By Kate Hodges
15th November 2018
EVENT – Spool’s Out
The yearly Framed Film Festival at Barbican in London is a celebration of children’s cinema from around the world, combining carefully-chosen screenings with inventive film-related workshops. We’re particular fans of their pick ’n’ mix selections of short films, which showcase bitesized stories perfect for little ones with short attention span. We’re looking forward to an interactive showing of Puffin Rock, and a talk and airing of Moomins and the Winter Wonderland, and Dutch film My Giraffe. Drop in for free sessions where you can try making a soundtrack to classic clips, animate and create your own characters.
MAKE and LEARN Baby Shark, Doo Doo oo
Taking a walk along a wild, windy, deserted beach, filling your lungs with fresh air is one of winter’s pleasures. Give purpose to your wanderings by picking up bits and bobs along the shoreline. We’re a little obsessed with mermaids’ purses (egg cases) at the moment, the tough, leathery cases that contain the eggs of the 30 species of British sharks (find out more here) – we may even make ours into a chandelier, inspired by this work of art. If you don’t stumble upon an egg case, pick up shells to create gorgeous wreaths – these are inspiring (we love the mussel shell one)
RECIPES Veggie Hygge
Dark nights and cold toes mean we’re starting to cook warming winter recipes. This year, we’re trying out some vegan Swedish treats. Try energising Beetroot and Ginger Soup, Meatballs in Creamy Sauce, Pepparkakor – spiced ginger snap biscuits, Ärtsoppa – pea and mustard soup, or meat-free Smörgåstårta. Hygge on a plate!
EVENT Lighting Up
The Lamplighter Festival, held in Todmorden on Saturday sends a glow into the darkest months of the year. Street theatre, giant paper figures, fire spinners, and thousands of twinkling lights combine to create a captivating event that is captivating and inclusive. It’s topped off with a dramatic fiery finale. Why not make your own tiny pyramid paper lantern to take with you?
EVENT Human-Kind
The Being Human Festival is a country-wide series of events run by the School of Advanced Study, University of London, in partnership with the Arts & Humanities Research Council and the British Academy that explores the way the humanities can inspire, and help us understand ourselves and our relationship with a changing world. Events include interactive exhibitions, an invention marathon at Goldsmiths in London, an archaeological dig taking place on a post-war council estate, recycled art workshops, a hands-on humanities day at the University of Southampton, and Chella Quint’s ‘Adventures in Menstruating’ which combines humour, science and craftivism to promote shame-free period talk for audiences of all genders. Full programme here.
