Fun, Free and Frugal, the Festival of Thrift is back Taking place at Lingfield Point in Darlington on Saturday September 27, and Sunday September 28, new stage and more workshops, food, stalls, speakers and things to see and do! There will be stalls selling upcycled, recycled and second-hand gems. Fix It Café where expert volunteers will be on hand to help you to fix your broken items, anything from damaged shoes to electrical goods. www.festivalofthrift.co.uk and sign up for updates.
Chelsea Physic Garden is delighted to be one of seven inspirational venues taking part in Maggie’s Culture Crawl, to support the fantastic work of Maggie’s, the charity which offers free practical, emotional and social support to people with cancer and their family and friends. Part night-walk, part cultural adventure around London, the event takes place on Friday 19th September. www.maggiescentres.org/culturecrawl. Registration is £40 and Maggie’s asks walkers to raise as much money as they can to help support people with cancer.
National Trust adds colour to Kent with walking festival A seven week walking festival from 8 September to 24 October, this year’s Great British Walk has uncovered some of the region’s most colourful vistas, stories, characters and objects to see on a walk.
Take a stroll through an incredible landscape of colour this autumn, and don’t miss the top colourful choices in Kent, many of which can only be seen during the walking festival: Knole – in the last surviving deer park in Kent; Sissinghurst Castle – the home of Vita Sackville-West; White Cliffs of Dover – the best place in the region for those who love shades of blue; Chartwell – take the circular estate walk through the woodland to see the best view of the house and its bright red bricks. Ightham Mote peaceful woodland, ancient springs and stunning views over the Kentish countryside. Share pictures of your colourful walks and experiences with the National Trust this year on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook using #GBwalk. www.nationaltrust.org.uk/greatbritishwalk
The Vegetarian Society’s Cordon Vert cookery school in Cheshire have a special offer for a tasty September. Flavours of the Caribbean, 14 September. Flavours of Italy, 21 September. Flavours of Mexico, 28 September Flavours of Spain, 5 October For more information or to book call Jonathan on 0161 925 2014 email jonathan@vegsoc.org or visit www.cordonvert.co.uk
Family arts programme hits Rammy Fest Friday 19th – Sunday 21st September 2014 Rammy has become just as famous for its family entertainment as it has for its eclectic mix of indie, rock, folk and reggae music. It’s a favourite among those looking to escape the chaos of the big festivals in favour of a friendlier vibe. www.ramsbottomfestival.com / @rammyfestival / #RF14
Sssnakes Alive! World Museum invites visitors to discover the slithering, secret life of snakes this autumn, with the opening of an exciting new family friendly exhibition.
19 September 2014 until 22 February 2015 in Liverpool, explores the biology and habitats of these fascinating reptiles. Little ones can dress up in snake camouflage, get involved in a giant game of Snakes & Ladders and take a quiz to test their snake knowledge! www.liverpoolmuseums.org.uk/snakes
JAZZ FM HOSTS JUNIOR LATIN JAM –Saturday-27th-September (12:00am): From midday to 2:30pm JazzFM’s Chris Phillips hosts the Junior Latin Jam, a fun family afternoon of Pizza and Percussion for kids, at the Pheasantry, Pizza Express Jazz Club, 152 Kings Road, SW3 4UT. www.pizzaexpresslive.co.uk Box Office: 0845 6027 017
Revealing Secrets of the Commissioner’s Garden during Heritage Open Days 2014 This year’s “Heritage Open Day” at The Historic Dockyard Chatham allows visitors into the relatively unexplored world of the Commissioner’s Garden. During the insightful tour, visitors will be led through both the garden and Edwardian greenhouse, discovering – amongst other things – who “Jack” was, why he has a gravestone in the garden and what it is that links a grapevine to romance which wasn’t cooled by the icehouse! Commissioner’s Garden Heritage Opens Days tours are free of charge, will last approximately one hour and are available on Saturday 13th and Sunday 14th September. They must be pre booked by calling 01634 823852. www.thedockyard.co.uk
The PSP Southampton Boat Show is proud to announce Andrew Simpson Sailing Foundation as its sole official 2014 charity partner. 12-21 September 2014, the Show will be supporting a charity which has proven close to the hearts of sailors and the nation alike. Set up in 2013 to honour the life and legacy of Andrew ‘Bart’ Simpson MBE, Olympic Gold and Silver medallist and America’s Cup Sailor, the charity uses sailing to transform the lives of young people. For more information please contact Annabel Wildey on 01784 223811 or email awildey@britishmarine.co.uk
Customers at the Frankie & Benny’s restaurants across Bristol could be sitting down to breakfast with pop superstar Peter Andre as part of a charity weekend. The popular 50s-style restaurant has teamed up with national charity, Caudwell Children, and the singer for a weekend of fundraising to help provide support for disabled children from across the region. Saturday 13th September with free children’s meals for every family and culminates with a nationwide Big Charity Breakfast on Monday 15th September where customers will receive a free breakfast in return for a donation to the charity. Bookings are recommended. The ‘Kids Eat Free’ offer is available on Saturday 13th and Sunday 14th September; and the ‘Free Breakfast’ available on Monday 15th September. For more information visit www.caudwellchildren.com/frankieandbennys
