Fun-packed half-term for families this October

FAMILIES are in for a treat this October, with creative activities galore on offer across Reading.

Reading Museum is encouraging residents of all ages to come along and take part in two fun trails.

Between Saturday 23 and Saturday 31 October (with a special Monday opening), take part in ‘The Big Pumpkin Trail’! Hunt high and low for the pumpkins hidden throughout the Museum – each with a unique decoration. Collect a prize at the end. £1 per trail.

Or for music fans, take part in the Musical Mayhem Trail with 1971 Reading Festival Craft! Celebrate the Museum’s latest exhibition, Reading Festival 1971. Follow the clues to find the musical objects on display throughout the Museum and explore the fabulous Festival instruments on display in the Art Gallery. Collect a Festival craft pack to take away and make at home. £2.50 per trail. For both trails, book online at www.readingmuseum.org.uk

At Reading Libraries, to celebrate Black History Month on Saturday 30 October, children and families are invited to an inspiring author reading of Kaya and Tuesday Holder’s ‘Tawny and Maya: Unique Me’ at Central Library, followed by a Q&A session and a fun activity workshop. Although this half-term workshop for children is free, numbers are limited. Book early by calling 0118 937 5950 to avoid disappointment.

There is a craft session making Halloween lanterns at Battle Library on Thursday 28 October at 2.30 – 3.30 pm.

Why not rediscover the Library Service’s Rhymetimes at Central, Battle, Tilehurst and Southcote Libraries. All sessions last for 25 minutes and booking is essential:

• Central Library Thursdays at 10.15 am and 11.15 am
• Battle Library Friday at 10 am and 11.15 am
• Tilehurst Library Mondays 10.30 am
• Southcote Library Thursdays (from 21 October) 10.30 am – 10.55 am

To book a place visit www.reading.gov.uk/leisure/libraries/rhymetimes

Reading Arts has two great theatre experiences on offer during half term at South Street. Kaleidoscope is a brand new piece of theatre for babies aged 6 - 18 months with mirrors, lights, colours and sounds, watch as a multi-coloured Kaleidoscope is brought to life for you and your baby. On Friday 22 October at 11.30 am, 12.30 pm, 2 pm and 3pm. Tickets £8 (includes baby & carer). Book at whatsonreading.com/kaleidoscope or by calling the Box Office on 0118 960 6060.

Also at South Street on Wednesday 27 and Thursday 28 October, Theatre of Widdershins presents The Elves and the Shoemaker. This well-known tale has been re-heeled in its own inimitable style. Beautifully crafted set and puppets, sublime music, a kaleidoscope of miniature shoes and a comic mouse all make this show a magical must-see. Showings at 11.30 am and 2 pm. Tickets £9.50. Book at whatsonreading.com/elves-shoemaker or by calling the Box Office on 0118 960 6060.

Check out the Whats On Reading website – a one-stop shop for listings and bookings for the town's arts, culture and heritage events: https://whatsonreading.com/

New Directions College is offering a fun packed day of art workshops as part of ‘The Big Draw Festival’ on Tuesday 26 October 2021 at 330 Northumberland Avenue in south Reading. Book either a morning or afternoon slot. The festival is an annual, worldwide event celebrating the universal language of drawing as a tool for learning, expression, and invention. Find out more at www.newdirectionsreading.ac.uk/about-us/the-big-draw-festival-2021

October half-term holiday booking is available for The Hill Primary School at Peppard Rd, Emmer Green. The Hill Holiday Play club is available from Monday 25 to Friday 29 October. Bookings can be made direct on Kids Club accounts. For any queries email reading.play@reading.gov.uk

Cllr Karen Rowland, Reading’s Lead Councillor for Heritage, Culture and Recreation, said: “If you are looking for something to do with the kids this coming October half term, I’d recommend checking out all the great activities we have on offer at Reading Museum, Reading Libraries, Reading Arts and New Directions. Many of the activities are free or very low cost.

“The Halloween and music-themed activity trails at Reading Museum sound like enormous fun and an excellent way to keep the kids entertained. I encourage everyone to rediscover Reading Libraries this half term. As well as a great author reading to celebrate Black History Month, families can also come along to our much-loved Rhymetimes at Central, Battle, Tilehurst and Southcote (with further sessions at the other branches returning soon). Don’t forget to book ahead online for these sessions as numbers are limited as part of our measures to make these events as safe as possible.

“Reading Arts has some fabulous theatre on offer at South Street for the little ones and on Tuesday 26 October young and old can get involved in ‘The Big Draw’ at New Directions in south Reading. There really is something for everyone!”

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