By Kate Hodges
10th November 2017
EVENT Winter Is Coming
Visiting the Southbank Centre during winter is a modern London tradition. This year’s festival kicks off this weekend; steam in a rooftop sauna overlooking the Thames, or eat fondue in a snow globe. Over the next few months, you can listen to music made on instruments made of ice, browse the winter market, and enjoy festive shows; book now for the magical Night Light interactive journey through the dark hours or the blizzard of joy that is Slava’s Snowshow. This year, the ABBA: Super Troupers exhibition comes to the venue, so expect lots of Swedish pop-themed events such as the ABBA Big Sing and a fancy dress screening of Mamma Mia.
MAKE Nature’s Gifts
The gift-giving season is a long way off, but, as we love the idea of giving home-made presents, we’re going to start our making early. There’s a really lovely list of ideas here; we adore these painted stone pendants these rustic-but-modern twig arrow ornaments and this branch weaving
EVENT Hasting in the Tale
Hastings Storytelling festival grabs the ears and minds of the coastal town this weekend. This year, it’s theme is Reimagine India; expect an examination of common stereotypes, as well as an exploration of migration and Indian heritage. Sunday sees the free Children’s Festival day and Carnival Parade take place on The Stade, with Bollywood and Kathak dance workshops, drumming sessions, performances including the musical folktale A Heart at Sea by Half a String and Little Ida’s Flower by Idolrich Theatre Rotto, and The Flying Fox acrobatic team. It climaxes in an India-themed parade with steel orchestras and participants from schools across the town.
RECIPE Deeply Dippy
We are getting a little obsessed with fondue – it’s a fun, sociable way to eat cheese – what’s not to like? It’s also the perfect way to end a cold winter’s day. There’s an oozy, boozy, grown-up recipe here, or a child-friendly, alcohol-free take here. Vegans won’t miss out with this version of the dippy dish and if you don’t have a special pot, you can use this method. If you have a sweet tooth, these fondue puddings make a spectacular finish to your dinner. Remember, according to Swiss tradition, if you lose your dipper in the fondue, you’ll have to pay a penalty; washing the dishes or doing a dare.
EVENT Movie Magic
The Into Film Festival is the world’s largest free film and education event for your people, with 3000 free screenings and events across the UK. The festival aims to inspire young people to watch and understand film in new and creative ways, and is open to all educators of young people, including, of course, home educators. Find resources here and events here.
