By Kate Hodges
09th August 2023
DO SHOOTING STARS
The Perseids meteor shower is at its height on August 12-13 (Saturday–Sunday). It is one of the greatest free light shows on the planet. And this year viewing conditions are good; the moon is in an advanced waning stage. The skies are filled with shooting stars – from a dark site you might see as many as 100 meteors every hour – so take a blanket outside, lie on your backs, and watch them whoosh across the night. Don’t forget to make a wish. Find our guide to stargazing with families here.
Why not go on a little camping trip to somewhere really remote and stay up all night watching them? Find the darkest-skied places here and here. But even pitching up in your back garden is a great way to connect with your family and enjoy some outdoor time together. Find our top tips here, hacks for first-time camping with kids here and ideas for camp cooking here You could make a fire and spin tales; learn some ideas for creative storytelling here.
DO CAN YOU DIG IT?
Do you have a much-loved patch of land? Celebrate your little slice of heaven (or be inspired by other people’s patches) this National Allotment Week, which runs from Monday (find an event near you here). This year, the theme is Soil Health, which celebrates the importance of caring for the soil and the creatures that inhabit it. We recently had an inspiring chat with Charles Dowding, the pioneer of the no-dig gardening movement; find out more about his ideas here. Read more from us about how to make the most of your allotment here, allotment gardening tips here and the joys of composting here.
EVENT A LOAD OF HOT AIR
Europe’s largest hot air ballooning event, the sight of dozens of beautiful, colourful craft soaring serenely across lush countryside at the Bristol International Balloon Fiesta will stay with you for a long time. Held from Thursday to Sunday at the picturesque Ashton Court Estate, hot air balloons shaped like stars, fish and galleons drift overhead, while, on the ground, there are attractions, children’s entertainment, live music, stalls and much more to keep everyone entertained. Get there at 6am to watch the balloons rise, and don’t miss the enchanting night glows on Thursday and Saturday nights, when balloons are illuminated from within and float around to a soundtrack broadcast on BBC Radio Bristol. There are also spectacular firework displays to enjoy. Free, but book parking in advance.
EVENT STAIRS IN THEIR EYES
Celebrating traditional music and dance for over 50 years, the Broadstairs Folk Festival (August 11-18) is a music diary stalwart. The beautiful seaside town plays host to cloggers, shanty-singers, morris men and the ever-so-slightly-terrifying dancing hooden horses in a feast of frolics. From tiny pubs hosting impromptu singing sessions to family ceilidhs and dancing workshops, there’s an event for everyone – find the Young Folk line-up here. And if it all gets too much, there’s one of the most family-friendly beaches and seafronts in the south east on hand. Free and ticketed.
DO LEFT TO IT
Saturday is Left Handers Day; a chance to tell family and friends how proud you are of being left handed and to raise awareness of the issues that face lefties in a world designed for righties. Find out about famous left handers here and more fun facts about southpaws. Or head over to our site to read a piece about supporting left-handers.
FEELING OVERWHELMED? This summer, many families will struggle financially. Childcare prices eat into budgets, and the rising cost of living is affecting most of us. New research from Family Action shows that over three quarters of parents and carers are worried about activity and entertainment costs this summer, while almost half feel more stressed and anxious about the holidays than excited. Family Action believe that every child and family deserves to make happy memories during the school break. If you or someone you know is feeling overwhelmed, FamilyLine can offer free emotional support and practical guidance via telephone, text, email or live chat. Find out more here.
WHAT WE’RE READING A mother’s diet can protect her grandchildren’s brains: Mothers who eat apples and herbs in early pregnancy could be protecting the brain health of their children and grandchildren, a Monash University study using genetic models has found. Read more here
WHAT WE’RE EATING Lentils, Halloumi and Courgettes Try this tasty dish from the kitchen of Emily Jonzen; it contains plenty of turmeric, which has long been used to tackle inflammation. Veggie cooking that doesn’t compromise on flavour. Find the recipe here
