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Festive 

Fun! 

with Birmigham Community Leisure 

Xmas Pool Parties 

Xmas Roller Disco 

Xmas Themed Softplay 

Splash Sessions 

Xmas Party Days 

Meet Santa Claus 

+ Much more! 

Activities vary between sites, please visit 

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2 

Primary Times WINTER 2018 | www.primarytimes.co.uk/birmingham

Welcome to the winter issue of Primary Times! With Christmas and 

other festivals right around the corner, it’s a wonderful time of year 

full of celebrations and joy for the whole family. There are so many 

festive activities and events in the forthcoming weeks, there’s sure 

to be something for everyone. Many of these listed events are free 

or easily affordable, which can be especially helpful at this time of 

year! 

There are lots of opportunities to meet Santa before he travels the 

world on Christmas Eve, so make sure you check out our What’s on 

Where pages to see where he’ll be, so you don’t miss him! 

Plus, the holidays wouldn’t be complete without a pantomime 

or seasonal show! Our Box Office pages are filled with brilliant 

performances; check to see what’s on local to you. 

From everyone here at Primary Times, we wish you happy holidays 

and a fantastic start to the New Year. 

With very best wishes, 

4 Whats On Where 

12 Box Office 

15 I'm Dreaming Of A Green 

Christmas 

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! 

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Contact: Vanessa Allan vanessa.allan@primarytimes.co.uk.co.uk 

Design: Stuart Cameron 

Primary Times is independently published and distributed free through national primary schools in 

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contents 

ADVENTURE. ANIMALS. ACTION. 

Book online early 

for great savings 

24th November – 24th December 2018 

Timed entry and 

minimal queues 

Fantastic all day 

family entertainment 

programme 

A Truly Magical Experience 

hattonworld.com 

19766A 11/18 

www.primarytimes.co.uk/birmingham | WINTER 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 

26 Nov – 2 Dec 

Christmas at Coughton 2018 

Coughton Court B49 5JA 

www.nationaltrust.org.uk 

Festive shopping in the Coach House Shop, 

the house decorated for a traditional 

Christmas, delicious seasonal food 

in the cafe, and at weekends 

a Christmas Market in the 

Stableyard which is included 

in the normal admission price. 

Pre-bookable timed tickets for 

the house at weekends will be 

available via the website. 

26 Nov – 6 Jan 

Christmas Tree Festival 

Red House Glass Cone DY8 4AZ 

www.dudley.gov.uk 

A free community festival displaying trees 

decorated by local schools, charities and 

organisations. 

26 Nov – 27 Jan 

Ice Skate Birmingham 

Central Birmingham 

www.iceskatebirmingham.co.uk 

Ice Skate Birmingham welcomes school 

groups and families with children of all 

ages. We have penguin skating aids to hold 

while skating – perfect for little beginners! 

Full details online. 

27 Nov – 28 Nov 

Candlelight Coughton 2018 



Enjoy a traditional three-course 

Christmas meal in Coughton’s 

Kitchen Café and experience 

the house decorated for 

the Throckmorton family’s 

Christmas before their 

celebrations start. 

27 Nov – 24 Dec 

Rhyme and Sign 

Kings Heath Park House B14 7TQ 

www.birmingham.gov.uk 

Have fun learning some simple and useful 

signs with other moms, dads and tots. 

Come and sing and sign nursery rhyme 

songs, shake shakers and explore other 

percussion instruments, pop bubbles and 

have fun learning some simple and useful 

signs with other moms, dads and tots at 

the lovely Cartlands tearooms in Kings 

Heath Park. Runs on Tuesdays. 

27 Nov – 5 Jan 

Christmas Holiday Workshops 

Birmingham Hippodrome B5 4TB 

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. 

www.birminghamhippodrome.com 

Join us for free and festive workshops over 

the school holidays, all inspired by our 

spectacular panto, Peter Pan. Take a look at 

what we have on offer below – all sessions 

are free, but please book in advance. 

27 Nov – Ongoing 

Code Club 

Library of Birmingham B1 2ND 


Would you like to learn how 

to make your own computer 

games? Do you have a favourite 

computer game? At Code Club you can 

learn how to make cool games, animations 

and websites too! Suitable for ages 8-12. 

StoryTots 

Stirchley Library B30 2JT 


Preschool session full of stories and 

rhymes. Stories and rhymes for under 5s 

and their parents/carers. Open to everyone, 

no booking, just come along. Don’t be 

afraid to turn up late. 

Rhythm and Rhyme 

Thimblemill Road B67 5RJ 

www.sandwell.gov.uk 

Music and fun for little ones. 

Stay and Play for under 5s 

Birchfield Library B6 6AH 


Rhymes and Stories for under 5s. Parents, 

carers and children under 5 come 

and have fun at our drop in 

sessions at the library. Stories, 

singing rhymes and fun 

activities. 

28 Nov – 19 Dec 

Pre-School Story Sessions 

Harborne Library B17 9QG 


Come along for stories and crafting fun! 

Every Wednesday afternoon term-time 

only. Come along to hear lots of stories 

and take part in a simple craft or colouring 

activity. Pre-schoolers aged 3-5. Free, no 

booking necessary. 

BMAG Babies 

Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery B3 

3DH 

www.birminghammuseums.org.uk 

Join us for our regular on gallery early years 

stay and play session. Creative, interactive 

and sensory play and fun with colours, 

textures and sounds. Designed for babies 

and toddlers aged 6 months to 3 years to 

play and interact with a parent or caregiver. 

Baby Birds - Parent and Toddler 

group 2018 

RSPB Sandwell Valley Nature Reserve, 

B43 5AG 

www.rspb.org.uk 

Baby Birds is a weekly parent and toddler 

group - come along and meet other parents 

who love to have fun outside with their 

children. Each session we go out on to the 

reserve, whatever the weather. Our 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. 


Story Hour 

Thimblemill Library B67 5RJ 


Story hour for 0-3 year olds. 


Pre-School Theatre Fun 

Birmingham Hippodrome B5 4TB 


Creating new drama activities for 

young children – with a little help from 

the grown-ups! We will unlock their 

imagination using movement, mime, and 

storytelling, and discover a whole new 

world of play. These classes will teach your 

little ones to improvise, imagine, listen, 

build their confidence and, of course, have 

fun! This session is run by David Eden. 

Suitable for ages 2-4. 

29 Nov – 31 Jan 

Little Grown ups 

Bilston Gallery WV14 7LU 

www.wolverhamptonart.org.uk 

New! Sessions for Babies and Toddlers 

aged 0-7 years at Bilston Gallery. Little 

grown-ups provide families with babies 

and toddlers the freedom and space to 

enjoy playing and pretending they’re all 

grown-up. 

30 Nov – 25 Jan 

Bilston Boddlers: Build, Construct, 

Make, and Play 

Bilston Gallery WV14 7LU 


Bilston Boddlers are fun sessions for 

families with young children, which 

provide babies and toddlers with all kinds 

of imaginative materials and toys to build, 

construct, make and play with. 


Nature Tots 

The Parkridge Centre B91 3HW 

www.warwickshirewildlifetrust.org.uk 

Nature Tots aims to encourage an early 

interest in wildlife. With this in mind, we 

hold activities outdoors, in the natural 

surroundings of our reserve at Brandon 

Marsh. These sessions start with 15 

minutes of fun free play and everyone is 

here we head outside to get stuck in with 

some wonderful activites based on that 

weeks theme, before returning to the 

centre to make an amazing craft you can 

take home. 

1 Dec 

West Bromwich Town Christmas 

Light Switch-On 

Farley Fountain, High Street B70 6JJ 


West Bromwich Town BID are proud to 

announce that Cutkelvins (Xfactor 2017) 

will be switching on our christmas lights 

this year. Other acts for the evening 

include Katy Ashworth from Cbeebies’ “I 

Can Cook”, Jo and Ed from Free Radio, local 

junior schools singing Christmas carols, the 

Sandwell College music department for 

their Royalz Academy Dance. 

1 Dec – 2 Dec 

Christmas at Coughton 



Enjoy your visit your way at Coughton Court 

this Christmas. Weekend timed tickets for 

the house are now available online on a 

first come first served basis. 

Festive Local Makers Market 

The New Art Gallery Walsall WS2 8LG 

www.thenewartgallerywalsall.org.uk 

Celebrating the wealth of talent in the 

region and offering Christmas shoppers the 

chance to buy local bespoke and handmade 

products. 

Christmas Swags Swing 

Moseley Old Hall WV10 7HY 


Join in with our Christmas preparations 

- we have to make 14 huge swags to 

decorate our house and buildings. Come 

and see the work in progress and lend a 

hand if you can! 


Santa’s Grotto 

Dudley Zoological Gardens DY1 4QF 

www.dudleyzoo.org.uk 

Our Winter Wonderland package, which 

runs from December 1 to Christmas Eve, 

includes a visit to see Santa in his grotto 

set within the walls of 11th century Dudley 

Castle. After receiving a special gift from 

Santa it’s off to see Santa’s Reindeer as they 

prepare for their busiest night of the year 

before taking a walk around the site. 



Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery B3 

3DH 


Make your museum visit extra special by 

popping along to our festive family grotto 

this Christmas. Based in the heart of the 

museum, our glittering grotto will get 

children and families in the festive spirit 

with everything from twinkling lights, piles 

of snow and of course... Santa! Every child 

will receive a gift and a unique memento 

of the occasion with a special printed 

photograph of their visit with Santa. 

Thinktank Elf Hunt 

Thinktank B4 7XG 


The Elves are visiting Thinktank to make 

sure that everyone is behaving themselves 

over the festive period. You are invited to 

help join the Thinktank Elf hunt. Pick up 

a finders sheet at the box office to record 

all the Elves you find as you explore the 

museum! 

Santa Boat Trip 

Dudley Canal and Limestone Mines DY1 

4SB 

www.dudleycanaltrust.org.uk 

Just imagine your children’s faces as 

they visit Santa on a magical illuminated 

journey that truly brings the festive season 

to life with fun and excitement. It’s a 

dramatically different way to get into the 

festive spirit. There’ll be music, our famous 

funny family show and, of course, gifts for 

all the children. 

4 


DUDLEY 

ZOO 

DEC 1 - DEC 24 

Whatever place you’re into 

Visit Santa’s Grotto in our 

MAGICAL 

Winter 

Wonderland 

For bookings please book online at 

dudleyzoo.org.uk 

or call 

01384 215306 

CHRISTMAS 

AT NEW SQUARE 

SANTA’S GROTTO 

1ST – 24TH DEC 

See website for individual opening times 

REINDEERS 

15TH DEC 11AM – 3PM 

NATIVITY ANIMAL FARM 

16TH DEC 11AM – 3PM 

in association with the BID 

“Learning to swim.” 

Swimming lesson spaces 

available for all abilities 

Parent and baby, pre-school, junior and adult lessons 

Contact your local centre to find out more 

and to book 

West Bromwich Leisure Centre 

0121 580 6430 

Wolverhampton Swimming and 

Fitness Centre 

01902 384 777 

Harborne Pool and Fitness Centre 

0121 428 6820 

Sparkhill Pool and Fitness Centre 

0121 702 0950 

www.placesforpeopleleisure.org 

T’s and C’s. Spaces are 

limited to availability. 




Christmas in the Home 

Black Country Living Museum Trust DY1 

4SQ 

www.bclm.co.uk 

It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas. 

Stroll around 26 acres of shops and houses 

and get a snapshot of Christmas past. From 

Victorian lavishness to wartime Christmas 

on the ration, visitors can enter the homes 

of the past as characters prepare for the big 

day. See online for full details. 

Santa Hunts 


4SQ 


Children and adults alike can join the 

fun-filled search for Santa, alongside the 

Museum’s festive costumed guides, in 

an unforgettable Christmas experience. 

Meeting a series of characters along the 

way, children can solve enchanting clues, 

sprinkle “magic dust” on reindeer shoes and 

even send letters up the chimney to Santa’s 

workshop. Book online. 

Enchanted Christmas Kingdom 

Hatton Adventure World CV35 8XA 

www.hattonworld.com 

A magical christmas experience for the 

whole family every weekend until 24 

December, plus weekdays 17-21 December 

2018. See online for full details. 

1 Dec – Ongoing 

Chess Club at Spring Hill 

Library 

Spring Hill Library B18 7BH 


Chess Club is for children of all ages and 

abilities from beginners to grandmasters, 

all are welcome. 

2 Dec 

Creative Sunday Workshop - 

Fairytale Snowscapes 

The Barber Institute of Fine Arts B15 2TS 

www.barber.org.uk 

Padded Portraits: make a textile cushion 

version of one of the Barber’s portraits. 

Sunday Tour of Soho House 

Soho House B18 5LB 


Take a tour of Matthew Bolton’s house 

and see the rooms where he received his 

eminent guests, including the legendary 

Lunar Society (the leading Enlightenment 

group), as well as the family and servant’s 

rooms which give an intimate insight into 

life in a Georgian family home. 

Christmas Family Day 

Museum Of Cannock Chase WS12 1TD 

www.museumofcannockchase.org 

Our annual Christmas Family Day returns 

with festive fun for everyone. See online 

for full details. 

Christmas Fayre 2018 


B43 5AG 


It’s time for some festive fun at RSPB 

Sandwell! Drop into the visitor centre any 

time between 11am-3pm to make your 

own Christmas crafts! Frosted pine cones, 

woolly sparkle sticks and log fire bundles to 

hang on your Christmas Tree. 


Carols in the Cavern 

Dudley Canal and Limestone Mines DY1 

4SB 

www.dudleycanaltrust.org.uk 

Experience a festive treat like no other, as 

you drift into the underground tunnels 

of Dudley to the sound of traditional 

Christmas carols! Join our live on-board 

choir on the 2, 9 or 16 December for a 

unique tour of the caverns and limestone 

mines guaranteed to get you into the 

seasonal spirit. 


Georgian Christmas Tours 

Soho House B18 5LB 


Join us for special Georgian Christmas tours 

on Wednesdays and Thursdays. See the 

house decorated with festive greenery and 

find out how Boulton and his friends would 

have celebrated the festive season during 

the 18th Century. 

3 Dec 

Makaton Monday 

Shakespeare’s New Place CV37 6EP 

www.shakespeare.org.uk 

The sessions are free and there’s no need to 

pre-book. They suitable for all ages but our 

sessions are tailored for children. Makaton 

is a language programme using signs and 

symbols to help people communicate. 

Today, over 100,000 people use Makaton 

symbols and signs, either as their main 

method of communication or as a way to 

support speech. 


Tudor Christmas at Blakesley 

Blakesley Hall B25 8RN 


Special guided tours of Blakesley Hall 

exploring Christmas in the time of the 

Tudors. Fun Christmas activities are 

included as part of the tour. 


Christmas at home with the 

Edwardians 


4SQ 


Experience an Edwardian style Christmas at 

our sister Museum, The Locksmith’s House, 

in Willenhall. Step back in time and see 

what Christmas was like for the Hodson 

6 


family. Explore their home and meet the 

volunteers and characters who will tell you 

all about life in the Locksmith’s House. Book 

online. 

8 Dec 

Santa Run 

Aston University B4 7ET 

www.acorns.org.uk 

Acorns Santa Run is back and bigger than 

ever in a brand new location! Join us for 

the biggest festive fun run in the city centre 

with your friends, family, colleagues and 

dogs and have a jolly good time raising 

funds for local life limited children and their 

families. 


Wood Lane Community Centre B70 9PT 


Santa’s Grotto Saturday 8 December. Take 

part in some of the activities. See online for 

full details. 

British Sign Language Tours 

Black Country Living Museum Trust DY1 4SQ 


Specialist Tours including British Sign 

Language and Audio Descriptive guides. 

Those on the tour will discover the inspiring 

stories of real people, their homes, work 

and daily lives, so you too can see, taste, 

feel, smell, and join in 300 years of Black 

Country history. Book online. 

Christmas Celebrations 

Museum Of The Jewellery Quarter B18 6HA 


Join us to celebrate Christmas at the 

Museum of the Jewellery Quarter! Enjoy 

costumed guided tours, live music and 

a winter jewellery fair. Buy Christmas 

presents in our shop and get them gift 

wrapped for a small donation to the 

museum! 


Wood Lane Community Centre B70 9PT 


Free entry. Take part in some of the 

activities. Small charge to visit Playbus and 

Grotto, includes small gift. Refreshments 

available. 


Christmas Wassail 2018 



Christmas stories and carols from 

Birmingham Crescent Theatre, mulled 

wine, roaring fire and mince pies are 

included. 


Theatre Tour 

The Old Rep Theatre B5 4DY 

www.oldreptheatre.co.uk 

Indie Kids’ 

Christmas Disco 

As the UK’s first purpose-built repertory 

theatre, The Old Rep occupies a unique 

place on theatre history. This iconic theatre, 

built by Sir Barry Jackson, played a central 

role in the early careers of many of the UK’s 

most celebrated actors and theatre makers. 

Step inside as we reveal a fascinating 

history with our behind the scenes tours, 

brand new for 2018. 


Santa at the Cone 

Red House Glass Cone DY8 4AZ 

www.dudley.gov.uk 

Bring along your little one to meet Santa, 

receive a gift, do a craft and follow our trail. 

Book online. 


Sandwell Swans - Wildlife 

explorers 2018 


B43 5AG 


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. The club’s activities are aimed 

at children aged 8 - 12 and are designed 

so that parents can leave if they wish; 

children under 8 years old are welcome if 

accompanied by an adult throughout the 

meeting. 

Educational Computer 

Games Club 

Birchfield Library B6 6AH 


Computer Games Club - Fun educational 

games. Are you aged 6-12? Do you like 

computers? Can learning be fun? If you 

answered yes to all the questions then 

come along to the Computer Games Club 

at Birchfield Library the 2nd Saturday of 

every month. 

Saturday Children’s Craft Session 

Oldbury Library B69 2AJ 


Join us every Saturday and have fun at our 

family make and take drop in craft sessions. 

Saturday Craft Club 

Smethwick Library B66 3AP 


Join us our our weekly fun-packed craft 

club. Fun for all the family. Materials 

provided and sessions are free. 

Lego Club 

Thimblemill Library B67 5RJ 


Love Lego? Like to create new designs and 

get creative? 

9 Dec 

Creative Sunday Workshop - 

Geometric Wrap 



Geometric patterns: create a striking repeat 

pattern inspired by the shapes found in 

Vuillard’s paintings. 

Indie Kids’ Christmas Disco 

mac birmingham B12 9QH 

www.macbirmingham.co.uk 

For Indie Kids and their kids to rock 

together to tunes that’ll make you want 

to live forever! This daytime disco will 

feature a live DJ and plenty of additional, 

fun activities. Be prepared to get primal 

and scream, dance and rock out at an event 

which promises to be as much fun for 

adults as it will be for the children. 

Adapted from the original by J M Barrie and by arrangement with Great Ormond Street Hospital Children’s Charity and Samuel French Limited 

FROM BRITAIN’S GOT TALENT 

0844 338 5000 

birminghamhippodrome.com 

Calls cost 4.5p per min. plus your phone company’s access charge. 

Magical Lantern Festival 

Birmingham 2018 

23rd Nov 2018 - 1st Jan 2019 

Birmingham Botanical Gardens 

Westbourne Rd, Birmingham B15 3TR 

For 20% discount 

use code NEWS20 

Book tickets on www.magicallanterns.uk 


Bring back the magic 

this Christmas 

8 


Letter to Santa 

Write your letter to Santa at IKEA Birmingham and 

our helpful elves will personally deliver it. Make 

sure to include your IKEA FAMILY number and 

address, so Santa can send a letter back to you. To 

find out more about our in-store festive activities, 

visit IKEA.co.uk/Birmingham. 

Children’s Christmas Gift Ideas 

Our wide range of children’s toys make for great 

Christmas gifts, with everything from soft toys to 

craft supplies. When playtime is over all those 

great toys need great hideaways. Keep everything 

tidy with the help of our toy storage solutions. 

SAGOSKATT for Barnardos 

SAGOSKATT is our extra special collection of toys 

that were designed by kids, for kids, as part of our 

global drawing competition. The range is also 

about kids helping kids too, with 100% of the 

turnover being donated to Barnardos UK & IE. 

THE WONDERFUL EVERYDAY 



Christmas in the Park 

Brueton Park B91 3HA 

www.solihull.gov.uk 

Father Christmas is making a special 

appearance in the park so come and visit 

him in his grotto to receive a small gift! 

Other entertainment includes a festive 

treasure trail and a Christmas craft activity 

at the Parkridge Centre. 


Natural Christmas 

Kingsbury Water Park B76 0DY 

www.warwickshire.gov.uk 

Make a variety of festive decorations from 

natural materials in time to hang on your 

Christmas tree or decorate your house. 

Suitable for anyone who loves Christmas, 

just bring your imagination and a dash of 

creativity. 

10 Dec – 22 Dec 

Christmas Outdoor Cinema 

Mell Square B91 3BG 

www.solihull.gov.uk 

Bring the family and make a day of it at 

the ‘Shoppers Haven’, where we will be 

showing all of your favourite Christmas 

films for 13 days in December. For full list 

of films see online. 

12 Dec 

Baby and Me 



New mums, dads and carers join us in 

our multi-sensory environment, taking 

inspiration from the Gallery’s current 

Exhibitions and with a different theme 

each month. Relax, explore sights, senses, 

smells and meet other new parents/carers. 

12 Dec – 13 Dec 

Festive Tours 

Aston Hall B6 6JD 


Join us for a guided tour during this festive 

season. See how we’ve decked the Hall 

and learn a bit about Christmas in the 

past. The tour lasts approximately an hour 

and a large portion will take place on the 

upper floors which are accessed by stairs. 

13 Dec – 16 Dec 

Christmas in the Courtyard 

Birmingham Back to Backs B5 4TE 


Come and experience Court 15 in all its 

festive glory with traditional Christmas 

activities. As you enjoy warm drinks 

and a mince pie you can sing along with 

Victorian carols, make your own Christmas 

decorations and absorb the atmospheric 

setting of the Back to Backs at Christmas 

time. 

15 Dec 

Christmas Wishes 

Museum Of Cannock Chase WS12 1TD 

www.museumofcannockchase.org 

Poor Mrs Christmas has lost the 

ingredients to her cake and we need your 

help! Your elf guide will lead you on an 

interactive journey around the museum 

site, stopping at the North Pole postroom, 

the Parlour and the Elves Workshop as you 

try to find all of the ingredients. 

Festive Fun Day at the Locksmith’s 

House 

The Locksmith’s House WV13 2DA 


Step back in time and see what Christmas 

was like for the Hodson family at our 

sister Museum, The Locksmith’s House, in 

Willenhall. Book online. 

15 Dec – 16 Dec 

Santa at Blakesley 

Blakesley Hall B25 8RN 


Come along and meet Santa in the 

Great Hall and see Blakesley dressed for 

Christmas! Make a Christmas card to take 

home with you and write a letter to Santa. 

All children receive a small present when 

meeting Santa! 

Meet Father 

Christmas at 

Hall’s Croft 

Meet Father Christmas 

Hall’s Croft CV37 6BG 

www.shakespeare.org.uk 

Father Christmas will chat to the children 

before they are given a personalised 

present. Children can also take part in 

the Christmas biscuit decorating. Father 

Christmas has carefully selected the 

presents which the children receive. Ages 

2-5 and 6-12 are catered for. 

16 Dec 

Creative Sunday Workshop - Festive 

Clay Decorations 



Jingle bell tower: make a miniature Old 

Joe (the University’s famous clock tower), 

complete with its own bell chimes! 

What the Dickens! Christmas at 

Aston Hall 



Aston Hall is being visited by the Ghost 

of Christmas Past! Meet your favourite 

Charles Dicken’s characters, and join in 

the Victorian festivities as we transform 

Aston Hall into the delights and drama of a 

Dickensian Christmas. 

Christmas Shopping 

Market 

Bantock House Museum WV3 9LQ 


A popular annual feature in Bantock’s 

calendar. This event is the perfect 

opportunity to come along and purchase 

stunning and unique wares from the many 

local crafters and enterprises. 

Search for Santa 

Lickey Hills Country Park B45 8ER 


Follow Santa’s trail through Lickey Hills 

park. Each year Santa stops off at the 

Lickey Hills. Follow Santa’s trail through 

the woods to find his grotto and presents. 


Family Film Club 

Smethwick Library B66 3AP 


Modern and classic films for all the family 

to enjoy. Different film every week. Free 

entry. 

17 Dec – 24 Dec 

Christmas Quest 2018 

Moseley Old Hall WV10 7HY 


Come with us on a trip round Kings Walk 

Wood to find the tastes, sights, sounds 

and smells of Christmas in the past. Sing 

a carol by the nativity scene, try hot 

chocolate by the fire and end it all with a 

delicious seasonal treat in the house. 

18 Dec 

Art Start 



Sessions for pre-school children 1 year old 

and upwards with carers. Explore artwork 

in the Gallery and support your child to 

be creative. 

19 Dec – 23 Dec 

Solihull Festive Feast 

Solihull Town Centre 

www.solihullbid.co.uk 

The team behind the Continental Street 

Market will once again be partnering 

with Solihull BID to bring this new 

Festive themed food event. The event will 

feature a range of food and drink options, 

including a mix of international traders as 

well as local producers. Check online for 

confirmed venue. 

21 Dec 

Small Space Santa Special 

The National Space Centre LE4 5NS 

www.spacecentre.co.uk 

Join us for a very special pre-Christmas 

Small Space day, including a visit from a 

very jolly chap en route from the North 

Pole! Combining stories, songs and trails, 

this is a fun and interactive way for 

young children to continue their early 

educational development. 

22 Dec 

Saturday Playdates: Deck the 

Halls 



Come and make your own Christmas 

decorations, to decorate the Gallery’s 

Christmas tree, and your own wrapping 

paper. Free, drop in subject to 

space. 

27 Dec 

Explorer Thursday 


B43 5AG 


Every Thursday in school holidays we will 

be holding our Explorer Nature days. Each 

week there will be doing guided den 

building, campfire cooking and crafts. 

Bring a picnic, and enjoy our natural 

playground across the reserve. 

29 Dec 

Saturday Playdates: New Year 

Calender 



Produce your very own “arty” calender to 

use throughout the coming year ahead. 

Free, drop in subject to space. 

2 Jan 

Fantastic Lego Bricks and Where 

to Find Them 



Conjure up majestic creatures made of 

bricks and join us for a magical adventure 

of your design. Take inspiration from the 

wizarding world, create your creatures 

and design the far off places they come 

from. After enrolling in the School of 

Wizardry, conjure spells and solve riddles 

to progress through a board game style 

adventure! Just be careful where you 

point your wand, or you’ll go home as 

a frog! 

3 Jan 

Costume Making 



Spend the day dressing up and making 

your own costumes - be whatever you 

want to be from the wide range of 

materials on offer. This course is suitable 

for children aged 6 to 11 years. Open to 

all ability levels and children don’t need 

previous experience. Parents are not 

expected to accompany children on these 

courses. 

4 Jan 

Family Pottery 



Explore the world of clay together 

learning all about different handbuilding 

techniques and exciting ways 

to decorate your clay work. This course 

is suitable for children aged 6 to 11 

years accompanied by their parents 

or guardians who are looking for an 

opportunity to enjoy learning together. It 

is open to students of all levels. 

6 Jan 

Open Aston 



Wander around this spectacular grand 

old mansion! Pick up a clipboard and 

pencil and enjoy our children’s trail to 

help families explore the mansion. 

10 


at Birmingham Museum 

& Art Gallery 

Great Gift Ideas 


Saturdays & Sundays 

1, 2, 8, 9, 15, 16, 22, 23 Dec 

ONLY 

£5 

per child – 

includes a gift 

Festive Food 

From 15 Nov 

Funded by: 

Subject Masters 

11+ Tuition 

birminghammuseums.org.uk/whats-on 

Call today for 1 month FREE Trial Session! 

Subject Masters 

11+ TUITION 

07415 917264 

www.subjectmasters.co.uk 

✔ All Staff DBS checked 

✔ Qualified Teachers 

✔ Small class sizes 

✔ High success rate 

Tuition Centres in Solihull and Harborne: 

l Tudor Grange Academy, Solihull, B91 3PD 

l Harborne Academy, Harborne Rd, Birmingham B15 3JL 


BOX OFFICE 

BoxOffice 

your family theatre guide... 

Birmingham Hippodrome 

B5 4TB 


17 Dec – 6 Jan 

Tall Stories: Emily Brown and The Thing 

A magical, musical show for the whole family 

from the company that brought you The 

Snow Dragon last Christmas. Based on the 

much-loved book by Cressida Cowell (author 

of How to Train your Dragon) and Neal 

Layton comes Tall Stories’ highly acclaimed 

production of Emily Brown and the Thing, the 

perfect treat for all the family this Christmas. 

Age guidance 3+. 

19 Dec – 27 Jan 

Peter Pan 

Join Peter Pan for a pantomime adventure 

you will never forget. With amazing flying 

effects, barrels of laughter, magic and fairy 

dust, be sure to join Peter and the Lost 

Boys as they set sail in the ultimate pirate 

Pantomime adventure. Hook your seats now! 

Age Guidance 5+. No under 3s admitted. 

Birmingham Repertory 

Theatre 

B1 2EP 

www.birmingham-rep.co.uk 

26 Nov – 13 Jan 

The Wizard of Oz 

When farm girl Dorothy Gale runs away from 

the evil Mrs Gultch, she finds herself lost in 

a strange and wonderful new world. With 

her faithful dog Toto at her side, she sets off 

on an adventure to find her way back home. 

Along the way she meets some peculiar but 

loveable characters. Together they follow 

the yellow brick road to the Emerald City in 

search of answers from the mysterious and 

all-powerful Wizard of Oz. Ages 7+. 

15 Dec 

Comedy Club 4 Kids: Christmas Cracker 

A special Christmas themed Comedy Club 4 

Kids! Expect festive frivolity and some of the 

best comedians doing what they do best. 

Past line-ups have included Stewart Lee, 

Jason Byrne, David O’Doherty and Adam 

Hills so you will be laughing along with your 

children! Suitable for ages 6+. 

16 Jan – 26 Jan 

The Snowman 

Based on Raymond Brigg’s much-loved book 

and featuring Howard Blake’s classic song 

Walking In The Air, this enchanting live show 

has thrilled audiences throughout the world 

since first appearing on stage 25 years ago. 

Be part of the magic. 

Brook Street Community 

Centre 

DY4 9DD 

www.tiptoncommunityassociation.com 

16 Dec 

Sinbad Pantomime 

A magical family pantomime including a gift 

from Santa for all children! 

Forest Arts Centre 

WS3 1AG 

www.forestartscentre.co.uk 

26 Nov – 29 Nov 

Christmas at the Movies 

Fabulous Christmas concerts with an amazing 

movies theme performed by Walsall Primary 

Schools choirs and Forest Arts choirs. Check 

online for full details. 

14 Dec – 22 Dec 

Beauty and the Beast 

This panto season at Forest Arts Centre there’s 

a Beast on the loose! But don’t panic, deep 

down he’s just like you and me - only hairier 

and with more of a fondness for chew toys 

and chasing the postman. 

Genting Arena 

B40 1NT 

www.gentingarena.co.uk 

20 Dec – 24 Dec 

Elf – A Christmas Spectacular 

Elf, the hit West End and Broadway musical 

based on the Hollywood blockbuster 

movie, is to be supersized into a Christmas 

spectacular this December. Starring pop 

legend David Essex as Buddy the Elf’s father; 

Love Actually star and singer Martine 

McCutcheon as Buddy’s girlfriend, Jovie; plus, 

comedy actor Tam Ryan as Buddy, this will be 

a festive treat like no other. 

Hall Green Little Theatre 

B27 7RY 

www.hglt.co.uk 


Babes In The Wood 

Our traditional family pantomime is one of 

the most loved and heart warming of them 

all. Meet the babes with their indomitable 

‘nursey’, their friends Robin Hood, Maid 

Marian and a host of fabulous fairy tale 

characters plus Bonnie the cuddly dog. 

Highbury Theatre 

B73 5HD 

www.highburytheatre.co.uk 


Aladdin 

Join us for a magic carpet ride full of 

adventure and follow our hero as he attempts 

to win the heart of the beautiful princess 

Jasmine. Just watch out for the evil magician 

Abanazar, who will stop at nothing to get his 

hands on the all-powerful magic lamp 

mac Birmingham 

B12 9QH 



Little Angel Theatre: SleepyHead 

A heartwarming and very cute tale of a 

mischievous little baby and a very tired dad. 

It’s been a long day for Dad and he can hardly 

keep his eyes open. All he wants is for Baby 

to go to sleep so he can catch up on a little 

shut-eye too. Dad’s usually got some tricks up 

his sleeve to help send Baby off to the Land of 

Nod. But tonight, Baby has other ideas… 

27 Nov – 31 Dec 

Rudolf 

There’s someone new at the zoo! Rudolf has 

just landed in a brand new place and clearly 

doesn’t fit in. The other reindeer don’t like her 

big red nose and flashy antlers... she’s just 

different. Our little Rudi just can’t shake the 

feeling that she should be somewhere else, 

on some kind of big snowy adventure. Can 

she trace her roots and remember the really 

important thing she has to do? 

16 Dec 

The Laughing Sole Comedy for Kids 

An exciting club where the laughs are loud 

and shared across the ages! Compered by 

Barbara Nice, our comedy club is specifically 

for children and their families, bringing 

together some of the best acts on the circuit 

performing family jokes. Recommended age 

5+ but younger siblings are welcome. 

New Hampton Arts Centre 

WV1 4AN 

www.newhamptonarts.co.uk 

9 Dec 

Jack and The Beans Talk 

Was it a dream or did I hear a talking bean? 

Charming and inventive with plenty of 

interaction, an enormous beanstalk, bags 

of gold and a smelly old giant, Jack and the 

Beans Talk is a cautionary tale about what 

might happen if you throw things out of the 

window! The imaginative puppetry gives this 

classic tale a fresh and funny spin. suitable 

for ages 3-7. 

Old Rep Theatre 

B5 4DY 

www.oldreptheatre.co.uk 

Pinocchio 

27 Nov – 30 Nov 

This adaptation of Carlo Callodi’s classic tale 

follows an inquisitive young puppet, carved 

from wood by the lonely toymaker Geppetto, 

on a mischievous journey to discover what it 

takes to become a real boy. Book online. 

10 Jan – 12 Jan 

Snow White 

Multi award-winning Birmingham Youth 

Theatre return with a funny and original 

pantomime for the festive season written 

and directed by Adam Swift and Joe Logan. 

In this brand new adaptation of the classic 

tale, we follow Snow White as she is taken 

into the woods on strict orders of the jealous 

evil queen Lucrecia by her nasty henchman 

Fleshcreep. 

Stourbridge Town Hall 

DY8 1YE 

www.boroughhalls.co.uk 

28 Nov – 30 Nov 

Cinderella 

Come along to our pantomime production of 

Cinderella! 

Sutton Arts Theatre 

B72 1QU 

www.suttonartstheatre.co.uk 


Dick Whittington 

Join Dick on his quest for fame and fortune as 

he travels from Gloucester to London to see 

if the streets really are paved with gold. Can 

Dick find love, can his faithful cat rid London 

of King Rat and his army of little rats, and will 

Dick’s dream of becoming Mayor of London 

ever come true? 

The Core Theatre 

B91 3RG 

www.thecoretheatresolihull.co.uk 

4 Dec 

The Lock in Christmas Carol 

Half gig, half dance show and half panto! Join 

the BBC Award Winning team of musicians 

and dancers for the very best festive live 

music, song and dance! It’s Christmas Eve and 

the regulars of The Olde Fighting Cocks are 

excited about the night ahead, it’s going to be 

the folk and hip hop dance party of the year! 

14 Dec – 6 Jan 

Sleeping Beauty - The Pantomime of 

Your Dreams 

Inside Bromwich Castle the royal family are 

preparing for the christening of their baby 

daughter, Princess Rose. The family get more 

than they bargained for when the wicked 

fairy and thorn in their side Carabosse hears 

of the celebrations and sets out to ruin their 

happiness. With daring duels, doting dragons, 

lavish sets and costumes and bucket of laughs. 

21 Dec – 24 Dec 

Santa in Love 

Have you ever wanted to know a secret? A 

Christmas secret! Maybe you’d like to know 

the greatest secret of them all... the one about 

Santa Claus and the thing he secretly loves 

best. You’ll never guess, so if you want to find 

out then join Santa and his friends in this fun 

filled family musical complete with games, 

giggles and all your favourite Christmas songs. 

The Crescent Theatre 

B16 8AE 

www.crescent-theatre.co.uk 

8 Dec 

Ballet Cymru presents Cinderella 

Ballet Cymru prides itself on being different 

and Cinderella will be no exception, with a 

specially commissioned music score and circus 

elements combined with the finest classical 

dance 

11 Dec 

Magic of the Musicals with Too Darn 

Hot. Christmas Special! 

Join TOO DARN HOT - London’s leading West 

End show band - for a fabulous afternoon of 

music and songs celebrating the Magic of the 

Musicals! 

12 


TICKETS FROM £25* 

BOOK NOW 

© Cressida Cowell and Neal Layton 

FROM THE 

WRITER OF 

HOW TO 

TRAIN YOUR 

DRAGON 

Book by Thomas Meehan and Bob Martin. Music by Matthew Sklar. Lyrics Chad Beguelin. Based upon the New Line Cinema 

film written by David Berenbaum. Presented by arrangement with MUSIC THEATRE INTERNATIONAL (EUROPE) Ltd. 

*Terms & conditions apply see website for details. Booking fees included, plus £2.55 fulfillment per order. Calls cost 7p per 

minute, plus your phone company’s access charge.. 

MON 17 DEC - SUN 6 JAN 

birminghamhippodrome.com 

• Penguins and 

Polar Bears 

Planetarium Show 

• Thinktank Elf Trail 

• Christmas Storytelling 

• Festive Arts and Crafts 

LEGO 

WORKSHOP 

SESSIONS 

Get creative in our 

LEGO Education 

Innovation Studio! 

Funded by: 

birminghammuseums.org.uk/whats-on 


I’m dreaming 

of a green 

Christmas 

Five fun ways for you and your children to reduce, reuse 

and upcycle your Christmas waste this festive season 

1 

Transform 

your tree 

Instead of taking your old tree to the 

tip, put it outside in your back garden 

to create an additional habitat for 

birds, squirrels and other wildlife. Get 

the kids involved in some messy play 

by coating the branches in margarine 

or peanut butter and rolling them in 

bird seed. To add some decoration, 

consider hunting down some pine 

cones and hanging them from the 

branches with string or twine. 

4 

5 

DIY Christmas 

Christmas 

card bookmarks lunch leftovers 

Instead of throwing them away, 

you and your children can easily 

transform your old Christmas 

cards into adorable bookmarks 

using this quick and easy craft. 

Cut out long, thin sections of 

your favourite cards, keeping 

the picture intact, and punch a 

hole at the top. Loop a ribbon 

through and finish by decorating 

with glitter, paint or stickers. 

2 3 

Get scrapbooking 

As a nation, we use 83 square 

miles worth of gift wrap every 

festive season, but this doesn’t 

mean it needs to be scrapped. 

Get the kids involved by cutting 

and sticking your leftover paper, 

gluing it into a scrapbook, and 

adding photos, writing and 

decorations to create a family 

book full of festive mementos. 

Christmas is filled with lots of 

wonderful food and there are several 

ways to recycle your leftovers 

that can really reduce waste. The 

leftovers from Christmas lunch can 

be a great way to get your kids in the 

kitchen cooking some new recipes, 

whilst a food compost bin is a great 

place to put all your unwanted 

vegetable peel. Check out our 

Christmas pizza recipe 

for some inspiration. 

Deck the halls 

with DIY 

Have a go at getting the kids 

involved by making some 

DIY Christmas decorations. 

Cut out snowflakes to stick 

on the windows, stick cloves 

into oranges and bake until 

dry, and pick some holly and 

ivy to make table decorations 

and wreaths. This can be 

a fantastic way to reduce 

your waste and costs, while 

having fun with the kids too. 

Christmas Pizza 

Get your kids in the kitchen and use up 

your leftover roast turkey and stuffing in 

this new spin on an Italian classic. 

Perfect for sharing! 

You will need: 145g pizza mix • 6tbsp 

passata • large handfuls of leftover 

cooked turkey and stuffing • 100g 

mozzarella, sliced • a sprinkle of sage 

• 1 tbsp olive oil 

1. Heat the oven to 220 C /Gas 7. Prepare 

the pizza base mix by following pack 

instructions. Once rolled out, leave 

for 10 minutes in a warm, dry place 

and then top with the passata. 

2. Get the children involved and scatter 

the stuffing, turkey and mozzarella over 

the base. Toss the sage leaves in olive 

oil and scatter over the pizza, 

drizzling over any remaining oil. 

3. Bake for 10-12 minutes until the crust 

is crisp and the mozzarella is melted. 

4. Enjoy with fresh veggies and your 

favourite sauces! 

14 


Boost your 

child’s 

confidence 

Kumon’s maths and English 

study programmes work to build 

your child’s confidence and 

inspire a passion for learning. 

Contact your local Instructor for a free assessment. 

Bearwood 0121 558 9338 

Blakenhall 01902 682 451 

Coseley 01384 362 417 

Dudley Central 01384 279 595 

Erdington 0121 730 2597 

Four Oaks 0121 240 1101 

Great Barr 0121 378 2130 

Harborne 0121 427 3007 

Kingswinford 001384 908 047 

Kings Heath 0121 663 1322 

Northfield 0121 647 6757 

Stourbridge 01384 443 629 

Sutton Coldfield 0121 413 0620 

Walmley 0121 243 2692 

Walsall Caldmore 01922 451 942 

Walsall Park Hall 01902 682 451 

Wednesfield 01902 724 398 

Wolverhampton West 01902 475 005 

kumon.co.uk 

Fees vary. Please refer to your local study centre. 


16

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