WHAT’S ON
What’s on
The Paddington Bear Experience
Compiled by Robina Cowan
All details are as provided when going to press. However, in case of changed plans, do double-check before setting out.
HOLIDAY WORKSHOPS & CAMPS Funky Monkey Keyboard Classes Various locations www.funkymonkey.info October Half-Term Learn electronic keyboard techniques, try some famous tunes, play musical games and quizzes. All in small classes with equipment provided. Ages 4-8. Global Camps Kelvin Grove School SE26 6BB www.globalcamps.co.uk October Half-Term A unique mix of language learning, sports coaching, arts & crafts and outdoor adventure to keep young ones active and engaged during all school holidays. Ages 4-12. Mother Nature Science SE1, SE3, SE16, SE21 www.mnature.co.uk 21 Oct-1 Nov Safe, fun, hands-on, spooky science experiments in these week-long curriculum-linked STEAM Holiday Activity Camp programmes. Specially developed over 15+ years to inspire all children with a lifelong love of science and learning, through enriching, educational experiments, indoor and outdoor social play and take-home activities that explore the science around us in our daily life.
SPECIAL EVENTS Totally Thames Festival www.thamesfestivaltrust.org 1-30 September The annual celebration of the river’s vibrancy and importance. Events include dance, music, film, mudlarking, walks, talks, foreshore clean-ups, Thames cruises and The Great River Race. 22 September is Thames Day; a programme of FREE family activities including boat building, sailing trips and live music. Sydenham Arts: Artists Trail 2024 Various venues www.sydenhamarts.co.uk 14-15 and 21-22 September Over two weekends, talented local printmakers, painters, photographers, potters, jewellers, sculptors and bag makers showcase and sell their creations in nearly 30 locations. ‘Story of Bass’ Family Rave Fox and Firkin SE13 6JZ www.bigfishlittlefishevents.com 15 September Acclaimed DJ Mr Switch plays everything from hip hop to jungle to UK Garage, drum and bass and dubstep! Dance together on a dance floor filled with bubbles s and balloons in an amazing outdoor venue. 2-4pm, adults with under 8s. Future Men: Stay and Play Sessions Bellingham Family Hub, 109-111 Randlesdown Road SE6 3HB https://futuremen.org/future-dads 21 September and 19 October Meet other dads at friendly stay and play sessions for all dads and male Familiesonline.co.uk
carers, with their children of course! 10am-12 noon FREE drop-in. Brassworks: Street Brass Carnival and Family Free Day Woolwich SE18 www.woolwich.works/whats-on 21 September Join a street brass carnival through Woolwich, performing an array of musical genres from across the world, from Bollywood to New Orleans, Jazz to Classical, Afro Rhythms and youth performances. 11am start, FREE. Laser Quest Merryweather Place SE10 www.laserquestgreenwich.com From 1 September The UK’s leading laser tag experience launches in Greenwich, offering a treat for sharp-shooting adventurists of all ages. Compete through catwalks, mazes, swirling fog, special effects, music, and lights. Ages 6+. Paws in the Park Cator Park, Beckenham BR3 1NA www.pengese20.co.uk 22 September The family-friendly dog show returns, with prizes galore, playtime, training tips, pet health and animal charity stalls. Food, craft beer and Pimm’s available for humans. Heritage Open Days Various venues www.heritageopendays.org.uk 6-15 September Every September thousands of volunteers across England organise events to celebrate our fantastic history and culture. Local events this year include FREE heritage 61 and 261 bus rides on 14 September. The Modern Family Show 8 Northumberland Avenue WC2N 5BY www.themodernfamilyshow.com 28 September Find out about family-building options including adoption, fostering, surrogacy and IVF/IUI, co-parenting, fertility preservation, solo parenting and egg/ sperm donation. This is a one-day event exclusively designed to safely guide and support the LGBTQ+ community. London Literature Festival Southbank SE1 8XX www.southbankcentre.co.uk 23 October-3 November Over ten days each autumn, the festival features talks, discussions and in conversations with wellknown writers, up and coming authors, and those making waves in written and spoken word. The Paddington Bear Experience County Hall, Southbank SE1 7PB www.paddingtonbearexperience. com Ongoing Help Paddington and the Brown family prepare for a very special Marmalade Day Festival! Board the full-sized train carriage to start a journey filled with the sights and sounds of London, fairground games, dancing and marmalade of course!
Brixton Windmill Blenheim Gardens SW2 5DA www.brixtonwindmill.org Harvest Festival 29 September A FREE family event celebrating the wheat harvest, with live music, hot food and bakery stalls, craft and baking workshops for children. Halloween Day 27 October A FREE event with lantern carving, spooky children’s stories and Halloween arts and crafts. Fun Palaces 2024 Various venues www.funpalaces.co.uk 4-6 October A day out for all where members of the public share their skills, talent and knowledge for free, such as the arts, diy, gardening and more. The Baby Show London Olympia W14 8UX www.thebabyshow.co.uk 25-27 October Complete with hundreds of exhibitors, exclusive show offers, an abundance of celebrity appearances, expert advice and the opportunity to try before you buy, The Baby Show is a must-go for all new and expectant parents.
THEATRE & SHOWS Sydenham Centre Sydenham Road SE26 5QX www.spontaneousproductions. co.uk September and October weekends The Little Mermaid A family theatre show for all ages, based on the classic Hans Christian Andersen fairytale. Old Royal Naval College King William Walk SE10 9NN www.ornc.org 13 & 14 September The Secret Diary of Henry VIII A fresh spin on The Comedy of Errors, this madcap musical brings fast-paced storytelling to Greenwich. Ages 6+. Polka Theatre The Broadway SW19 1SB www.polkatheatre.com 28-29 September Big Dreams Early Years Theatre Festival Engaging UK and international shows, inspiring, interactive talks with famous Early Years authors, and FREE activities including a tonguetwisting installation, face-painting, glitter tattoos and more… enjoy an array of exciting creative experiences specially for our younger audiences and their families. Ages 0-12.
Greenwich Theatre Crooms Hill SE10 8ES www.greenwichtheatre.org.uk 19 & 20 October Where’s Mrs Ladybird? A live hide and seek story for tiny people to share with their grownups. We’re looking for Mrs Ladybird and you can come too, as all our insect friends play peek-a-boo with you. Preschoolers. Picturehouse Cinemas West Norwood, Greenwich, East Dulwich and Bromley www.picturehouses.com Sit back and enjoy a big-screen film in a cinema that welcomes families. Sessions include Watch with Baby, Toddler Time, Autism-friendly and a weekly Kids Club. South London Theatre Norwood High Street SE27 9NS www.southlondontheatre.co.uk 21 October Ugly Duckling It doesn’t matter what you look like but how good your heart is. A brand new treat from Let’s All Dance Ballet Company. Ages 2-12. Woolwich Works The Fireworks Factory SE18 6HD www.woolwich.works/whats-on 8 September Bowjangles Forget everything you think you know about string quartets and enjoy a spectacular mix of upbeat classical music, comedy songs, well known film, pop and rock tunes and foot stomping Gypsy and Celtic bangers - all presented with humour, charisma and impressive physicality. 12 October Mum’s Night Out Comedy A night of top stand-up comedy, games and more hosted by The Funny Mummy and featuring Jamie Finn and headliner Jess Fostekew. With games, plus songs, prizes and hilarious comedy based on parenting, life and everything in between! 30 October Ugly Duckling It doesn’t matter what you look like but how good your heart is. A brand new treat from Let’s All Dance Ballet Company. Ages 2-12. Glaziers Hall Montague Close SE1 9DD https://feverup.com/m/188599 12 October We Call it Ballet: Sleeping Beauty The timeless tale of Sleeping Beauty is brought to life like never before, with expressive storytelling, immaculate dancing, and costumes glittering with glow-in-the-dark lights. Age 8+. Families South East London 17