Kate Hodges

By Kate Hodges

19th July 2018

Try brand new vegan barbecue delights, join the national hunt for wildflowers, the science of stone skimming, bargain music festival, the country comes to London!

Kate Hodges

By Kate Hodges

19th July 2018

Kate Hodges

By Kate Hodges

19th July 2018

EVENT Finding Flowers
Many kids start their summer holidays this week. Fill yours with beauty, and take part in The Great British Wildflower Hunt. Wildlife charity Plantlife run the event to encourage children to enjoy the beauty of our native blooms, and to re-connect families with nature, as well as to gather information on these vital natural resources. Register for free to take part, download a spotter sheet, and submit your results – the findings will be fascinating. More here

DO Shore Things
It’s beach time! But swimming in the sea is not the only draw for us; when you’re tired of paddling, do something new. This year, we’re determined to learn how to skim stones perfectly – find some tips from world championship competitor Paul Crabtree here (and more about the incredible science behind the art here). The beach is also the ideal place to play games that need markings; hopscotch, snakes and ladders, noughts and crosses and hangman. Use shells or stones for counters. Or be prepared, take some pails to the beach, and play Bucketball (you don’t need to buy the official set, of course, but take a look at its contents here).

EVENT Agri-Cultured
A chance for kids in London to experience the sounds, sights and smells of the country, the Lambeth Country Show is a clever blend of urban grit and rural bliss. It’s enormous, fun, and a great chance for city kids to explore the worlds of agriculture, horticulture and nature – the cutting edge as well as the traditional. Expect sets from bands big and small (we like the family-friendly village stage), plus edible flower workshops, guerrilla science, bees and bats. Don’t miss the wonderful produce competitions – the vegetable art contest has to be seen to be believed! Free, all weekend.

EVENT Pool Party
Liverpool International Music Festival (LIMF)’s Summer Jam is a two day, outdoor music extravaganza that truly revels in the talent produced by the city, and is an absolute bargain. Held in Sefton Park, Saturday is headlined by Jax Jones, with Wiley, Example, Trevor Nelson and Toddla T in support. Sunday sees a show from Hacienda Classical as well as Young Fathers, a Basement Jaxx DJ set, Tim Westwood and Jazzy Jeff. Meanwhile, hear brand new, local sounds on the Next Gen stage, which is packed with bands from Liverpool. There’s an family zone at the event, with a beach, arts workshops, T-shirt printing, circus performers, a storytelling bus and a silent disco with ocean sounds rather than music! Adults £5 advance, kids under 14 free

RECIPE Grill Power
Summer means lazy barbecues. But, of course, you don’t have to go meat-crazy just because you’ve fired up a grill. Try a main course that’s new and vegan-friendly; Seitan Barbecue Ribs, Baked Barbecue Tofu that even the most avowed tofu hater will love, Japanese Grilled Aubergine with sweet Miso Sauce, or Pulled Jackfruit.

Main picture by Nicola Acketts

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