AGENDA

The Agenda DECEMBER'S HOTTEST EVENTS

FAMILY

Festive Fun

THROUGHOUT DECEMBER, DOBBIES, AYLESBURY Dobbies is gearing up to create a Christmas to remember for customers in Aylesbury and has announced a magical line up of great-value festive events. Santa’s Grotto is back and better than ever, with families having the opportunity to take part in an interactive experience in the Aylesbury store. Dobbies’ Quiet Grottos will also be available on 9 December. This experience is designed to help support children with additional needs, with sound and visual elements adapted to reduce anxiety.

EVENT Nutcracker Christmas

17 December ASCOT RACECOURSE This December, Ascot Racecourse invites families, friends, and colleagues to gather and kick o the Christmas holidays in style, together with world-class horse racing and plenty of festive cheer at the Howden Christmas Family Raceday. The theme for this year is A Nutcracker Christmas, and the event promises to be exhilarating and enjoyable for all ages. ascot.com

MUSICAL

Charlie and the Chocolate Factory

9 February-5 March MILTON KEYNES THEATRE This February, escape to a world of pure imagination. Based on the iconic novel and the original 1970s motion picture, this spectacular show combines the memorable songs from the fi lm with all new numbers from the multi-award winning songwriters of Hairspray. It will dazzle your senses. atgtickets.com/miltonkeynes

FAMILY SEASONAL EVENTS

THROUGHOUT DECEMBER WATERSIDE QUARTER

Christmas is almost here and there’s no better place to get ready for the festivities than at Waterside Quarter, Maidenhead. On 10 December, Norden Farm’s festive lantern parade will run through Waterside Quarter, lighting up the night. Plans are also in place for a wreath making workshop, as well as some other events being planned for the lead up to Christmas with more details to be announced. waterside-quarter.co.uk

FAMILY Rapunzel

Until 1 January WATERMILL THEATRE Discovered as a baby, Rapunzel is found and brought up by Mother Gothel, a clever herbalist known for her magical healing powers. As Rapunzel grows into a spirited and loving young woman, Mother Gothel locks her away in a tall tower deep in the forest to keep her safe. Surrounded by thorny vines, Rapunzel’s dreams of escape seem doomed forever until she meets the wandering Tuscan Prince Patrizio. Together the couple hatch a plan to run away, but their happily-ever-after is ruined when they are separated by an evil trick... watermill.org.uk

This Month’s Must See

ELF SCHOOL

FROM 3 DECEMBER, EDEN SHOPPING CENTRE, HIGH WYCOMBE

This Christmas, Eden is bringing everyone’s favourite festivities back to High Wycombe. Opening its doors on 3 December, the highly popular Elf School is back for its 8th year, ready to welcome a new intake of Elves in training. For only £2.50 per child, visitors are invited to enjoy an immersive festive experience, not only learning the ropes, but also o cially joining the ranks of Santa’s helpers. edenshopping.co.uk/elfschool

Art

TO WATCH

Joyful antidotes to the dark winter days with three colourful exhibitions

DAVID SHRIGLEY, UNTITLED (BEES ARE BETTER THAN US), 2022. COURTESY OF HANG-UP GALLERY

Loved for his dry sense of humour, use of bright colours, whimsical characters, and ironic captions, David Shrigley’s intuitive sense of style and witty text always evokes a smile. Having dealt in his work for nearly a decade, Hang-Up will exhibit this full collection for the fi rst time, including over 30 Shrigley works across limited-edition prints, colour and monochrome originals, ceramics, and amazing posters. Hang-Up Gallery, London N1 until 27 January 2023. hanguppictures.com

Across town in Soho, OMNI is presenting two unmissable new solo exhibitions spanning their impressive Eastcastle Street space. First Light features 12 never-before seen paintings by Seattle-based artist Brian Sanchez. This show is a must visit for both the amateur art lover and the seasoned collector alike. Running concurrently, Jesse Edward’s solo show titled Little Jewels delicately combines his youthful, countercultural background as a gra ti artist, with a highly detailed oil painting and ceramic sculptural practice. Edward’s works have a playful sense of internal dissonance. OMNI, London W1 until 7 January 2023. omnigallery.com

BACK AFT BY BRIAN SANCHEZ