It doesn’t feel like it this balmy night but Autumn really isn’t far away, is it? Please tell me this summer holiday is almost over…
Yes, yes it is. And here are some things to look forward to this Autumn. First off, we’re taking a trip to Berkhamsted on Nathan’s birthday for our first BerkoFest experience. It describes itself as a “boutique, family friendly festival” and this year the headliners are James Walsh of Starsailor, Republica and Miles and Erica from baggy superstars the Wonder Stuff. I’m probably most excited about that last act and am considering taking along the folder that my friend Claire covered with “Circlesquare” lyrics one English Language lesson at sixth form. It bulges with opportunity I tell you….bulges! BerkoFest is on 10th September, 11:30am-7pm and you can buy tickets here.
Closer to home, for us anyway, is the Highams Park Festival of Culture. Running from 2nd -16th September, it encompasses 50 different events, from pop-up restaurants to a HP-wide yarn bombing. My choir, HarmonyE4, is singing at Highams Park station on launch night (2nd Sept, between 6 and 7pm) so come to that bit even if you do nothing else. But the Gin and Sympathy colouring evening, the Flea and Tea Market and the Kipper storytelling also sound fun!
I’ve mentioned it before but Chickenshed is back after a summer break, with a new season of “Tales From the Shed”. Every Friday and Saturday morning, there’s an opportunity for kids to come and watch these interactive shows which feature songs, dancing, puppets and lots of silliness. There’s also a free family fun day on 2nd October and performance workshops every Saturday for 8 weeks. Phew! That’s a lot going on.
And there’s more…the Spiegeltent is coming back to Canary Wharf from 22nd Sept – 2nd Oct and there’s a varied programme, from the family-friendly to the more adult. Our friends Big Fish Little Fish are holding a party there on 25th Sept and the day before that there’s a brilliant-sounding Mad Hatter’s Tea Party with storytelling and cake! Bopping bunnies and Bach to Baby are also holding events. Some of the events are free and “just turn up” but for the ticketed ones, see more info here.
Lastly, the Family Travel Show is also back this autumn, at Olympia on 1st and 2nd October. Last year we went and had a lot of fun – there are plenty of kids’ activities, talks, dressing up and a free creche! It was definitely worth attending, even if it did give us holiday envy (one day we’ll make it abroad…this year was not that year). For more information, have a look here.
Is that enough to warm your cockles yet? My mind is already skipping over to Christmas but I won’t burden you with that just yet. Let it snoooooowwww…..
