What's On listings for
Compiled by Anna Blackshaw
To promote your local event, coffee morning, nearly new sale, parenting courses or community group in the next What’s On listing. Email Listings@FamiliesNWLondon.co.uk.
Listings in this section are FREE for most non-commercial ventures. Please check details of the events before setting off in case anything has changed since going to print.
Many activities and events require advance booking.
Please check the website in the listing to confirm terms and conditions for attending before heading out.
Sat 5 Jul
Aylward Primary Summer Fair
2024 (HA7)
Throughout the Summer Big Bandstand (WD18)
After extensive refurbishment the bandstand moved back to its original home in Cassiobury park in September 2016. Situated near the Cafe in the Park, every weekend during the summer months, it plays host to a jam-packed programme of FREE live shows, playing everything from jazz to ukulele – and of course, lots of traditional brass bands for you to enjoy. 3-5pm.
www.watfordevents.com/ bigbandstand
Mon 1 Jul
Teddy Bears Picnic! (HA2)
If you go down to the Headstone Manor & Museum today, you’re sure of a big surprise! Take along your favourite teddy and join in a fun day of singing and crafts. Join Harrow Libraries for a picnic themed storytime session. Caterpillar Music Northwood and Pinner will be presenting sessions that include songs around food, teddy songs, parachute games with lots of instruments and bubbles to finish! Under 5’s and their grown-ups. https://headstonemanor.org/ events/teddy-bears-picnic
Mon 1 Jul – Sun 4 Aug
Watford Fringe 2024 (various) Enjoy more than 50 performances across a whole month of great entertainment, right on your doorstep. Multiple venues will host an extraordinary live line-up of great theatre, music, comedy, dance, magic and family fun-filled shows. https://pumphouse.info/watfordfringe-box-office
Head along for an afternoon of fun filled adventure and merriment. Enjoy food, games, fairground rides, Pony rides, business stalls. www.aylwardschool.org.uk/friendsof-aylward-schools-ptfa
Sun 7 Jul & Sun 11 Aug
Sunday Markets: World Food and Drink (WD17)
Watford market is steeped in history dating back to the 12th century, and is open to the public from Tuesday to Saturday, selling an ever changing mix of goods, produce and street food. It will be open on Sun 7 July for a speciality World Food and Drink market, and Sun 11 Aug for a speciality Vegan market. 10am-3pm. www.watfordmarket.co.uk/events
Sun 7 Jul
Watford Fringe Launch (WD18)
Watford Fringe is entering it’s 8th year bringing local talent, international singers, West End stars and five star shows from the Edinburgh Fringe to local venues around Watford. Food and drink will also be available. 12-4pm. www.watfordevents.com/ watfordfringelaunch
Sun 7 Jul
Shenley Village Fete (WD7)
An extremely popular traditional village Fete taking place at LHarris Lane Playing Field in Shenley. The Main attraction is Vander Superheroes Double Space Wheel aka The Vander Wheel of Death. There will also be inflatables, bouncy castles, maze, hamster balls, trampolines, tea-cup roundabout, food, drink and more. 12-4.45pm. Contact Nicky on 07976 872668.
Mon 8 Jul–Fri 30 Aug
DiscoG Coding Academy Summer Day Camps (HA3) Join our academy and unlock the doors to tomorrow’s technology! Learn to code in Python with a series of text-based programming projects, gain hands-on experience working with an industrial robotic arm, AI-driven cars, electronics with a range of sensors and more! Call Gerard & Kat on 07767 300940 or email: info@discogcodingacademy.com www.discogcodingacademy.com
Superheroes Summer Holiday Courses
Tue 9–Sat 20 Jul
Curious Space: Transitions in Landscape Art Exhibition (NW10) ArtLab23 Artist Collective invites audiences to an exhibition exploring human connections with landscapes through memory and imagination. At Willesden Gallery, NW10 2SF. www.artlab23.org
Sat 13 Jul
Summer Reading Challenge Launch Event (NW9)
Head to the RAF Museum for the launch of Barnet Libraries Summer Reading Challenge! Local Barnet families are invited to a drop-in event at the Museum where you can sign your child up for the Summer Reading Challenge as well as getting the chance for them to become a Marvellous Maker and design and test your own mini parachute. 12-2pm. www.rafmuseum.org.uk/london/ whats-going-on/events/summerreading-challenge-launch-event
This July and August, join Perform and zoom off with the superheroes for an action-packed drama, dance and singing adventure. With singing, dancing, twirling and swooping, your child will discover and hone their own special powers of confidence, co-ordination, communication and concentration as they swoop towards a supercharged show for family and friends.
Local classes available: Emmanuel Church Community Space, NW6
29 July-2 Aug 10am-3pm Harrow Marlborough Primary School, HA1
29 July-2 Aug 9am-3pm Christ Church Vision Hall, WD7
29 July-2 Aug 10am-3pm Northwood Methodist Church Hall, HA6
27-30 Aug 10am-3pm
www.perform.org.uk/superheroes for more info and to book.
Sat 13 Jul
Harrow Harmony’s Summer Concert 2024 (HA5)
A Summer Concert to feature a wide range of musical styles, including music by Karl Jenkins, Georges Bizet and Lennon & McCartney as well as pieces from West Side Story and The Mamas & Papas. At Pinner Methodist Church Hall 7.30-9.30pm. www.harrowharmony.org.uk/ summerconcert2024
Sat 13 Jul
Medieval Manor Farm (HA4)
Head to the Manor Farm site in Ruislip for a fun day out at medieval Manor Farm. Meet a medieval medicine man and musician, listen to a costumed storyteller on the castle, have a go at silk braiding, heraldry and more. No need to book, just turn up on the day.
https://discover.hillingdon.gov. uk/medieval-manor-farm?event id=0639-5567-6400-7243
Sun 14 Jul
Regent’s Park Music Festival (NW1)
Founded in 2016, The Regent’s Park Music Festival has grown from one concert on the main park bandstand to a diverse celebration of the arts in the restorative nature of one of London’s most beautiful parks. Putney & Wimbledon Brass Band will be playing a two-hour set of summery tunes, perfect for pic-nic-ing to! Fun for all the family guaranteed. www.bbe.org.uk/regents-parkmusic-festival
Sun 14 Jul
Henley Festival (RG9)
Playdate at Henley Festival will take over the riverside at Henleyon-Thames on Sunday with a range of activities and performances for children of all ages – it’s set to be an unmissable day out for the whole family with a jam-packed programme. Gates open 10am until 1.30pm.
https://henley-festival.co.uk/ family-sunday
Sat 20 Jul
Medieval Codes: Ruislip Manor Library (HA4)
Get creative and head along to Ruislip Manor Library for a fun Anglo-Saxon themed craft making session. Open to 5 to 11 year-olds. To book your place, call 01895 250702 or email archives@hillingdon.gov.uk with your name and email address. https://discover.hillingdon.gov. uk/medieval-codes-ruislip?event id=5207-5965-4640-0043
Sat 20-Sun 21 Jul
Great British Food Festival (SG1) Whilst enjoying a visit to Knebworth House, Gardens and Park on Sat 20th or Sun 21st July you can attend the Great British Food Festival at no additional charge. The Festival will have a wonderful array of produce on offer, from local and national producers. From Chocolate to Chutney and Cheese to Chilli Sauces there will be something to delight your taste buds. A fabulous mix of national and regional producers bringing you homemade products you won’t find in the supermarkets. https://knebworthhouse. com/Event/great-britishfood-festival/?wcs_ timestamp=1721469600
Thu 25 Jul
Portrait Makers (HA6) Go crazy with colour and use your face as inspiration to create your own abstract artistic masterpiece, just like Laila and Yasmin. At Northwood Library from 10.30-
11.30am. For 4 to 11-year-olds.
https://discover.hillingdon. gov.uk/portrait-makers?event id=7159-9612-0679-1221
Thu 25 Jul–Sun 1 Sep
Eliza’s Pet Trail (HA2)
Eliza Brightwen had some peculiar pets. Can you find them all to win a prize? Family fun for all ages at Headstone Manor Museum! https://headstonemanor.org/ events/elizas-pet-trail
Thu 25 Jul–Sun 1 Sep
Summer Flying Theatre: Trailblazers (NW9)
An exhilarating and immersive performance that unveils untold stories of unsung heroes this summer at the RAF Museum London. The show will run every Wednesday to Sunday during 25 July until 1 September at 11am and 2pm. Suitable for 4+. www.rafmuseum.org.uk/london/ whats-going-on/events/summerflying-theatre
Thu 25 Jul–Sun 1 Sep
Summer Postcard Trail (SW13)
Oh no! Pelican Postie has dropped their postbag, scattering mail across the wetland centres. Can you find the lost postcards, discover who wrote them, and work out where the world’s animals are spending their summer holidays? Pick up your trail map from admissions at London Wetland Centre and jet off on a firstclass adventure.
www.wwt.org.uk/wetland-centres/ london/whats-on/summerpostcard-trail-4
Thu 25 Jul–Sun 1 Sep
Summer Holiday Activities (SW13)
Get outside and connect with nature this summer at the London Wetland Centre. Embark on an epic family adventure this summer holidays. Pond dipping, creative workshops and interactive storytelling. www.wwt.org.uk/wetland-centres/ london/whats-on/summer-holidayactivities-1
Sat 27 Jul
Ben & Jerry’s Sundaes Festival (W4)
This summer, Ben & Jerry’s is returning to London for the first time in over a decade, with its annual festival at Chiswick House. This year, expect live music, unlimited free ice cream, cabaret, and a Game Zone featuring larger than life, ice cream inspired games. www.benjerry.co.uk
Sun 28 Jul
Big Jiveswing Festival (WD18)
Taking place at Cassiobury Park bandstand, The Big JiveSwing Festival is one of the UK’s largest FREE Jazz Festivals featuring some of the best internationally acclaimed Jazz musicians, bands and dancers within the UK. It’s a great family day out with live cabarets plus dance classes for children and adults, all for FREE! This year there will be a children’s area with bouncy castle, merry go round, ice cream, popcorn, candyfloss and more. 12-6.30pm. www.watfordevents.com/bigjiveswing-festival
Sun 28 Jul, 4, 11 & 18 Aug
Concert In The Park (HA5)
The Pinner Association’s free weekly concerts at Pinner Memorial Park from 2.30-4.30pm. Take along a picnic and a chair. www.pinnerassociation.co.uk
Mon 29 Jul-Thu 1 Aug
Games and Activities in Ruislip Woods (HA4)
Go for a gentle stroll, playing games and learning about Ruislip Woods as you walk. This family walk will start and end at the Woodlands Centre at Ruislip Lido and be followed by arts and crafts at the Woodland Centre. Suitable for children aged 4+ and their families. 11am-12.30pm. https://discover.hillingdon.gov. uk/article/10696/Games-andactivities-in-Ruislip-Woods?event id=4696-5876-1167-3959
Tue 30 Jul
The Jolly Lolly Sticks Story Show! (UB8)
There are so many ways to write stories, create poems and tell jokes. Join writer and performance poet Justin Coe at Uxbridge Library to rhyme, rap, recite, sing, draw, dance and act out your own creations. Open to over-4s and their families. https://discover.hillingdon. gov.uk/jolly-lolly-sticks?event id=4228-8567-7154-3590
Wed 31 Jul
Summer Family Workshop: Friendship Bracelets (HA2)
Let your bestie know how much you love them with this fun and relaxing woven craft at Headstone Manor Museum. You’ll be using small looms, threads and lots of concentration! Friendship bracelets are a traditional keepsake from one friend to another. This is a sitting, focused activity and younger children may need some
assistance from their adults. 11am & 1.15pm.
https://headstonemanor.org/ events/summer-family-workshopfriendship-bracelets
AUGUST
Thu 1, 8, 15, 22 & 29 Aug
Art in the Park (HA5)
Art sessions for everyone, family, adults and children alike, at Pinner Memorial Park. Sessions will include sketching, park life, watercolour basics, trees, mixing natural colours, figure drawing amongst others. 1.303pm, no booking required. www.heathrobinsonmuseum.org/ whats-on/art-in-the-park-3
Fri 2 Aug
Market Lates (WD17)
The Late Markt in Watford includes live music by Groove Generation, a Soul, Funk, and RnB function band, enchanting face painting, and captivating magic performances. Plus, indulge in delectable treats from Mini Dutch Pancakes and Fairy Bakes among other enticing vendors. Visitors will also be able to enjoy the ambience of market dining and be treated to a menu of fresh dishes plus drinks in the covered casual dining space. 6pm to 10pm. www.watfordmarket.co.uk/events
Fri 2 Aug–Sun 1 Sep
Children’s Puppet Festival 2024 (N1)
Little Angel Theatre are delighted to announce the exciting return of their OFFIE Award Winning Children’s Puppet Festival which will take place across both Little Angel venues this summer. The vibrant programme will showcase a broad range of puppetry by the most exciting UK and international companies
Sun 28 Jul
Cranford Park Family Day (TW5)
The Cranford Park Family Day is back and it’s time to get medieval! Go and enjoy the sights and sounds of a medieval tournament. Games, re enactments and stalls. 10am-4pm. https://discover.hillingdon. gov.uk/cranford-park-familyday?eventid=5530-6982-3371-5189
currently making theatre for young audiences. There will also be plenty of opportunities for everyone to take part, with workshops for families, community events, fun days for children and courses for adults to try out the craft of puppetry. www.littleangeltheatre.com/ seasons/childrens-puppetfestival-2024
Fri 2, 9, 16, 23 & 30 Aug
Have a go Archery (SG1)
Fancy yourself a modern day Robin Hood? Each Friday in August the Green Dragon Bowmen Archery Club will be in Knebworth Park running Have-a-go Archery sessions for aspiring Archers! This activity is suitable for ages 8+ with adults encouraged to take part and is charged at £3 for 6 arrows. https://knebworthhouse.com/ Event/have-a-go-archery/?wcs_ timestamp=1722594600
Sat 3 Aug
Watford Carnival 2024 (WD24) Watford Carnival is coming up this summer and it’s going to be bigger and better than ever before! With an incredible lineup of music, dance, food and fun filled activities, you don’t want to miss out on this amazing event! Taking place at Radlett Road, Watford. www.watfordevents.com/events
Sat 3 Aug
Meccano Model Exhibition (HA5)
Invented in 1901 by Frank Hornby, Meccano combines artistry and engineering in a unique way. Head along to Heath Robinson Museum for this incredible one-day exhibition of Meccano models from the West London Meccano Society, where you will find a variety of peculiar machines and vehicles! Suitable for both children and adults! www.heathrobinsonmuseum. org/whats-on/meccano-modelexhibition
Sun 4 Aug
Kids’ Fun Fair Day in Canons Park (HA8)
Lots for everyone to enjoy at the 20th annual Kids’ fun Fair Day in Canons Park from 11am to 6pm. As well as the usual attractions, there are lots of free activities including musical entertainment with a brass band, a steel band and guitar interludes; kids’ free art desk, nature discovery stall, Nordic walking, tai chi, yoga, tours of nearby historic St Lawrence Church and more. www.canonsparkfriends.org
Mon 5–Sun 11 Aug
Big Screen (WD18)
The Big Screen returns to Watford town centre this Summer. Deckchairs will be available, but you are also welcome to take your own chairs, pack a picnic and head to the town centre, then just sit back and relax whilst watching some old favourites alongside new blockbusters. The Big Screen is FREE and no booking is required, just turn up and enjoy the outdoor cinema experience! www.watfordevents.com/bigscreen-town-centre
Mon 5 Aug–Sun 3 Nov
Black History Month Exhibition (HA2)
Celebrating Black History is an essential acknowledgment of the achievements and struggles of the Black community throughout history. It serves as a platform to honour the resilience, creativity, and perseverance of Black individuals and their collective impact on society. This exhibition at Headstone
Manor Museum serves to celebrate the legacy and, to help us learn about the challenges faced by the Black community.
https://headstonemanor.org/ events/black-history-monthexhibition
Wed 7 Aug
Summer Family Workshop: Make your own Lighthouse (HA2)
Make your very own lighthouse from recycled materials and discover your inner sculptor at Headstone Manor Museum. This craft involves cutting, sticking, and painting so remember to wear old clothing you don’t mind getting dirty. 11am & 1.15pm.
https://headstonemanor. org/events/summer-familyworkshopmake-your-ownlighthouse
Thu 8 Aug
Mini Museum Summer Special (HA2)
Head to Headstone Manor Museum for a forest school inspired session, enjoying nature based activities in the Museum’s beautiful grounds. Prepare for a wonderful sensory experience which will foster a deep understanding of wildlife and a love of the natural world. 11am & 1.15pm. https://headstonemanor.org/ events/mini-museum-summerspecial
Mon 12–Sun 18 Aug Big Screen (WD24)
The Big Screen will be returning to Knutsford Playing fields this Summer. Grab your picnic blankets, deckchairs, pack a picnic and head to Knutsford where you can just sit back and relax whilst watching some old favourites alongside new blockbusters. There will be a number of traders on site as well as small fun fair rides to keep the kids entertained. You are also welcome to use Watford Rugby to purchase alcohol and use their toilets. The Big Screen is FREE and no booking is required, just turn up and enjoy the outdoor cinema experience! www.watfordevents.com/bigscreen-knutsford
Wed 14 Aug
Summer Family Workshop: Light up Olympic Torch (HA2)
Get into the spirit of the games by cutting, gluing, and working in 3D to make your own Olympic Torch at Headstone Manor Museum. Don’t forget ‘It’s not the winning but the taking part’ so head along and have a go! 11am, 12:15pm & 1:45pm. https://headstonemanor.org/ events/summer-family-workshoplight-up-olympic-torch
Thu 15, 22 & 29 Aug
Junior Bat Walks (SW13)
As darkness falls WWT London Wetland Centre becomes a truly magical place and one of the best places in London to see bats as they fly in at night to feed over the lakes and ponds. Children can now join a nocturnal adventure to find these mysterious creatures, using special bat detectors to hear their hunting calls. Finish up around the camp fire to share your stories and toast marshmallows. Suitable for children aged 7+. Booking essential. www.wwt.org.uk/wetland-centres/ london/whats-on/junior-bat-walks
Fri 16–Fri 30 Aug
Big Beach (WD18)
With Watford Borough Council’s Big Beach, you don’t need to travel to the coast to feel the sand between your toes – just head to The Parade in the Town Centre! The beach is completely free – and is the perfect chance for people of all ages to lap up the summer sun, with deck chairs and tables provided to help you relax. www.watfordevents.com/bigbeach
Sat 17–Mon 26 Aug
Colourscape (WD18)
Colourscape returns to Cassiobury Park with a full ten day festival. Enter a new world of colour and light. Explore a unique labyrinth of 70 interlinked chambers of intense colours and discover musicians and dancers interacting with you. Open daily from 11am. www.watfordevents.com/ colourscape
Wed 21 Aug
Summer Family Workshop: Wacky Worry Boxes (HA2) Enjoy designing and decorating a Wacky Worry Box at Headstone Manor Museum. Kiss your cares goodbye as you write them down and feed them into this hungry monster! Please take a shoe box, cereal box, tissue box or similar with you. 11am, 12:15pm & 1:45pm. https://headstonemanor.org/ events/summer-family-workshopwacky-worry-boxes
Thu 22 Aug
Pond Dipping: Creatures from The Yeading Brook (HA2) Join the Friends of Headstone Manor Park for an adventure into the enchanting world of Yeading Brook! Discover the challenges faced by our rivers, identify invertebrates found in the Yeading Brook and find out what happens to information collected. This special activity is perfect for young nature enthusiasts! https://headstonemanor.org/ events/pond-dipping-creaturesfrom-the-yeading-brook
Sun 25 Aug
Romeo and Juliet: Open Air Theatre (HA5)
Illyria presents an evening of yearning romance, family feuds and disastrous consequences. At the Heath Robinson Museum in Pinner Memorial Park. Performance begins at 7pm. Take your own seating and picnic – suitable for ages 8+. www.heathrobinsonmuseum.org/ whats-on/romeo-and-juliet-openair-theatre
Sun 25–Mon 26 Aug
Classic Motor Show (SG1)
Whilst enjoying a visit to Knebworth House, Gardens and Park over the August Bank Holiday, you can attend the Classic Motor Show at no additional charge. There will be a static display as well as a show arena hosting parades. Vehicles include saloons, sports, American, commercial, military and classic motorcycles. There will also be children’s entertainment, live music, hot food and shopping stalls. https://knebworthhouse.com/ Event/classic-motor-show-2/?wcs_ timestamp=1724581800
Mon 26 Aug
Headstone Village Show (HA2)
Head to the beautiful historic grounds of Headstone Manor & Museum for Headstone Village Show, a jam-packed day of entertainment for the whole family! Wander across the beautiful grounds and discover an array of brilliant FREE entertainment for all ages and be sure to make the most of the delicious food and drink stalls on offer – Yum!
https://headstonemanor.org/ events/headstone-village-show
Wed 28 Aug
Summer Family Workshop: Puppet Pets (HA2) Do you like dogs, cats, budgies, goldfish? Do you wish you had more pets? Well, go and make your own Puppet Pet at Headstone Manor Museum. It’ll be impeccably behaved and won’t need feeding! 11am, 12.15pm & 1.45pm. https://headstonemanor.org/ events/summer-family-workshoppuppet-pets
Thu 29 Aug
Garden Theatre: Peter Pan (SG1) Head to the Sunken Lawn at Knebworth House for an openair performance of ‘Peter Pan’ by Immersion Theatre. Take along a picnic, blanket and chairs to make the evening even more enjoyable. https://knebworthhouse.com/ Event/garden-theatre-peterpan/?wcs_timestamp=1724952600
Sat 31 Aug
Herts Pride (WD18)
Join in Hertfordshire’s Largest LGBTQ+ Celebration from 12pm at Cassiobury Park, Watford. The celebration is a 100% inclusive event, and Herts Pride invites people of all races, faiths, genders, sexualities, and abilities, to join in and show their support for the wonderful local LGBTQ+ community. www.hertspride.org
Sat 31 Aug–Sun 1 Sep
Magic of Thailand Festival (W5)
A two-day Thai Festival to experience the taste of Thailand this summer at Ealing Common. Treat yourself to a weekend wonder and feel a touch of Thai culture, where you can challenge your taste buds and feast your eyes on world class food and performances. 10am to 7pm each day.
www.magicofthailand.co.uk