5 Family Events Not To Miss this Half Term

1. BESPOKE ART WORKSHOP & PARENTS ART TOUR

My Culture Club Interactive Art Tour for Kids 8+

Tate Britain, 10.30am on Thursday 26th October

£20pp

This tour is a kid only tour, for those aged 8+. The educator/artist who leads the tour will make modern and contemporary art accessible to the group and give them confidence for the future as an independent visitor.

Through group discussion, fun making activities as well as focussing in depth on specific works the group will explore ideas underpinning the artworks on display. The tours are designed to encourage the participants to form opinions and questions.

Singalonga Productions invite you to “Be our Guest” at Sing-a- Long-a Beauty and the Beast. Join us the Prince Charles Cinema as they celebrate the brand new adaptation of Disney’s iconic fairy tale with on-screen lyrics so everyone can join in!.

2. PLAIN OLD FUN Sing-A-Long-A-FUN

Upstairs Screen at Prince Charles Cinema Soho

BEAUTY & THE BEAST Cinema Showing Sunday 22nd October at 12pm

From £20pp

[2017] (PG)

Challenge your friends and family to a 40 second descent in world’s tallest and longest tunnel Slide as well as experiencing breathtaking views of London from two observation platforms.

3. DREAM BIG WITH AN ADVENTURE DAY OUT

Arceleromittal Orbit & The Slide at The Olympic Park, Stratford - could go swimming in the Olympic pool too

All dates subject to availability

from £15.00

GENERAL ADMISSION AND THE SLIDE COMBINATION TICKET

Challenge your friends and family to a 40 second descent in world’s tallest and longest tunnel Slide as well as experiencing breathtaking views of London from two observation platforms, Anish Kapoor’s famous concave mirrors, innovative touchscreens and the sounds of the city as you descend the 455 stairs.

Visitor requirements before booking:

• Be at least 1.3m and 8 years old or over to Slide

• Weigh under 130kg (22 stone)

Under 3s can attend and need to buy a ticket if they require a seat. Babes in arms do not need to buy a ticket.

4. ENJOY A CHILDREN'S CONCERT AT THE ROYAL ALBERT HALL (& WANDER THROUGH HYDE PARK)

My Great Orchestral Adventure

Wednesday 25th October,  1pm or 4.30pm

Royal Albert Hall

Tickets £50pp

Music will include: GRIEG In the Hall of the Mountain King/  WAGNER Ride of the Valkyries ROSSINI Gallop from William Tell/ JOHN WILLIAMS Flight to Neverland/ JOHN WILLIAMS Duel of the Fates – from Star Wars/ TCHAIKOVSKY Excerpts from Swan Lake/ STEPHENS We’re Going on a Bear Hunt.

Dressing up is encouraged, with bonus points for science themes!

5. ALL DAY SCIENCE FUN AT THE ROYAL INSTITUTION

Family Fun Day: Spooky science,

The Royal Institution, Mayfair

Saturday 28 October, 10-4pm

Price £22 pp

Arrive any time between 11.00am and 4.00pm

Just in time for Halloween, get stuck into a day of devilishly fun science at the Ri, with hands-on experiments, demonstrations and talks from spooky scientists. Dressing up is encouraged, with bonus points for science themes!

Family Fun Day activities are suitable for 6-12 year olds though older and younger siblings are also very welcome. All under 18-year olds must be accompanied by an adult.

Email sian.gwilliam@me.com for tickets - Note, these events sell out, so don't put it off.

50 Fun Things To Do in London

1. Here is a list of 5o Family Things To Do in London to keep you creative and cultured. If you want a stress free concierge service to take care of your ticket bookings, itineraries, birthday parties, corporate events and more, please drop your My Culture Club London Concierge team a line on sian.gwilliam@me.com. If you are a new client, your first enquiry is free, then charged by the hour.

2. It’s not hugely known but you can enjoy top class Family Contemporary Dance Days & Shows at The Place, Euston. The Place is home to London Contemporary Dance School, Richard Alston Dance Company, a 280 seat theatre, and they host an annual Summer festival, courses and workshops aimed at boys – it’s not all about football you know.

3. You are always welcome to join a  Culture Club Group Trip. There are theatre tickets at really reduced prices, and the door is always open for personal concierge services for consultation. I offer itenaries, museum tours, sporting tickets, birthday parties, all with a cultural bent. The list is endless. Contact me on sian.gwilliam@me.com, and I’d be happy to help.
4. The Foundling Museum explores the history of the Foundling Hospital, the UK’s first children’s charity and first public art gallery. In 1971, the charity was registered as an adoption agency, offering a specialist service to find adoptive families for the most vulnerable childcare. It’s a charming museum, with a sweet cafe, and bang next door to a great playground.
5. Tate Britain, Tate Modern, Tate Liverpool, Tate St Ives … you’ve not lived if you haven’t been Tate-d. Check out what’s on right here.
6. How about a Tour of Lords Cricket Ground the ‘Home of Cricket’, with afternoon tea for the hungry. Perfect for a trip with the grandparents, or a birthday treat for a sport loving child. Find out more on Culture Club here.
7. The Royal Society is a Fellowship of many of the world’s most eminent scientists and is the oldest scientific academy in continuous existence. I think it’s only good manners to have paid them a visit, after all they are getting on a bit.
8. You love London and you love life don’t you ? Well here’s a way to satisfy both at the Museum of London. They offer daily activities, storytelling, creative packs, a great shop, cracking location, and it’s free. Say no more.
9. The House of Illustration offers what is says. It’s in a perfect location in Kings Cross, 2 mins from a million things to do. They also offer brilliant workshops. We have tried and tested them, and they get 11/10 from us.
10. If I said, it was the fastest in her day, has incredible history, and smells of old fish, what would you say ? the Cutty Sark. Well done. 10 points for you. Grab your Oyster card, and jump on the boat there. That’s your day sorted then.
11. It’s never dull at The National Theatre. Check out the family events schedule, and discover the skills and secrets behind productions at the National Theatre: have a go at designing a costume; learn how our actors perform realistic fights on stage. That’s before you’ve even seen a ground breaking piece of drama (dahhhling).
12. You made that up, I don’t believe you. You must have been hanging out at the Discover Story Centrein Stratford then. The place where families, storytelling, and authors all come together in one gooey icing blob.
13. The RA (Royal Academy to us ruffians) is the best secret in town, when it comes to art workshops. It also is the best located museum for families, as you can skip over to Green Park for some fresh air, after exercising your brain cells at their latest exhibition.
14. Fancy yourself as the next Calvin and Hobbs artist? Then take the kids to a workshop at The Cartoon Museum in Bloomsbury please. Please tell me how it went, as we haven’t made it there yet, and we are keen for a mini review.
15. The Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) is right by Regent Street and Regents Park, and serves kids of 8+ well. They offer workshops, and family days. Keep an eye on their what’s on pages, as they offer interesting courses for younger ones in the holidays.
16. How about a free film at the BFI on the Southbank. They also run cracking weekend film sessions for families, workshops, holiday courses and it’s located next to The National Theatre. You’ll feel inspired hearing the thespian types discussing Rufus Norris’s Artistic Direction around you.
17. The Fulham Palace holds on tightly to over 1300 years of English history, and aims to become one of Great Britain’s most loved and inspiring historic houses and gardens. They have fun kids workshops, garden walks, and tours. Find out more here.
18. Do you like the idea of really fun free art, design, craft, and baking workshops for children and young people aged 2 – 16. Then head over to the Geffrye museum in Hackney please.
19. A visit to Dennis Severs House is both a breathtaking and an intimate portrait of the lives of a family of Huguenot silk-weavers from 1724 to the dawn of the 20th Century.  It was Dennis Severs’ intention that as you enter his house it is as if you have passed through the surface of a painting, exploring with your senses and imagination a meticulously crafted 18th Century world. (At least you will have something to tell Grandma, other than about M&M world, on your holiday postcard).
20. Do you know any budding Knights in shining armour? If yes, get them down to one of the family events at Westminster Abbey pronto, before they are beheaded, and it’s all your fault.
21. Take a 40 second descent in the ArcelorMittal Orbit Slide, the world’s tallest and longest tunnel Slide as well as experiencing breathtaking views of London from two observation platforms.  Book here.
22. Visit The National Portrait Gallery. With over 1,000 portraits of famous people to discover from the majestic portraits of Henry VIII and Elizabeth I in the Tudor Galleries to the pop stars and artists in the Contemporary galleries – the National Portrait Gallery is a perfect place for all the family to visit.
23. All Muggles will love this one. How about a visit to The Harry Potter Shop in the Kings Cross Station, before you queue for your photo at platform 9 and 3/4? There are also Harry Potter walking tours, bus tours, private tours not forgetting the tremendous Warner Bros Experience and Tour in Hertfordshire.
24. Any kids who will ever take an English exam, really should at least take a look at, and even better join in with some family fun at William Shakespeare’s Globe in Borough.
25. The Wallace Collection, is one of those places that often appears on the ‘secret places to hang out in…’ lists of rather influential and fashionable London types. It might have something to do with the fact that it’s a stones throw from Marylebone and Selfridges, but also because it hosts very civilised drop in and draw sessions for kids during holidays, and at the weekends.
26. Adult and Kids alike always have a good time at the V&A Museum of Childhood in Bethnal Green. Their drop in craft sessions are brilliant, the museum shop is ace, and that’s before you’ve checked out the latest exhibitions, played with Punch and Judy, and the indoor sand pit, danced with a larger than life robot, and rocked on a horse.
27. Those high energy kids might want to see what is happening at The Exploration Society. They offer the best ever adventure days/weekends/ camps. You can choose from sailing, kayaking, mountain biking, and woodland adventures, and these are before you have seen what you can have for ‘main course’.
28. No child in Chelsea can survive their childhood without at least a weekend spent parading around the National Army Museum. It’s an institution for South West Londoners, and is especially popular with those who own small soldiers and officers.
29. Trapeze & Circus lovers could try a private class or summer workshop with x-professional trapeze artist Genevieve at her Circus Glory school in Primrose Hill. It’s a special kind of person that can hang up side down on a large lolly stick.
30. The British Library in Kings Cross hosts a FREE Family Programme that runs from July to September, 2017. We like South Asian Stories Friday 28 July, 2017 (12.00 – 13.30), it’s free, drop in and suitable for ages 5 – 11. This workshop is run in partnership with The Place and coincides with a free dance performance, 14.00 – 15.00, taking place outside on the Piazza. Everyone is welcome to watch.
31. National Maritime Museum, Ahoy! Children’s gallery (Free) Ideal for ages 0-7 & The All Hands children’s gallery for 6-12s at National Maritime Museum is free and open daily. 10.00-17.00 weekends, holidays & Tuesdays | 14.00-17.00 on other weekdays |  Ahoy gallery is closed 3 July – 27 September
32. Book tickets for family shows at the Underbelly Festival 2017, Southbank. For theatre and dance lovers, The Tap Dancing Mermaid (10 June) blends puppetry and dance to fantastical effect, and Metta Theatre’s Jungle Book (1-24 August) melds hip-hop dancing, spoken word and creative design to create a contemporary, urban, politically aware reinterpretation of Kipling’s classic.
33. ExpeRimental from the Royal Institution is a series of short films that make it fun, easy and cheap to do science at home with children aged 4 to 10. The films give you lots of ideas for kids’ activities that will help you explore the world around you, question and experiment together. They show you how to do the activity and how to make sure adults and children get the most out of it.
34. You can join the family orchestra and chorus at the Proms family orchestra and chorus. There are many workshops that allow you to play or sing alongside professional musicians, whatever your age or ability (suitable for ages 7-plus). Some sessions will be focussed around highlights from the 2017 Proms season and by Oklahoma!
35. There are lots of book-ish events happening across the UK at Foyles. You could start with a peek of mad crazy fun at the Adventures in Wonderland event on Sat 29th July, 2-3pm at the Charing Cross Road Foyles (free). It’s a preview of the theatre show that is happening at The Vaults, Waterloo.
36. Or try Maisy the Mouse Picnic on Thursday 3rd August 2017 1pm – 2pm Royal Festival Hall (Free). Meet Maisy the Mouse and enjoy stories, activities and some picnic treats. They will be serving sweet and savoury treats, you can take part in Maisy-themed activities and reading a selection of Maisy titles.
37. In September, you can go wild with washi and join in the fun with a Foyles MT ‘washi’ Masking Tape workshop to celebrate London Design Week. Saturday 16th September 2017 11am – 12:30 Noon 107 Charing Cross Road (Free Event).
38. There is a new fish in town that wants to meet you. At the Natural History Museum, your place on the planet might feel different standing next to the remains of the largest animal that has lived on this planet. The skeleton of a blue whale is the star of their new exhibition Whales : Beneath the Surface. “More than 100 specimens from the Museum’s collection will be on display together for the first time, from parts of a colossal blue whale to a small harbour porpoise”. Natural History Museum, London SW7 (020 7942 5000), to February 28
39. Musical theatre fans can check the latest list of all the best shows in town here, in an earlier post I wrote for the lovely people at MyBaba. We fully recommend 42nd Street, Matilda and Carole King the musical (which is about to end it’s West End run and go on tour) for the Mums.
40. I have put together a round up of some of the most popular Kids Theatre, Dance & Art Summer courses. Although many of these have limited places, and get booked up early, they also offer term time classes. If you have recommendations, or know of schools I can include, please let me know.
41. You might want to treat your Grandma to a really lovely afternoon tea, so here is a list of the Best Family Friendly Afternoon Teas in London, that might help you decide where to take her.
42. You could take a trip to a National Trust property. They own some of the best beaches in the land, 59 villages, 49 churches and a gold mine (The Dolaucothi Gold Mines). Their teams conserve butterflies, bats, wildlife and plants. It doesn’t stop there, they also own four coastal World Heritage Sites.
43. If you have a Saturday morning free, you can often grab an early morning movie for next to nothing at your local cinema. If you need a little help, here is a list of some of The Best Cinema Clubs for London Kids in town.
44. A great way to spend a morning or afternoon is to take a trip backstage around one of London’s many beautiful theatres. Not only will the tour tickets cost little more than a sandwich, you will get the chance to peek into the dressing rooms and tread the boards where many famous actors spend their time feeling sick with nerves.
45. Grab a view from The Shard. Check : ‘the weather’. Check : ‘your footwear’. Check ‘you are definitely not Acrophobic’. Head over to The Shard at London Bridge and fly up to floors 68, 69 and 72, and you will be at almost twice the height of any other viewing platform in the capital.
46. Take a cycle ride around the Capital. If you’re keen there are superhighway route maps you can follow. I would try out  the Wandsworth to Milbank one. Starting at the legendary ‘The Alma’ pubbang opposite Wandsworth Rail station with a pint of something cold, and a decent lunch. Then hire your bikes, pedal through Battersea, across Chelsea Bridge, and end up at Millbank. You get 5 points for every civil servant you spot, 75 points for any lost soldiers on horseback looking for sugar lumps, and 150 points if you pull up next to Prince William ‘undercover’ on his motor bike!
47. It would be remiss of me not to mention that over the Summer the gates of Buckingham Palace are opened to the public for visits. You can buy tickets for admission to The State Rooms, Buckingham Palace, The Queen’s Gallery, Buckingham Palace and the Royal Mews. There are child friendly activities, audio tours and art trails and more. Read more here.
48. English Heritage champions history, and the historic places that make our nation quite a good one. With every visit (and entrance fee) to an English Heritage site, of which there is an incredible list of 400 across the country to choose from, you will be protecting the future of our heritage, so for that reason, amongst many, we would like to give each and every one of the English Heritage team a proper round of applause.
49. Let’s go for a DIY craft at home today. All you need is a smooth floor and+ A balloon+ Some glue (strong enough to glue plastic. You can use plasticine as an alternative)+ An old drink bottle lid (with a valve)+ An old CD then you are ready to make a balloon hovercraft. with the brilliant Mini Eco blog.
50. How about a picnic in one of the capitals secret gardens? You could start with Inner Temple, one of London’s four Inns of Court. It is a tranquil three-acre garden with stunning rare trees, herbaceous borders and sweeping lawns. It is usually open to the public from 12.30-3.00 each weekday. There are more here…
51. If you’re not exhausted and need a break from the city, here are 5 brilliant beaches within a train journey from London Town to choose from. Start with Whitstable, Camber Sands, Brighton, Frinton on Sea and West Wittering.

Related

Creative things to do in London with the kids this May half-term (May 23-Jun 3)

31 Great Fun Easter Holiday Activities in London

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SEE THE SUMMER DIARY FOR 2017

• Fly Away : Drop In Workshop (All Ages) 11-1pm & 2-4pm (room 36)August 7, 2017National Gallery, London, United Kingdom
• Talk & Play : U5's workshops Drop In 11am & 1pm (30mins)August 7, 2017National Gallery, London, United Kingdom
• Fly Away : Drop In Workshop (All Ages) 11-1pm & 2-4pm (room 36)August 8, 2017National Gallery, London, United Kingdom
• Talk & Play : U5's workshops Drop In 11am & 1pm (30mins)August 8, 2017National Gallery, London, United Kingdom
• U5's Storytelling August 11, 2017 at 2:00 pm – 3:00 pmMuseum of London, London Wall, London, United KingdomJoin us in our galleries for a fun and interactive story, told using puppets, museum objects and music, followed by a making or exploring activity.
• Late at the V&A : Open untilAugust 11, 2017 at 9:00 pm – 10:00 pmthe V&A : Open until 
• The Golden Hinde : Family Fun Day : 11 & 2pmAugust 12, 2017
• Open Studio : Tate Modern : family art playAugust 12, 2017 at 10:00 am – 3:00 pm
• Barbican : Saturday Framed Film Club (workshops too) See webAugust 12, 2017 at 10:00 am – 12:00 pm
• British Museum : Digital Workshops : Age 7+ : 11.30am : Check websiteAugust 12, 2017 at 10:30 am – 11:30 am
• The Unicorn Theatre : Saturday Up Club : Craft & See a Performance (Check web for show details)August 12, 2017 at 11:00 am – 12:30 pmUnicorn Theatre, Tooley Street, London, United Kingdom
• Saatchi Gallery : Family Art Workshops August 12, 2017 at 12:00 pm – 1:30 pmSaatchi Gallery, King's Road, London, United Kingdom(see website to book places)
• Horniman Museum : Saturday Artmakers 1.30 & 2.45pmAugust 12, 2017 at 12:30 pm – 2:30 pmHorniman Museum & Gardens, London Road, London, United Kingdom
• Zabludowicz Collection : Families Create : Sat Workshops : 12-5pmAugust 12, 2017 at 1:00 pm – 4:00 pmZabludowicz Collection, Prince of Wales Road, London, United Kingdom
• Art Workshop : Ages 5-11 : Drop in (Free) 11am & 2pmAugust 13, 2017National Gallery, London, United Kingdom
• Dinosaur Event : All Ages : PrebookAugust 13, 2017Natural History Museum, Cromwell Road, London SW7 5BD, United KingdomDINOSAURS: Got a budding dinosaur fanatic? Take them along to the Natural History Museum to learn about the little-known Lambeosaurus — a palaeontologist will try to convince you it’s cooler than T-Rex. Prebook, 12.30pm/2.30pm. There’s also a chance to handle real fossil specimens and learn about the scientists who study them. Prebook, 11am/2pm (repeated several…
• Magic Carpet Stories : National Gallery : Sundays 10.30amAugust 13, 2017 at 9:30 am – 10:30 am
• British Museum : Digital Workshops 7+ : 11am & 2pmAugust 13, 2017 at 10:00 am – 11:00 am
• Tate Britain, Clore Centre : Open Studio : Family Activities (+ Thurs & Fri in school holidays)August 13, 2017 at 10:00 am – 3:00 pm
• Liminal : TATE modern : social experience of sculpture through touch, interaction and collaborationAugust 13, 2017 at 10:00 am – 1:30 pm
• Museum of London : Drop In : Art, Craft, StorytellingAugust 13, 2017 at 11:00 am – 1:00 pmMuseum of London, London Wall, London, United Kingdom
• Make & Do : Drop in : Family Fun : All AgesAugust 13, 2017 at 1:00 pm – 3:30 pmCamden Arts Centre, Arkwright Road, London, United Kingdom
• Fly Away : Drop In Workshop (All Ages) 11-1pm & 2-4pm (room 36)August 14, 2017National Gallery, London, United Kingdom
• Talk & Play : U5's workshops Drop In 11am & 1pm (30mins)August 14, 2017National Gallery, London, United Kingdom
• Talk & Play : U5's workshops Drop In 11am & 1pm (30mins)August 15, 2017National Gallery, London, United Kingdom
• Fly Away : Drop In Workshop (All Ages) 11-1pm & 2-4pm (room 36)August 15, 2017National Gallery, London, United Kingdom
• U5's Storytelling August 18, 2017 at 2:00 pm – 3:00 pmMuseum of London, London Wall, London, United KingdomJoin us in our galleries for a fun and interactive story, told using puppets, museum objects and music, followed by a making or exploring activity.
• Late at the V&A : Open untilAugust 18, 2017 at 9:00 pm – 10:00 pmthe V&A : Open until 
• The Golden Hinde : Family Fun Day : 11 & 2pmAugust 19, 2017
• Open Studio : Tate Modern : family art playAugust 19, 2017 at 10:00 am – 3:00 pm
• Barbican : Saturday Framed Film Club (workshops too) See webAugust 19, 2017 at 10:00 am – 12:00 pm
• British Museum : Digital Workshops : Age 7+ : 11.30am : Check websiteAugust 19, 2017 at 10:30 am – 11:30 am
• Cartoon Activities : Family Drop In Workshop : FreeAugust 19, 2017 at 11:00 am – 3:00 pmThe Cartoon Museum, Little Russell Street, London, United KingdomHeld on the 2nd Saturday of each month
• The Unicorn Theatre : Saturday Up Club : Craft & See a Performance (Check web for show details)August 19, 2017 at 11:00 am – 12:30 pmUnicorn Theatre, Tooley Street, London, United Kingdom
• Saatchi Gallery : Family Art Workshops August 19, 2017 at 12:00 pm – 1:30 pmSaatchi Gallery, King's Road, London, United Kingdom(see website to book places)
• Horniman Museum : Saturday Artmakers 1.30 & 2.45pmAugust 19, 2017 at 12:30 pm – 2:30 pmHorniman Museum & Gardens, London Road, London, United Kingdom
• Zabludowicz Collection : Families Create : Sat Workshops : 12-5pmAugust 19, 2017 at 1:00 pm – 4:00 pmZabludowicz Collection, Prince of Wales Road, London, United Kingdom
• Art Workshop : Ages 5-11 : Drop in (Free) 11am & 2pmAugust 20, 2017National Gallery, London, United Kingdom
• Dinosaur Event : All Ages : PrebookAugust 20, 2017Natural History Museum, Cromwell Road, London SW7 5BD, United KingdomDINOSAURS: Got a budding dinosaur fanatic? Take them along to the Natural History Museum to learn about the little-known Lambeosaurus — a palaeontologist will try to convince you it’s cooler than T-Rex. Prebook, 12.30pm/2.30pm. There’s also a chance to handle real fossil specimens and learn about the scientists who study them. Prebook, 11am/2pm (repeated several…
• Magic Carpet Stories : National Gallery : Sundays 10.30amAugust 20, 2017 at 9:30 am – 10:30 am
• Tate Britain, Clore Centre : Open Studio : Family Activities (+ Thurs & Fri in school holidays)August 20, 2017 at 10:00 am – 3:00 pm
• British Museum : Digital Workshops 7+ : 11am & 2pmAugust 20, 2017 at 10:00 am – 11:00 am
• Liminal : TATE modern : social experience of sculpture through touch, interaction and collaborationAugust 20, 2017 at 10:00 am – 1:30 pm
• Museum of London : Drop In : Art, Craft, StorytellingAugust 20, 2017 at 11:00 am – 1:00 pmMuseum of London, London Wall, London, United Kingdom
• Make & Do : Drop in : Family Fun : All AgesAugust 20, 2017 at 1:00 pm – 3:30 pmCamden Arts Centre, Arkwright Road, London, United Kingdom
• Talk & Play : U5's workshops Drop In 11am & 1pm (30mins)August 21, 2017National Gallery, London, United Kingdom
• Fly Away : Drop In Workshop (All Ages) 11-1pm & 2-4pm (room 36)August 21, 2017National Gallery, London, United Kingdom
• Talk & Play : U5's workshops Drop In 11am & 1pm (30mins)August 22, 2017National Gallery, London, United Kingdom
• Fly Away : Drop In Workshop (All Ages) 11-1pm & 2-4pm (room 36)August 22, 2017National Gallery, London, United Kingdom
• U5's Storytelling August 25, 2017 at 2:00 pm – 3:00 pmMuseum of London, London Wall, London, United KingdomJoin us in our galleries for a fun and interactive story, told using puppets, museum objects and music, followed by a making or exploring activity.
• Late at the V&A : Open untilAugust 25, 2017 at 9:00 pm – 10:00 pmthe V&A : Open until 
• The Golden Hinde : Family Fun Day : 11 & 2pmAugust 26, 2017
• Barbican : Saturday Framed Film Club (workshops too) See webAugust 26, 2017 at 10:00 am – 12:00 pm
• Open Studio : Tate Modern : family art playAugust 26, 2017 at 10:00 am – 3:00 pm
• British Museum : Digital Workshops : Age 7+ : 11.30am : Check websiteAugust 26, 2017 at 10:30 am – 11:30 am
• The Unicorn Theatre : Saturday Up Club : Craft & See a Performance (Check web for show details)August 26, 2017 at 11:00 am – 12:30 pmUnicorn Theatre, Tooley Street, London, United Kingdom
• Saatchi Gallery : Family Art Workshops August 26, 2017 at 12:00 pm – 1:30 pmSaatchi Gallery, King's Road, London, United Kingdom(see website to book places)
• Horniman Museum : Saturday Artmakers 1.30 & 2.45pmAugust 26, 2017 at 12:30 pm – 2:30 pmHorniman Museum & Gardens, London Road, London, United Kingdom
• Zabludowicz Collection : Families Create : Sat Workshops : 12-5pmAugust 26, 2017 at 1:00 pm – 4:00 pmZabludowicz Collection, Prince of Wales Road, London, United Kingdom
• Dinosaur Event : All Ages : PrebookAugust 27, 2017Natural History Museum, Cromwell Road, London SW7 5BD, United KingdomDINOSAURS: Got a budding dinosaur fanatic? Take them along to the Natural History Museum to learn about the little-known Lambeosaurus — a palaeontologist will try to convince you it’s cooler than T-Rex. Prebook, 12.30pm/2.30pm. There’s also a chance to handle real fossil specimens and learn about the scientists who study them. Prebook, 11am/2pm (repeated several…
• Art Workshop : Ages 5-11 : Drop in (Free) 11am & 2pmAugust 27, 2017National Gallery, London, United Kingdom
• Magic Carpet Stories : National Gallery : Sundays 10.30amAugust 27, 2017 at 9:30 am – 10:30 am
• Tate Britain, Clore Centre : Open Studio : Family Activities (+ Thurs & Fri in school holidays)August 27, 2017 at 10:00 am – 3:00 pm
• British Museum : Digital Workshops 7+ : 11am & 2pmAugust 27, 2017 at 10:00 am – 11:00 am
• Liminal : TATE modern : social experience of sculpture through touch, interaction and collaborationAugust 27, 2017 at 10:00 am – 1:30 pm
• Museum of London : Drop In : Art, Craft, StorytellingAugust 27, 2017 at 11:00 am – 1:00 pmMuseum of London, London Wall, London, United Kingdom
• Make & Do : Drop in : Family Fun : All AgesAugust 27, 2017 at 1:00 pm – 3:30 pmCamden Arts Centre, Arkwright Road, London, United Kingdom
• Fly Away : Drop In Workshop (All Ages) 11-1pm & 2-4pm (room 36)August 28, 2017National Gallery, London, United Kingdom
• Talk & Play : U5's workshops Drop In 11am & 1pm (30mins)August 28, 2017National Gallery, London, United Kingdom
• Fly Away : Drop In Workshop (All Ages) 11-1pm & 2-4pm (room 36)August 29, 2017National Gallery, London, United Kingdom
• Talk & Play : U5's workshops Drop In 11am & 1pm (30mins)August 29, 2017National Gallery, London, United Kingdom
• Family Day : Keats House, HampsteadSeptember 3, 2017Keats House, Keats Grove, London, United KingdomFamily Events happen on the 3rd Sunday of every month : 1-4pm
• The Wallace Collection : The Little Draw : drop-in art workshop : 1st Sunday of each month : 1.30-4.30pm.September 3, 2017 at 12:30 pm – 3:30 pm
• Kenwood House : Family Sunday Drop In Art Fun : 12-4.30 First Sunday of each monthSeptember 3, 2017 at 5:30 pm – 6:30 pmArt Fun : 
• Cartoon Activities : Family Drop In Workshop : FreeSeptember 16, 2017 at 11:00 am – 3:00 pmThe Cartoon Museum, Little Russell Street, London, United KingdomHeld on the 2nd Saturday of each month
• Family Day : Keats House, HampsteadOctober 1, 2017Keats House, Keats Grove, London, United KingdomFamily Events happen on the 3rd Sunday of every month : 1-4pm
• Cartoon Activities : Family Drop In Workshop : FreeOctober 14, 2017 at 11:00 am – 3:00 pmThe Cartoon Museum, Little Russell Street, London, United KingdomHeld on the 2nd Saturday of each month
• Family Day : Keats House, HampsteadOctober 29, 2017Keats House, Keats Grove, London, United KingdomFamily Events happen on the 3rd Sunday of every month : 1-4pm

 

5 Family events not to miss this summer

Did I mention that I offer concierge services and can help with group bookings, itineraries and events at mycultureclub?

Join the gang, and subscribe here.

Here's a quick pick of some fun family activities you can do with your Culture Club kids this Summer. Some are free, and the others just a plain old bargain. Enjoy. 

The players from the Stax Music Academy

STAX MUSIC ACADEMY PERFORMANCE at Kings Place, Kings Cross

You'd be in the soul gang for sure, if you booked tickets to see the  Stax Music Academy: 50th Anniversary of the 1967 Stax/Volt European Tour. I can promise you these tickets will not be around for long.

VENUE : CONTEMPORARY AT KINGS PLACE : Saturday, 15 July 2017 - 8:00pm /  Hall One

Imagine you are a teenager living at or below the poverty line in Memphis, Tennessee, where approximately one-fourth of all students drop out of high school before graduation and where nearly 50 percent of all children under 18 years old live in poverty.

Located in one of the most economically depressed zip codes in the United States, Stax Music Academy (SMA) has for more than 16 years had tremendous success with preparing students like these for college and success as adults by mentoring them with intensive music education as the primary tool. And not just any music, but the music of Stax Records, which once stood on the very site SMA stands today. Stax gave hope and opportunity to young people like Isaac Hayes, Otis Redding, Booker T. & the MGs, Carla Thomas, Eddie Floyd, and dozens of others to succeed in life.

In 1967, Stax Records sent its top artists on the label’s first-ever Stax/Volt European tour and those artists’ lives and the lives of the audiences were changed forever. As 2017 marks the 50th anniversary of that tour, the Stax Music Academy will celebrate by sending its top students on a tour of the UK, France and Ireland, performing the same set list of the original tour with Otis Redding, Sam & Dave, Eddie Floyd, Carla Thomas, Arthur Conley, and Booker T. & the MGs.

Free Family Events at The British Library

THE BRITISH LIBRARY | FREE Family Programme: Runs from July - September, 2017

South Asian Stories ; Friday 28 July, 2017 | 12.00 – 13.30 ; Free | Drop in | Suitable for ages 5 – 11

VENUE : Location: Harry M Weinrebe Learning Centre at The British Library, 96 Euston Road, London, NW1 2DB

Discover stories from South Asia in this fun and creative workshop with Sita Thomas. From sheikhs to suffragettes, explore lives and stories from South Asia using drama games, movement and sound in this fun and creative workshop. 

This workshop is run in partnership with The Place and coincides with a free dance performance, 14.00 – 15.00, taking place outside on the Piazza. Everyone is welcome to watch.

National Maritime Museum, Ahoy! Children's gallery (Free) Ideal for ages 0-7 & The All Hands children's gallery for 6-12s at National Maritime Museum is free and open daily.

10.00-17.00 weekends, holidays & Tuesdays | 14.00-17.00 on other weekdays |  Ahoy gallery is closed 3 July - 27 September

Your little one's imagination will be fired up as they stoke the boiler of a steamship, see them will beam with delight as they land a fish and new friendships will be forged as kids work together in the interactive boatyard. Polar exploration, pirates and a host of other maritime themes are brought to life in this playful and immersive gallery – look out for the eight metre high mast of SS Rawalpindi by the entrance. There’s a buggy park and easy access to all the facilities you need to have a stress-free visit. AHOY! is also a quick lift-ride away from the Neptune cafe on the first floor of the museum where you can re-fuel with coffee and cake after playtime. 

*Please note that AHOY! is sometimes pre-booked for schools groups.

Book tickets for family shows at the Underbelly Festival 2017, Southbank.

For theatre and dance lovers, The Tap Dancing Mermaid (10 June) blends puppetry and dance to fantastical effect, and Metta Theatre’s Jungle Book (1-24 August) melds hip-hop dancing, spoken word and creative design to create a contemporary, urban, politically aware reinterpretation of Kipling’s classic.

Jungle Book, 1st - 24th August 2017, Tickets from £11.50 (includes £1.50 in fees per ticket)

Spectacular street-dance and breathtaking circus combine to bring Kipling’s classic tale crashing into the 21st Century. Fresh from its international tour, award winning Metta Theatre’s critically acclaimed production of Jungle Book returns to the Underbelly Festival by popular demand to delight the whole family.

Mowgli is finding her way in the urban jungle. With a beat-loving bin man Baloo, graffiti artist Bagheera and a skateboarding Wolf crew, this heart-warming coming of age story will astonish and amaze.

Choreographed by Kendra J Horsburgh (BirdGang Dance Company, Into the Hoods, Sadler’s Wells and Blaze, International Tour) and featuring jaw-dropping tricks from an extraordinary cast of international performers including Let It Shine's Matt Knight as Akela, this is a show for everyone from 8 to 108.

HOW ABOUT SOME HOME SCIENCE FUN FROM THE ROYAL INSTITUTION ?

ExpeRimental is a series of short films that make it fun, easy and cheap to do science at home with children aged 4 to 10. Our films give you lots of ideas for kids’ activities that will help you explore the world around you, question and experiment together. We’ll show you how to do the activity and how to make sure adults and children get the most out of it. Tell us how you get on and share your photos and any funny things your kids say!

Each activity is designed to be easy to do using only common household objects. Simply playing, watching closely, and asking questions is enough to light a spark of science learning at home with young children. All the experiments are about encouraging natural curiosity and investigating the wonders of science while you play.

We think doing hands-on activities with children is the best way to get them exploring the world around them and thinking like future scientists and engineers. You won’tneed any existing science knowledge to be able carry out and enjoy ExpeRimental activities. Alongside each film is an info sheet with all the extra information you might need, including a clear explanation of the science at work and some ideas of questions to ask while playing. With badges and certificates to print out, and no limit to how far the activities could extend, we hope these films will be just the starting point for fun adventures in science.

Have You Booked Your Family Prom Tickets Yet?

‘Education remains a core BBC value and, if the Proms were to take place in term time, there would surely be a healthy number of children in school uniform among the audience’.

BBC Family Proms 2017

Events Not To Miss ...

You know and we know that taking your family and friends to see a PROM at the Royal Albert Hall, is an essential part of life. Even if you can't bear the sound of a clarinet, and feel queasy at the sight of the Union Jack, you still have to do it. It's the law (of music).

CONCERTS FOR KIDS

In terms of concerts aimed at kids, excitingly BBC Music’s Ten Pieces Presents project returns to the BBC Proms. Here, saxophonist and BBC Young Musician finalist Jess Gillam joins the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra and the Ten Pieces Children’s Choir for Ten Pieces Presents … Sir Henry’s Magnificent Musical Inspirations!, showcasing a range of works from Respighi’s jubilant Pines of Rome to an excerpt from Ravi Shankar’s Symphony (23 July).

Jess Gillam who performs in this year’s Ten Pieces Prom (cred Darren Gillam)

THE RELAXED PROM

The BBC Proms, in collaboration with the BBC National Orchestra of Wales and the Royal Albert Hall Education & Outreach team, presents the first ever Relaxed Prom (29 July), offering an informal environment for everyone from children and adults with autism, sensory and communication impairments and learning disabilities to individuals who are Deaf, hard of hearing, blind and partially sighted. BBC NOW, with conductor Grant Llewellyn and musician Andy Pidcock, presents a relaxed matinee full of colour, laughter and audience participation. This performance follows on from the orchestra’s Relaxed Concert at St David’s Hall, Cardiff (2 July).

The bust of Sir Henry Wood who is brought to life in this year’s Ten Pieces Prom (cred BBC/Chris Christodoulu)

FAMILY WORKSHOPS

You can all enjoy introductions to the music of the following family-friendly Prom; children are invited to bring an instrument or just sit back and take it all in. There are five of these sessions spanning the season (suitable for ages 7-plus).

Image of the Ten Pieces II concert (cred Guy Levy)

FAMILY ORCHESTRA AND CHORUS

Play or sing alongside professional musicians, whatever your age or ability (suitable for ages 7-plus). The sessions will be focussed around highlights from the 2017 Proms season and by Oklahoma!

 Image of the Family Orchestra (cred Sisi Burn)

COMPOSER, JOHN WILLIAMS

A concert not specifically aimed at kids but one that might be appealing to families might be our John Williams at 85anniversary concert. Here, the BBC Concert Orchestra pays tribute to film composer John Williams with a selection of his most iconic film scores, including Star Wars, Harry Potter, and Jaws (20 July).

Grant Llewllyn and Andy Pidcock who lead the Relaxed Prom (cred Betina Skovbro)

WEEKEND MATINEES

There is also a series of weekend matinees offers engaging concerts that present the perfect introduction to classical music at a time of day that is convenient for those who may not be able to attend evening events; this is a great initiative for all the family where parents may be unable to take their children to concerts during the week. 

PRICES & TICKETS

Check this link for tickets to all the events

Additionally, the Proms offers half-price tickets for under-18s to all Proms (except the Last Night).

Remember that if you don't have time to book tickets for your group, you can drop me aline at sian.gwilliam@me.com and I can take care of the bookings for your group of 6+ people. sian.gwilliam@me.com or mycultureclub.com

Image credits;

• Image 1: RAH interior (cred BBC/Chris Christodoulu) 
• Image 2: Jess Gillam who performs in this year’s Ten Pieces Prom (cred Darren Gillam) 
• Image 3: The bust of Sir Henry Wood who is brought to life in this year’s Ten Pieces Prom (cred BBC/Chris Christodoulu) 
• Image 4: Image of the Ten Pieces II concert (cred Guy Levy) 
• Image 5: Grant Llewllyn and Andy Pidcock who lead the Relaxed Prom (cred Betina Skovbro)
• Image 6: Image of the Family Orchestra (cred Sisi Burn)

The List of Every Family Theatre Show in London in 2017

Here's a round up of all the theatre shows that are perfect for families in and around London. If you would like My Culture Club to put together a booking quote for your group or itinerary for you, please contact ; sian.gwilliam@me.com.  

This list is associated with a guest post about Hit Musicals I wrote for the parenting website MyBaba, read the feature here.

• Adventures in Wonderland (5-10yrs), The Vaults Waterloo, at 13th May – Sun 3rd September
  Aladdin (5+) Prince Edward Theatre, booking until 3rd June
• Alices Adventures Underground, (5+) The Vaults Waterloo, Runs 15th April to 10th September
• An American in Paris (6+), Dominion Theatre, Runs March 4th to September 30th Arcaladanza Vuelos (all ages), Sadler’s Wells, 14th-15th April
• A Square World, Polka Theatre, 10th to 12th March, 2017
• A Square World (3-6yrs) Polka Theatre, 10-12th March
• A Tale of Two Cities, Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre, 7th July to 5th August
• Bat Out of Hell musical (6+), London Coliseum, Runs from June 5 to July 22nd
• BBC Young Dancer 2017 (all ages) Sadler’s Wells 22nd April
• Beautiful the Carole King Musical (6+), Aldwych Theatre, Runs until Saturday July 22nd Breakin’ Convention (all ages), Hip Hop Dance Festival, Sadler’s Wells, 29-30th April Carousel (5+), London Coliseum, Runs from Friday April 7th to Saturday May 13th David Walliams Gangsta Granny (5+) Runs 26th July to 3 September
• Dick Whittington the Pantomime (5+), Palladium Theat, runs th Dec until 7th January 2018.
• Disney on Ice, Wembley Arena, 29th March to 2nd April (UK Tour)
• Dreamgirls (5+), Savoy Theatre, booking until 6th May
• Dr Seuss the Lorax, Old Vic Theatre, Booking from 20th October to 4th November, 2017 Dr Zeiffal, Dr Zeigal and the Hippo that Can Never Be Caught, The Vaults, 28th Jan to 26th February
• Fantastic Mr Fox, (5+) The Lyric Hammersmith, Runs until 19th February
• Half A Sixpence, Noel Coward Theatre, Booking until Saturday April 22nd
• Harry Potter and the Cursed Child, Booking sold out until 2018, check online
• Heaven Eyes, (9+) Greenwich Theatre, Runs 12-13th Feb,
• Jeramee, Hartleby & Oooglemore (3+), Unicorn Theatre, 12th March – 10th April Junkyard, Rose Theatre Kingston (5+) opens 19th April
• Les Miserables, Queens Theatre (6+), Until Saturday 14th October 2017
• Little Angel Theatre, Puppet shows for babies upwards, check online
• Matthew Bourne’s Early Adventures (12+), Sadler’s Wells, Monday 3rd – 8th April
• Mavis Sparkle (4+) Polka Theatre, 3rd-5th March
• Moonshine’s Entirely Necessary Adventure, (8+) Ovalhouse Kennington, 13th to 14th Feb
• Motown the Musical, Shaftesbury Theatre, Runs until 28th October
• My First Ballet, Cinderella (3+) Peacock Theatre, Runs 11th to 22nd April
• National Youth Dance Company (All ages) Sadler’s Wells, 19th April
• Northern Ballet – Goldilocks & The Three Bears (all ages) Sadler’s Wells, 12th May
• Peter Pan National Theatre LIVE screening, in cinemas 10th June
• Romeo and Juliet (8-12yrs) National Theatre, Runs 11th – 24th Feb
• Sarah and Ducks Big Top Birthday (3-6yrs, all ages welcome) Polka Theatre, 6th April – 14th May
• Scattered (dance and acrobatics show), Peacock Theatre, 26th – 29th April Showstopper (12+), Lyric Theatre West End, 20th Feb to 5th June 2017
• Stomp (5+), Ambassadors Theatre, Booking until 8th Jan 2018
• Strictly Come Dancing, 10th anniversary show, 02 Arena, 11th to 12th February
• Summer of Love season, Globe Theatre, 22nd – 15th October (Romeo and Juliet, Twelfth Night, Triston and Yesult, Much Ado About Nothing, King Lear, Boudica & Nell Gwynn)
• The Curious Incident of the Dog in Night Time (11+), Gielgud Theatre, Booking until 3 June 2017
• The Hunting Lodge (12+) Unicorn Theatre, until 6th March
• The Iron Man, Unicorn Theatre (8+) Runs 24th Jan to 5th March
• The Lion King (5+), Lyceum Theatre, Booking until 11th Feb 2018
• The Magic Paintbrush, (3+) Jacksons Lane, 5th March
• The Magic Paintbrush (3+), Jacksons Lane Theatre , 3rd March
• The Many Doors of Frank Feelbad (5+) Ovalhouse Theatre, 16th to 19th February
• The Many Doors of Frank Feelba by Bootworks (5+) Ovalhouse, 16th to 19th February The Phantom of the Opera (6+), Her Majesty’s Theatre, Booking until 14th October
• The Pirates of Penzance, London Coliseum, Feb – 25 March 2017
• The Play That Goes Wrong (8+), September – 10 September 2017
• The Twits, (6+) Rose Theatre Kingston, Runs 5th April to 16th April
• The Party (3-7yrs) Polka Theatre, 14-18th March
• The Gruffalo’s Child (3+) Lyric West End,Runs from 22nd Nov to 7th Jan
• The Velveteen Rabbit (5+), Unicorn Theatre 17th March – 15th April
• Thriller Live (5+), Lyric Theatre, Booking until 1st October,
• Tiddler and Other Terrific Tales, Leicester Square Theatre, (3+) 8 July – 3 September 2017
• To Dream Again (7+), Polka Theatre, runs 10th March to 2nd April
• Us/Them (12+), National Theatre, Runs until 18th Feb
• War Horse, (UK Tour from September 2017)
• WowHoop (Babies upwards), Jacksons Lane Theatre, 15th to 19th February
• The Taming of The Shrew (11+) Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre, Runs 4th to 25th March 42nd Street (6+), Theatre Royal Drury Lane, Opens 20th March
• What The Ladybird Heard (3+) Lyric West End, Runs 5th July to 10th Sept
• Stories with Michael Rosen and Chris Riddlell (5-11yrs), Hampstead Theatre, 10th Feb Harry Potter: Boy. Wizard. Hero (7+) Hampstead Theatre, 12th Feb
• Nativity! The Musical, Eventim Apollo, Runs from 13-17th December
• Roald Dahl’s Fantastic Mr Fox (5+), Lyric Hammersmith, runs until 19th Feb Seventeen (14+) Lyric Hammersmith, runs 4th March to 8th April 2017
• Jack & the Beanstalk (6+) Lyric Hammersmith, 18th November to 6th Jan 2018
• The Little Beasts (7+) The Other Palace, Runs: Thursday 13 – Sunday 30 July 2017
• National Youth Music Theatre Imaginary, The Other Palace, Runs: Wednesday 9 – Saturday 12 August 2017
• National Youth Music Theatre Sunday I The Park with George, The Other Palace, Runs: Wednesday 16 – Saturday 19 August 2017

5 Best Art & Craft Courses As Gifts

The Royal Drawing School Course at The National Gallery

Every Monday, From 9 January 2017 to 13 January 2017, 5 sessions. 10am – 5pm, £285

Venue : Royal Drawing School Shoreditch 

After the frantic build up to Christmas, why not start the new year with an intensive visual detox at The National Gallery?

Over five days you will experience an in depth analysis of the historical background, materials and processes employed by the old masters. Unlike the familiar experience of hurrying through blockbuster exhibitions in order to see everything, you will have time to enter into a deep study of a couple of key paintings each day. We will make drawn transcriptions from a selection of the renowned and less well known masterpieces from the collection. This procedure of drawing directly from the classical tradition has always been the bedrock of profound art education, enabling us to understand the technical and emotional legacy of some of the greatest creative minds.

The tutors will encourage you to really look at the artworks and by entering into visual conversation produce drawings that record and express your encounters with them.  We are not so much copying as opening our minds to some of the greatest artefacts that the human spirit has achieved. You do not need any specific art background to join us but enthusiasm and a willingness to reflect are essential! Among others we will be looking at artists such as; Van Eyck, Piero Della Francesca, Rembrandt, Goya, Chardin and Moroni.

Gillian Anderson and Jennifer Nadel in Conversation with Jude Kelly

Gillian Anderson and Jennifer Nadel (Part of the WOW festival)

10th March at 8pm, Royal Festival Hall, Prices between £15 - £25 + booking fees

Join Gillian Anderson and Jennifer Nadel to launch their new book, WE: A Manifesto for Women Everywhere.

Imagine a sisterhood spanning all creeds and cultures – an unspoken agreement that women will support and encourage one another. So begins WE: an inspiring, empowering and provocative manifesto for change.

Change which provides a crucial and timely antidote to the have-it-all Superwoman culture, and instead focuses on what will make each woman happier and more free. Change which we can all effect, one woman at a time.

Written by decade-long friends, actor Gillian Anderson and journalist Jennifer Nadel, WE is not a theoretical treatise but instead a rallying cry to create a life that has greater meaning and purpose. Combining practical, psychological and spiritual tools, it is both a process and a vision for a more fulfilling way of living.

Gillian and Jennifer discuss their book in conversation with Jude Kelly, Southbank Centre’s Artistic Director and founder of WOW festival.

There is a special opportunity to purchase a copy of the book at a discounted price, offered to you when you purchase tickets.

Contemporary Approaches to Making at the Camden Arts Centre

Runs, 25 February - 25 March 2017, 5 week course, Saturdays, 10.30am – 1.00pm
Age 18 + (Full Price £130 with concessions available)

This course offers contemporary approaches to making, in relation to movement, materiality and participation. Working with a wide range of media, participants will consider the conceptual and technical ways that artists make work, with time for discussion and reflection throughout.

Over the course of the five weeks, participants will have the opportunity to observe, analyse, question and practice different material approaches to making:

Session 1: Clay, Contact and Immateriality

Session 2: Materials and Gesture in Sculpture

Session 3: Photography

Session 4: Performance Possibilities

Session 5: Participation and the Role of the Public

This course is led by artist Renata Bandeira. Renata completed her masters in sculpture at the Royal College of Art in 2013. She is a visiting lecturer at the University of Westminster, London. Her work spans film, installation, performance, sculpture and drawings.

Please book a place online. Completing the booking for the course signifies your agreement to the Learning Agreement which includes policies around refunds and cancellations, health and safety and conduct in addition to general information about the Centre. Download the Learning Agreement.

Fabric and Dress Course at the V&A Clothworkers' Centre

Fridays, 20 Jan – 10 March 2017, 10:30 – 13:00 at Blythe House, Cost £440 (concession fees available) 

Join the team at the V&A for a unique object-led course at the V&A Clothworkers’ Centre and examine the evolution of men’s and women’s dress from the 17th to the 19th century.

Over the course of 8 weeks, you will explore fabrics; costume construction, embroidery, and printing; and changing social and gender identities. Supplemented with illustrated lectures and gallery talks at the V&A South Kensington, this course offers students a truly unique opportunity to inspect and study one of the most important collections of textiles and fashion in the world.

Five Day Intensive Upholstery Course at The School of Stuff

The course starts on the 3rd April 2017, and costs £475

The School of Stuff is a studio dedicated to teaching furniture crafts in Dalston.  They started small and have remained small based at Hackney City Farm teaching upholstery evening classes.  Over time they have added other core courses to their curriculum including cabinetmaking and furniture restoration, as well as other classes with a furniturey flavour, such as chair rushing and caning, and marquetry.  We are also having a go at other crafts now such as rag rug making and even shoemaking.  They have a well-equipped and rather lovely studio on the ground floor of an old industrial building on Shacklewell Lane.

Enjoy a 5 day intensive course, project based, but with small class sizes and suited to your needs. We run three of these every year, one at Easter and two in the summer.  This course is five days of intensive tuition in traditional or modern upholstery. 

Like their evening classes, it is project based, so you will learn what you need to know to upholster your particular chair, but we can help you structure your learning experience by pointing you in the direction of the right project or projects.   

People work at different speeds, but you should be able to get a small armchair completed within five days.  Because of the flexibility of this course, it is suitable for beginners and those who have already done some upholstery.  Classes will start at 10.00am and finish at 4.00pm with an hour off for lunch.

What's On for Families at the Royal Opera House

Exclusive Family Matinee Performances of Opera and Ballet at The Royal Opera House

The Royal Opera House has been in the heart of London’s Theatreland since 1732. It's has had quite a turbulent history, having burnt to the ground twice in 1808 and 1856, and each time been lovingly rebuilt, with the current version dating from 1858. Home to The Royal Ballet, The Royal Opera and the Orchestra of The Royal Opera House, it was where Handel's first season of operas began. Many of his operas and oratorios were specifically written for Covent Garden and had their premieres there.

As part of their education programme, the team run Welcome Performances which are exclusive family matinee performances of opera and ballet. The fling open the doors the morning before the performance, and offer a huge range of things to see and experience throughout the Royal Opera House. Each Welcome Performance lets you explore different elements of a production, from singing and dancing to backstage crafts and costumes. You can choose from

• Meet some of the amazing backstage team
• Take a tour behind the scenes
• See if you have what it takes to be an opera singer
• Get some tips on how to become a world-class ballet dancer
• Test out some weird and wonderful musical instruments
• See professional stage make-up demos
• Watch and even try out stage fighting
• Enjoy dressing up and storytelling.

Tickets are only £5–£20. If you would like further information, please call the ROH on +44 (0)20 7212 9684 or email welcomeperformances@roh.org.uk . 

You can check what's on at the Opera House here for a look at what's on sale, or ask me to book for you. There are some charming craft activities you can print up here, and keep an eye on the website for information about their Family Sundays, which are totally brilliant ways to spend time in the Opera House with small people, letting them run riot (politely of course), trying on real theatre costumes, face painting, dancing with Royal Ballet dancers, and making super lovely crafts.

The Best London Family Christmas Shows 2016

The Best London Family Christmas Shows 2016

So to get you in the mood for the big day, and take your mind off how many mince pies you need to make for the jolly old carol singers who keep turning up unexpected at home, here is a round up of some of the best Christmas Family Shows in London. Have a look on the BOOK TICKETS PAGE on My Culture Club to what's available to book via yours truly. All events have been hand picked just for you, so you book in one place, and what's more you can use APPLE PAY if you like too - oh! so modern I know.

THE BEST LONDON FAMILY PANTOS 2016

Mother Goose, Wiltons Music Hall, Dec 2nd - Dec 31st
Red Riding Hood, Hoxton Hall, December 17 2016 - Saturday December 24th
Aladdin, Broadway Theatre Catford, December 3 2016 - Saturday January 7
Sleeping Beauty, Hackney Empire, November 26 2016 - Sunday January 8

Dick Whittington, New Wimbledon Theatre, Dec 9th - Jan 15th
Sinbad the Sailor, Theatre Royal Stratford East, December 3 2016 - Saturday January 21 2017

Visit Victorian Santa at the Royal Albert Hall ... treats and presents for all those smalls, that go to bed an hour early for the whole of December!

Mother Goose at Wilton's, book for tickets between 2nd-31st December

CHILDREN AGED 6 and UNDER

 Peter Pan: A New Adventure  : Greenwich Theatre (All ages) Runs 18 Nov 2016 - 8 Jan 2017 (Running Time 2hrs20) : From £14

 Raymond Brigg's Father Christmas  : Lyric Hammersmith (Under 6) Runs 18 Nov - 24 Dec  : From £10

We're Going On A Bear Hunt, Live on Stage, Arts Depot, Finchley  ( Age 3+) Runs Wed 7th Dec to Monday 2nd Jan. From £12.50

Stick Man : Leicester Square Theatre, (Ages 3+) 5 Nov–30 Dec 2016. Family Ticket Available: 2 adults / 2 children or 1 adult / 3 children. Babes in arms: Under 18 months permitted without a ticket. Running time: 55 minutes. From £16.50 per child & £65 for a family ticket.

 Baddies: The Musical Is Back!  : Unicorn Theatre, (Age 6+) Runs15 Nov - 31 Dec  : From £12

 Mimi and the Mountain Dragon : Bloomsbury Theatre, (Ages 3+) Runs 13 Dec–31 Dec 2016. Adults £12, Children £10

In A Pickle, Arts Depot, Finchley. (Ages 3-5) Runs 13th - 31st Dec. From £10

 Room on The Broom, Stratford Circus (Ages 3+) Runs 2 – 18 December (55 mins, no interval) : From £12

The Mad Hatters Tea Party, Roundhouse, Camden. Join a Culture Club Trip on SATURDAY 21 JAN AT 2.30PM. (All Ages). RUNNING TIME : 2hr20mins. Tickets : Adults £24 for those aged 16+. Child £18 for children aged 16 and under. Family Discount: £65 4 full price tickets for parties of 2 adults and 2 children, or 1 adult and 3 children.

 Breaking the Ice : Stratford Circus, (Ages 2-5) Runs 19–24 Dec 2016. From £8, Duration: 40 mins + 15 mins stay & play

 CINDERELLA THE PANTOMIME : The Palladium, (Age 4+) 2.30PM TUES 3RD JAN 2017. From £33. Running Time : TBC 

 The Railway Children  Kings Cross Theatre, (Ages 2+) until 8 Jan 2017. Various prices. (Running Time 2hrs.10m)

 Boing, the Unicorn Theatre, Clore Theatre, (Ages 2-6) Runs 30 November to 1 Jan (RT : 50 Mins)

 The Snowman: Sadler’s Wells - Peacock Theatre,  (All Ages) 23 Nov 2016–1 Jan 2017. From £32. (Running Time : 1hr50 with 20 min interval)

 The Very Hungry Caterpillar Show : Ambassador’s Theatre,  (Ages 2-7) 2 Dec 2016–8 Jan 2017.  From £ 26.50 + fees. NOTE : Babes in arms, aged 12 months or under, will be permitted access to The Ambassadors Theatre without a ticket for performances of The Very Hungry Caterpillar. Babies must be securely strapped to their parent or carer by way of a baby carrier, sling, papoose or similar.

 Adventures to Oz, Chickenshed Theatre, Oakwood, Runs Nov 23rd to Jan 7th. From £15 + fees

Christmas Tales at Chickenshed, Dates: Saturday 3, Tuesday 6, Saturday 10, Thursday 15, Saturday 17, Thursday 22, Friday 23, Tuesday 27, Wednesday 28, Thursday 29 December (Ages 0-6yrs) Running time: 50mins. Tickets:  £8, free to babies under 1 year

Cinderella, Chiswick House & Gardens, Runs Dec 16th to Dec 31st. From £30. Brought to you by Humdalila Productions, specialists in Immersive Theatre, this thrilling version of the classic tale combines an eclectic mix of first-class performers. Expect dancing mice, acrobatic lizards, ballerina snowflakes and a crazy magician. Arrive early for the full experience. Children can have their faces painted, interact with amazing balloonists and much more. Adults can enjoy a stress-free drink at the fully licensed bar and the family can all enjoy a variety of snacks and Christmas goodies from the stalls inside the Big Top.

 Peppa Pig Live, Phoenix Theatre, Charing Cross Road, (All Ages) Thursday 15th Dec to Jan 7th. From £22+ fees

 A Magical Stick Man Screening & Show, Enjoy songs and storytelling with Julia Donaldson and live illustration from Axel Scheffler followed by the award-winning animated film of Stick Man on the big screen. Royal Festival Hall, (Ages 5-8) Thursday 22 December 2016. Prices vary.

We’re Going On A Bear Hunt at Jacksons Lane, Highgate, (From the Little Angel Theatre) Ages 2+ Runs between 6 Dec to 24th Dec. Tickets from £14.95 + bookings fees, sold out until 10th Dec, when last looked

"YOU COULDN’T WISH FOR A SWEETER INTRODUCTION TO THEATRE" - Time Out

CRAFT WORKSHOP at THE LITTLE ANGEL THEATRE

HOW ABOUT A CRAFT WORKSHOP AT THE LITTLE ANGEL THEATRE?

Crafty Festive fun and stories for 2–8 year olds and their families with Santa's Little Workshop Little Angel Theatre, N1 (Ages 2-8) Runs Sunday 4  – Saturday 24 December. £10 per child / £8 per adult +fees. For age 2 to 8. No more than 3 children per adult please, due to the craft activity. Under-2s can attend with older siblings or friends but the activity is not suitable for them, and please note that all children aged one or over on the day of the event need their own tickets. DURATION : 50 mins

CHILDREN AGED 6+

 Babe, the Sheep-Pig : Polka Theatre, (Ages 5-11) Runs 25 Nov 2016–5 Feb 2017.  Main Stage, approx 1hr 45 mins
Tickets £18.50 | Concessions £12 | Previews £14  £1.50 transaction charge per booking

 Peter Pan Goes Wrong : Apollo Theatre, (Ages 8+) Runs until 29 January 2017 ( Running Time :  2 hrs with one interval). Tickets from £35 BOOK ON CULTURE CLUB and join a lovely group ... there might be goody bags too!

 Aladdin : The Lyric Hammersmith (Ages 6+) 11 NOV - 7 JAN ( Please note that all children over 18 months will require their own tickets). From £30 + fees

 The Nutcracker : The Royal Opera House, (Ages 5+) Runs until 12 January 2017 (RT, 2 hrs and 15 mins with one interval). Pretty much sold out, or remaining tickets expensive around the £135 mark when I last looked. Email me if you want me to search out what's available for you.

 Duckie : Royal Festival Hall, (Ages 6+) Southbank, Runs 16 Dec–24 Dec. Tickets from £14 + fees.

CHILDREN AGED 6+

The Red Shoes (Matthew Bourne Ballet) Sadlers Wells, Runs 6 Dec - 27 Jan (RT' 2 hrs). From £35 for stalls.

Peter Pan, National Theatre (Age 7+) Runs from 17 Nov to 4th Feb (RT tbc). From £22

Kiki's Delivery Service, Southwark Playhouse SE1, Runs Dec 8th to Jan 8th. From £16 kids and £64 for a family ticket. 

The Little Match Girl, Shakespeare's Globe, Runs Nov 24th to Jan 21st. From £10 for standing tickets

The Wind In The Willows, Rose Theatre Kingston, Runs Dec 6th to Jan 3rd. From £10-£30 (various Family Ticket options)

All the Angels, Shakespeare's Globe, Runs Dec 6th to Feb 12th. Fixed Position Standing: £10 | Seated: £15 – £48 | Premium Tickets: £62

No Fit State Circus : Bianco, Hungerford Bridge Car Park Southbank, Runs Nov 23rd to Jan 22nd. Prices £39.50 £30 £25

MILLION DOLLAR QUARTET

Million Dollar Quartet, Royal Festival Hall, Saturday December 17 2016 - Monday January 2 2017. Tickets range from; £95 £79.50 £59.50 £49.50 £39.50 £20 (selected performances £95 £75 £55 £45 £35 £20)

The Nutcracker, London Coliseum is on a UK Tour now, and arrives in London 14 Dec 2016 – 7 Jan 2017  (RT' 2 hours 15 minutes including 1 interval). Up to two children (under 16) can attend half price with every full paying adult. Children under 5 are not allowed in the auditorium, except at Family-Friendly Performances. TICKETS range from £88+ and are selling fast. FAMILY-FRIENDLY PERFORMANCES Tue 3 Jan, 2.30pm & Sat 7 Jan, 2.30pm  Children under 5 may attend these performances, and up to two children under 16 can go free with each full paying adult.

If you would like me to book your tickets for you, Please email me with the details of which show, date & preferred time (matinee or evening) and the number of children & adult tickets required. I will find the best deals, and take care of it all for you! sian.gwilliam@me.com or 07958 385 929.