By Kate Hodges
12th January 2018
1. EVENT Happy Snapping
London’s Whitechapel Gallery is a hotbed of cutting-edge art and installations. Such a super-cool place could easily be intimidating, but the Gallery’s very, very family friendly; there are great baby-changing facilities and you can pick up an activity pack for kids from reception. This Saturday it’s running one of its regular Family Days, this month artists Melanie King and Almudena Romero explore alternative photography processes including cyanotype, pinhole techniques and set up a pop-up dark room. Free, book ahead, and arrive early to avoid disappointment.
2. DO Buy the new Issue of The Green Parent!
Our fresh new issue hits the shops this weekend. With the theme of ‘seed’, It’s inspirational, motivational, and packed with wonderful features. Boost your fertility, organise your home, create a life you love, and lose yourself in our awesome family holiday guide packed with quirky days out and dreamy places to stay! Find it in a a store near you (it’s also now in Barnes and Noble in the US), or order a single issue here.
3. DO Winter Science
Make use of the cold weather to try some wintery science experiments. This easy project creates frost on a can, while this winter snowstorm idea is pretty and educational Expanding on traditional crystal making, these crystal sun catchers sparkle sensationally, or find out why and how pine cones open with this project Alternatively, go full Blue Planet and find out how whales’ blubber keeps the massive mammals toasty.
EVENT Push It Real Good
Push Manchester celebrates the region’s freshest, most creative artists, at Home, with a wide range of shows, workshops and events. The Manchester International Roots Orchestra opens the festival with a free, globally inspired music session, and there’s a series of events perfect for those interested in the world of creative and artistic freelancing, including a setting up as a freelancer discussion, a wellbeing for freelancers workshop and a free Mothers Who Make peer support group event.
EVENT and RECIPE Make Some Hoise
Ward off evil spirits, worms and maggots, and encourage the ‘good’ robin at a wassail. Traditionally held in orchards on Old Twelfth Night (January 17), ceremonies involve singing traditional songs, making lots of noise to scare off ghoulies, and hanging a cider-soaked piece of toast on a tree. Bring something noisy to the fun event at Frieze Hill Community Orchard in Taunton, enjoy singing, children’s activities and storytelling by the fire at Glastonbury Tor (both on Saturday), or head to the 150-year-old celebration at The Butchers Arms in Carhampton on the 17th. Alternatively, visit your nearest apple tree, and hold your own noisy, magical ceremony while drinking a traditional wassail cup. Try these recipes for alcoholic and non-alcoholic versions.
