What’s On

November & December 2022

All listings are correct at the time of publication. Please check with the venue before you visit in case anything has changed.

NOVEMBER

1-4 Nov Maidenhead Schools Exhibition 2022

Norden Farm Centre for the Arts, Altwood Road, Maidenhead, SL6 4PF, Norden.farm The exhibition will show a wealth of talent in a range of mediums including paint, textiles and digital media. Free entry. 5pm–10pm

1-5 Nov The Sleeping Sword

Watermill Theatre, Bagnor, Newbury RG20 8AE, watermill. org.uk Meet Ben Bundle. He likes fishing and snorkelling, jumping off rocks and exploring the magical island of Bryher with his friends. From £10

1-7 Nov Gratitude to Nature Children’s Trail

Greys Court, Henley-on-Thames RG9 4PG, nationaltrust.org.uk/ greys-court On this trail, we encourage little ones to think about what nature does for us through a host of fun activities. £2

2 Nov Mini Messy Museum

West Berkshire Museum, The Wharf, Newbury, RG14 5AS, westberkshireheritage.org/westberkshire-museum You and your child will take part in a fun and simple art and craft themed around a museum object, and then you’ll have the opportunity to do a self-led gallery visit to find the museum object linked to the morning’s art and craft. Free entry. 10:15am

5 Nov Creative Mindfulness for Children (aged 4-7 years)

Norden Farm Centre for the Arts, Maidenhead, SL6 4PF, Norden.farm Creative activities, art, sound, stories, meditations, visualisations and discussion. £10, 4-7 years: 11am, 8-11 years: 12pm

5 Nov Fish Out of Water: MCDC

Outside Marks & Spencer, Reading, RG1 2BH, whatsonreading.com Fish Out of Water is a fresh, family-friendly, free outdoor dance performance using hip hop, interactive sculptures & responsive music to explore themes of belonging, otherness, displacement & migrancy. Free. 11:30am/1pm/ 2:30pm

5 Nov The Dark

South Street Arts Centre, Reading, RG1 4QU, whatsonreading.com Peut-Etre Theatre merge vibrant physicality with live music to create captivating and energetic performances for the whole family. £10. 11:30am

5 Nov Bonfire and Fireworks Display

The Club at Mapledurham, Chazey Heath, Reading, RG4 7UD, theclubatmapledurham.com With food stalls, entertainment and more, our annual firework display is always a night to remember for the whole family. 4pm

5 Nov Wokingham Fireworks Spectacular

Cantley Field, Wokingham, RG40 5QG, Wokingham-fireworks.co.uk Funfair, torchlight procession and fireworks! 5:30pm

5-30 Nov The Riddle

Reading Town Centre, whatsonreading.com Focused on a current societal concern (our consumption of digital technology), participants are tasked to help the central character Pæn, re-engage with the wonders of the outdoors by hunting down QR codes, solving riddles, making and sharing their own dance moves. Free

6 Nov Reading Children’s Book Group

Fourbears Books, Caversham, Reading, RG4 8JG It’s National Non-Fiction November so come and enjoy a celebration of brilliant factual books. Suitable for ages 5-8. All children must be accompanied by an adult. Free but pre-booking essential by 4pm on Sat 5 Nov via 0118 948 1747 or info@ fourbearsbooks.uk. 10am-11am

6 Nov Woodley Mega Baby and Children’s Market

Woodford Park Leisure Centre, Haddon Drive, Woodley, RG5 4LY, babyandchildrensmarket.co.uk Over 35+ stalls on offer bursting with top-quality baby and children’s items plus maternity items at BARGAIN PRICES all under one roof, plus free children’s activities. Adults £2, children free. 10:30am–12pm

6 Nov Newbury Fireworks Spectacular

Newbury Showground, Priors Court, Hermitage, RG18 9QZ, xplosiveevents.com/events/ newbury-fireworks-spectacular Witness an enormous, jaw-dropping firework display choreographed to music and synchronised with a powerful light show that will be seen for miles! 4-9pm

7 and 10 Nov Nature Tots

Nature Discovery Centre, Thatcham, RG19 3FU bbowt.org.uk/events Join our friendly Nature Tots staff and volunteers to explore the nature reserve and enjoy wildlife-themed activities suitable for ages 18 months to 4 years (accompanied by an adult who is able to encourage and help). £7 per child (accompanying adults free). 10–11:30am

9 Nov The Nutcracker

Corn Exchange Newbury, Market Place, Newbury, RG14 5BD, cornexchangenew.com Prepare to enter a magical new world – the nutcracker in this ballet may be a handsome prince in disguise. 7:45pm

9-11 Nov Junior Music Festival

The Hexagon, Queen’s Walk, Reading, RG1 7UA, whatsonreading.com Berkshire Maestros Junior Music Festival once again brings hundreds of children together from local primary schools to celebrate the joy of singing. £16. 7pm

12 Nov Nick Cope

Corn Exchange Newbury, Market Place, Newbury, RG14 5BD, cornexchangenew.com Nick Cope has been writing and recording his beautiful and totally unique songs for children and their families for over 10 years. £11 11am

12 Nov–2 Jan Reading Winter Wonderland

Hills Meadow, Reading, RG4 8DH, readingwinterwonderland.co.uk We offer a wide range of attractions, activities and entertainment for visitors of all ages, including a real ice skating rink undercover, Santa’s grotto and festive food and drinks.

16 Nov–6 Jan A Winter Ball

Basildon Park, Lower Basildon, Reading RG8 9NR, nationaltrust. org/basildon-park Children can get in on the excitement with an activity trail through trees hanging with clocks and fairy lights. The anticipation builds as they’re urged to get to the ball before the clocks strike midnight.

17 Nov–23 Dec Neverland Illuminova

Wellington Country Park, Odiham Road, Riseley, RG7 1SP, neverlandilluminova.co.uk For the first time, Wellington Country Park’s gates will open at dusk to reveal a kingdom of illumination.

18 Nov–1 Jan Rapunzel

Watermill Theatre, Bagnor, Newbury RG20 8AE, watermill.org.uk Join us for a lively adventure through the rolling hills and deep dark forests of Italy with music, magic pigs and plenty of surprises! From £12

19 Nov Newbury Christmas Lights Switchon Event

Newbury town centre, visitnewbury.org.uk Following the success of last year’s event, we’ll be extending this fabulously festive and FREE family-focused event into a day-long festival. 10am–6pm

19 Nov Craft your Christmas with Sara Davies

The Hexagon, Queen’s Walk, Reading, RG1 7UA, whatsonreading.com Craft Your Christmas with Sara Davies is the perfect warm up for the festive break, with plenty of practical demonstrations, creative ideas and a healthy slice of Sara’s down to earth know how. £29.50. 7:30pm

19 Nov Sustainable Living Market

Thatcham Catholic Hall, RG18 3AG, slmthatchamnewbury.co.uk We have refillable cleaning products, plastic free shops, recycled and hand-made jewellery, sustainable homewares, natural and organic beauty products. We also organise a baby and children’s clothes swap, have a fabulous coffee and cake van and offer recycling facilities. 10:30am–1pm

19 Nov Draw your Own Christmas Family Sweatshirts

The Base, Greenham Business Park, Greenham, RG19 6AB, thebasegreenham.co.uk Create your own unique festive sweatshirt design to wear as a family this Christmas with illustrator & graphic designer Mark Bijak. Adults £40, children £30. 10am

19 Nov Family Concertini with Cut and Shine

Norden Farm Centre for the Arts, Maidenhead, SL6 4PF, Norden.farm Dust off your cowboy hats, gingham checks or grab something from our fancy dress box for a foot-stomping, rip-roaring, thigh-slapping 45 minutes of traditional music. £10-£12 11:30am/2pm

19 and 26 Nov Lantern Making Workshops

Norden Farm Centre for the Arts, Altwood Road, Maidenhead, SL6 4PF, Norden.farm Across two hours, weave an intricate animal-inspired willow frame before covering and decorating your creation. 6+ years. £7. 10:30am/2pm

20 Nov Reading Children’s Book Group

Fourbears Books, Caversham, Reading, RG4 8JG An exciting event about the science behind climate change and renewable energy. Guest speaker and practical demonstrations. Suitable for ages 9-11. All children must be accompanied by an adult. Free but pre-booking essential by 4pm on Sat 19 Nov via 0118 948 1747 or info@fourbearsbooks.uk 10am-11am

21 – 26 Nov Matilda Jnr.

Kenton Theatre, New Street, Henley-on-Thames, RG9 2BP, kentontheatre.co.uk Rebellion is nigh in Matilda JR., a gleefully witty ode to the anarchy of childhood and the power of imagination! From £14

25 Nov–31 Dec Jack and the Beanstalk

Corn Exchange Newbury, Market Place, Newbury, RG14 5BD, cornexchangenew.com When Jack sells the beloved family cow for some magic beans, a beanstalk-climbing adventure ensues.

25 Nov–31 Dec Jack and the Beanstalk

South Hill Park, Bracknell, RG12 7PA, southhillpark.org.uk Follow country-living Jack on this hilarious, fee-fi-fo-fun-filled adventure as they sell the family cow for a handful of magic beans and climb the towering beanstalk.

26 Nov Grand Re-opening

Nature Discovery Centre, Muddy Lane, Lower Way, Thatcham, RG19 3FU, bbowt.org.uk/events The Nature Discovery Centre in Thatcham is having an exciting renovation!

26 Nov Festive Clay Decoration Making

The Base, Greenham Business Park, Greenham, RG19 6AB, thebasegreenham.co.uk Join our resident artist Cáit Gould to make your own hanging ornamental decorations from clay. £10 per child 10am/1:30pm

26 Nov Glow Walk

Dinton Pastures, Davis Street, Hurst, Wokingham, RG10 0TH, firstdays.net/events Walk around Black Swan Lake under starlight and take in the illuminated woodland and various light features. Slots from 5pm–8pm

26 and 27 Nov, 3 and 4 Dec Lantern Making Workshop

101 Outdoor Arts Creation Space, Greenham Business Park, Newbury, RG19 6HN, 101outdoorarts.com Come to 101 Outdoor Arts and create a traditional pyramid lantern out of willow and paper or a design of your choice ready to carry in our Festival of Light procession. Free entry. 10am/1pm/4pm

26 Nov – 24 Dec The Most Magical Christmas Adventure

4 Kingdoms Adventure Park, Newbury Road, Headley, RG19 8JY, themagicalchristmasadventure. co.uk Join us at 4 Kingdoms for our new Magical Christmas Adventure and joyous Festive Show!

26 Nov – 5 Jan Together for Christmas

Greys Court, Henley-on-Thames RG9 4PG, nationaltrust.org.uk/ greys-court Children can scamper along the Woodland Animals Trail to work up an appetite for the tea room, stocked full of treats and festooned with garlands created by Kidmore End schoolchildren.

26 Nov – 17 Mar Winter Family Activity Park

The Museum of English Rural Life, Redlands Road, Reading, RG1 5EX, merl.reading.ac.uk For families with children aged 5+, this pack includes a selection of crafts, recipes from our library collections to try at home, a gallery trail, colouring, a themed story and more! £4

27 Nov Newbury’s Santa Fun Run

Market Place, Newbury, visitnewbury.org.uk Choose either a 5km or 1km route. check in from 9am. 10:30am

27 Nov Thatcham Litter Pick

Small park opposite Waitrose, 48-53 The Broadway Thatcham Berkshire RG19 3HN, slmthatchamnewbury.co.uk All welcome, and we provide all the equipment you need and take away the litter and recycling. 10am–11am

27 Nov Wokingham Winter Carnival

Wokingham town centre, wintercarnival.co.uk There’s a whole host of street entertainers, music, singing, dancing and the fun of the fair with loads of different rides, whether you’re young or old.

27 Nov The Nutcracker

Kenton Theatre, New Street, Henley-on-Thames, RG9 2BP, kentontheatre.co.uk The Let’s All Dance Ballet Company presents their family festive favourite, the perfect Christmas treat for all! From £13.50. 1pm/3pm

29 Nov–30 Dec One Snowy Night

Norden Farm Centre for the Arts, Maidenhead, SL6 4PF, Norden.farm One cold winter’s night Percy finds his little friends shivering on the doorstep – they need more than food and he must find a way to help them…

30 Nov – 31 Dec A Christmas Carol

Reading Rep Theatre, King’s Road, Reading RG1 4LY, readingrep.com Your favourite characters are back, bringing festive wonder to the cobbled streets of Reading. Charles Dickens’ seminal story told with nostalgia and charm, the perfect Christmas treat. £5-£19.50

DECEMBER

1-4 Dec CATS present “The Sleeping Beauty”

Crowthorne Parish Hall, RG45 7BW, ticketsource.co.uk/ CrowthorneCATS Expect comic mayhem and belly laughs a-plenty, as - once again - CATS conjures up the magical world of pantomime, with great songs, stunning sets, lavish costumes and lots and lots of SHOUTING!

2 and 23 Dec Festive Bach to Baby Family Concert

Reading Minster, RG1 2HX, whatsonreading.com Grab your family, harness up your fastest reindeer and enjoy a Bach to Baby concert. £15 per adult, up to 2 children FREE! 11am

3 Dec A Visit from the Snow Sisters

West Berkshire Museum, Newbury, RG14 5AS, westberkshireheritage. org/west-berkshire-museum Join us for a festive visit from the Snow Sisters who will entertain young audiences with a fun sing-along, themed games and magical story time! £7 per child. 10:30am/ 11:30am/1pm

3 Dec Christmas Laser Lights Show

Wildmoor Heath School, Crowthorne, RG45 7HD, ticketsource.co.uk/wildmoorheath-pta/christmas-laser-lightshow A Christmas evening, with Santa, craft stalls, live performance from our singer, the promise of snow with our snow machine, ending with a spectacular laser light show. £3/£10 family of 4. 6pm

3 Dec–2 Jan Jack and the Beanstalk

The Hexagon, Reading, RG1 7UA, whatsonreading.com Come and join us at The Hexagon for a panto of GIANT proportions with the fabulous Jack and the Beanstalk - starring children’s television megastar Justin Fletcher as Gil Trott and the hilarious, award-winning Paul Morse as Nanny Hydrangea Trott. Tickets from £14

4 Dec Reading Children’s Book Group

Fourbears Books, Caversham, Reading, RG4 8JG Festive fun with book present recommendations, seasonal games and stories. Ages 5-8. All children must be accompanied by an adult. Free but pre-book by 4pm on Sat 3 Dec via 0118 948 1747 or info@ fourbearsbooks.uk 10am-11am

4 Dec Children’s Magic Show

Shaw House, Newbury, RG14 2DR, westberkshireheritage.org/shawhouse Featuring Mr Muddle the charming, if muddlesome magician, who captivates and amazes children with his comical slapstick magic and laugh-out-loud antics with wands and balloons! £7 per child. 12pm/ 1:30pm/3pm

4 Dec Beauty and the Beast

Kenton Theatre, New Street, Henley-on-Thames, RG9 2BP, kentontheatre.co.uk Join Ballet Theatre UK with one of the most enchanting love stories of all time. 2pm/6pm

7-10 Dec Life is a Dream

Progress Theatre, Reading, RG1 5HL, progresstheatre.co.uk The King plans to step down from the throne and everyone expects him to name either his niece or nephew as heir. Segismund, true heir to the throne, lies locked in a tower dreaming of escape. 7:45pm

8-10 Dec Half Moon present GLISTEN

South Street Arts Centre, Reading, RG1 4QU, whatsonreading.com Glisten is an interactive performance for babies aged 0-18 months and their grown-ups. £15 for adult with baby. 11am/1pm/2:30pm

10 Dec Children’s Christmas Printmaking

The Base, Greenham Business Park, Greenham, RG19 6AB, thebasegreenham.co.uk A fun-packed festive workshop, creating Christmas cards and decorations for children with Charlotte Adcock. £20. 10am

10 Dec Make your Own Christmas Baubles – 3 ways!

Creativ.Spaces, Marsack Street, Caversham, Reading, RG4 5AF You will learn different decorating techniques to create 3 different bauble styles of your choice; filled, painted, terrazzo, marbling and gold leaf. £25. 11am–12:30pm

10 Dec The Carnival of the Animals – Lantern Parade

Maidenhead town centre, Norden.farm The Parade is a celebration of community and the arts and encourages local people to get together, creating fantastic artworks, dancing and parading their fabulous creations through Maidenhead town centre. Free. 4:30pm–6:15pm

10–29 Dec Aladdin

Kenton Theatre, New Street, Henley-on-Thames, RG9 2BP, kentontheatre.co.uk With heaps of audience participation, dazzling costumes, spectacular sets, and magical special effects, this year’s offering promises to be out of this world. From £12

11 Dec Festival of Light

From Newbury Methodist Church, Newbury, RG14 1AN, visitnewbury. org.uk/events/festival-oflight-2022 Starting on Northbrook Street, the twinkling wonderland will travel through to the Market Place, where live music and a festive atmosphere will be waiting under the illuminated sky. 4pm

11 Dec Jingle Bell Jog

Emmbrook Junior School, Wokingham, RG41 1JR, emmbrookjuniorschool.co.uk A festive 2km jog, run or walk. After, there is fun to be had at Santa’s Grotto, the craft stall, cake stall, refreshment stall, bottle tombola and chocolate tombola. 10:30am

12 and 15 Dec Nature Tots

Nature Discovery Centre, Thatcham, RG19 3FU, bbowt.org. uk/events Join our friendly Nature Tots staff and volunteers to explore the nature reserve and enjoy wildlife-themed activities suitable for children aged 18 months to 4 years (accompanied by an adult who is able to encourage and help them). £7 per child (adults free). 10am–11:30am

15 Dec Morgan and West’s Great Big Christmas Magic Show

Kenton Theatre, New Street, Henley-on-Thames, RG9 2BP, kentontheatre.co.uk Time-travelling magicians Morgan & West crash into Christmas with a show full of fabulous family fun, festive frolics and fantastic facial furniture! 6pm

16-18 Dec Beauty and the Beast

Arlington Arts Centre, Snelsmore Common, Newbury, RG14 3BQ, Arlington-arts.com Inspired by the original tale, this production tells the story of Belle, a beautiful and intelligent young woman who feels out of place in her provincial French village. From £15

17 Dec Creative Mindfulness for Children

Norden Farm Centre for the Arts, Altwood Road, Maidenhead, SL6 4PF, Norden.farm Creative activities, art, sound, stories, meditations, visualisations and discussion. £10. 4-7 years: 11am, 8-11 years: 12pm

19 Dec Crafty Kids at Christmas – Santa’s Workshop

Creativ.Spaces, 2B Southview Park, Marsack Street, Caversham, Reading, RG4 5AF How about 2 hours of guilt free peace for you to use as you wish and catch up on Christmas shopping or wrapping, while the children have some festive arty fun? £20. 10am–12pm

20 Dec Midwinter Revels

Shaw House, Newbury, RG14 2DR, westberkshireheritage.org/shawhouse Spanning several centuries, GreenMatthews’ Midwinter Revels is a celebration of Yuletide Past guaranteed to warm the cockles of the most Scrooge-like heart. Suitable for ages 8+. Adults £12, children £5. 7pm

21 Dec Crafty Kids at Christmas – Biscuits!

Creativ.Spaces, Marsack Street, Caversham, Reading, RG4 5AF After the success of our summer biscuit decorating workshop, join our Master Maker Anna again for more biscuit decorating fun but this time with a Christmas twist. £20. 10am–12pm

21 Dec Messy Museum Morning

West Berkshire Museum, The Wharf, Newbury, RG14 5AS, westberkshireheritage.org/westberkshire-museum Deck the Halls! – decorate a Christmas ceramic hanging ornament (assorted designs – one issued at random) with paint, and take it home to place on your tree or elsewhere. £2.50. 10am/1pm

21 Dec Christmas LEGO Workshop

The Heights Primary School, Caversham, Reading, RG4 7LB, masterbuildersclub.com Join Master Builders Club for two hours of festive brick building play. 2pm–4pm

21 Dec Magical Lights

The Museum of English Rural Life, Redlands Road, Reading, RG1 5EX, merl.reading.ac.uk Explore the magic of light in the MERL garden and enjoy a host of craft activities inspired by light and the MERL gardens and collections. £4.50 4:30pm–6:30pm

22 Dec Movie in the Hall: Arthur Christmas

Shaw House, Newbury, RG14 2DR, westberkshireheritage.org/shawhouse Santa’s clumsy son Arthur sets out on a mission with Grandsanta to give out a present they misplaced to a young girl in less than two hours. Adults £5, children £3. 10am

Friday 18 November to Sunday 1 January

22 Dec Christmas LEGO Workshop

Badgemore Primary School, Hop Gardens, Henley-on-Thames, RG9 2HL, masterbuildersclub.com A huge snowstorm has fallen and Santa needs the help of our Master Builders to get the presents delivered to Bricksville. 9:30–11:30am

22 Dec Christmas LEGO Workshop

Dorchester-on-Thames Village Hall, Wallingford, OX10 7JG, masterbuildersclub.com Sign up your LEGO fan now and help us save Christmas in Bricksville. 2:30–4:30pm

23 Dec Crafty Kids at Christmas – Elftastic!

Creativ.Spaces, Caversham, Reading, RG4 5AF Our 2 hour arts and crafts sessions are great fun for all children. £20 10am–12pm

23 Dec Christmas LEGO Workshop

Woodcote Village Hall, Reading Road, Woodcote, RG8 0QY, masterbuildersclub.com Join Master Builders Club for two hours of festive brick building play. 9:30–11:30am

31 Dec–3 Jan Sleeping Beauty

Kenton Theatre, Henley-onThames, RG9 2BP, kentontheatre.co.uk The script is a treat for all ages, with a good dose of comedy and music from a lively, enthusiastic group of local children.

Family Pass 4 tickets from £40 - £80 available until 17 December

Tickets from £12

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