a go? 

The sessions are suitable for 6-12 year-olds 

(children under 8 must be accompanied by 

an adult). 

Rainbow Animations, stop frame 

animation 



11:00am-1:00pm and 2:00pm-4:00pm 

Local artist Gemma returns with Lets 

Animate, a brilliant session where you 

make a cartoon! Gemma will show you 

all the tricks to make your own animation, 

and even help you add sound effects and 

music! We will then send you your finished 

animation when its edited to share with 

your friends and family, very cool. Suitable 

for ages 5 plus. Sessions at 11.00am – 

1.00pm and 2.00pm – 4.00pm. Booking 

essential, £3.50 per child. 

T: 0121 348 8038 

24 – 25 Feb 

Snowdrop Season 



11am-4pm 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 

Whodunnit? 

Aston Hall B6 6JD 


11:00am-4:00pm A fun time travelling 

murder mystery trail aimed at families, and 

those young at heart. Visit the Hall between 

11am and 4pm and prevent a crime which 

would change the course of history before 

it’s even happened! Interview the suspects 

and try to solve this most perplexing 

mystery set in the magnificent surroundings 

of Aston Hall. Victorian costume is greatly 

encouraged but not essential. Pre-booking 

is advisable. Adults £8, Children 3-15 £3. 

T: 0121 348 8100 

25 Feb 

Craft Club FREE EVENT 

Dudley Library DY1 1HR 


10:30am-11:30am Come and join in craft 

activities. Suitable for children 5-12 years 

old. T: 01384 812 885


what's on where 

Bored? 

Why not learn to ride? 

Lessons Everyday 9-4 

Camps 

Own a pony for a day. 

Learn to look after 

a pony, groom, ride, 

feed, tack-up. 

All you need to know!! 

Ring to book. 

Tel: 0121 588 2103 

Modelling hands 


barber.org.uk 

11:00am-12:30pm Look at hands in 

artworks then make Modroc sculptures. 

Explore hand gestures; Model 3D forms. Age 

4-8 years. 1.30pm - 3pm for aged 8 - 12 yrs. 

Tickets £6. T. 0121 414 4414 

Early Man Event 

West Midland Safari Park DY12 1LF 

www.wmsp.co.uk/ 

Bring your tribe on a wild adventure as 

we team up with Aardman, the creators of 

Wallace & Gromit and Shaun the Sheep, and 

their new feature film Early Man. Take part 

in the interactive trail around the Park as you 

follow the clues to help Dug and Hognob 

locate the tribe. 

26 Feb – 29 Mar 

Thinktank Weekdays 

Thinktank B4 7XG 


3:00pm-5:00pm Visit Thinktank for £3 per 

person on weekdays during term-time. 

What could you do in 2 hours? Enter at the 

Ticket Desk on Level 2 - Wildlife Gallery and 

the brain! Level 0 explore the old engines 

and vehicles. Level 1 challenge yourself to 

reconstruct a Mini! Level 3 Planetarium show 

for only an extra £1.50, voyaging into space. 

T: 0121 348 8000 





Child £3, booking essential. T: 01902 552414 

3 – 4 Mar 

Brickish Weekend 

The National Space Centre LE4 5NS 

www.spacecentre.co.uk 

10:00am-4:00pm Imagine one of the largest 

displays of LEGO ever created in the UK. Now 

you don’t have to imagine it, as the National 

Space Centre joins forces with the Brickish 

Association to create a weekend dedicated 

to the iconic colourful plastic brick. The 

weekend will see the whole building filled 

with huge LEGO creations, rare kits, planes, 

trains and automobiles. Of course, there will 

be a whole gallery dedicated to LEGO space, 

with huge LEGO builds of real and fictional 

craft. Adults £14, children 5-16 £11, under 

5’s free. Booking recommended. 

T: 0116 261 0261 

28 Feb 

Tennis for Free 

Brunswick Park WS10 9QR 

www.slt-leisure.co.uk 

10am-12pm Tennis For Free Charity team up 

to provide weekly free tennis opportunities 

to residents of Wednesbury. Every Sunday. 

2 Mar 

Little Artists 


barber.org.uk 

10:30am-12:00noon Join Anna the Art 

Explorer for a different discovery journey 

each month around the Barber Institute. 

Travel through the gallery searching 

for clues, act out the stories behind the 

paintings and enter the Art Lab to explore 

colour, shapes and textures as you create 

your own masterpiece. Ages 3-5. Tickets £7. 

Booking essential. T: 0121 414 4414 

3 Mar 

Saturday Craft Club FREE EVENT 

Selly Oak Library B29 6AE 

libraryofbirmingham.com 

11:00am-12:00noon Craft sessions for 

children and their carers. T: 0121 464 0403 

Craft Play 



11am or 1.30pm Create, explore and play 

with your child using unusual materials in 

our inspiring space. Meet other families 


• The National Space Centre: 

Brickish Weekend 

4 Mar 

Natural Birdfeeders 

Kingsbury Water Park B76 0DY 

www.warwickshire.gov.uk 

10:30am-12:20pm Drop in and join the 

Rangers to create birdfeeders using a range 

of natural materials. Cost: £2.50 per person. 

T: 01827 872660 

Gabo Wool Weaving 


barber.org.uk 

11:00am-12:30pm Learn to weave, inspired 

by Naum Gabo. Simple weaving techniques; 

Making a hanging artwork. Age 4-8 years. 

1.30pm - 3pm for age 8 - 12 years. Tickets 

£6. T: 0121 414 4414 

7 Mar 

STEMtastic Exlorers 

Coventry Transport Museum CV1 1JD 

www.transport-museum.com 

11am-12pm Introducing the world of 

Science, Technology, Engineering, Maths 

(STEM) in a fun way. The sessions will be 

led by a member of our learning team who 

will guide your young explorers through 

10 


different STEM themes with song, stories 

and experiments. 

8 – 11 Mar 

Crufts 2018 

Nec B40 1NT 

thenec.co.uk 

UNDER 8’s GO FREE Crufts is the biggest 

celebration of dogs. Best in Show features 

over 22,000 dogs striving for the title of 

Crufts Best in Show 2018. Also Agility, 

Flyball, Heelwork to Music and more: admire 

the discipline and precise work of those 

competing in Obedience. Celebrate dog 

heroes who have made a difference, and visit 

the Kennel Club breed rescue stand. General 

admission from £15. Booking essential T: 

0844 33 88 222 

9 – 10 Mar 

Magical Mysteries 

CBSO Centre B1 2LF 

cbso.co.uk 

11am or 1.30pm Once upon a time… We’re 

telling stories at CBSO Centre: fantastic 

stories! And that means fairies, giants, 

dragons and lots and lots of musical magic. 

This concert is specially devised for the 

youngest members of the family. It’s full of 

opportunities to wriggle, sing and dance 

along 

11 Mar 

Mother’s Day 



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 

Moving Miro 


barber.org.uk 

11:00am-12:30pm Make a rotating kinetic 

collage, based on Joan Miro’s print! Working 

with shapes and colours; Rotate parts using 

split pins. Age 4-8 years. 1.30 - 3pm for aged 

8 - 12 yrs. Tickets £6. 

T: 0121 414 4414 

St. Patrick’s Day Festival 

Digbeth High Street B5 6DY 

stpatricksbirmingham.com 

12.00pm From Irish dancers to Caribbean 

dancers, Welsh dragons to Chinese dragons, 

the St Patrick’s Festival has always been a 

vibrant celebration of multiculturalism. At 

12 Noon a confetti blast signals the start of 

the St Patrick’s Parade, and another fun filled 

festival celebrating the culture and diversity 

of Birmingham. 

14 Mar 

Baby Birds Parent and Toddler group 

RSPB Sandwell Valley Nature Reserve, 

B43 5AG 


10am-12pm Go out on to the reserve, 

whatever the weather. The group aims to 

involve and encourage children to take an 

interest in nature and the environment 

through a mixture of outdoor and indoor 

activities and crafts. 

14 – 17 Mar 

The Big Bang Young Scientists & 

Engineers Fair FREE EVENT 

Nec B40 1NT 

thenec.co.uk 

The Big Bang UK Young Scientists & 

Engineers Fair is the largest celebration of 

science, technology, engineering and maths 

(STEM) for young people in the UK. The Big 

Bang Fair is an award-winning combination 

of exciting theatre shows, interactive 

workshops and exhibits and careers 

information from STEM professionals. 

We aim to show young people (primarily 

aged 7-19) the exciting and rewarding 

opportunities out there for them with the 

right experience and qualifications, by 

bringing classroom learning to life. Free 

General admission. Booking essential T: 0121 

780 4141 

14 – 18 Mar 

Yonex All England Open Badminton 

Championships 2018 

Arena Birmingham B1 2AA 

www.arenabham.co.uk 

Times Vary With 155 matches and over 50 

hours of live badminton to enjoy, the 2018 

YONEX All England will serve up five days 

of world class action in front of a proud 

and passionate international audience in 

Birmingham. Booking essential. 

17 Mar 

Sticky Saturday FREE ENTRY 



1:30pm-3:30pm Have a go at being messy 

and sticky…and we tidy up. Quick, simple 

crafts to make and take home with you. Drop 

in at any time but allow 30 minutes. 

Professor McGinty visits Ancient 

Egypt 

Selly Manor Museum B30 2AE 

sellymanormuseum.org.uk 

10:15am Travel back to Ancient Egypt with 

Professor McGinty, and find out all the 

fascinating, revolting and amusing facts your 

teacher won’t tell you! Zany and hilarious 

historical fun. Prof McGinty’s time-travel 

shows sell out quickly every year, so don’t 

delay! Show times: 10.15am-11.15am; 

11.45am-12.45pm; 1.30pm-2.30pm; 3pm- 

4pm. Cost: £4.50 per child. 


If You Go Down To The Woods Today 

Moseley Old Hall WV10 7HY 


11:00am-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 

18 Mar 

Still Life 


barber.org.uk 

11:00am-12:30pm Create a vibrant still life 

painting of colourful fruit. Create bold brush 

strokes; Learn to mix colours. Age 4-8 years. 

1.30pm - 3pm for aged 8 - 12 yrs. Tickets £6. 

T: 0121 414 4414 

21 Mar 

Baby Birds Parent and Toddler group 

RSPB Sandwell Valley Nature Reserve 

B43 5AG 


10am-12pm Go out on to the reserve, 

whatever the weather. The group aims to 

involve and encourage children to take an 

interest in nature and the environment 

through a mixture of outdoor and indoor 

activities and crafts. 

25 Mar 

Craft Club FREE EVENT 

Dudley Library DY1 1HR 


10:30am-11:30am Come and join in craft 

activities. Suitable for children 5-12 years 

old. T: 01384 812 885 

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www.primarytimes.co.uk/birmingham | FEBRUARY Issue 2018 Primary Times 11 

3-NSC-OperationEarth-PrimaryTimes-2018-1-OUTLINED.indd 1 11/01/2018 16:02

BOX OFFICE 

BoxOffice 

your family theatre guide... 

Arena Theatre WV1 1SE 

www.wlv.ac.uk/arena-theatre 

10 Feb 

Red Riding Hood and the Wolf 

11am and 1.30pm Enjoy a new spin on this classic 

story – about two misfits who just want to fit in. 

23 – 25 Feb 

Joseph and The Amazing Technicolor 

Dreamcoat 

Starcross Youth Theatre’s production of this smash 

hit musical 

Birmingham Hippodrome 

Theatre B5 4TB 

www.birminghamhippodrome.com 

6 – 10 Feb 

Matthew Bourne’s Cinderella 

Matthew Bourne’s interpretation of the classic fairy 

tale has, at its heart, a true war-time romance. 

A chance meeting results in a magical night for 

Cinderella and her dashing young RAF pilot, 

together just long enough to fall in love before 

being parted by the horrors of the Blitz. Suitable 

for 5+ no under 3’s admitted. Tickets from £19.50. 

T: 0844 338 5000 

13 – 24 Feb 

Birmingham Royal Ballet - The Sleeping 

Beauty 

The curse of a wicked fairy, one touch of a 

spindle, and a beautiful princess falls into a 

deep, enchanted sleep which can only be broken 

by a kiss from a prince. The Sleeping Beauty is 

transformed into one of the grandest ballets ever 

created, with a classical score by Tchaikovsky and 

original choreography by Marius Petipa. Enter the 

opulent world of Imperial Russian ballet, with 

its marvellous mixture of virtuoso dance, fairy 

tale characters and dazzling spectacle that has 

delighted audiences for over a hundred years. 

With live music from the acclaimed Royal Ballet 

Sinfonia, The Sleeping Beauty is an enchanting 

experience for all the family. Suitable for 5+ no 

under 3’s admitted. Price from £16. T: 0844 338 

5000. Relaxed performance 20th Feb at 2pm. 

16 Feb 

First Steps, A Child’s Sleeping Beauty 

1:00pm An hour-long, interactive show, specially 

adapted for children aged 3+, features ballet 

excerpts from The Sleeping Beauty, performed by 

Birmingham Royal Ballet’s amazing dancers and 

orchestra. Tickets £12.50. T: 0844 338 5000 

Birmingham Repertory 

Theatre B1 2EP 

www.birmingham-rep.co.uk 

until 10 Feb 

Penguins 

A unique and engaging show for children about 

friendship, fun, identity and the ever-changing 

meaning of family. 

CBSO Centre B1 2LF 

www.thsh.co.uk 

9 – 10 Mar 

Notelets: Magical Mysteries 

Once upon a time… We’re telling stories at CBSO 

Centre: fantastic stories! And that means fairies, 

giants, dragons and lots and lots of musical magic. 

Performed by our unique mini-version of the CBSO, 

this concert is specially devised for the youngest 

members of the family. It’s full of opportunities to 

wriggle, sing and dance along. So if you’re sitting 

comfortably…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. Group of 4: £27. 

Babies under 9 months old do not require a ticket. 

T: 0121 780 3333. 

The Core Theatre B91 3RG 

thecoretheatresolihull.co.uk 

7 – 10 Feb 

Stories to Stage by Dubarrie School of 

Dance 

A collection of favourite storybooks brought to life 

through music, song and dance. The music in this 

production has been inspired by stories written 

over many generations including Beauty and The 

Beast, Beatrix Potter, Matilda, Bridget Jones and 

many more! Presented by a talented cast of all 

ages. Running time: 120 - 130 minutes (including 

20 min interval). Tickets: £11 - £14 (£12.50 for 

children on Friday and Saturday performances). 

T: 0121 704 6962 

9 – 10 Feb 

Sleeping Beauty Goes Back To The Future 

A traditional pantomime with an unusual twist. 

This show takes audiences through a cornucopia 

of time in the tardis... rock’n’roll, flower-power, 

the roarding twenties and even back to the 

elegant 18th Century. Meeting eccentric fairies 

and characters including Fairy Liquid, Dr. What and 

a Highwayman! No panto is complete without a 

king and queen or prince and princess... a high 

energy show in the smaller scale Studio suitable for 

families aged 3+ written by Jackie Staite. Includes 

modern day songs as well as older traditional 

songs. Tickets £12 Adult, £10 child. 

T: 0121 704 6962 

19 – 20 Feb 

Dear Zoo 

11:00am and 2:00pm Join Ben…and his friend 

Sally…as they wait to see what the Zoo will send 

when they get Ben’s letter asking for a pet. All 

kinds of familiar animals big and small arrive… 

but will they make a good pet? Well…..wait and 

see! This production will delight all those who have 

read the book (both young and old) as it unfolds 

with child-engaging puppets, music and lots of 

audience interaction. Dear Zoo, by author and 

illustrator Rod Campbell has delighted generations 

of young readers since it was first published in 

1982, and has sold more than 8 million copies 

worldwide. The play is for children aged 2 years 

and upwards. A wonderful introduction to the 

stage and live theatre for young children aged 2-7 

and their families. Tickets: £14 (Family ticket 2+2 

at £50). T: 0121 704 6962 

23 Feb 

Sing-a-Long-a Beauty and The Beast 

2:00pm and 7:00pm Sing-a-Long-a Beauty and 

the Beast is a screening of the hit 2017 film with 

lyrics on screen, not a live stage show. There is a 

host who does a 20 minute pre-show prior to the 

film and returns after the interval but is not on 

stage during the movie. YOU, the audience are the 

stars in a fun-packed interactive celebration of this 

fabulous new Disney film! The show has all the 

elements of a sing-a-long-a spectacular audiences 

all over the world have come to love: the pre-show 

warm-up and fancy dress competition - free prop 

bags for the ‘Magic Moments’ and of course your 

favourite lyrics on the Big Screen. Fancy dress is 

encouraged, and those who make the effort will be 

recognised. Tickets: £15 Adult; £10 child. 

T: 0121 704 6962 

The Crescent Theatre B16 8AE 

www.crescent-theatre.co.uk 

10 Feb 

Robbie’s Supersonic Rocket - The Musical 

3pm and 7pm This exhilarating, colourful and 

high-energy musical , is ideally suited for children 

between the ages of 3 to 11 years 

Halesowen Cornbow Hall 

B63 3AT 

www.boroughhalls.co.uk 

23 Feb 

Cartoon Circus Live 

1.30pm Combines the comedy of pantomime with 

the thrill of the circus! Featuring some of Britain’s 

funniest clowns, traditional slapstick comedy, 

magic, illusions, balancing, high flying diabolos, 

cartoon characters, plate spinning, an acrobatic 

human slinky, puppets, prizes and surprises. 

mac birmingham B12 9QH 

www.macbirmingham.co.uk 

11 Feb 

Red Earth Theatre: Mirror Mirror 

2:00pm When Snow White is offered a juicy red 

apple, by a kind old lady, she is sorely tempted. 

On the other hand, how does she know it’s not 

poisoned? She’s nearly been poisoned twice this 

week already and it’s not pleasant. Join Snow 

White, as guests at her wedding, and the whole 

story – magic mirror, wicked stepmother, seven 

dwarfs and all – will be revealed. A mischievous 

take on the ever-popular Snow White, beloved by 

generations of children, Red Earth’s new version 

of this timeless tale combines beautiful puppets, 

captivating storytelling and mesmerising sign 

language. Ages 5+.Tickets £10. T: 0121 446 3232 

12 Feb 

Splendid Productions: Metamorphosis 

4:30pm and 7:00pm Are you normal? Gregor 

Samsa is. He has a nice normal job and a nice 

normal family and lives in a nice normal house 

with normal wishes and normal dreams and a 

nice normal future to look forward to. That is until 

the day he wakes to discover he has turned into a 

giant insect. In a new creative adaptation, Splendid 

Productions get their scrabbly little insect legs on 

Franz Kafka’s chilling story of dislocation, mutation 

and isolation and transform it into a slithering, 

creeping, wriggling, delightful, comical, tragical, 

musical, physical theatrical adventure for everyone 

who has woken up wondering: has the world 

changed, or is it just me? Ages 12+. Tickets Adult 

£12, Child £10. T: 0121 446 3232. 

20 Feb 

Nick Sharratt Big Draw Along 

2:00pm Nick Sharrat is the UK’s leading children’s 

illustrator as well as being Jaqueline Wilson’s artist 

of choice he is also an author in his own right. 

This is a chance to have a hands on drawing class 

with Nick, meet the author on stage participation 

as well as drawing with your friends and family 

in your seats. Opportunities for book signing and 

purchases after the show. Tickets £12. 

T: 0121 446 3232. 

21 – 22 Feb 

Oddsocks: The Wizard of Oz 

The ‘irresistibly anarchic’ Oddsocks Productions 

are bringing another classic adventure to life with 

a hearty dollop of their trademark comedy: new 

songs, familiar faces and laughs aplenty Age 7+. 

Tickets £15. T: 0121 446 3232 

21 – 25 Feb 

Little Angel Theatre: Little Red Riding 

Hood 

Here is Where our story starts: A gentle wolf with 

a broken heart… You may think you know the 

story of Red Riding Hood, but there are two sides to 

every story - so let’s hear it from the wolf himself! 

Here’s the story you’ve never heard of a kind and 

hungry wolf who strayed from the path and lost his 

friends. This wolf isn’t big or even bad, in fact, he’s 

rather shy. He won’t gobble up your grandma or 

tell you lies. He’s polite and very gentle, he’s an allround 

nice guy. So before you make up your mind 

about this wolf you think you know so well, enjoy a 

whole new spin on this fairy tale and remember to 

never judge anyone by how they look. Tickets Adult 

£10, Child £8. T: 0121 446 3232. 

Little Red Riding Hood 

25 Feb 

Morgan & West: More Magic For Kids! 

11:00am and 2:00pm Time-travelling magicians 

Morgan & West return to the stage with a 

marvellous magic show full of crazy capers for the 

young, old, and everyone in-between! Expect the 

unexpected, believe the unbelievable, but do not 

dare miss the unmissable Morgan & West! Morgan 

& West have fooled Penn & Teller (Fool Us ITV 1), 

competed to be the Next Great Magician (ITV 

1), and even attempted to escape The Slammer 

(CBBC). Might Mr Morgan manage a whole trick 

without his partner complaining? Will Mr West ever 

accept children as real people too? Can everyone’s 

favourite duo of deception finally find fame, 

fortune, and a box of fondant fancies? Tickets Adult 

£10, Child £8. T: 0121 446 3232. 

New Alexandra Theatre B5 4DS 

www.atgtickets.com 

14 – 25 Feb 

Shrek The Musical 

Based on the story and characters from the 

Oscar®-winning DreamWorks Animation film, this 

hilarious and spectacular production turns the 

world of fairytales upside down in an all-singing, 

all-dancing, must-see musical comedy. Join Shrek, 

(Steffan Harri) and his loyal steed Donkey as they 

set off on a quest to rescue the beautiful Princess 

Fiona (Laura Main) from her tower, guarded by a 

fire breathing love-sick dragon. Add the vertically 

challenged Lord Farquaad, a gang of fairytale 

12 


misfits, and a biscuit with attitude, and you’ve 

got an irresistible mix of adventure, laughter and 

romance, guaranteed to delight audiences of all 

ages! Tickets from £17.50. T: 0844 871 7615 

4 Mar 

Sing-a-Long Sound of Music 

07:00 PM Sing-a-Long-a Sound of Music is a 

screening of the classic Julie Andrews film musical 

in glorious, full-screen Technicolor, complete with 

lyric subtitles so that the whole audience can sing 

along. Tickets £15 plus booking fee but no fee for 

members. T: 0844 871 7615 

CBSO Youth Orchestra: Mahler’s Sixth 


Cirque Berserk! 

Showcasing the finest in traditional circus thrills 

and skills, Cirque Berserk! celebrates the 250th 

anniversary of the invention of Circus by bringing 

this treasured form of live entertainment bang 

up-to-date in a jaw-dropping spectacular created 

especially for the theatre. Combining contemporary 

cirque-style artistry with adrenaline-fuelled stunt 

action, this astoundingly talented international 

troupe includes over thirty jugglers, acrobats, 

aerialists, dancers, drummers and daredevil 

stuntmen. Featuring the world’s most hair-raising 

circus act - the legendary motorcycle ‘Globe of 

Death’. Don’t miss it! Tickets from £15. T: 0844 

871 7615 

The Old Rep Theatre B5 4DY 

www.oldreptheatre.co.uk 

19 Feb 

Crafty’s Creepy Castle 

1:30 PM Why has Crafty the Crow gone to live in a 

haunted castle? Can Sally the Scarecrow help with 

its ghostly goings-on? And why is Pirate Harry 

making things go bump in the night? Crafty’s 

Creepy Castle is a family show particularly suitable 

for 2-7 year olds, followed by a meet, greet and 

treat with Crafty the Crow himself – including a 

free present for every child! Tickets £10. Booking 

essential T: 0121 359 9444 

22 Feb 

Leaping Frog 

11:00am and 2:30pm This puppet adventure 

follows the journey of GOGGLES – a jaunty 

woodfrog who leaps unsuspectingly from Little 

Pond into Big Pond. A charismatic and visual show 

directed by Samuel Dutton, with live music and 

percussion from Chris Embury and storytelling 

and puppets by Julia Dunbar Mclean. Leaping 

Frog takes children In a natural history journey in 

a series of tantalising visual scenes. Tickets £10 

standard, £12 show and workshop. 

T: 0121 359 9444 

23 Feb 

The Jungle Book 

2:00pm and 5:00pm Filled with catchy music, 

laugh-out-loud script, audience interaction, and a 

chance to meet the characters after the show, you 

are invited to join Mowgli and his friends Baloo 

the Bear and Bagheera the panther on a madcap 

adventure in the jungle as they meet and attempt 

to outwit a slithering snake, some cheeky monkeys 

and a fierce tiger, Shere Khan! Funny, exciting and 

wildly entertaining, this larger-than-life musical 

promises to be the perfect treat for families of all 

ages! Tickets £12. T: 0121 359 9444 

artist crushed by three “hammer blows”. Soon 

afterwards, three devastating blows reduced 

Mahler’s own life to ruins. Coincidence? What’s 

certain is that everything about this huge, 

emotionally-charged masterpiece is larger-thanlife 

– so the energy and commitment of the CBSO 

Youth Orchestra will fit it like a glove. If you’ve 

heard them play Mahler before, you won’t want to 

miss this. Tickets £23. T: 0121 780 3333 

18 Mar 

Debussy: Children’s Corner 

2:00pm Debussy loved children, and he wrote 

some of his loveliest and most fantastical music 

specially to entertain them. In this concert for all 

the family, Mirga Gražinytė-Tyla, Catherine Arlidge 

and the whole CBSO show how he used music to 

tell wonderful stories. You’ll hear incredible sounds, 

and see some beautiful pictures too. In fact, it’ll be 

a treat whatever your age – as long as you’re ready 

to use your imagination! FREE craft activities in 

the foyer from 1pm. Concert is 1 hour long with no 

interval. Tickets £12. 

T: 0121 780 3333. 

Birmingham Town Hall B3 3DQ 


17 Mar 

I Believe In Unicorns 

11:30 AM This intimate show is set in a library 

full of books that hold more than stories within 

their pages. It is a tale of the power of books, and 

the bravery of a young boy called Tomas. Tomas 

hates reading and school, but his world is turned 

upside down the day he meets the Unicorn Lady 

in his local library... An enchanting and interactive 

production, I Believe in Unicorns, which won 

an Argus Angel Award for Artistic Excellence at 

Brighton Festival. There is a book swap, which 

is integral to the show. Audience members are 

invited to bring along a favourite children’s book to 

form part of the set and then to swap it at the end 

for another book. (This is not obligatory and we do 

have extra books for those who cannot bring one 

with them). A Family Show but not suitable for 

under 6‘s but for everyone else who loves stories. 

Tickets £9.50. T: 0121 780 3333 

Town Hall Sutton Coldfield 

B73 6AB 

www.townhallsuttoncoldfield.co.uk 

6 – 10 Feb 

Ali Baba and the Forty Thieves 

This traditional panto promises slapstick comedy 

and all round family fun plus the magical Arabianthemed 

ultra-violet scene 

© Disney 

Stourbridge Town Hall DY8 1YE 

www.boroughhalls.co.uk 

21 Feb 

High Jinx - Magic & Illusion Show 

2pm A fast-paced show bringing together a 

stunning combination of magic, escapology and 

circus tricks 

Symphony Hall B1 2EA 


25 Feb 

CBSO Youth Orchestra: Mahler’s Sixth 

7:00 PM Mahler’s Sixth Symphony portrays an 

19 – 25 Feb 

Peter Pan 

Enjoy a trip to Neverland and meet Peter Pan, 

Tinker Belle, Wendy, Captain Hook and of course, 

Croc! 

Wolverhampton Grand Theatre 

WV1 1DE 

www.grandtheatre.co.uk 

6 – 24 Feb 

Mamma Mia 

Set on a Greek island paradise, a story of love, 

friendship and identity is cleverly told through the 

timeless songs of ABBA 

© Disney, © Disney/Pixar. 

18th – 29th 

October 2017 

0844 338 8000 * or 

0844 28th 847 March 2255 – * 

1st April 2018 

*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. 


PINBOARD 

Pinboard 

“Explore Learning is 

what I call education in 

heaven” 

We’re proud to share our member’s experience at 

Explore Learning over his 4 years at one of our maths 

and English tuition centres in Urmston, here is Aysin’s 

journey… 

“Explore Learning is what I call education in heaven. 

The best place to learn new things and improve on 

things you already know. Similarly, school is the same 

but the only difference is Explore Learning helps you 

learn and perfect what you have learned in school. 

The staff are kind and do their job extremely well. They 

are honestly the most helpful people you can find. I 

would definitely recommend anyone join because it 

is fantastic to come here and everyone who is still in 

school deserves to join too. 

Furthermore, the chemistry between the Explore 

Learning team is excellent. Like a football team they 

work together and I have never seen any signs of 

negativity to one another, or even to members whether 

they are young, old, big or small. 

Explore Learning to me is like a home. A home in 

which you are welcome. Looking into the screens 

seems like my future is getting charged up and getting 

ready for me to explore. Each tutor more helpful than 

Wear A Hat Day 2018 

Please get involved in Wear A Hat Day on Thursday 29th March 2018 (or any 

day in March) to help raise funds for research into brain tumours. 

This devastating disease kills more children and adults under the age of 40 

than any other cancer. Just 1% of the national spend 

on cancer research has been allocated to brain 

tumours. 

During Wear A Hat Day 2017, individuals, 

families, schools and other organisations 

all came together and raised over 

£300,000 to fund our research. 

Together we can reach our target of 

£600,000 – enough to fund a team 

of researchers for a year. 

Register online today: 

www.wearahatday.org. 

Thank you for helping to fund the fight. 

the other. I feel that a part of me has attached here. 

This place always had a calm atmosphere and makes 

me happier than ever. 

The work I do puts me closer and closer to my goals. 

Explore Learning can definitely help you achieve 

things you may have thought was unachievable. Ever 

since then I knew nothing is impossible and believe 

to always have limits to be limitless. When I grow up, 

and so do my fellow peers in this centre, we will look 

back to what a lovely past I have had and know that 

Explore Learning was indeed one of the best things 

that possibly could have happened.” 

We’re 100% confident you’ll love it too so why not 

see for yourself? Call 033 0124 3801 to book your 

free trial one of your local centres. Alternatively visit 

explorelearning.co.uk. 

Your Birthday Party Package: 

Packages are available for children 5-14 (if 

you are looking for a grown-up party, check 

out our venue hire.) 

Our children’s party packages include: 

• A reserved and decorated party lunch 

space 

• Choice of hot or cold food menus 

• Entry to the Centre for all the children 

• Upgrade to party packs 

• Free adult ticket per 5 children (further 

adult tickets at discounted price) 

• Bring your own cake, we provide a knife 

and plates 

• FREE party invite download 

Chris Evans launches the BBC Radio 

2 Breakfast Show 500 Words shortstory 

writing competition for children 

aged between 5-13 years of age. 

He revealed that this year’s live final will take place on Friday 8 June 

from the stage of the Hampton Court Palace Festival in the stunning 

surroundings of the Tudor palace. The competition is now open and 

the closing date for entries is 7pm on Thursday 22 February. 

Her Royal Highness The Duchess of Cornwall returns as 

Honorary Judge for the competition, and to mark its launch features 

in a very special animation where HRH is seen flying over the UK in 

Chitty Chitty Bang Bang with Chris Evans behind the wheel! HRH first 

supported 500 Words in 2015 and has been an Honorary Judge since 

2016. 

For more information or to enter visit www.bbc.co.uk 

Stunning new pathways guide visitors throughout 

Stratford Butterfly Farm! 

Stratford-upon-Avon Butterfly Farm are delighted to unveil its new stunning pathways. 

Designed by artist Madeline Smith who illustrated the Farm's garden mural and 

Explorers Guide, the smooth level surfaces guide visitors throughout the Flight Area. 

Inspired by tropical rainforests, the new pathways are bright and colourful, 

incorporating tropical leaf prints and animal footprints. The animal & bird footprints 

are all native to the rainforests of the Americas and feature a Jaguar, Tapir, Squirrel 

Monkey, Parrot, Caiman Crocodile and Chachalaca bird. 

As well as providing a colourful and interesting set of pathways throughout the Farm, 

the paths are also much easier for disabled access and visitors with prams and 

buggies. 

In the Discovery Zone children and adults can take part in 

twice daily Mini-Beast handling sessions with one of our 

friendly team members and hold creatures such as a giant 

African millipede, African land snail and a variety of stick 

insects. 

The Minibeast Metropolis is teeming with life and is home 

to an amazing leafcutter ant colony, one of the largest on 

display in the UK. Watch in fascination as the ants take 

leaves back to their nest along overhead ropes. 

There’s something for all the family this February half 

term 

14 


Film Preview 

Guide 

COMPETITIONS 

Disney Pixar’s Coco 

Coco is about a 12-year-old boy with big dreams. Miguel is an aspiring singer and 

self-taught guitarist who dreams of following in the footsteps of his idol, Ernesto de la 

Cruz, the most famous musician in the history of Mexico. However, Miguel’s family 

forbids music. When Miguel unearths 

a secret from his family’s past—a 

connection to Ernesto de la Cruz, he 

rushes to share the news with his 

family, thinking it will clear the way for 

him to be a musician. To his surprise, 

it only makes matters worse. 

As events unfold on Mexico’s ‘Day of 

the Dead’, Miguel is forced to team 

up with a scrappy, streetwise skeleton 

named Héctor and they set out to find Ernesto de la Cruz, who they believe holds the 

key to Miguel’s baffling and decidedly unmusical family history. 

Disney Pixar’s Coco is in cinemas now. 

Photo credit: 2017 Disney.Pixar 

Early Man 

Early Man is the new prehistoric comedy adventure from director Nick Park 

and Aardman, the creators of Wallace and Gromit and Shaun the Sheep. Shot in 

Aardman’s own distinctive style, the fi lm will take audiences on an extraordinary 

journey into an exciting new world 

unleashing an unforgettable tribe of 

unique and funny new characters. 

Set at the dawn of time, when 

prehistoric creatures roamed the Earth, 

Early Man tells the story of courageous 

caveman hero Dug, voiced by Eddie 

Redmayne, and his best friend Hognob 

as they unite his tribe against a mighty 

enemy, Lord Nooth and his Bronze 

Age City, to save their home. 

Leading Dug’s tribe of lovable misfi ts is Chief 

Bobnar who is joined by Treebor, Magma, Asbo, Barry, Gravelle, Eemak and 

Grubup. Maisie Williams voices Goona, the gallant rebel who befriends Dug 

and helps the tribe in their battle to beat the Bronze Age. Also joining the stellar 

cast is Rob Brydon, who voices the Message Bird - an ingenious Bronze Age 

communication device. Catch Early Man in cinemas now. 

Tad the Lost Explorer and the 

Secret of King Midas 

After Sara Lavroff discovers one of the three gold rings from King Midas’ 

necklace, proving that this ruler who turned everything he touched into 

gold really did exist, Tadeo, the most awkward 

explorer, travels to Las Vegas to join his friend at 

the exhibition where this incredible archaeological 

discovery will be revealed for the first time ever. 

Tadeo and Sara’s happy reunion turns sour when 

villain, Jack Rackham, and his crew of bandits steal 

the jewel and kidnap the young archaeologist, 

knowing full well that whoever puts the three rings 

from King Midas’ necklace back together again will 

inherit his power and immense wealth. 

Tadeo will have to be clever in order to save Sara 

and destroy Rackham’s wicked plans. His travels 

will take him halfway around the world, through 

Spain, Greece and Turkey, alongside his friends the 

Mummy, Belzoni the parrot, his dog Jeff and the latest cast of characters to join 

the adventure. Tad the Lost Explorer will be in cinemas from 9 February. 

WIN WIN WIN WIN WIN WIN WIN 

To be in with a chance of winning Jungle Bunch goodies including 

Jungle Bunch badges, t-shirts, a safari hat, binoculars and the DVD 

send an email to competitions@primarytimes.biz with ‘Jungle Bunch’ 

as the subject by Friday 2 March. Don’t forget to include your 

name, age, address, school and contact telephone number. 

Win a family ticket for four to the Opening 

Night of Disney On Ice 

presents Worlds of Enchantment at 6.30pm on Wednesday 

28 March 2018 at Genting Arena, Birmingham. 

Rev up for non-stop fun with four of your favourite Disney stories at 

Disney On Ice presents Worlds of Enchantment. 

Be thrilled by high-speed stunts as the crew of Disney/Pixar’s Cars race 

across the ice. Dive into The Little Mermaid’s undersea kingdom and catch 

up with the Toy Story gang as they escape Sunnyside Daycare! Enter the 

wintry world of Disney’s Frozen with sisters Anna and Elsa and pals Olaf 

and Kristoff. Plus, warm up at the Fit to Dance pre-show party! 

From wheels to waves, icy wonderlands to infinity and beyond, your 

family’s favourite Disney moments come to life at Disney On Ice presents 

Worlds of Enchantment. 

For a chance to win a family ticket for four to the Opening Night of Disney 

On Ice presents Worlds of Enchantment at 6.30pm on Wednesday 28 March 

2018 at Genting Arena, Birmingham, simply answer the question below: 

In Disney/Pixar’s Cars, what is the road that Lightning McQueen 

finds himself lost on when he stumbles upon Radiator Springs? 

• Closing date 12 March 2018 

a) Route 33 b) Route 66 c) Route 99 

To enter this fantastic competition and for terms and conditions please go to 

www.primarytimes.co.uk/birmingham/competitions 


16

BBC February 18

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