I told Roo the other day that it had only been a month since Christmas Day. He found it very hard to believe and, quite frankly, so did I. It’s been a long, dark January and I can’t wait for it to be over. February brings my birthday, Valentine’s Day and Pancake Day and that’s three chocolate-filled reasons to be cheerful.
But in case you need more, I’m here to give them to you. First up is a giant party at the Ministry of Sound on 19th Feb. And before you start muttering about babysitters, let me assure you that toddlers and kids are most welcome. It’s called Rave-a-Roo and it features a slot by our good friends Big Fish Little Fish. There are two sessions – 1-3PM and 4-6PM and there are DJ sets, live sets and lots more. In their own words: “PlayGlow toys, confetti mayhem, neon craft, Glow Chill Room, and a UV tattoo station”.
I have no idea what half of that means, but there’s glowing mayhem afoot. More details here.
Entertainment of a more gentle sort is occuring at the Soho Theatre, in the form of mime show “Kite“. It’s for kids aged 7+ so not one for the toddlers but it’s a bittersweet tale of wordless adventure that older kids will enjoy. I’m taking Roo so I will report back. The Soho Theatre is also one of many venues taking part in the London Children’s Book Swap on Feb 13th. It’s organised by the Discover Centre and the premise is simple – come along to one of the venues with your old books and swap them for something new! The Discover Centre also has its Michael Rosen exhibition on still which I realllly need to get to because their Oliver Jeffers one was ace. If, like me, you’re keeping an eye on the time it’s on till 10th April.
Of course, February wouldn’t be February without the awesome Imagine Festival at the Southbank Centre. This year it’s Roald Dahl themed but they have a tasty line up of guest speakers, including Judith Kerr of “The Tiger Who Came to Tea” fame. There’s also jazz, gongs, mess-around parties, dragons…everything you could ask for. It never disappoints, except that year when we broke Roo’s scooter on the way home and then Eva got chicken pox. But that’s hardly Imagine’s fault.
If you’re of a West-Londony persuasion, then the Storystock festival at the Bush Theatre in Shepherd’s Bush. The Tiger of Judith Kerr turns up there too (he’s a busy tiger), along with the Gruffalo and some other children’s favourites. It’s on from 17th-19th Feb.
In case this isn’t enough fun for you all, there’s more coming up in the Spring. Peppa Pig returns to London in April, with her “Surprise” show (more info on tour dates here) and there will be the annual return of In the Night Garden Live at the following venues:
Blackheath, London
Thursday 26 May – Saturday 11 June
Performances at 10am, 12pm, 2pm, 4pm
No performances on Tues 31 May & Tues 7 June
Richmond Old Deer Park, London
Saturday 18 June – Saturday 2 July
Performances at 10am, 12pm, 2pm, 4pm
No performances on Tues 21 & Tues 28 June
Cannon Hill Park, Birmingham
Saturday 9 – Saturday 23 July
Performances at 10am, 12pm, 2pm, 4pm
No performances on Tues 12 & Tues 19 July
intu Trafford Centre, Manchester
Saturday 30 July – Sunday 21 August
Performances at 10am, 12pm, 2pm, 4pm
No performances on Tues 2, Tues 9 & Tues 16 August
Booking starts tomorrow, so keep your eye out for an exclusive LWAT discount code!
If you hear of anything else fun to do over February, let me know and I’ll add it to the list. Have a lovely month.
