March What’s On

KENT

Kent Life Bugs and Grubs Weekend 11-12 March. Pull on your wellies and get up close to nature as you join the bug-hunters to discover all the mini-beasts living at Kent Life. Take a visit to the creepy critter cuddle corner. Chat to the beekeeper and make a mini-beast house to take home. There’s even a chance to meet Lydia Greenfingers author Joseph Hopkins. 01622 763936 www.kentlife.org.uk

The X Factor is back at Dreamland Margate. ITV’s hit singing show, The X Factor, is returning to the home of entertainment, Dreamland in Margate, in its search of the UK’s best talent.  Open auditions, which will be held from 11am to 5.30pm.  dreamland.co.uk itv.com/xfactor

Smurfs Lost Village at Bluewater. To promote the release of the new 3D film, Smurfs: The Lost Village, Bluewater will host the Smurfs Lost Village interactive stand, on the 18th March.  Shoppers will be able to meet and greet their favourite Smurf movie characters and have their photo taken with them, as well as receiving a free print and digital keepsake photo to take home. Children will also be able to play a variety of fun games, including a SmurfsGrabber Claw Game and a Wind Chamber/ Ball Catching Game, to win free merchandise from the movie.

LONDON

Family events at the Museum of London Docklands. Paper performances Sat 11 Mar, 12-1.30pm & 2.30-4pm Take to the stage by designing a paper theatre based on the famous examples found in London. Create a cast of characters and watch as your stories come to life. Suggested ages: 5+ FREE

Your East End Sat 18 & Sun 19 Mar, 12-4pm.  Diverse, creative and exciting, East London is home to many stories and memories. Explore other people’s and share your own at this fun family weekend. Get hands-on with crafts and workshops for the whole family to enjoy, or sit back, relax and enjoy performances from some of the area’s local talent. This festival has been developed in partnership with local people so come along to celebrate your East End. To find out more visit www.museumoflondon.org.uk/docklands

WWT London Wetland Centre Saturday 25 February – Sunday 19 March Weekend family activities It’s a wonderful time of year to explore London Wetland Centre. Come and spot the first signs of spring and see which birds have returned from their winter ‘holiday’ in warmer climates.  Enjoy a pond dipping session to see what mini-beasts are about and join us for a nature walk.  Get creative with our nature crafts.

Saturday 18 March Spring birdwatching walk 9.30am – 11am £20.00 per person, plus admission to the Centre. Please bring your own binoculars/telescope to get the most out of the walk. Booking essential: please call 020 8409 4400.

Saturday 18 March Introduction to Wildlife Photography 10am – 4pm £60.00 per person, plus paid admission to the Centre. Booking essential: please call 020 8409 4400.

Tuesday 21 March Barnes Music Festival first-ever classical music concert to take place at WWT. 7.30pm. £15 per ticket. For further information visit  Barnes Music Festival

Sunday 26 March Mum goes free for Mother’s Day Just quote ‘Mother’s Day’ at admissions.

Queen Elizabeth’s Walk, Barnes, London SW13 9WT 0208 409 4412 wwt.org.uk

What’s happening at Historic Royal Palaces. The People’s Revolt Selected dates in March 18.00, 18.30, 19.00, 19.25, 19.50 Tower of London Infiltrate the Tower of London after hours. The People’s Revolt is an immersive, Tickets: £25.50/ £23.00 Time Explorer Station (5-11 years offer) 25^th March, 11.00 – 16.00 Kensington Palace

Explore the palace and discover its stories using the palace’s themed activity bags, games, trails and make and takes. Included in palace admission.

Tiny Explorers (under 4’s offer) Selected Wednesdays and Saturdays in March, 10.30 (babies), 13.00 and 14.30 (walkers) Kensington Palace Explore and play in the palace together! Tickets: £6 per child (price includes up to two adults) /£5 per child for members

Tiny Explorers (under 4’s offer) Selected Thursdays and Saturdays in  March, 10.30 (babies), 13.00 and 14.30 (walkers) Hampton Court Palace Explore and play in the palace together! Tickets: £6 per child (price includes up to two adults) /£5 per child for members www.hrp.org.uk

Mini Works Mini Rumpus returns this weekend to the secret tunnels under Waterloo Station. On Saturday 4^th & Sunday 5^th March (9.30am – 2pm) they are holding another immersive, carnival, family-extravaganza party!  Particularly aimed at under 11s, live music from band Tell Tale Tusk, flash mob dancing, dazzling circus acts, beatboxing performances, storytelling, drumming jam-sessions, chill out arts and craft zones A huge yurt for under 5s and crawlers with its own mini programme! The venue’s café is fully equipped to serve teas, coffees, food and pastries so we invite you to stay and play all day. Tickets can be booked here via the VAULT Festival website –  http://tinyurl.com/gl2ph24

SURREY

Schools and Youth Groups Scarecrow Competition 2017. The great scarecrow competition returns again as part of this year’s Herald of Spring, 11 March 2017. Local primary schools and youth groups are invited to enter our competition and be inspired to create a scarecrow on this year’s theme of magic. See website for criteria.

Scarecrows must be brought to Bourne Hall on Wednesday 8 March 2017. 1st place £100 vouchers of your choice 2nd place £50 vouchers of your choice from David Brooks, Tel 020 8394 1734. Email dbrooks@epsom-ewell.gov.uk

Guildford International Music Festival—24 February—5 March 2017. From treasures of the Baroque to contemporary experimental music and from classical favourites to jazz, dance, film and the visual arts—this year’s festival promises to inspire and engage all the family.  Call 01483 444334 to get a copy of the brochure and to book your tickets or call in person.

Star Gazing at Painshill 18th March. Looking to do something a little different this year? Join Walton Astro Group for a unique opportunity in the beautiful setting of Painshill’s 18th century landscape garden. Explore the beauty of Painshill and observe The Great Orion Nebula and Double Cluster in a truly magical experience, completed by an exciting astronomy talk. Includes light refreshments. Adults £20, Children (8 yrs +) £15, Adult Members £12 and Child Members £9 (11am until 12.30pm & 1.30pm until 3.30pm) www.painshill.co.uk

SUSSEX

Worthing Theatres Live Events. Friday 3rd March to Thursday 9th March Monstersaurus This brand new show from the creators of Aliens Love Underpants is monstrously good! Follow the young inventor Monty as he creates a whole world of whacky inventions and incredible monsters, but now he has made them all how is he going to get rid of them?! £12.50, Family of Four £44 worthingtheatres.co.uk/monstersaurus/

 Scattered: Spellbinding Performance in an Extraordinary World Wednesday 8 March  Scattered. Combines Motionhouse’s highly physical trademark style with entrancing digital imagery in an extraordinary interaction between film and live performance. This astonishing production explores our relationship with water, a fundamental force in our lives.  7.30pm £23.50, Concessions £21.50, Friends £19.50, Students £12.50, School groups of 10+ £8.50 worthingtheatres.co.uk/scattered/

If you have more What’s On you’d like included please send with photos to penny@parents-news.co.uk