Families Solent East Issue 79 November December 2018

In this issue...

Christmas is coming!

Are you ready?!

Where's Santa?

Find out with our Christmas event guide

Families exclusive

We talk to Jacqueline Wilson about her new book Issue 79 November/December 2018 familiesonline.co.uk

familiesonline.co.uk

Families Solent East 1

NEW

From Gershwin to Sondheim, the West End to Disney.

The songs in our new syllabus span the world of musical theatre across stage and screen.

First exams from January 2019 Discover more at: abrsm.org/sfmt

#ABRSMSfMT

S CKET* I T Y L FAMI AIL ABLE AV

Our Winter season is packed with lots of family entertainment. Come and visit for fairy tales, magical music and more.

CHRISTMAS CONCERTS THE SNAIL AND THE WHALE SLEEPING BEAUTY DEAR SANTA THE NUTCRACKER OVER THE MOON: A FIRST OPERA FOR LITTLE PEOPLE THE MOZART QUESTION NARRATED BY MICHAEL MORPURGO BBC CONCERT ORCHESTRA’S FAMILY CONCERT SOUTH AFRICAN CULTURAL CHOIR PLAY CAFÉS *Subject to availability. T&Cs apply.

cft.org.uk/forfamilies 01243 781312

Managing Editor Caroline Roope Editorial and Design Caroline Roope caroline@familiessolenteast.co.uk Tel: 02392 042 874 / 07967 597779 Advertising Claire Clarricoates

claire.clarricoates@familiespublishing.co.uk

Next issue January/February 2019 Booking deadline 3 December 2018

4 6

Clubs and Classes

7 8 12

News and Views

Families exclusive: Jacqueline

Wilson answers readers questions!

Christmas family fun What's On

Copyright: Families Solent East 2018 Families Solent East is part of Families Print Ltd, a franchise company. All franchised magazines in the group are independently owned and operated under licence. Families is a registered trademark of LCMB Ltd, Remenham House, Regatta Place, Marlow Road, Bourne End, Bucks SL8 5TD. The contents of Families Solent East are fully protected by copyright and none of the editorial or photographic matter may be reproduced in any form without prior consent of Families Solent East. Every care is taken in the preparation of this magazine, but Families Solent East; our distributors, the franchise company, Families Print Ltd and Lifecycle Marketing cannot be held responsible for the claims of advertisers nor for the accuracy of the contents, or any consequence thereof.

Families Solent East delivered directly to parents and carers since 2005

Find us on social media @FSEmagazine @FamiliesSEMag

familiesonline.co.uk

See your business featured here...!

Advertise your business with us from as little as ÂŁ31.60 per month and reach 50,000 parents in South East Hampshire and West Sussex.

6 issues per year delivered directly to parents and carers in Portsmouth, Chichester, Fareham, Gosport, Waterlooville, Havant, Petersfield and surrounding areas.

To feature in our next issue contact caroline@familiessolenteast.co.uk or 07967 597779.

Next issue booking deadline: 3 December 2018 Families Solent East 3

The Music Exam with Songs they’ll Love to Sing Do your children love to sing? Are they fans of musical films and shows? Then our new Singing for Musical Theatre exams offer a great new goal to work towards.

Clubs and Classes Bond with your baby try Baby Massage with Jo Lamb!

Baby Massage with Jo Lamb are small friendly classes offering quality time for you and your baby to connect, as well as the opportunity to meet other parents. Classes are five weekly sessions, learning new massage strokes each week.

Contact Jo for more information at babymassage.jolamb@gmail.com or

www.facebook.com/babymassagewithjolamb

Award winning Rusalka offer a great start in swimming for all ages Rusalka is the most accredited private swim school in the area and offers a great start in swimming tuition for children of all ages from 3 months to 99! They first opened their swim school in 2005 and they now operate two of their own pools, six days a week, with free adjacent on site parking. Both pools are equipped with state of the art automatic heating systems which maintain the water temperature at 31C and the air temperature at 32C at all times.

In the past thirteen years they have taught thousands of babies and children to swim, picking up several national awards along the way, including Best UK Swimming Teacher and Swim England (ASA) Centre of Excellence status.

Rusalka takes babies from 3 months old and there are never more than 5 children in a class at any one time. Children can achieve various Swim England (ASA) Stage awards, badges and certificates as they progress.

Find out more by calling Rusalka on 02392 594449 or visiting the website at

www.rusalkaswim.com.

All ABRSM exams provide a clear pathway for learning with reliable and consistent marking from expert examiners.

They support motivation, encourage progress and celebrate achievement. We’ve now launched Singing for Musical Theatre exams, initially for Grades 1 to 3 but with more grades coming in 2019.

The exams focus on performing and musical understanding, so candidates sing three songs and do some short musical tests. At these early grades, we’ve chosen songs that are suitable for developing voices, as well as being age-appropriate in content. Of course, in the end it’s all about the music and the syllabus is packed with fantastic songs – from Gershwin to Sondheim, the West End to Disney.

To sum up, with our new Singing for Musical Theatre exams children can perform the songs they love, while developing their skills for music making – and for life.

Why not talk to your child’s music teacher about these new exams? Or find out more at www.abrsm.org/sfmt

I Love to Learn - making an impact!

Since they opened their Fareham Centre in January 2018 I Love to Learn have really begun to make an impact in the lives of their students. Here’s what some of their customers have been saying about them: ‘I have two children who are 6 & 8 going to the Fareham Love to Learn setting and WOW they absolutely love going! They can't wait til it’s Tuesday and have even said they would love to go every day.' Claire Layzell ‘Highly recommend - Howard’s calm kind gentle approach to encouraging children to learn works - Ted has responded well to this with his self-belief and confidence renewed.’

Debbie Warnes Fully Qualified Teachers I Love to Learn only employ fully qualified teachers in their centres. Each child is given a free educational assessment to find out their strengths and weaknesses. Once they have agreed goals with the parents, they set up individual plans for each child.

Safe and Secure Environment The safe and secure education centre is a great place for children to learn. It is in the Delta Business Park on Salterns Lane, and it is next to the Starfish Nursery and Kids Family Centre.

To book a FREE ASSESSMENT call 01329 738 100

4 F amilies Solent East

familiesonline.co.uk

Clubs and Classes Help your child grow in confidence One of the most important skills children can master is self-confidence: it will help them build friendships, perform well in school and resist negative peer pressure. But while some youngsters are blessed with a natural ability to run headlong into new activities others need a little help.

Unlock your child’s potential with our expertly led singing, dancing and acting classes for 4 -18 year olds.

Find out more today:

According to the team at performing arts school Stagecoach Havant, performing arts can give even the shyest wallflower confidence. “It’s not only about training children to perform on stage, it’s about helping them to perform better in life,” said Juli Richards, Principal at the stage school.

ASK ABOUT OUR TWO WEEK TRIAL

For more information on Stagecoach Havant’s classes, go to www.stagecoach.co.uk/havant

stagecoach.co.uk/havant

Inspiring Experiences in the great outdoors

havant@stagecoach.co.uk 0845 521 3730 Stagecoach Performing Arts is the trading name of Stagecoach Theatre Arts Limited. Stagecoach Theatre Arts schools are operated under franchise and are independently owned by their Principals.

Stagecoach and Creative Courage For Life are registered trademarks of Stagecoach Theatre Arts Limited.

Creative Courage For Life

Children aged from 8 to 17 can enjoy a range of holiday camps at Cobnor Activities Centre.

They offer both residential and non-residential camps: Multi-activity – where the young people get a chance to experience a taster of all the activities on offer at Cobnor or concentrated sailing, working towards RYA certificates.

“Thank you for running such brilliant days for us. I can’t think of my best bit, as the whole day was just fantastic” - a quote from a happy participant.

All the courses can be booked online at www.cobnor.com and the website will give further information of which camp is the right one for your child.

Family gatherings We can accommodate from 12 to 60 people in our bunkhouses, right by the water in

Chichester Harbour, throughout the year.

Saturday

climbing

solving,

morning

family

initiative

games.

wall,

Aero ball,

fun:

low

ropes,

archery, problem Costs

£15

person and includes a drink and a piece of cake!

per

cobnor ��

A.CTIVITIES CENTRE TRUST

Cobnor Point, Chidham, West Sussex PO18 8TE cobnor.com

familiesonline.co.uk

T: 01243 572791 E: sail@cobnor.com

"-'" @cobnor

f CobnorActivitiesCentre

Families Solent East 5

Families exclusive Beaker’s Back!

Dame Jacqueline Wilson is arguably Britain’s favourite contemporary children’s author. She has over one hundred published books to her name, most of which deal with the often troubling and unvarnished realities of being a real-life child or parent.

First published in 1991, Tracy Beaker quickly became Jacqueline’s most well-known character. Now, over a decade after her last literary appearance, the fiery, former foster-kid is back in new book My Mum Tracy Beaker, and while she’s now mature and mother to Jess, she’s still the same Tracy readers know and love.

Families Magazine is lucky enough to have secured an exclusive interview with Dame Jacqueline Wilson in which our readers and their children ask her some of their most burning questions about her new book and her life as a writer.

Why do you think Tracy is one of your most popular characters? Harbinder, age 7, Croydon I think because she's naughty! She has reason for her bad behaviour, of course, and she's naughty but she's not spiteful, she's funny. I think she's a character that children would like as a friend - I'm not sure about adults, I think a little of her as a child goes a long way!

Is Tracy’s daughter the same or different to Tracy? Olivia, age 8, Aylesbury They certainly look alike, but Jess is a quieter girl, partly because she has had a much easier, more loving, caring upbringing than Tracy herself had. Jess is probably more studious, and more of a bookworm, but when push comes to shove Jess can certainly stand up for herself too.

How have you made the grown-up Tracy as appealing to children as Tracy, the child?

Lily’s mum, Leeds

I’ve kept her, not exactly naughty, but mischievous. She's quite surprising - she might suddenly do something a bit mad, or a bit silly. I think being a mum has slightly changed her because she's a very loving, caring mum,

Did you and your illustrator, Nick Sharratt, disagree at all about how Tracy and her daughter should be drawn? Rosie, age 9, Twickenham I mostly leave it to him, and certainly I think he has done Jess wonderfully. He suggested that Jess might wear glasses, which I thought was a very clever touch because it gives them that little bit of difference, and also Jess is a total bookworm and it just looks right for her to be wearing her little glasses. I was very pleased with that addition.

What’s been the highlight for you of being the Children’s Laureate? Emma’s mum, Portsmouth It gave me a chance to speak to lots of children and teachers and librarians, and the particular thing I wanted to promote was reading aloud to children. Because right from when they are one year old, any child likes to sit on a lap and hear the simplest of stories, and I also suggested that even when your child has learned to read, sometimes it’s fun to read aloud a book that they 6 F amilies Solent East

might not necessarily tackle themselves because it's a bit difficult to get into, or the vocabulary is quite hard, but they would love to listen to the story. If they are doing colouring, or building something, or just petting the dog or whatever, or at bedtime, children do still like to be read to aloud.

Your books depict real children’s real lives and challenges in a way that few others do – how do you get inside the heads of your characters?

Lizzie’s mum, Glasgow

Bizarrely, I can remember very vividly what it is like to be a child. I mean, ask me what happened or how I felt about something a couple of years ago and my mind is a complete blank, but ask me what I was worried about when I was nine, say, and I remember entirely. It's just a happy trick of nature that I can take myself back.

When did you first become a writer?

Emily, age 10, Sevenoaks

Well, by the time I was fifteen I had written what was - at least in length - a full book. It wasn't very good though! It was about two sisters, Margot was about fifteen, the narrator, and the sister was about eighteen.

They had a car and went on a drive through France and Spain and got boyfriends! It wasn't the most inspiring work!

How do you select names for your characters?

Readers at the Chatterbook Group, Ringwood Library, Dorset I like to try and have slightly unusual names, and if they are pertinent to the story that pleases me - for my identical twins in my book Double Act, I had them called Ruby and Garnet because they are both red jewel stones. For The Illustrated Mum, the mother Marigold has a great passion for tattoos and has called her girls the rather outlandish names of Star and Dolphin, simply because they are very popular tattoo icons. With Tracy I wanted a quirky, bouncy modern name - and with Hetty Feather, Hetty is an old-fashioned name and Feather because she's light as a feather!

My Mum Tracy Beaker by Dame Jacqueline Wilson is out now, published by Doubleday familiesonline.co.uk

Local News Growing Places are really going places!

Growing Places is the trading name of Community Childcare Centres, a registered charity and not for profit organisation committed to providing high quality childcare for children from 6mths to 11yrs in Waterlooville, Havant and Fareham.

They believe that being outside and having the freedom to explore nature is an important part in the holistic development of a child, which is echoed through the charities ethos. This has lead the charity to recently purchase a piece of land which they have developed into an outdoor facility for children and their families.

They are currently running groups for preschool children, holiday club provision and an intergenerational allotment but hope to develop it further to make it accessible to more families and local community groups.

To find out more about what Little Acorns has to offer contact Angela McGeady on 07794744947 or email a.mcgeady@growingplaces.org.uk. www.growingplaces.org.uk.

'Creating the future by inspiring the moment' Growing Places @ Little Acorns

Brand new to Stokes Bay, Gosport: Spook Spies Spy Trail… for Kids!

Rain or shine there’s plenty of fun for families on the Spook Spies trail!

Enjoy a spy themed trail designed especially for children aged 6-12 around the Stokes Bay area of Gosport. There are 8 fun missions to complete to find the thief who stole Private One Eye’s secret codes. The missions are all designed to be fun and include coding, solving clues, gravestone rubbing and following a map. The spy trail is self-directedjust follow the Spook Book! It is a great way to have quality family time, learn a little about the history of the area and get active outside.

The booklet is available to buy in hard copy £9.99 (free p&p) or printable download £7.99 one booklet is enough for up to 4 children so a low cost day out!

Visit www.spookspies.com to buy your copy.

Chichester Festival Theatre's New Season Highlights There’s plenty of entertainment for families and youngsters from toddlers to teenagers at Chichester Festival Theatre in their new Winter season.

The latest programme includes Chichester Festival Youth Theatre’s mischievous version of Sleeping Beauty for Christmas; acclaimed productions of Julia Donaldson’s The Snail and The Whale and Rod Campbell’s Dear Santa; festive favourite The Nutcracker from Moscow City Ballet. There’s also a host of music to enjoy with the family. Don’t miss the BBC Concert Orchestra’s first family concert at CFT or an opera for babies, among much more.

The Learning, Education and Participation team will also be running a variety of free events and activities.

Find out what’s on at cft.org.uk or call 01243 781312 to request a brochure.

Change the life of a local child...

and change r te s fo ld u o You c cal child. the life of a lo Children coming into care in your area need a safe and loving home.

Can you give them one?

A rewarding career with the below benefits and more...

• A healthy allowance • Full unrivalled training

Get in touch with your friendly, local team!

• Respite • 24/7 support • Dedicated staff

www.blueskyfostering.com

0845 450 3519 (Calls cost 2p per minute plus your company’s access charge)

familiesonline.co.uk

• Social activities

Local fostering agency, Blue Sky Fostering are in need of more Foster Carers to place vulnerable young children in the area.

There is a rising need for all sorts of placements, including teenagers and sibling groups. This also includes parent and child placements, which offer young parents a chance to gain support and guidance on looking after their baby from a Foster Carer.

People from any background can foster, whether you’re single, in a same-sex relationship, have pets, are religious…all you need is a spare bedroom and the ability to love and care for a young person in need.

The Ofsted rated Outstanding agency offer Foster Carers 24/7 support throughout the fostering journey, a dedicated Social Worker, full training, a competitive Foster Carer Allowance and more benefits.

The rewards of fostering are enormous and life changing. If you’re interested call 0845 450 3519 or visit www.blueskyfostering.com

• A fulfilling experience!

Families Solent East 7

Christmas family fun

Children’s Activities

at Horizon Leisure Centres

Swimming Inflatable Fun Sessions Adventure Play Toddler Groups Oceans of Play World of Play Teen Gym Workout Holiday Kids Club

Visit us today!

      

           

www.horizonlc.com Waterlooville Leisure Centre 023 9224 5900 info@horizonlc.com Havant Leisure Centre

023 9247 6026

Charity No. 1060896

Aspex presents

festive family

Winter Workshops funatday

Saturday 8 December 11.00 - 15.00

FREE

Uppark House and Garden Explore The Twelve Days of Christmas at Uppark from 1 December to 1 January, 11am - 3.30pm. Visit our website for more details.

When you visit, donate, volunteer or join the National Trust, your support helps us to look after special places such as Uppark for ever, for everyone.

nationaltrust.org.uk/uppark

GET CREATIVE: www.aspex.org.uk

Aspex, The Vulcan Building, Gunwharf Quays, Portsmouth, PO1 3BF

8 F amilies Solent East

© National Trust 2018. The National Trust is an independent registered charity, number 205846.

Photography © National Trust Images\National Trust Images.

#nationaltrust

familiesonline.co.uk

Christmas family fun

The rain won’t stop play this Winter!!

Festive Fun for Families at Horizon

Ocean Paradise Adventure Golf is a brand new weather proof attraction that has recently opened at Chichester Golf Club – home of Jungle Paradise Adventure Golf. This exciting new indoor, 18-hole adventure golf course uses UV blacklight paint which glows in the dark to create an amazing experience for everyone with interactive holes, sound and special effects.

Ocean Paradise will take you on an amazing voyage under the sea where pirates, mermaids, sharks and a giant octopus will try and stop you from finding the buried treasure!

The adventure golf course is an ideal venue to book a children’s birthday party with a difference and because it is indoors you can play all year round without having to worry about the weather!

The large on-site café is a great place to sit and relax after a fun game of adventure golf. Our speciality is made to order pizza and last orders for food will be 45 minutes before closing. See website for timings.

Pre-School Offer – Under 5’s During term-time why not arrange a play date with a friend and their little ones and come and play while the big kids are at school! Pay £6.50 per child and the Parent/Adult Carer can play for free!!!!!

Available Mon-Fri, 9am-12noon. T & C’s apply.

The Twelve Days of Christmas at Uppark House and Garden This winter, ‘The Twelve Days of Christmas’ come alive at Uppark.

You’ll find beautifully dressed rooms inspired by this classic song, from ‘Nine ladies dancing’ to ‘Seven swans a-swimming’. Paper artist Delicarta returns with more amazing creations made entirely from paper, alongside gorgeous decorations handmade by Uppark’s talented team. Outside, families can get stuck in to an interactive trail based on the ’Twelve Days’ theme. Join Alder Valley Brass Band on Sunday 16 December for some festive carolling.

1 December - 1 January (Closed Christmas Day and Boxing Day)

Fabulous family fun at Rother Barn Tree Farm Visit Rother Barn Christmas Tree Farm this year, and pick your own Christmas tree. Their trees are all fabulously fresh as they are not cut until they have been chosen for their perfect home!

At the weekend they’ll have mulled wine and cider to warm you up, roasted chestnuts with hot food and drink.

Weather permitting, the bouncy castle up will also be up!

Failing that, the whole family can still take a ride on the tractor throughout the day – rides around the farm on the trailer are always a hit with the kids.

Throughout the week there'll be an arts and crafts tent, coffee and tea and a warm log burner.

Santa will be in his Grotto on the 1st – 2nd & 15th – 16th of December with a sleigh full of gifts.

Offering a fun and friendly atmosphere for the whole family, pick your tree from Rother Barn and they're sure you will enjoy every second! familiesonline.co.uk

This winter Horizon Leisure Centres, the charity that runs Havant and Waterlooville Leisure Centres, has a range of festive fun activities to keep you and your family entertained.

There are two fun themed indoor soft play centres for the kids to let off steam whilst you sit and relax! World of Play, Waterlooville Leisure Centre, is a unique ‘around the world’ themed play centre where children can travel the world visiting different countries and learning fun facts. Oceans of Play, Havant Leisure Centre, is an under the sea theme where children can jump aboard a ship and explore the ocean and all the creatures that live beneath.

There are lots more activities for everyone to come along and get stuck into including Adventure Play, Gym Tots, Pre-School Bounce… the list is endless!

To find out more visit: www.horizonlc.com.

Festive Family Fun at Aspex Gallery Portsmouth’s leading contemporary art gallery Aspex is celebrating the festive season with the return of their annual Family Fun Day, taking place on Saturday 8 December, 11am - 3pm. There will be a range of arts and crafts activities on offer throughout the day. The best thing? It’s completely free!

Don’t worry if you can’t make it. The gallery will be running their weekly workshops for children and families throughout December: Mini Makers (every Wednesday, 10.30am - 11.30am) and Family Saturdays (every Saturday, 11am - 1pm). Check their website for full details and Christmas opening times: www.aspex.org.uk

       

Pick Your Own Tree Bouncy Castle Bauble Hunt Santa's Grotto Handmade Wreaths Tractor Rides Arts & Crafts Hot Food & Drinks

Saturday 1st - Saturday 22nd December 10 - 4pm everyday

Please like our Facebook page for more information & dates for Santa’s Grotto rotherbarnchristmastrees.co.uk

Rother Barn Tree Farm, Farnham Road, Liss, Hampshire GU33 6LJ 07850714616

Families Solent East 9

Christmas family fun Chichester Christmas Market - daily from December 8th until December 16th.

With a wonderful array of 60 festive stalls and a live Nativity scene, the annual Christmas Market is a great day out and a fabulous opportunity to find a spectacular range of carefully selected unique gifts, decorations, festive food and drink, all perfectly timed for Christmas. In the heart of Chichester's City Centre, surrounded by the fabulous major stores, independent shops, cafes & restaurants. When it comes to Christmas shopping, what could be easier for all your Christmas needs?

Times: Daily 9am-5:30pm except Thursday 9am-8pm and Sundays 10am-4.30pm Directions: North Street and East Street, in the heart of Chichester City Centre, just 5 minutes from the A27. Follow the signposts for Chichester City Centre, PO19 1HE

Visit www.woodlandcrafts.co.uk for details.

Chichester Festival Youth Theatre presents SLEEPING BEAUTY by Rufus Norris From The Sleeping Beauty in the Woods by Charles Perrault

Chichester Festival Theatre, 16 – 31 December Relaxed performance: 30 December at 2pm A princess under a fairy’s curse pricks her finger on a spindle and sleeps for a hundred years, waiting to be woken by a prince’s kiss.

But hold on a moment. There’s a distinctly different slant to this story. The princess is beautiful and spirited but there are two princes and a lot of threatening thorns.

As for the fairy who caused all the trouble in the first place – well, putting things right isn’t as simple as casting another spell.

Rufus Norris’s splendidly entertaining and mischievous version of the original fairy tale ventures beyond the usual ‘happy ever after’ ending with the prince and princess united. The course of true love never did run smooth – especially if your mother-in-law is an ogress with an unfortunate taste for human flesh...

Chichester Festival Youth Theatre are renowned for their wonderfully imaginative productions. They follow their five-star versions of Grimm Tales and Beauty and the Beast with a Sleeping Beauty that will keep you wide awake.

Suitable for ages 7+. There will be a Relaxed performance of Sleeping Beauty on 30 December at 2pm.

Sleeping Beauty is sponsored by Mercer and James Todd & Co. BOOKING INFORMATION Box Office 01243 781312; online cft.org.uk Tickets £10, £14, £19, £24, £29. Family tickets and discounts available on certain performances.

10 F amilies Solent East

Cinderella will go to the ball at the Kings Theatre!

Throw on your glad rags, order your pumpkin and dust off those glass slippers because, with your help, Cinderella will go to the ball!

Enter the entrancing happy-ever-after-land of a fairytale princess as Cinderella returns to the Kings Theatre this Christmas with two ugly sisters, one handsome prince, and her Fairy Godmother. Starring Jake Quickenden, Natasha Barnes, Marcus Patrick, Simon Grant & Jack Edwards plus many more! With lavish sets, wonderful costumes and a surprise or two, Cinderella is the only way to start our Christmas season.

The Kings Theatre is the perfect place to enjoy this sparkling, traditional family entertainment, so don’t miss out – book your tickets now!

02392 82 82 82 www.kingsportsmouth.co.uk

Visit Father Christmas at West Dean Gardens Enjoy family festivities and a winter walk (dogs welcome on a short lead) at West Dean Gardens near Chichester, 8-9 and 15-16 December (10am to 4.30pm). Children can share their Christmas wishes with Father Christmas and receive an early Christmas gift, as well as join in with some Christmas crafts. And for the adults, a glass of warming mulled wine and delicious mince pie is on offer too. Child tickets £5 (includes gift and craft activities) and adult tickets £5.75 (standard gardens entry). Online booking is essential, visit www.westdeangardens.org.uk.

Enjoy a freshly prepared lunch or afternoon tea in the Gardens Restaurant and don’t forget to browse the Gardens Shop for great stocking filler ideas and imaginative and unique Christmas gifts. Gift vouchers are available too. Or why not treat a loved one to an Afternoon Escape? For just £25 afternoon tea vouchers include gardens entry and afternoon tea for two peope. (Image - Stephen Tattersall)

This Christmas, Santa Claus is setting up his toy making workshop at Emirates Spinnaker Tower!

Join Santa’s elves in the Tower’s workshop as they make the finishing touches to their latest batch of cuddly reindeer. Each child will name their toy, fill it with stuffing and place a magic charm inside before carefully sealing it up. Once their cuddly toy is finished, no trip to Santa’s workshop is complete without a visit to see Father Christmas in his grotto!

Entry is £15 per child which includes a soft toy to take home and unlimited entry to Emirates Spinnaker Tower on the day of their visit. Accompanying adults pay the standard Tower admission price of £11 per person (£10 for concessions).

It is also possible to just do the Toymaker’s Workshop experience, without admission to the Tower, for £10 per child.

Advanced booking is highly recommended. familiesonline.co.uk

Christmas family fun & SCIENCE CENTRE CHICHESTER

MIND BLOWING

JOURNEYS IN TO SPACE

TOWER TOYMAKER’S WORKSHOP & TOWER ADMISSION £15 PER CHILD

EXPERIENCE BLAST OFF WITH TIM PEAKE

(£10 per child without Tower admission)

SEARCH FOR NEW WORLDS

CHRISTMAS AT THE TOWER

SEE THE FUTURE OF SPACE TRAVEL

IT’S OUT OF THIS WORLD • New exciting shows every month • Great for everyone aged 6 years and above • Stunning high-definition images and videos • You’ll learn so much in our fun presentations

NEW

FULLDOME

SHOWS

BOOK ONLINE TODAY

SOUTHDOWNS.ORG.UK OR CALL: 01243 774400

Registered charity number 1096869

TOUCH A REAL METEORITE

FANTASTIC VALUE adults £7 children £5

ADVANCED BOOKING ADVISABLE. CHECK WEBSITE FOR OPENING TIMES. DISCOVER US AT: KINGSHAM ROAD, CHICHESTER, PO19 8AE (FREE PARKING)

SDPL003 - Quarter page advert 135mm x 90mm.indd 1

THROUGHOUT DECEMBER* This Christmas meet Santa Claus and join his elves in the Tower’s workshop and build your own cuddly reindeer!

Advanced booking is highly recommended *Tower Toymaker’s Workshops will take place on 1st & 2nd, 8th & 9th, 15th & 16th, 21st, 22nd, 23rd and 24th December.

SPINNAKERTOWER.CO.UK

12/07/2018 15:38

Visit Father Christmas 8-9 & 15-16 December 10am - 4.30pm (last time slot 4pm)

Chichester City Centre

Pedestrianised areas of North Street and East Street

8th-16th December, 2018 (Nine days of festive shopping!)

Over 70 festive stalls with a spectacular range of carefully selected gifts, decorations, festive food and drink. A unique, contemporary Christmas shopping experience in the heart of the City Centre, surrounded by the fabulous major stores, independent shops, cafes and restaurants.

PO19 1HE

Meet Father Christmas, receive a small gift and enjoy festive craft activities Child £5, Adult £5.75 (includes mince pie and mulled wine) Booking essential www.westdeangardens.org.uk West Dean Gardens,West Dean, Chichester,West Sussex, PO18 0RX

9am-5.30pm, Thursday till 8pm, Sundays 10am-4.30pm

No Admission Charge

For more info on all our events, visit: www.woodlandcrafts.co.uk

–

familiesonline.co.uk

Families Solent East 11

MORE

3 November Halloween and Fireworks Night

ONLINE familiesonline.co.uk

Rother Barn Tree Farm, Farnham Road, Liss, GU33 6LJ Join the Rother Barn team for fireworks, a BBQ, fully licensed bar and live music from I Witness! There will be Halloween activities for the children to take part in and a fancy dress competition! The winner will win a free Christmas tree for their family! 6-10pm.

3 November Petersfield Round Table Fireworks Display and Bonfire Night

We’ve scoured the area for local family events this November and December! We take great care in compiling our events guide, but please contact venues before you leave home as things can change.

2 November Bonfire and Fireworks Display in Buriton Buriton Village Hall, Buriton, Petersfield, GU31 5RX. www.buritonfireworks.org The annual Buriton Village Fireworks Display is fired by Stelstar, on the recreation ground at the Village Hall.

Before the display, there will be the usual torch lit procession on the field, the lighting of the bonfire, as well as fairground attractions, glow toys and refreshments available.

Gates Open 6pm. Procession & Bonfire Lighting 6.45pm. Fireworks 7.30pm / Online advance ticket prices: £12 family ticket for 4, and £5 for a single.

2 November Henry Court College Fireworks Display Henry Cort Community College, Hillson Drive, Fareham, PO15 6PH. www.henry-cort.hants.sch.uk/ community/events As well as the fireworks, there will be amusements, refreshments, raffle and entertainment.

Early bird: Adults £5.00, Children £3.00, Family of 4 £15.00, Gate price: Adults £6.50, Children £4.50, Family of 4 £20.00. Advance tickets will be available at reception, or payment can be made online. Gates open 5pm Fireworks at 7pm.

2 November Shadow City Pallant House Gallery, 9 North Pallant, Chichester, PO19 1TJ. 01243 774557 pallant.org.uk/whats-on/earlyyears-shadow-city On the first Friday of every month, join the team for an exploratory romp around the gallery spaces and a chance to get creative. See the website for more details. Children need to be accompanied by a parent or carer who is willing to create and make. Suitable for ages 18 months to 4 years. 10.15am

2 November – 29 December South Downs Planetarium Winter Shows South Downs Planetarium and Science Centre, Sir Patrick Moore Building, Kingsham Road, Chichester, PO19 8RP. 01243 774400 www.southdowns.org.uk/Events. html Experience the magic of the night sky in comfort together with expert commentary by a professional astronomer. Surrounded by the stars we show you the constellation figures and demonstrate how the stars and planets move. Our full dome shows feature stunning immersive video and breathtaking images. The full list of shows for November-December is as follows: Friday 2 November, 7.30pm - Autumn Stars and Galaxies Sunday 4 November, 3.30pm – The Northern Lights

12 F amilies Solent East

Sunday 18 November, 3.30pm – Autumn Stars, Moon and Planets Friday 23 November, 7.30pm – The Hunt for Earth-like Planets – and Life Sunday 25 November, 3.30pm – Hubble’s View of the Universe Friday 30 November, 7.30pm – The Northern Lights Sunday 2 December, 3.30pm – Autumn Stars and Galaxies Friday 7 December, 7.30pm – The Night Sky This Christmas Sunday 9 December, 3.30pm – The Night Sky This Christmas Friday 21 December, 3.30pm – To the Moon and Back – 50 Years Since Apollo 8 Friday 21 December, 7.30pm – The Star of Bethlehem Saturday 22 December, 11.30pm - To the Moon and Back – 50 Years Since Apollo 8 Saturday 22 December, 1.30pm – The Star of Bethlehem Sunday 23 December, 1.30pm – The Star of Bethlehem Sunday 23 December, 3.30pm – The Star of Bethlehem Monday 24 December, 1.30pm – The Star of Bethlehem Thursday 27 December, 3.30pm - To the Moon and Back - 50 Years Since Apollo 8 Friday 28 December, 1.30pm Wintertime Stars, Moon and Planets Friday 28 December, 3.30pm - All Aboard – A Tour of the Planets Saturday 29 December, 1.30pm - Distant Worlds – Alien Life Saturday 29 December, 3.30pm Hubble’s View of the Universe Tickets: Adults £7, Children £5. Available to purchase online or bookable in advance (pay cash or cheque on the door) by ringing us on: 01243 774400 or ticket hotline 07818 297292. Any other times are by prior arrangement only.

The planetarium is not open to casual visitors.

Bell Hill Recreation Ground, Beckham Lane, Petersfield, GU32 3BU. www.petersfieldfireworks.co.uk The Petersfield Round Table is now in its 27th year of providing spectacular Fireworks Displays. All proceeds from the display go towards local charities.

There will be a range of food and drinks available to buy on the night. Tickets are available to purchase online at advance prices. 6.30pm - Bonfire Lighting, 7pm – Fireworks.

3 November Rowlands Castle Fireworks Display and Bonfire Night Rowlands Castle Recreation Ground, The Fairway, Rowlands Castle, PO9 6AQ. rowlandscastle.com/LocalFestDir/ Localfest.htm The Rowlands Castle Association organise the annual Bonfire Night Fireworks Display on the village Recreation Ground. Tickets are available online (follow link above). Gates open at 5.30pm. Tickets: Adult £5 / Child £2.

4 November Guy Fawkes Day Family Activities at Weald & Downland Living Museum Weald & Downland Living Museum, Chichester, PO18 0EU. 01243 811363. www.wealddown.co.uk/events/guyfawkes-day-family-activities Watch and participate in a number of traditional and craft activities with a Bonfire Night theme, including: fireside stories, make a mini Guy Fawkes, make conker creations and draw a fiery picture.

Join in with singing and dancing around the bonfire from 3pm – 4pm. Starts at 10.30am. Normal admission applies.

3-4 November Craft Show at Fort Purbrook familiesonline.co.uk

Fort Purbrook, Peter Ashley Lane Portsmouth, PO6 1BJ This Contemporary Craft Show is set within the spectacular Victorian Fort.

There’s everything from artwork, jewellery, accessories, ceramics, to glassware, food & drink, personalised toys, decorations, and so much more. Shop, take a tunnel tour and stop for refreshments.

A range of refreshments including cold & hot food, cakes & drinks are available from Fort Purbrook’s in-house catering facilities on both days of the event.Plenty of FREE parking. Opens 10:30am - 4:30pm each day. Adult £3. Children under 16 FREE.

5 November Bonfire Night Fireworks Display in Havant Stockheath Common, Leigh Park, Havant, PO9 5BB. www.facebook.com/ events/2151857895086666/ Last year's event was the final year of Havant Bonfire Night being a council run display. Havant Borough Council handed the running over to the Friends of Stockheath Common Fireworks to enable the display to continue as a community led event in future years. There will not be a bonfire at this year's event. Firework display begins at 7pm.

8 November Fireworks Display at Gunwharf Quays Gunwharf Quays, Gunwharf Road, Portsmouth, PO1 3TX. gunwharf-quays.com It's that time of year again! Gunwharf Quays will be hosting its annual Fireworks Display and Christmas Lights Switch-on in Portsmouth to mark the start of the 2018 festive season. Once again, this promises to be the best show in town! Admission is free but charity donations are appreciated.

11 November When the Guns Fell Silent Royal Armouries, Fort Nelson, Portsdown Hill Road, Fareham, PO17 6AN, 01329 233734. royalarmouries.org/event/when-theguns-fell-silent/

2018 marks the centenary of the end of the First World War and this immersive Remembrance Sunday experience will be a change to Fort Nelson's usual gun salute and silence. This is a free event and is suitable for all the family.

17 November Mischief and Mystery in Moomin Valley The Spring Arts and Heritage Centre, 56 East Street, Havant, PO9 1BS. 02392 472700. thespring.co.uk/whats-on/ family/mischief-and-mystery-inmoomin-valley/ Be sure to pack your imagination for this unforgettable journey to Moomin Valley! Magical puppetry, an ingenious set, original music and interactive play will delight young audiences and encourage them to immerse themselves in a unique participatory storytelling experience. 11:30am / 1:30pm / 3:30pm. Tickets: £8, £7 groups of 4 or more

17 November – 6 January Ice Skate Portsmouth Guildhall Square, Portsmouth, Hampshire, PO1 2AB, www.iceskateportsmouth.co.uk Guildhall Square will again be transformed into a winter wonderland this Christmas, with the return of Ice Skate Portsmouth and Moguls Alpine Bar. The whole of Guildhall Square will be taken over by the 612 square metre rink that's open to everyone, young and old- whether you're a Dancing on Ice champion, a total newbie, or anything in between. Book now to avoid disappointment. There are set sessions for families and young children - see the website for full details.

22 – 25 November Stansted Park Christmas Fayre Stansted Park, Rowlands Castle, PO9 6DX. www.stanstedpark.co.uk/ Events/the-stansted-christmasfayre-2018.html A wonderful festival of Christmas delight! 3 days of traditional festive atmosphere at Stansted House.

Admission: £8 per adult, children go free.

24 November – 23 December Christmas at Paultons Park Paultons Park, Ower, Romsey, SO51 6AL paultonspark.co.uk/christmas familiesonline.co.uk

Christmas at Paultons 2018 (Selected dates from 24th November – 23rd December) Visit Paultons Park from Saturday 24th November and celebrate Christmas in a world of twinkling illumination, seasonal music and a giant musical Christmas tree.

Discover magical scenes inside Santa’s Grotto as you join a reindeer on his journey to find Santa in time for Christmas Eve. The return of ‘A Very Merry Christmas Show’ guarantees entertainment for all as you also have the chance to meet Frosty the snowman and friends!

Visit the Park’s state-of-the-art 4D Show Street Cinema and sing along with friendly sea creatures in the new underwater adventure film, Deepo.

Peppa Pig World will also be transforming this Christmas season as Peppa Pig and George wrap up warm for the winter, with giant Christmas trees as well as Santa in his sleigh from the TV series.

Selected rides and attractions will also be open during the Christmas season. Please visit paultonspark.co.uk for further information and to book tickets. Pre-booking essential.

Visit Paultons Park on selected dates from Saturday 24 November and celebrate Christmas in a world of twinkling illumination, seasonal music and a giant musical Christmas tree, plus lots more.

Selected rides and attractions will also be open. See the website for more details.

23 -25 November Christmas Market at Weald &

Downland Living Museum Weald & Downland Living Museum, Chichester, PO18 0EU. 01243 811363 www.wealddown.co.uk/events/ christmas-market/ Find that perfect gift and enjoy a great day out at the Museum! The bustling Christmas Market sees over 140 stands – selling arts, crafts, food, unusual gifts and much more – ‘pop up’ in the Families Solent East 13

What's on

Museum's collection of rescued historic buildings and houses and around other locations on the Museum site. 10:30am 4pm. Normal admission charges apply.

24 – 25 November Bing Live at Kings Theatre Portsmouth Kings Theatre, Albert Road, Southsea, PO5 2QJ. 02392 828282 kingsportsmouth.co.uk/whats-on/ family/bing-live Join Bing, Sula, Coco and Pando as they find out how to tell stories by pretending, dressing-up and singing songs. Full of fun, laughter and music, Bing Live! is the perfect first theatre trip for pre-schoolers and their families. Various times. Ticket prices vary, see website for details

24 November – 24 December Hayling Winter Wonderland Funland, The Seafront, Hayling Island, PO11 0AG. 02392 462820 www.haylingwonderland.co.uk Enjoy a breath-taking walk through Wonderland to meet Santa Claus himself and receive an early Christmas present.

You can then board the Funland Express, an indoor train journey through a stunning elf village. The event runs on weekends only between 24 November - 9 December, then daily from 15 - 24 December. Pre-book online. Various time slots available. Child £20 / Adult £10

24 November Little Pickles Markets Portsmouth The Mountbatten Leisure Centre, Alexandra Park, Portsmouth, PO2 9QA. 02392 626500. littlepicklesmarkets.co.uk/ events/little-pickles-marketmountbatten-24-11-18/

30 November – 2 December The Dickens Christmas Festival Portsmouth Historic Dockyard, Victory Gate HM Naval Base, Portsmouth, PO1 3LJ. 023 9298 7835. www.historicdockyard.co.uk/ events-by-date/event/1266-thedickens-christmas-festival Enjoy wonderful stalls filled with artisan bakes and cakes, homemade crafts and vintage clothes that you'll absolutely love. Father Christmas will also make an appearance, dressed in traditional green, as well as street performers galore. 10am - 5pm.

Earlybird tickets: Adult £15.50, Child £13.50, Family £43.

1 December Giant Christmas Charity Market Petersfield Festival Hall, Heath Road, Petersfield, GU31 4EA. In aid of Portsmouth Hospitals Rocky Appeal and other charities. Over 70 stalls. Refreshments. Free admission.

Raffle. 9.30am – 3pm. Enquiries 01730 264802.

1 – 13 December Stansted Park Festival of Light Stansted Park, Rowlands Castle, PO9 6DX. 02392 412265 www.stanstedpark.co.uk/ Events/festival-of-light-1st-13thdecember-2018.html Take a moonlit stroll through the enchanted forest and see the grounds of Stansted Park as you’ve never seen them before. Tickets in advance only. £10 per person. Under 5 years free

A family market with nearly new tables for hire to sell baby/children's items.

Family (2+2) £35. 5.30pm – 8.00pm.

Prams, maternity items, clothes, shoes, toys, books, highchairs and so much more. See what bargains you can find!

1 - 23 December Christmas at Rother Barn

29 November Chichester Starlight Trail The Novium Museum, Tower Street, Chichester, PO19 1QH. www.thenovium.org/article/30516/ Chichester-Starlight-Trail Collect your Starlight Trail passport from either the Novium Museum, Pallant House Gallery or the Cathedral, and create a star lantern. Then travel to the other venues to take part in festive crafts and activities, collecting stamps along the way. Those who have collected all 3 stamps will be entered into a prize draw for a chance to win one of our exciting prizes! 4pm - 8pm. £3 per person.

14 F amilies Solent East

Rother Barn Tree Farm, Farnham Road, Liss, GU33 6LJ. Enjoy some festive family fun at Rother Barn Tree Farm this Christmas! There will be a bouncy castle, pick your own Xmas tree, bauble hunt, tractor rides Santa's Grotto and lots more! 10am4pm daily.

1 - 23 December Keydell’s Santa's Grotto Keydells Nurseries, Havant Road, Horndean, PO8 0UU. 02392 593839. www.keydellnurseries.co.uk/santa Visit Santa's Grotto and enjoy a stroll

through the magically festive Woodland Walk.

1 – 24 December Spinnaker Tower Toymaker’s Workshop Spinnaker Tower, Gunwharf Quays, Portsmouth, PO1 3TT. 02392 857520 www.spinnakertower.co.uk/events/ event/tower-toymakers-workshop Join Santa’s elves in the Tower’s workshop as they make the finishing touches to their latest batch of cuddly reindeer before meeting the big man in red himself in his grotto! Tower Toymaker’s Workshop will take place on the following dates; 1st & 2nd, 8th & 9th, 15th & 16th, 21st, 22nd, 23rd and 24th December. Advanced booking is highly recommended.

1 – 23 December Staunton Christmas on the Farm Staunton Country Park, Middle Park Way, Havant, PO9 5HB. 02392 453405. www.hants.gov.uk/thingstodo/ countryparks/staunton/whatson Christmas on the Farm returns to Staunton Farm this December. Children will receive a letter from Father Christmas in the post before their visit. On the day, they'll enjoy elf-led activities starting with decorating a Christmas tree decoration before having a donkey ride to take them to see Father Christmas where they will get a wrapped gift. Weekends only. Various time slots available. Tickets £15.95 per child. Normal admission charges apply.

1, 8, 15 and 22 December Meet Father Christmas at The Novium Museum The Novium Museum, Tower Street, Chichester, PO19 1QH. www.thenovium.org/article/27858/ Meet-Father-Christmas A truly magical experience, each child will spend time meeting Father Christmas and receive a special gift. Book online, or call Chichester Box Office on 01243 816525.

Various time slots are available. £6 per child.

1 December – 1 January Christmas at Uppark Uppark House and Garden, South Harting, Petersfield, GU31 5QR. www.nationaltrust.org.uk/ events/034ab2b0-77e8-483c-b72672b265d55f3f/pages/details See Uppark come to life through the classic Twelve Days of Christmas song.

Welcoming back Delicarta with stunning paper creations, visit this Christmas for a magical journey through the house and gardens. Normal admission prices apply

but the event is free with an entrance ticket. Closed on Christmas Day and Boxing Day.

4 December Cinderella On Ice in Gosport Planet Ice, Forest Way, Off Fareham Road, Gosport, Hampshire, PO13 0ZX, 02392 511 217 planet-ice.co.uk/whats-on/ Cinderella On Ice is a magical retelling of the classic story; fairy Godmother, glass slippers, carriages made up of pumpkins and other such delights await on the ice. 1pm and 7pm / Adult from £10 / Child from £7. Family tickets available.

8 December Festive Family Fun Day Aspex Gallery, The Vulcan Building, Gunwharf Quays, Portsmouth, PO1 3BF www.aspex.org.uk Aspex are celebrating the festive season with the return of their annual Family Fun Day. There will be a range of arts and crafts activities on offer throughout the day. The best thing? It’s completely free! 11am - 3pm.

8 – 16 December Chichester Christmas Market Chichester City Centre, North Street, Chichester, PO19 1LB. www.woodlandcrafts.co.uk Chichester Christmas Market will once again be lining both East Street and North Street with a wonderful array of festive stalls. It’s a fabulous opportunity to find a spectacular range of carefully selected unique gifts, decorations, festive food and drink all perfectly timed for Christmas.

8, 9, 15, 16, 29 and 30 December King Henry’s Christmas Court Mary Rose Museum at Portsmouth Historic Dockyard, HM Naval Base, Portsmouth, PO1 3PY. 02392 839766 maryrose.org/events/2018/12/08/ general-events/christmas-court/ King Henry VIII invites you to experience Christmas traditions from his Royal Tudor Court! There will be dancing, merrymaking, magic, music and an audience with the King.

Throughout the museum you will meet characters from Henry’s court – jesters, courtiers, musicians and ladies in waiting. This event runs on 8, 9, 15, 16, 29 & 30 December. Normal admission

familiesonline.co.uk

MORE

Downland Museum

of-winter-magic

Weald and Downland Open Air Museum, Singleton, PO18 0EU. 01243 811363 www.wealddown.co.uk/events

Join Red Phoenix for a festive early evening of Winter Solstice storytelling in the Roundhouse at Butser Ancient Farm.

6:30pm. Tickets: £15 adult, £8 child, under threes free, £40 family.

Every child can spend time with Green Father Christmas before receiving a traditional toy wrapped in brown paper and string. There are lots of opportunities to take photos and each guest can enjoy a hot drink and mince pie whilst waiting to see Green Father Christmas. charges apply

8, 9, 15, 16, 22 and 23 December Christmas at The Park Queen Elizabeth Country Park, Gravel Hill, Waterlooville, PO8 0QE. 02392 595040 www.hants.gov.uk/thingstodo/ countryparks/qecp/whatson/ eventdetails?id=405982 Meet the elves and make a Christmassy craft in the elves workshop. Take the tractor trailer through the woods, then follow the festive trail back down to Father Christmas's magic grotto.

Tickets are non-refundable/nontransferable. The event will be running on weekends only. Book online to confirm your place.

8, 9, 15 and 16 December Visit Father Christmas at West Dean Gardens West Dean College and Gardens, West Dean, Chichester, PO18 0QZ. 01243 811301 www.westdean.org.uk/gardens/ events/visit-father-christmas Visit Father Christmas at West Dean Gardens near Chichester. Each child booked in to see Father Christmas will receive a small gift. Plus, there are Christmas craft activities to join in with too. Adults can enjoy the mulled wine and mince pies. Booking is essential as time slots get booked up. Various time slots available. Child £5 (includes gift & craft activities), Adult £5.50 (standard entry to the gardens).

8 - 9 December Port Solent Festival of Christmas Port Solent, The Boardwalk, Cosham, Portsmouth, PO6 4TP. www.portsolent.com Over 80 stalls full of Christmas gifts, decorations, food and drink to browse through. Starts at 10am.

8, 9, 15, 16, 20-23 December Meet Green Father Christmas at Weald & familiesonline.co.uk

Green Father Christmas is a busy man at this special time of year and will need to be seen by appointment – tickets must be purchased in advance of your visit.

Tickets are £10 per child and include a traditional toy and Museum admission.

Accompanying adult tickets (maximum two per appointment) are £5 each.

14 – 23 December Chichester Father Christmas Sleigh Experience Chichester City Centre, St Martins Street, Chichester, PO19 1NA. www.facebook.com/ events/248794802557443/

11 December – 6 January Cinderella at Kings Theatre

Meet Father Christmas on his Russian Troika Sleigh in Chichester this festive season! The sleigh will be 'parked' in St Martins Square between 14 - 23 December.

Each child will receive an "I was caught being good" coin to place under the pillow on Christmas Eve and a memory to last forever. Various time slots available, visit Facebook for further details.

Kings Theatre, Albert Road, Southsea, PO5 2QJ. 02392 828282 kingsportsmouth.co.uk/whats-on/ pantomime/cinderella/

15 – 30 December Sleeping Beauty

Throw on your glad rags, order your pumpkin and dust off those glass slippers because with your help, Cinderella will go to the ball! The Kings Theatre is the perfect place to enjoy this sparkling, traditional family entertainment, so don’t miss out - book your tickets now! Various times.

Ticket prices vary, see website for details.

13 – 31 December Peter Pan New Theatre Royal, 20-24 Guildhall Walk, Portsmouth, PO1 2DD. 02392 843979 www.newtheatreroyal.com/ performances/peter-pan/ Join Wendy, Michael and John as they take off to Neverland with the boy who never grows up- Peter Pan. Various times, see the website for details. Tickets from £10 - £29.

14 December – 6 January Cinderella at Ferneham Hall Ferneham Hall, Osborn Road, Fareham, PO16 7DB. 01329 824864. www.fernehamhall.co.uk/whats-on/ panto/cinderella/ Jordan Productions will bring live music, stunning sets, slick choreography and sensational costumes once again to Fareham's Ferneham Hall this Christmas.

Various times, see the website for details.

Prices range from £14.50 - £20.50 with schools/groups and family concessions available on selected performances.

14 December Tales of Winter Magic Butser Ancient Farm, Chalton Lane, Chalton, PO8 0BG. 02392 598838. www.butserancientfarm.co.uk/tales-

Chichester Festival Theatre, Oaklands Park, Chichester, PO19 6AP. 01243 781312 www.cft.org.uk/whats-on/event/ sleeping-beauty Chichester Festival Youth Theatre will be performing Rufus Norris’s mischievous version of the original fairy tale, venturing beyond the usual ‘happy ever after’.

The course of true love never did run smooth... especially if your mother-in-law is an ogress with a taste for human flesh!

Various times, see the website for details.

Tickets from £10.

20 December – 4 January Fort Nelson Victorian Christmas Royal Armouries, Fort Nelson, Portsdown Hill Road, Fareham, PO17 6AN. 01329 233734 royalarmouries.org/event/victorianchristmas Step back in time and learn about the life at the Fort for a soldier at Christmas, as well as Christmas traditions and ‘new’ fashions. Tours at 11am, 12pm, 2pm & 3pm. The Fort will be closed on 24, 25 & 26 December.

22 December Christmas with The Three Billy Goats Gruff Ashcroft Arts Centre, Osborn Road, Fareham, PO16 7DX. 01329 223100. www.ashcroft.org.uk/event/threebilly-goats-gruff Garlic Theatre create a magical world to entrance and delight young and old, in this festive twist on the classic story of the three hungry goats and a grumpy old troll.

ONLINE

With beautifully crafted familiesonline.co.uk puppets, live accordion music, storytelling and lots of joining in, it's an ideal first theatrical experience for young audiences. 2pm.

Tickets £7 per person, family of four £25.

26 – 27 December Christmas at Weald & Downland Museum Weald and Downland Open Air Museum, Singleton, PO18 0EU. 01243 811363 www.wealddown.co.uk/events/ christmas-at-the-museum Enjoy the atmosphere of historic homes decorated to reflect how this special time of year has been celebrated over the centuries. The Museum team will be serving spiced apple juice as well as spiced biscuits, for which donations are welcome.

10:30am - 4pm. Normal admission charges apply.

3 January Moscow City Ballet - The Nutcracker Chichester Festival Theatre, Oaklands Park, Chichester, PO19 6AP. 01243 781312. www.cft.org.uk/whats-on/event/ the-nutcracker Moscow City Ballet return to Chichester with their spectacular production of The Nutcracker: an unmissable climax to the festive season, presented in classic Russian style with full orchestra. An enchanting treat for the whole family. From £10; family tickets available, see website for details.

4 January Over the Moon: A First Opera for Little People Chichester Festival Theatre, Oaklands Park, Chichester, PO19 6AP. 01243 781312. www.cft.org.uk/whats-on/event/ over-the-moon-a-first-opera-forlittle-people Gentle classical music and familiar nursery rhymes and games are woven together in an interactive musical adventure for babies aged 0 - 2. 11am, 2pm & 3.30pm. £15 (one child and one accompanying adult. £5 per additional adult).

Have a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

from Families Solent East :-)

Families Solent East 15