It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas at the Rowdey Cow cafe and ice cream parlour; their Christmas Tree Light Switch On is this Friday, the 21st November…..
If you thought an ice cream parlour was restricted to summertime, think again! It’s the first time the Rowdey Cow near Devizes has held a Christmas light switch on event, and we wish them all the best with it. The fun begins at 5:30pm, and the lights will sparkle at 6pm.
Ice cream might only be for the daring, but they’ve marshmallow toasting and festive food & drinks, plus gift stalls, Christmas crafts, and a cozy Christmas film of which they’re asking children to vote for their favourite on their Facebook page; I’m voting Arthur Christmas, hands down!
Free mince pies and mulled wine if you turn up before the big light switch on at 6pm. They promise a very special guest too. I think I might be able to guess who it might be, and I’ve been good all year, well, good-ish!
And if you cannot make it, there’s lots of chances to have Breakfast with Santa at various dates in December, see HERE.
The spookiest of half terms is nearly upon us again; kids excited, parents not quite so much! But hey, as well as Halloween, here’s what family fun and activities we’ve found locally to pass the time, save on Haribo and prevent wine 0’clock overloading…..
There’s a list of pumpkin patches at the end! What more do you want?!
Have a fangtastic fortnight, and oh, and come back to spook this list again soon, as I’m sure more will be added!
Wed 15th
Okay, let’s kick off early, Wednesday 15th, school gates still open, but St Thomas’ Church Trowbridge has a Brownie Trail session from 6:45, find the link below…..
Rag and Bone Arts CIC‘s recurring event in Chippenham for ages 12+. You can do art and design or acting improvisation, delivered in 10 week blocks. Taught by professional actor Rebecca Osborne, learn how to think on your feet, respond and listen and make up scenes using just your brilliant mind and spontaneous ideas.
With over 4.5 million social media followers and countless TV appearances under his belt, Pete Firman is the UK’s top comic magician. Join him for an evening of ‘Tricks & Giggles’, as Pete brings his trademark blend of magic and comedy from the small screen to stages around the UK with this brand-new show. Expect impossible feats, sleight of hand and big laughs from one of magic’s most exciting performers! As seen on Amazon’s Good Omens, ITV1’s Tonight at the London Palladium and The Next Great Magician, BBC1’s The John Bishop Show and The Sarah Millican Television Programme. He’s probably also popped up on your social media feeds with his mind-boggling and regularly viral magic videos. Age restriction: 11+.
Steph & Craig Mitchell presents a spooky and ghouly edition of their Gigs for little ones… and their grown-ups!
We’re edging closer to Halloween, and Steph & Craig are back with all things spooky and ghouly! Don’t worry – nothing too scary for the babies and Littles… or grown-ups for that matter! But there will be some seasonal bangers – think Monster Mash, Ghostbusters and The Cranberries to name a few.
Get into the mood and come in spooky fancy dress. Who ya gonna call? Rock The Tots!
Sessions are approximately 1 hour long, without an interval. Suitable for children aged 0-6, and their adults. Under 1s go free!
Journey to the Centre of the Earth @ Pound Arts, Corsham
Standard: £15
Lamphouse Theatre presents … Journey to the Centre of the Earth!
Take a break Rick Wakeman, back to your trailer Brendan Fraser, watch and learn Jules Verne, Lamphouse are going on a journey all the way to the centre of the Earth! Two intrepid explorers, one impossible mission (featuring at least one joke about a big hole), and no special effects budget whatsoever. What could possibly go wrong?
From the makers of War of the Worlds (On a Budget) and Frankenstein (On a Budget) this new comedy take on Jules Verne’s classic novel will be one epic night out, full of belly laughs, brand new music and really impressive* dinosaurs.
Featuring Tom Fox and Becky Owen-Fisher, the familiar faces behind the On a Budget series, Journey to the Centre of the Earth will be another fan favourite. Expect silly jokes, catchy tunes, ridiculous costumes and lots and lots of cardboard.
Come along to the 1st Devizes Halloween Bingo for an afternoon full of treats and spooky fun at 1st Devizes scout hall 29 Southbroom Rd Devizes SN10 5AD. Eyes down 4pm–6pm. Bingo games for everyone. Fancy dress – come in your best Halloween costume! Prizes & goodie bags. Yummy food and refreshments. Raffle with lots of surprises. The perfect way to enjoy Halloween with the whole family!
It’s Trowbridge Carnival, see the link below for details!
Join Waterstones, 29 Borough Parade, Chippenham SN15 3WL for their Sunday afternoon storytime where they will be reading the slimy ‘The Dinosaur That Pooped A Monster’ by Tom Fletcher and Dougie Poynter. All are welcome.
Mon 20th
Rock the Tots: Spooky Fun @ Pound Arts, Corsham
Steph & Craig Mitchell presents a spooky and ghouly edition of their Gigs for little ones… and their grown-ups!
We’re edging closer to Halloween, and Steph & Craig are back with all things spooky and ghouly! Don’t worry – nothing too scary for the babies and Littles… or grown-ups for that matter! But there will be some seasonal bangers – think Monster Mash, Ghostbusters and The Cranberries to name a few.
Get into the mood and come in spooky fancy dress. Who ya gonna call? Rock The Tots!
Sessions are approximately 1 hour long, without an interval. Suitable for children aged 0-6, and their adults. Under 1s go free!
Our friendly historian Brian Edwards has a talk on white horses in Pewsey. I’m not sure how family-friendly this will be, but budding historians might find it of interest.
Running until Saturday 25th. Written by Willy Russell, the legendary Blood Brothers tells the captivating and moving tale of twins who, separated at birth, grow up on opposite sides of the tracks, only to meet again with fateful consequences. Few musicals have received quite such acclaim as the multi-award winning Blood Brothers. The production ran for more than 10,000 performances in London’s West End, one of only five musicals ever to achieve that milestone. It has been affectionately christened the ‘Standing Ovation Musical’, as inevitably it “brings the audience cheering to its feet and roaring its approval” (The Daily Mail). The superb score includes Bright New Day, Marilyn Monroe and the emotionally charged hit Tell Me It’s Not True. Age Guidance: 12+
Wed 22 – Sat 25 Oct • 3pm & 7:30pm • Admission £15 • Community Theatre
By Toby Marlow and Lucy Moss Presented by Merriman Productions
His-story’s about to get overthrown… again! Back by popular demand, Merriman Productions present SIX: TEEN EDITION; a full-length adaptation of Toby Marlow and Lucy Moss’ international phenomenon SIX, modified for performance by teen actors for family audiences.
Divorced, beheaded, died, divorced, beheaded, survived. From Tudor Queens to Pop Icons, the SIX wives of Henry VIII take the mic to remix five hundred years of historical heartbreak into a euphoric celebration of 21st-century girl power! This new original musical is the global sensation that everyone is losing their head over.
All children must be accompanied by one adult per child. If you have multiple adults coming (parents/grandparents), we kindly ask that they wait in the café for the workshop to finish.
Numbers are limited. Booking is essential and due to limited spaces please book early to avoid disappointment. Sessions are £9.50 per child. Refreshments will be available from our coffee shop to purchase. Our age recommendation for our Art Clubs is 3-11.
All children must be accompanied by one adult per child. If you have multiple adults coming (parents/grandparents), we kindly ask that they wait in the café for the workshop to finish.
Numbers are limited. Booking is essential and due to limited spaces please book early to avoid disappointment. Sessions are £9.50 per child. Refreshments will be available from our coffee shop to purchase. Our age recommendation for our Art Clubs is 3-11.
Our awesome Parks and Open Spaces crew is rolling out their tractors, electric vehicles, and cool machinery for you to explore – talk about a joyride!
This year, we’re joined by Arty Kids Pottery Painting, Crazy Cheeks face painting and Chloe’s Mobile Farm. And don’t forget to flex those brain muscles with our Halloween themed word search – go on a letter hunt around the park and see if you can conjure up the spooky words!
Dress to impress in your Halloween finest! The Deputy Mayor will be on the lookout for the best costumes at 1:30pm right outside the Café – and there are prizes up for grabs in these categories:
Ages 6 and under
Ages 7-12
Ages 13+ (adults, unleash your inner ghoul!)
Come for the fun, stay for the spooky vibes – see you in the park!
This October half term, The Woodbridge Inn is bringing the community together for a spooktacular celebration—and everyone’s invited!
Dates: Saturday 25th & Sunday 26th October Thursday 30th & Friday 31st October Fest opens at 12PM | Fun until 6PM
What’s waiting for you: Pumpkin Picking Craft & Produce Market – handmade gifts, bakes, jams, plants, sweets & more Sweet & Cake Stalls Arts & Crafts Activities Face Painting & Hair Braiding Burgers, Hot Dogs & Autumn Eats Fun Tarot Readings Live Music & Autumn Vibes Beer, Wine & Seasonal Sips from the Bar
Whether you’re here to shop, snack, sip, or simply soak up the spooky atmosphere, this is a celebration for all ages. We’re proud to support local businesses and bring our community together for a few days of festive fun.
The Parade Cinema Marlborough Family Halloween Trail
Our annual halloween trail makes it’s return on Saturday 25th October at The Parade Cinema Marlborough!
Each ticket purchase for Corpse Bride or Hotel Transylvania on the 25th October gives a child a free spot on our yearly Halloween Trail around Marlborough, open from 11am to 2:30pm. We expect the trail to take around 45 minutes to complete, so last entry for the trail will be 1:45pm.
Book your tickets now… if your dare! www.theparadecinema.com 01672 646232 (Between 10am & 7pm)
Longleat Ghost Tours
This October Half Term, Ghost Tours are making a spooky return during Longleat’s Great British Autumn event. Longleat House was built between 1567 – 1580, and it is believed to still have people who featured in its history making their presence felt. Discover the supernatural stories as expert guides reveal the tale of Lady Louisa Carteret, known as the Grey Lady, who is said to still walk the corridors searching for her lover.
Kids’ Halloween Spooktacular @ Broadtown Brewery – Hop Chapel and Hop Gardens, Lydiard Tregoze
Bring the kids along to The Hop Chapel on Saturday 25th October from 1 – 3pm as we transform The Old Brewhouse into The Old BOO-house!!
🎃 We’ll have two whole hours full of Halloween fun, with pumpkin carving, ghoulish games and more (all treats no tricks, we promise – we don’t want to scare your little ones!)
👻 We’ll have a prizes up for grabs for the best pumpkin design, best pumpkin carving and the best dressed, so don’t forget your costumes!
from 25th Oct to 2nd Nov 2025, get out into the great outdoors this October half term for an insect-themed trail around the 270 acres of parkland. £2.50 per trail (normal admissions apply). Booking not required. Running 10am to 4pm, with last entry at 3pm.
Looking for a fun and creative way to spend time with your child or grandchild this October? Our Autumn Half Term Chocolate Experience is the perfect school holiday activity—designed for adults and children aged 5 & up to enjoy side-by-side.
Hosted by The Southwest’s Chocolate Champion, Holly Garner, this joyful and cosy experience is all about making sweet memories together as the autumn chill sets in.
🍫 Start with a hot chocolate treat Warm up with a choice from our Ultimate Hot Chocolate Menu—featuring 12 indulgent flavours to begin your chocolate-filled day.
🌍 Discover where chocolate comes from Taste raw cocoa beans, sample our signature blends, and learn how chocolate is made—plus how we support small, ethical cocoa farms around the world.
👉🏻Make & decorate your own chocolates Roll up your sleeves and create your own delicious chocolate treats to take home (if they don’t get eaten first!).
🎁 Enjoy a special shopping discount Take home even more chocolatey joy with an exclusive Hollychocs discount on the day.
Rowdey Cow Halloween Festivities
Perfect for parents, grandparents and carers looking for something memorable to do with their children this autumn. Whether it’s bonding time, a school holiday treat or a special birthday surprise—this is time well (and sweetly) spent.
Join us at the Rowdey Cow for our halloween festivities
Pick a pumpkin from its patch & come in to carve your spooky artwork!
Join us for a more relaxed visit at the REME Museum during this special opening outside of our regular hours.
We have designed these ‘Lights Up, Sounds Down’ days to reduce sensory input for individuals who would prefer a quieter experience. These sessions are primarily for, though not limited to, anyone who has sensory processing disorder; autism; social, emotional or mental health needs; dementia, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) or any other sensory needs.
During these days we will have:
Lights On – our overhead gallery lighting will be turned on, without spotlights, to create a brighter environment in which to explore. Sounds Down – we will reduce sound effects throughout the museum as much as possible by turning off most ‘surround sound’ interactives and reducing volumes. Sensory maps – we have marked out any areas around the museum where you may find louder interactives or visual effects that we cannot turn off. This means you can choose your own route and avoid any areas as you wish.
If you would like to bring any sensory items (including but not limited to ear defenders, magnifying glass, book, squeezy toy) that will help you or your loved one to enjoy their experience better, please feel free to do so, just make sure you hold onto it and take it home with you!
Join Filskit Theatre for an uplifting and relaxing hour with a talented live musician playing beautiful acoustic versions of well-known folk, jazz and pop songs. Enjoyable for both big and small ears alike there’ll be beautiful, atmospheric sensory visuals perfect for even the youngest audience members. And, as it’s halt term, bigger kids are welcome too so bring them along for this hour of fun and sensory play for the whole family.
October Holiday Activities @ Wiltshire Museum Devizes
October Holiday ActivitiesLecture Hall 28th October 2025 10:30 am – 12:00 pm 10:30 am – 12:00 pmCome along to our spooky Halloween activities for ages 3 to 11: pebble skulls spooky ghosts paper pumpkins and puppets…
Book OnlineOctober Holiday ActivitiesLecture Hall 28th October 2025 1:30 pm – 3:00 pm 1:30 pm – 3:00 pmCome along to our spooky Halloween activities for ages 3 to 11: pebble skulls spooky ghosts paper pumpkins and puppets.
Art Workshop in Rowde
On Tuesday morning, the 28th of October, from 9am to 12 noon, an Art Workshop takes place, at The Mind Tree Cafe in Rowde. It’s creative fun with collage and mixed media, hosted by Nancy Rose. It’s £30 for the session, and you must book in advance by emailing nancyrosehats@yahoo.com
This October Half Term, join us at the REME Museum for spooktacular STEM and crafts activities for all the family to enjoy.
‘Rocket Powered’ – Tuesday 28 October Drop-in, Education Suite
Design and launch your own bottle rocket or air powered car, using the same principles of engineering in rocket science! Led by our Education Officer, Andrew.
Miniature Assault Course – Every day 28-31 October Drop-in, outdoors
Take on our miniature army-style assault course! Race your way across the course or take your time and enjoy the challenge! Please note: This activity is weather dependent.
Princess Pirate @ Pound Arts, Corsham
Adult: £10 Child: £10 Under 2s: FREE
Pirate Princess is a heartwarming story of hope against adversity told with physical theatre, clowning and circus. This brand new solo show by circus performer and professional idiot Gemma Bond tells the tale of poor shipwrecked Princess Poppy. Can she overcome a big dress, extreme weather and the ultimate test of strength to see her way to safety?
Inspired by strong and inventive women of history, Poppy must transform physically and mentally if she is to have any hope of rescuing herself from eternity on an island in the ocean. The show encourages all to reuse, repurpose and recycle as Poppy reinvents her outfit and her mindset to overcome her predicament.
A visual feast of colourful costume and a unique crow’s nest on a pole prop, this is a fun filled show for children aged 5 to 11 and their families.
All children must be accompanied by one adult per child. If you have multiple adults coming (parents/grandparents), we kindly ask that they wait in the café for the workshop to finish.
Numbers are limited. Booking is essential and due to limited spaces please book early to avoid disappointment. Sessions are £9.50 per child. Refreshments will be available from our coffee shop to purchase. Our age recommendation for our Art Clubs is 3-11.
The Sheep Ate Up The Fairies @ Trowbridge Museum
3 days of captivating talks, hands-on crafts & engaging activities start today!
A one hour boat trip on Friday 31st October at 16:00 and 18:00 along the canal packed with fun and games for the children. Fancy dress welcome.
Please Note: Dogs are accepted at the discretion of the Skipper on the day who will check with other passengers first. Family tickets not available.
Children must be accompanies by at least one adult.
Kenavon Venture is a wide beam boat, seating up to 38 passengers, operated by volunteers of the Kennet & Avon Canal Trust. To book a private charter of this or any other trip, please send an enquiry via the main website.
‘Build a Tank’ Junk Modelling – Friday 31 October Self-led, Creation Station
Come and create your own special REME-inspired vehicle to take away with you! Get creative and see what you can make from recycled materials. The only limit is your imagination!
Devizine isn’t only about music and gigs for grownups, y’know? It’s about events for everyone. This Easter we’ve lots of things to do over the school holiday, you just need to scroll our event calendar to find them!
Oh, okay yeah, wine o’clock already and it’s only the first day?! I’ll list what we’ve got so far below, make it easy for you, but you should keep an eye on the calendar as it updates daily with more stuff to do!And, it should go without saying by now, if you’ve know of anything else let us know and we can add it!
Chippenham folk singer-songwriter, M3G (because she likes a backward “E”) has a new single out tomorrow, Friday 19th December. Put your jingly bell cheesy tunes on hold for a moment, because this is a beautiful, epic journey…. M3G’s seventh release, Rooks, poignantly pulls on the heartstrings when presented by the rise and fall of a…
Wiltshire Music Centre Unveils Star-Studded New Season with BBC Big Band, Ute Lemper, Sir Willard White and comedians Chris Addison and Alistair McGowan revealing their classical music talents….. Wiltshire Music Centre announces new Spring season with some extraordinary listening experiences on offer in the new year. Wiltshire Music Centre is a unique and contemporary 300-seated…
Daphne’s Family & Childhood Connection to Devizes Celebrations of Daphne Oram have been building in London since the beginning of December, for those in the sphere of electronic music and music technology. On the first Thursday of the month The Barbican held a concert commemorating Daphne’s centenary, where sound and music fair access partner, Nonclassical,…
“I like my coffee on the dark side,” reads the slogan of a Darth Vader embossed travelmug, which my kids got me one father’s day. Much as I might slate commercial merchandising, I’m a sucker if it’s Star Wars related. Though I don’t use the item in question, because ergonomically it’s a poorer design than my exsisting travelmug, which has the advantage of a lower lip, ensuring less spillages.
Attempts to reason the functional qualities of the travelmug outweigh the aesthetic to my daughter were as futile as resisting a Borgg assimilation when she spotted one on a stall at the Bath Comic & Gaming Con on Saturday. Maybe I would learn to adapt to the higher ridge if I used it more often, but as a plethora of adolescents there made reference to my Star Wars t-shirt as “old skool’ I can take a hint, and add something about old dogs and new tricks.
That’s me, a dinosaur
This aside, for my point is, there it was, a travelmug you can buy in any supermarket, on display at a comic con. Just because it has Darth Vader on it doesn’t make it some religiously obsure artifact, and herein my inability to new tricks and changing faces of events in the face of popularity and commercialism. I came away from the convention with mixed opinions and a bag of Funko pops.
The kids had a brilliant time, their first comic con, and my priority is to relish in their enjoyment. If I’m to give my tuppence of this event, that much is paramount. Though you should be aware, as a self publisher of an outrageously rude comix in a previous era, in which comic cons were a lifetime in both punting and making contacts with likeminded lost souls nieve enough to think their photocopied rag of knob jokes would exhilarate them to a contract with Dark Horse, I’m also reflecting from this angle too. And for this much I could potentially come over all Comic Book Guy from the Simpsons, and bellow, “worst comic con, ever!”
Grumpy old git who should bugger off to the Upside Down!
For these aren’t the type of comic cons independently organised by true fanboys themselves, rather a commercial enterprise which roams the country staging similar events. And for this to work, I accept, honing in on what will make bods part with their money is the main directive, as opposed to a comic industry insiders business meeting.
Making a comic con more related to movies than comics has to be your first port of call, and organisers UK Comic Con & Gaming Festivals certainly utilised that, though in their defence, these days, so does everyone. Need I succumb to the notion if it’s good enough for Disney it’s good enough for me, or can you excuse my fogie rant?
I’m also nudged by the preconception I’d be mugged off at every available opportunity by halfwits in vapid cosplay, and I’m glad to say this was only partially true. Parking at the Uni, for instance, was claimed to be free for ticketholders, and was, though knowledgeable Bath traffic wardens operate militia, there was no signage to suggest they’d adhered to their promise and had it not been for the kindly advise of the alter-ego of Marvel hero Moon Knight, changing in the carpark, the system would’ve allowed me to unnecessarily pay!
Grateful to Moon Knight, we strode in, safe in the knowledge we’d not succumb to “noobisim” while a superhero was watching over us. I mean modern and retro video-game consoles were free to use and in abundance, there was plenty free activities, even origami, while others, like the chance to bash each other with extended torches in what was deemed a lightsaber combat school affordabley cost; swings and roundabouts.
There stood a couple of known actors, and a chat with the down-to-earth Clive Mantle was great while the kids shopped for merchandise. Further along the mighty hall was bustling with stalls and props for photo opportunities, which were free to pose by. All in all, the sense of being ripped off declined, and I comend the organisers for a fun and enjoyable day.
The intersection of the hall was for truer to comic fanboys, and it was good to chat with Bath’s leading comic shopkeepers American Dream Comics, on Walcot Street, who both enlightened and entertained my Marvel-obsseed daughter while chatting deeper into comics of yore with me. Though if I highly rate them for anything more, it was they had in sealed unit for a snip at £149, the first edition of Marvel UK’s Star Wars comic, that my dad threw out when we moved to Wiltshire. If I only had a suitable transplant patient in tow, I’d have bitten out a major organ for it!
Take him away, rebel scum!
Also through the inner workings, I perchance to meet about three tables flogging small press material. Artists there were not professionals in the comic industry, as often guested at other events, rather fan artists selling their wares independently, and this was great, though if you can have actors you could also get a few Marvel or DC artists sketching too. And there’s my grump, for actual comics it was lacking against a wall of Funko pops and other toys and merchandise; you could’ve been fooled into assuming the UK never had a comic industry, there was no sign of a Beano or Dandy, there was no sign of even contemporary UK comics such as The Phoenix. It would’ve been a better balance to have seen DC Thompson artists like Lew Stringer or Laura Howell doing their thing there.
Calls the event was cynical, and imbalanced toward American adventure and superhero genres, considering the entirety of the ninth art, is a tad unjustified as a complaint to the organisers persay, as this is the new norm, and what’s commercially viable. Like adadting to the higher ridge of the Darth Vader travelmug, getting over myself perhaps I could, but I would like to have seen a wider spectrum of comics as a whole; of manga or small press, I saw mininal, of French BDs and UK funnies, I saw nought, I did kiss a demogorgon though, and met Lightening McQueen, so all was not lost!
She seemed to enjoy the attention….
This was an enjoyable family day and well organised, and defeated my preconceptions of being ripped off, it was affordable and spritely, and I would go again, should Dad’s wallet live to see another day.
The World under the Wood is a new musical-play for children & family audiences written by Helen Langford, who brought ‘Adam & The Gurglewink’ to the Wharf in 2020…..
Jodie meets a magical talking Tree who asks for her help. The wood seems to be dying and Tree thinks the incredible World under the Wood may hold the answer…Jodie is whisked away to a super-world where life moves super-fast. But she discovers that this world is failing too; the super-humans have been collapsing and productivity is down. Jodie and Harley the dog must now journey between worlds to find an answer. Can the mega-multiplier plants restore the wood? And what is the mysterious Source?
The play highlights the need to stop taking the natural-world and its resources for granted. The world under the wood is an awe-inspiring land of invention and productivity, but Jodie discovers that the resources which underpin it are, to everyone’s surprise, finite. The ‘super-humans’ parody the rat-race of contemporary life, where achievement is king and the constant cycle of doing is reassuringly exhausting. Any long-term consequences of living this way have been ignored…until now. We learn through Jodie’s adventure, that it is through perseverance and working together that environmental problems can be tackled.
Though the message is timely and serious, the show is full of fun. With larger-than-life characters, catchy songs, and magical happenings, you’re sure to love your adventure to the world under the wood!
The World Under the Wood runs from Thursday 23rd June till the Sunday, 26th June.
Tickets can be purchased by ringing 03336 663 366; from the website https://www.wharftheatre.co.uk/ and at the Devizes Community Hub and Library on Sheep Street……and don’t forget to follow on Instagram and Twitter.
Ticket Prices: £6.00 – £8.00* Family 4 – £22.00* Family 5 – £28.00* *booking fee applies For Group Bookings please contact hire@wharftheatre.co.uk directly to ensure that you only pay one booking fee.
Chippenham folk singer-songwriter, M3G (because she likes a backward “E”) has a new single out tomorrow, Friday 19th December. Put your jingly bell cheesy tunes … Continue reading “Rooks; New Single From M3G”
A historic Devizes church will help local children celebrate the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee by giving them the chance to work with a renowned local artist over the jubilee period.…
The parish of St John with St Mary in Devizes has partnered with artist Joanna May and historian David Evans to put an exhibition entitled ‘Majesty’ in St Mary’s Church on New Park Street from 2-4 June. Three local primary schools will participate: Wansdyke, Southbroom, and Trinity.
Shirley Urwin, who is helping organise the exhibition, said: “The children will hear about Devizes’ historic links with the monarchy through story-telling, then Joanna will help them make paintings and drawings of story or person that resonated most with them. Joanna will then create a mosaic of the children’s drawings as part of a huge exhibition board, based upon her painting “Majesty”, which depicts Queen Elizabeth’s Coronation Crown.
“We hope they will benefit from the opportunity to work creatively with a well-known artist and be involved in a unique project marking a memorable event in their lives.
“The pupils will benefit from one-on-one time with a professional artist completely cost free. All three schools are state-funded, and both Trinity CofE and Southbroom receive higher than the national average Pupil Premium funding. This is about bringing art to everyone in our community.
“This is part of a programme of activities that will secure the future of St Mary’s Church as a vibrant and viable multi-use venue for the community of Devizes and further afield. It will raise awareness and engagement in the town of the plans to make St Mary’s available for the community as a vibrant arts space, accessible to all. “
The exhibition will be free, and take place at St Mary’s from 11 am – 3 pm from Thu 2 – Sat 4 June.
Joanna May is an artist based in Devizes. She is recognised and collected widely, with a listing in ‘Who’s Who In Art’. Her work has sold at Christies’, including to celebrity buyers; she has paintings at Le Manoir aux Quat’Saisons, Raymond Blanc’s famous hotel near Henley. Her beautiful hare paintings for The Hare on the Moon – A Treasure Hunt Book hang in her Joanna May Gallery, lighting up Northgate Street in Devizes. She can be contacted on joanna@joannamay.com and has a website at joannamay.com.
About St Mary’s, Devizes
St Mary’s Church is a Grade 1 listed building and one of the town’s oldest and most historic landmarks with its magnificent 13m high internal arch. It is among the top 2.5% listed buildings in the country and of significant historic importance to the town. Plans are afoot to redevelop the building into a space for the arts, accessible to all, enjoyed for generations to come, thus preserving our heritage. Find out more at www.stmarydevizestrust.org.uk.
Chippenham folk singer-songwriter, M3G (because she likes a backward “E”) has a new single out tomorrow, Friday 19th December. Put your jingly bell cheesy tunes … Continue reading “Rooks; New Single From M3G”
What a brilliant initiative on the Green in Devizes this week, and a pleasure to see what can only be described as a “mobile youth club.” It pitched up every day this week, with kids of all ages enjoying the facilities it provides. Me, ageing, either sleeping, working or complaining about sleeping or working, managed to completely overlook its very existence, while my kids and better half were aware of it.
Why am I the last to know about everything? Because I can’t be expected to look past my phone these days, relying on the book of face for my news, in-between sleeping and working! Councillor Jonathon Hunter Facebook posted about it, I inquired, perhaps unintentionally sternly, but only as a senior moment, I couldn’t see from the photos quite what the deal was!
So, I ventured down to see for myself, and aside the drizzle, it was in full swing. A volleyball net currently unattended, collapsible football goals with a group playing between them just beyond it, and at the van, children are surfing the net, or else playing a Tony Hawks skateboarding game on a console. There’s drinks, sweets and doughnuts aplenty, and Steve Dewar stands proudly by it.
Other features of the mobile youth club include a rock-climbing wall, which couldn’t come out to play because of the rain.
I was surprised to hear it had been in operation for five years. “I’ve been running Potterne Youth Club for about ten years,” Steve explained, and moved onto why it hadn’t been advertised on Facebook and other social media. “The reality is we don’t, because Facebook isn’t the best place to communicate with teenagers. It’s detached work; what we do is pitch up and engage with the young people there, we do it throughout the whole week, and day-on-day there’s an increase.”
Steve couldn’t see the point in me mentioning his mobile youth club, adamant the best form of communication for younger people is face-to-face, and besides, it was the last day it pitched on the Green, moving onto Trowbridge next week. I beg to differ, for if only to pay tribute to this guy and the wonderful work he does. In the plight of social facilities for children and youth clubs multiplied by this post-lockdown era, what Steve does here is at last as positive spin and proof amidst the doom and gloom of public services, there’s still saints like Steve, out their engaging youth the best way he knows how.
The opposite effect of a lack of amenities for youth is unfortunately anti-social behaviour, juvenile crime and possible drinking and drug taking, as we all know. Steve mentioned how the charity aided awareness and prevention of these difficult predicaments. But all the time, parents were always viewed as runners-up, his focus was entirely on the wellbeing of the children, except when he offered me a doughnut, kindly donated by Morrisons! The youth demographic there was all-encompassing, and clearly, they all enjoyed it equally.
It’s certainly evident here, social media is not needed to make kids aware of an occasion, it works by word-of-mouth as it always has. Grown up with it fed to them, rather it’s the adults who engage more with the internet, and while kids are still out, running, jumping and playing sports and games outdoors, a large majority of generation X are glued to their devises, ironically whinging that the kids are glued to their devises! I knew this, I’m guilty too, but it was great to actually witness evidence of it happening in our own town.
Steve also noted he attends local schools to let them know about the project. The van moves across the county, planning to pitch up in Trowbridge. “We’d love to do it more,” Steve expressed, “as a concept we could run this throughout the entire summer holidays, but because I work in schools termtime as well, my wife would kill me if I spent my entire summer holiday doing this! And also, financially as a charity, we get a little bit funding, and if we had more, we would plan to do more.”
And I conclude, ultimately, what an absolutely fantastic and inspiring guy, I tip my hat to Steve Dewar, and ask science, can we clone this chap?! We need more facilities like this, operating throughout the county and school holidays, we need more Steves!
Highest season of goodwill praises must go to Chrissy Chapman today, who raised over £500 (at the last count) for His Grace Children’s Centre in Uganda, with a little help from talented friends…. Years back as soloist singer-songwriter One Trick Pony, Chrissy organised annual fundraising gigs at the Southgate around Christmas time, but now tuned…
Part 1: An Introduction March 1936: newlywed French telecommunications engineer Pierre Schaeffer relocates to Paris from Strasbourg and finds work in radio broadcasting. He embarks on early radiophonic experiments. Fifteen years of his research, his inventions of various electronic instruments, and collaborations with Pierre Henry would lead them to found Groupe de Recherche de Musique…
Yesterday Wiltshire Council published an “update” on the lane closure on Northgate Street in Devizes as the fire which caused it reaches its first anniversary. Only, it’s more a “reminder” than an “update!” It begins, “the fire, in November 2024, caused significant damage to the Grade II-listed property and since then the council has had…
Is it time to start thinking about spring? I think so! Bath music promoters 7 Hills are moving their annual spring festival from the city to Trowbridge’s Old Town Hall. If you’re already buzzing for the 2026 festival season to arrive, check this March offering….. 7 Hills regularly organise music events at The Night Jar…
Join the St John’s Choir and talented soloists for a heart-warming evening of festive favourites, carols, and candlelit Christmas atmosphere this Friday 12 th December at 7.30pm….. The spectacular, and oldest church in Devizes, St John’s Church has a Christmas Concert on Friday with All proceeds go to Julia’s House and St John’s Church. Tickets…
This afternoon I find myself contemplating what the future holds for historical discovery and learning for all ages, fun and educational exhibits and events in Wiltshire; and it looks positive! Devizes is blessed to have Wiltshire Museum already, but the future looks even better, the future is…. Assizes! Wiltshire Museum announced today, The National Lottery…
Featured Image: Barbora Mrazkova My apologies, for Marlborough’s singer-songwriter Gus White’s debut album For Now, Anyway has been sitting on the backburner, and it’s more than worth a quick mention….. Gus White is a respected folk musician, record producer, festival organiser, and community maker with a deep love for the rooted and the heartfelt. His…
Having to unfortunately miss Devizes’ blues extravaganza on Friday, I crossed the borderline on Saturday to get my prescribed dosage of Talk in Code…with a Pet Shop Boys tribute thrown in for good measure….. Two classic tracks into their set at Frome’s little sister venue to the Cheese & Grain, The Tree House, Pet Shop…
No, I didn’t imagine for a second they would, but upcoming Take the Stage winners, alt-rock emo four-piece, Butane Skies have released their second song, but it’s not a Christmas song, no…. If you’ve had enough debating if Die Hard is a Christmas film with the family, when obviously nothing says Christmas like Hanz Gruber…
Featured Image by Giulia Spadafora Ooo, a handclap uncomplicated chorus is the hook in Lady Lade’s latest offering of soulful pop. It’s timelessly cool and snappy, but holds a deeper narrative….. Released at the end of November, One of Us is an uplifting song of hope against the odds. Raised by her grandparents, Bristol’s sublime…
Devizes Outdoor Celebratory Arts are asking budding crafters and artists to help brighten up the town.
“Devizes is usually festooned with hanging baskets at this time of year,” they point out, “but they have been a bit absent since Covid struck and we miss them and all the colour they bring to the town. It got us thinking! We would like to create something equally colourful to decorate the streets of Devizes at our events, and we’d love your help to do this.”
There are two ways you can do this…
Make flowers: They are asking anyone of any age to make flowers, so they can make beautiful garlands to drape over the barriers. You can make them out of anything, any size big or small, and DOCA will assemble them.
Materials that can stand getting wet and don’t take too long to dry are the best, old carrier bags, sweet wrappers, used foil wrapping paper, coffee wrappers whatever you can find. We know we have a talented bunch of folk in Devizes and we’d love to see what you come up with for this project. You can drop off your flowers at the Kingfisher Café on Devizes Wharf. Please try and avoid their busy lunch time periods.
Draw pictures: DOCA invites children of 8 years or under to draw pictures of circus characters, performers or other festival or DOCA related things. They will pick out the best artwork and work with a graphic designer to make a montage which will be printed on gauzes to decorate the dull barriers they use to divide up their events. Please send images as Jpegs.
DOCA need your work to be sent in digital format, so you can scan it or take a picture and send it. The email to send your artwork to is docadevizes@gmail.com
Please include your name and the age of the artist and even a photo of them holding the work and they’ll share it on their social media… I’d love to see them too!
Oh yes, it’s coming, you can feel it in the air; or is that more rain? Take a deep breath, because here’s our lowdown on stuff to keep your darling princesses and special little guys busy during the summer break, across our area, to retain some of your sanity and keep you from maxin’ your Wine Warehouse loyalty card.
Ongoing and regularly updated, bookmark this, mums and dads, and check back from time as more stuff will hopefully be added. Please note Devizine cannot accept responsibility for the safety of links outside of this site, the cancelation or failure of organisers to maintain events listed. Thanks, enjoy your summer holidays, and stay safe!
Submissions: use the contact form at the bottom to tell us about your event, and I will add it onto our list!
JULY
From Saturday July 10th: Wild World Heroes Summer Reading Challenge @ Devizes Library
Join the Wild World Heroes Summer Reading Challenge for four- to 11-year-olds from Sat 10 July. The fun free challenge helps children improve their reading skills whilst having fun, it’s also great for good mental health. Children are challenged is to read six library books over the summer (including eBooks), so come into the library from this Saturday and pick up your bag of materials (including a map of Wilderville and stickers) while stocks last! Medals and certificates for children who complete the challenge will be available for collection after Monday 2 August.
Running from Tuesday 13th until Saturday 17th July, The Wharf Theatre in Devizes presents Collected Grimm Tales, by the Brothers Grimm, directed by Debby Wilkinson.
Familiar and less known stories from the Brothers Grimm are brought to the stage in this acclaimed adaptation. Using a physical and non-natural style of performance, these are stories that will journey into the warped world of imagination. We will see Hansel and Gretel, Ashputtel, Rumpelstiltskin and others, all performed by a small, adult cast on a simple set. The audience will be required to use their imagination and fully embrace the living power of theatre. Suitable for adults and children alike!
Wednesday July 14th: Starcrazy – Open-Air Theatre back again at Ogbourne Maizey
WRITTEN & DIRECTED BY BILL SCOTT, WITH ORIGINAL MUSIC BY TOM ADAMS
October 1957: the world lives in fear of nuclear war, Russia has launched Sputnik 1, UFOs are cropping up everywhere, MI5 is on high alert and Stanley is building something in his garden shed.
He may live in suburbia but, in his mind, Stanley is voyaging through outer space. He hopes to make contact with other life forms. His neighbour, Gwen, thinks he should be exploring the unknown much closer to home…
A cosmic comedy about obsession and the rekindling of love, hope and possibility
Estimated running time: 1hr 10 mins, no interval
Everyone welcome, but as a guide we recommend the show for age 7+
Saturday July 17th – Saturday July 24th: Charlie & Stan @ Theatre Royal Bath
Show your kids the brilliance of the silent movie comedy greats at Bath’s Theatre Royal.
In 1910, the then unknown Charlie Chaplin and Stan Laurel set sail from Liverpool to New York as part of Fred Karno’s famous music hall troupe. On the voyage, they shared a cabin, they shared comedy routines and they shared laughter. Inspired by real life events, Told by an Idiot’s acclaimed production is the remarkable story of the greatest double act that nearly was and is a hilarious and deeply moving homage to two men who changed the world of comedy forever. Tickets from £23. Children best seats £22.50 at all performances.
Friday July 16th: Under 5’s Coffee and Craft Morning @ Wiltshire Scrapstore
Friday July 16th: King Arthur at Manor Farm, Upton Cheyney
Local theatrical tour of a fun and farcical family adventure by The Last Baguette. Suitable for ages 5+
Somewhere in England, a long time ago, a very, very, very long time ago. So long ago that nobody quite knows whether it happened or not. Or where it happened or not. A boy pulled a sword from a stone and became King. A story of the old world, with knights, wizards, mist and magic. This fun and farcical adventure is deliberately anarchic and anachronistic re-telling of the Arthurian Legend with live music, physical comedy and lo-fi acrobatics. And some silly jokes…
This is an outdoor production, please bring your own chairs, blankets. The field at Manor Farm will be open from 6pm for picnics, prior to the 7pm performance. The tour continues, courtesy of Pound Arts, see below for other venue dates.
Saturday July 17th: Food Glorious Food Photography Day: Cricketts Lane & Lords Mead Allotments, Chippenham.
Join the Photo Club and Chippenham Museum at a local Chippenham allotment to learn how to capture portraits of fresh produce. These free sessions take place on Saturday 17 July at the following times: Time: 10am – 12pm Ages: 9-14years. Location: Cricketts Lane. Time: 12:30-2:30pm Ages: 15-18 years. Location: Cricketts Lane.
These free sessions are part of a celebration of locally grown and seasonal produce by The Food School have been made possible through funding from Chippenham Borough Lands Charity.
Saturday 17th and Sunday 18th July: the Southern Counties Organ Festival on The Large Green Devizes.
Sunday July 18th: King Arthur at Kington Langley Recreation Ground.
See above (Friday July 16th)
Monday July 19th: The Farm Cookery School
Kids who can cook, well, I say, have to be the best kind of kids ever! The Farm Cookery School at Netherstreet Farm near Bromham has a great summer programme, in a kitchen divided into 6 Covid-Safe Acrylic ‘Cookery Pods’. Each pod is suitable for 2 children to share.
Starting Monday 19th July with a Cookery Camp, for children aged 11+ where the young chefs get to come along for 2 days (8.30am – 4.00pm) to learn all about food; make breakfast, lunch & snacks to eat at the school, then make tea and desserts which they will take home with them. The camp includes 2 days of tuition, ingredients, recipes & meals.
I’ll list the events here, simply with a brief title, as there’s so many good ones!
Monday July 19th – September 12th: Under the Moon @ Longleat
Discover the wonderful creatures of the dark who have inhabited The Longhouse under the light of the Moon. Then explore Longleat’s nocturnal wildlife with dramatically enlarged straw sculptures in the open air.
Experience the astounding astronomical work of art by UK artist, Luke Jerram, titled the Museum of the Moon, as you wander up close to the orbital illuminator of the night. This 6 metre suspended replica of our Moon was created using detailed NASA imagery with each centimetre of the internally lit spherical sculpture representing 6km of the moon’s surface!
Then observe the fascinating flora and fauna of the dark such as bioluminescent algae, blind cave fish, and the slender loris. Discover the mysterious creatures of dark with illuminating insights on their adaptations like why the blind cavefish have no eyes and emperor scorpions glow a bluish-green under UV light.
Step outside of The Longhouse and the wildlife exploration continues with a focus on the native animals active around the Park at night. Discover more about the barn owl, fox, mole, snail and others as we celebrate our nocturnal wildlife with huge straw sculptures.
Join us for a summer of exploration of new and native animals
Need to know
This exhibition is designed to be a sensory, calm experience, utilising the wide space of The Longhouse.
The Longhouse is fully accessible.
The number of guests in the Longhouse will be monitored and managed throughout the day to maintain safe social distancing and guest comfort.
Friday July 23rd: King Arthur at Sherston Village Hall
See above (Friday July 16th)
Saturday July 24th: Bromham Teddy Bear Trail
Bromham Carnival may’ve been cancelled but there will be a Teddy Bear Trail on Saturday 24th and Sunday 25th July. This year’s theme will be ’60 Years of Family Films’ with 40+ Teddies around the village, created and generously sponsored by local businesses and individuals. See how many you can guess – and enjoy a walk round the beautiful village of Bromham. Refreshments available. Entry forms £2.50 each available from the Social Centre in New Road.
Tuesday July 27th: Devizes Tennis Club Holiday Camp
Anyone for tennis? Summer camps start on 27th July at Devizes Tennis Club, ongoing sessions from 10am-3pm, every Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday until 19th August.
Wednesday July 28th: Youth Theatre Summer Workshop @ the Wharf Theatre
I’ve given details of Devizes’ Wharf Theatre’s exciting ongoing Youth Theatre, which starts the full courses towards the end of September. But, in addition to the fuller workshops the Wharf are also offering two Summer Workshops this year. These will offer an opportunity to have fun and participate in various drama activities. Whilst they will give you a flavour of the work you could be exploring over the forthcoming terms these are stand-alone sessions and are open to all. The first is Senior Actors with Lou is on Wednesday July 28th, for school years 10-13.
Wednesday July 28th: Summer Holiday Workshops @ Chippenham Museum: Make an Embroidery Sampler.
Ages 8 and above. 10.30am – 12.30pm Join Members of the Bath Textile Artist Group to make an embroidery sampler at Chippenham Museum. Once it was only girls who used to have fun with samplers but now anyone can have a go. Come and explore the history of samplers and start to stich your own. You will learn different stitches and can choose a range of motifs to produce your own design or sew a prepared piece. Whether you are a beginner or more experienced stitcher there will be something for you.
Wednesday July 28th: Bath Rugby Summer Camp coming to Devizes RFC
Bath Rugby coaches are back on the road again and coming to a rugby club near you! A full summer of coaching activity has been planned across Somerset, Wiltshire and Dorset ensuring that everybody has the chance to get involved. And what’s more, we have a session at Devizes RFC on Wednesday 28th July! The camp is designed for U7’s through to U16’s looking to hone their skills and is open to all abilities.
Thursday July 29th: Fireman Sam Saves the Circus @ Bath Forum
When all of his friends go away, Norman Price decides to find adventure in Pontypandy and become the star of a visiting circus. But with a tiger on the loose and faulty lights, the adventure soon turns to danger. Can Fireman Sam come to the rescue and save the circus?
Join Sam, Penny, Elvis, Station Officer Steele and Norman in an all singing, dancing, action-packed show. You can become a fire-fighter cadet and then watch the magic of the circus.
So, come along to Pontypandy and watch the adventures unfold!
This event is being sold as a socially distanced event at the present time, but should government guidelines allow, socially distanced seating may not be in place at the time of the event. Book Here
Friday July 30th: King Arthur at The Corsham Almshouse
See above (Friday July 16th)
Saturday 31st July: MFor 2021 @ Lydiard Park
If you fancy taking your kids to a local family festival with acts they’ll enjoy, rather than being dragged along to, check out MFor 2021 at Swindon’s Lydiard Park. Craig David, TS5, Sigala, Raye, Ella Henderson, Gracey & more! Lots of entertainment is included in the Saturday ticket price and you are promised a fantastic music line-up. Under 5s go FREE.
The Great Poppy Party @ The Crown, Bishops Cannings
Wednesday August 4th: Youth Theatre Summer Workshop @ the Wharf Theatre
I’ve given details of Devizes’ Wharf Theatre’s exciting ongoing Youth Theatre, which starts the full courses towards the end of September. But, in addition to the fuller workshops the Wharf are also offering two Summer Workshops this year. These will offer an opportunity to have fun and participate in various drama activities. Whilst they will give you a flavour of the work you could be exploring over the forthcoming terms these are stand-alone sessions and are open to all. The first Junior Actors with Lucia workshop is on Wednesday August 4th, for school years 6-9.
Wednesday August 4th:Children’s Art Walk by Chippenham Museum
2pm – 3pm. £4 per child. Recommended age 6 and above, all children must be accompanied. Meet at the town bridge entrance to Monkton Park.
Take a walk through Monkton Park with a bit of a difference. For this fun arty session, you will receive a pack with pencils, crayons and plenty of paper and join local artist Kirsty Jones to explore the wonderful setting of the park.
Thursday 5th and 6th August: Summer Kid’s Art Club @ Wiltshire Scrapstore, Bowden Hill, Lacock
Sessions from 10:30 am – 12:00 pm at Wiltshire Scrapstore, run every Thursday and Friday through August, starting on the 5th. https://www.wiltshirescrapstore.org.uk/
Friday 6th -Saturday 7th: Miss Red @ Bath Forum
An interesting sounding new family musical written and produced by Mel Lawman is staged at Bath’s Forum early August. Devizes folk support this, because our homegrown talented twelve-year-old Jessica Self from Centre Stage Academy of Dance in Devizes and Stagecoach Trowbridge is in the cast, playing Daisy Blewitt. We wish you all the best, Jessica.
I’ve given details of Devizes’ Wharf Theatre’s exciting ongoing Youth Theatre, which starts the full courses towards the end of September. But, in addition to the fuller workshops the Wharf are also offering two Summer Workshops this year. These will offer an opportunity to have fun and participate in various drama activities. Whilst they will give you a flavour of the work you could be exploring over the forthcoming terms these are stand-alone sessions and are open to all. The second workshop for Senior Actors with Lou, for school years 10-13 and Junior Actors with Lucia workshop, for school years 6-9.
Writing & Performance Workshop by Chippenham Museum
9.30am – 3.30pm. Ages 8 and above, please bring a packed lunch.
Come and join writer, facilitator and performer Ruth Hill for a day of writing and performing. In the morning you will write something inspired by the museum’s exhibition which focusses on local Victorian diarist Rev. Francis Kilvert. Using the exhibition for inspiration, you will write stories, poems and scripts. Ruth will help you create a piece of work you are proud of and in the afternoon, you will work together to direct, stage and perform your pieces of writing to a small audience of your family and friends. You can take part as a writer, performer, director or all three. Come and develop your skills, whether you love writing and performing, or just want to give it a go.
Thursday 12th – Friday 13th: Summer Kid’s Art Club @ Wiltshire Scrapstore, Bowden Hill, Lacock
Sessions from 10:30 am – 12:00 pm at Wiltshire Scrapstore, run every Thursday and Friday through August, starting on the 5th. https://www.wiltshirescrapstore.org.uk/
Saturday 14th August: Charity Emergency Service Day @ Cobbs, Hungerford
A police car and van, fire responder car, and fire truck are visiting Cobbs. A free event hoping to raise some money and put a little love back into our emergency services, to say thank you for the incredible job that they do. There will be a raffle. Please note: If you would like breakfast or lunch in the cafe, book a table in advance: www.cobbsfarmshops.co.uk/book-a-table
Friday August 20th: The Grimm Sisters @ Corsham Almshouses (outdoor theatre)
Suitable for ages 6+. Pound Arts are excited to welcome Scratchworks Theatre Company’s joyful and mischievous brand-new show to Corsham, for an outdoor performance at Corsham Almshouses. Please bring along chairs, blankets, cushions, afternoon teas and picnics. The venue will be open one hour prior to the performance start time for audience to arrive, settle in and get comfortable.
Saturday August 21st: Live at Lydiard 2021
Another one-day festival at Swindon’s Lydiard Park, with Anne‐Marie, Dizzee Rascal and Clean Bandit headlining. Information is vague on this one, but by the line-up it sounds family-friendly.
In this one-hour workshop create your own simple mini scrap book inspired by our latest exhibition. Use words, photos and your own drawings to explore this popular Victorian pastime.
Thursday 26th – Friday 27th: Summer Kid’s Art Club @ Wiltshire Scrapstore, Bowden Hill, Lacock
Sessions from 10:30 am – 12:00 pm at Wiltshire Scrapstore, run every Thursday and Friday through August, starting on the 5th. https://www.wiltshirescrapstore.org.uk/
Thursday 26th August: Alex Danson Hockey Masterclass @ Devizes Hockey Club
Olympic Gold Medallist Alex Danson runs a hockey masterclass. Open to all hockey players aged 11-18 – you don’t have to be a member of DHC.
Fri 27th
Saturday 28th: The Fulltone Festival 2021 @ The Green, Devizes
WIND IN THE WILLOWS, 28 August, 6.30pm @ Pound Arts.
A theatrical outdoor re-telling of Kenneth Grahame’s classic, performed in The Pound arts centre car park. Calf 2 Cow wowed a sold out crowd here at the arts centre back in June with their outdoor theatrical extravaganza “The Wave”, and now they’re back! This time they’re retelling a classic children’s tale, known the world over, with a modern gig-theatre twist. https://mailchi.mp/poundarts/wind-in-the-willows-a-theatrical-outdoor-experience
Sunday August 29th: Pop Princesses @ Wyvern Theatre, Swindon
A Magical show where beautiful Princesses become Pop Stars! This is the children’s pop concert with a big difference. A musical spectacular starring four fabulous Fairy tale Princesses who just love to sing! It’s the perfect mix. Featuring a soundtrack of top pop hits from artists such as Little Mix, Ariana Grande, Taylor Swift, Meghan Trainor, and internet sensation, JoJo Siwa, plus songs from all your favourite Films and Musicals.
Mon 30th
Tues 31st
September:
Wed 1st
Thurs 2nd
Fri 3rd
Saturday 4th September: Twilight Cinema in the Park @ Hillworth Park, Devizes
Ladies and gents, this is the moment you’ve been waiting for! Hillworth announce this year’s Twilight Cinema film is the Greatest Showman Sing-a-Long!! Pre-film music, pop-up bars, and food. Tickets.
Saturday 4th September:Horrible Histories Live @ Bath Forum
We all want to meet people from history! The trouble is everyone is dead!
So it’s time to prepare for Horrible Histories live on stage with the acclaimed production of Gorgeous Georgians and Vile Victorians!
Are you ready to swing with a Georgian king? Can you see eye to eye with Admiral Nelson? Does the Duke the Wellington get the boot? Dare you dance the Tyburn jig? Will you be saved by Florence Nightingale? Find out what a baby farmer did and move to the groove with party Queen Victoria!
Don’t miss this horrible history of Britain with the nasty bits left in!
Words by Ollie MacKenzie. Featured Image by Barbora Mrazkova. The creative process can be a winding, long, and often confusing journey. Seeing a project come…
Who’s ready for walking in the winter wonderland?! Devizes sets to magically transform into a winter wonderland this Friday when The Winter Festival and Lantern…
One part of Swindon was in perfect harmony last night, and I don’t mean the traffic circumnavigating the Magic Roundabout. Rather The Lost Trades were…
Raging expressions of angered feminist teenage anguish this month, perfectly delivered by Steatopygous via their mindblowing debut album Songs of Salome, I hail as the…
Yay! Home Schooling is out for half term, but before it’s replaced with excruciating racket, higgledy-piggledy hullabaloos, and junior revolutionary uprisings, diligent stay-at-home parents teetering on the edge of wine o’clock should note, if the outside activity mountain won’t come to Muhammad, well, Muhammad has to get there online. Here’s some “lit” bodacious suggies to get him harnessing his crampons….
No, I’ve no idea what that meant either, just hit me with your suggestions, homies, and I’ll add them here without beef!
Firstly, keep them well fed, and if you’re having difficulty…….
FREE SCHOOL MEALS ELIGIBILITY
Wiltshire Council is urging families who find themselves in difficult circumstances to check if they are also eligible for free school meals and the holiday food funding. Families can find out details of how to apply for free school meals support on the Wiltshire Council website including those families on: -• Income Support• Job Seeker’s Allowance (income-based)• Employment and Support Allowance (income-related)• Support under part six of the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999• The Guarantee element of State Pension Credit• Child Tax Credit – providing you are NOT entitled to Working Tax Credit and your family’s annual income (as assessed by HMRC) is not more than £16,190 (as at 6 April 2012)• Working Tax Credit ‘run-on’ – the payment you may receive for a further four weeks after you stop qualifying for Working Tax Credit• Universal Credit (provided you have an annual net earned income of no more than £7,400, as assessed by earnings from up to three of your most recent assessment periods) • Better2Gether Funding (two year olds only) Universal Credit – if you and your partner are on a low income from work (this usually means a combined income of less than £15,400 a year after tax)Or if the two year old child: -• Has a statutory statement of Special Educational Needs (SEN) or an Education, Health and Care Plan.• Has left local authority care through a Special Guardianship Order, adoption or a Residence Order• Is currently a Looked After Child, for example in foster care• Is in receipt of Disability Living Allowance (DLA)People should apply directly to Wiltshire Council if they are eligible but currently do not have free school meals by using the form on the Council website.
There’s always cartoon and comic workshops to get creative darlings budding. Enter Beano artist and charismatic comedian Kev F, whose Comic Art Masterclass usually travels the schools and libraries of the country, and ends with some seriously entertained kids each with their own homemade comic. The only need to travel is to grab some paper and pens now Kev’s class is online.
But check here for a number of different creators giving away their artistic secrets in comic workshops…
The End of the Pier Show
Jonny Fluffypunk presents a brand spanking new show for families, with poetry, puppetry, story, song and a healthy dose of ramshackle anarchy.
Cooking
Stuff!
The Farm Cookery School in Netherstreet
have their popular holiday clubs online, and are available to book NOW! They are only £10 – £15 per login and that includes LIVE Tuition as well as a Recipe and Ingredients Guide which will be emailed to you straight away. Just imagine, dinner may be served by your little horrors!
Prior to lockdown Wiltshire Museum were really enjoying hosting Curious Kids sessions for under 5’s and their grown-ups. They have adapted sessions to deliver them on zoom. A chance for younger children to have some interaction with people from outside the home and for families to learn, create and play together – supported by the museum.
February Half term session will focus on Saxon Crafts and will look at weaving jewellery.
Open to all young people aged 12 – 18s who love to sing, the new Wiltshire Youth Choir (WYC) will take your singing and performance to the next level. – Learn from inspiring choir leaders with years of professional experience – Explore music from different genres: musical theatre, pop, classical and more… – Work towards performances in some of the county’s top music venues Join us for our next free virtual Come and Sing workshop on Thursday, 18 February, 10.00 – 12.00 via zoom.
It’s nice to hear when our features attract attention. Salisbury’s Radio Odstock picked up on our interview with Devizes band Burn the Midnight Oil and…
In thanking everyone who supported this year’s Wiltshire Music Awards, Eddie Prestidge of Stone Circle Music Events revealed his intentions of continuing with the awards…
Featured Image: Lillie Eiger Frome Festival is launching its ‘25 for 25’ fundraising campaign with a very special concert featuring three locally based acts: Tom Moth – best known…
I’ve got some gorgeous vocal harmonies currently floating into my ears, as The Lost Trades release their first single since the replacement of Tamsin Quin…
Don’t panic, and reach for the crate of wine, it’s only a half-term holiday. Plus, we’ve some solutions to keep them from wearing their X-Box out. So, without further a-do here’s the lowdown on exciting activities and events to engage their little minds, and help keep your sanity!
Events which run through the week are listed on the day they begin, but I’ll put a little OG next to them to let you know it’s ongoing, because we all like an og now and then.
Only a few solutions you’ll note, mind, not found as much as I usually do for other school holidays, but we have the power to amend this, do let me know what I’ve missed, local area only please, and we can always add them, provided you’re nice! Also note, we do this for each school holiday, so don’t forget it for Easter too; let me know, saves my legwork.
Saturday 15th February
OG: At Stonehenge this half-term, they’re running hands-on workshops for all the family all week, with forensic facial reconstruction experts. Learn how to use archaeological evidence to uncover what people might have looked like thousands of years ago, (I’ll give you a clue, a bit like me in the morning) and even have a go at a reconstruction yourself! No booking required; workshops are included with a standard Stonehenge admission ticket.
Sunday 16th February
OG: Pick your own daffodils at Whitehall Garden Centre in Woodborough from Sunday until the end of March, subject to availability and weather permitting. £4.99 per bag – Maximum of approximately 50 stems. Book tickets.
Monday 17th February
OG:CJ School of Music introduces an interesting idea over the half term, starting Monday; a recycled orchestra project will see children make their own instrument out of recycled “things” and create a recycled orchestra together! They promise “it won’t be rubbish!” Bring a lunch as it’s from 9-3:30.
OG: Scrap Modelling at its finest for ages 3 to 11, at the Holiday Art Club of the Wiltshire Scrapstore & Resource Centre on Bowden Hill near Lacock. Running all week, bring your mini-Monets along to a popular Holiday Art Club, and teach them the importance of reducing and reusing our waste, all whilst having lots of fun using the scrap resources! Each session is run by a qualified trainer. Parents/guardians must stay with attending children during the session, and pre-booking is essential.
Blue Butterfly Yoga Provides yoga instruction for children in Devizes and surrounding areas, and they’re at Rowde Village Hall in the morning with a class for 3-7-year olds. Yoga games and songs, breathing techniques and a short relaxation. Siblings receive a £1 discount. Tea, coffee, squash and biscuits available in the adjoining room so parents/carers can have a little relaxation time too. You are also welcome to bring babies or younger siblings along as there is plenty of space in the next room. Limited numbers for this, payment secures your place; contact here to book a slot.
Meet children’s author Rachel Jane @ Melksham Library at 10:30 on Monday, and hear all about the adventures of Milo and Lil the Campervans! Rachel will be reading two of her books, and this will be followed by a themed craft activity. Ideally 3-7-year olds, this is a free event. Please book your place at the library: Tel: 01225 702039
M4 Stompers is a regular line dance class, every Monday evening at The Town Hall, Devizes and welcomes all ages & abilities. Absolute Beginners Class 6.30-7.30pm £5. Beginners 7-8pm £5. Dance 6.30-8pm £6. Improvers Class 7.30-9.30pm £6.
How about you create a dinosaur or unicorn on Monday? Children’s party organiser, Smarty Party Roxy invites you to fill a 16″ Dinosaur or Unicorn with fluff, a make-a-wish token and love at Shrewton Methodist Church. Complete the birth certificate and take your new friend home in their own carry bag. Squash and snacks available, there will also be a fancy-dress competition for the best Dinosaur/Unicorn outfit or accessories. Children must be accompanied by a responsible adult at all times, this activity is best suited to ages 4 and over. £12.50 per Dinosaur/ Unicorn tickets available from Eventbrite.
Tuesday 18th February
OG: Devizes Tennis Club has a holiday camps, running from Monday to Thursday. Promises to be fun, enjoyable days for juniors to come along, make new friends and improve their tennis skills with coaching activities. They’ll be serving up three days of tennis fun for Minis (aged 3-9 years) this February Half term and best of all, it’ll be indoors. Spaces are limited, just 20 per day, so early booking is recommended! Camp will run Tuesday 18th to Thursday 20th February 2020, from 10am to 3pm daily. Half days are available by prior arrangement. The cost is £20 per day, held in the School Hall at Bishops Cannings Primary School.
Camps are run by experience LTA qualified, DBS checked and first aid certified coaches so you can be assured your kids are in safe hands. No experience, no membership, no racket required! Just a packed lunch, drink and suitable clothing are needed, oh and plenty of energy and enthusiasm!
Holiday Activities at the Wiltshire Museum, Devizes starts off with star splatter pictures in a workshop called “Stars and Space.” Inspired by the ‘Earth and Universe’ photographic exhibition, you’ll be creating star splatter pictures and other space and star themed craft. Two sessions: 10.30am-12.00noon and 1.00 – 2.30pm. Booking essential – £6 per child, no charge for adults attending workshop.
CJ School of Music in Potterne again, with a Feb Sing, today and on Friday 21st too. 9am-1pm, with a performance for the parents at 12:30. £19 per person.
Wednesday 19th February
Another holiday Activity at Wiltshire Museum, this time it’s Stone Age Discoveries. Art and craft creations for the whole family inspired by cave art and prehistoric animals. Two sessions 10.30am-12.00noon and 1.00 – 2.30pm. Booking essential – £6 per child, no charge for adults attending workshop.
Crafty Kids in the Café: The Cafe in the Park, Hillworth Park, Devizes.
Wally loves to find treasure on his travels! Bring your mini-makers along to decorate their very own wooden treasure box to keep their own riches in!Sessions running at 11am, 1pm and 3pm. Tickets are £4.50 per child and include the box, a drink and a snack.
Please note that you cannot leave your child unattended during these sessions.
OG: Meanwhile, over at the Potterne village hall, the Potterne Pantomime presents Jack & The Beanstalk. It runs each day until Saturday, at 7 and a matinee on Saturday at 1:30pm. See the poster for details.
Leadership Martial Arts run classes every Wednesday afternoon and Sunday morning at the Cavalier Community Hall on Eastleigh Road, and are open right through the half term holiday.
Thursday 20th February
OG: Jack’s Beanstalk also grows over to the Seend Community Centre on Thursday as Fawlty Players Presents Jack and The Beanstalk. Running until Saturday, tickets on sale at the Post Office and Community Centre.
Friday 21st February
The Hillworth Park gang are throwing open the gates to Wally, Wanda and their friends on Friday!
Have your picture taken with Wally and Wanda, take part in our treasure hunt and add yourself to our very own enormous Where’s Wally poster! The wonderful books will be on sale too from our friends at Devizes Books.
Saturday 22nd February
Frozen fans need to head to the Cavalier Community Hall where they have a Children’s Frozen Theme Ball, with a special guest appearance from Alsa and Anna, oh and Pippa Langhorne too, who sang with her dog on Britain’s Got Talent. It promises to be an afternoon of songs, stories, photos and a disco to follow. There will be a prize for the best dress girl and boy.
This one is just a fiver, and £3.50 for photos, but it’s all in aid of my favourite 5-year-old, Carmela, who you may recall from my Spiderman outing last summer. If not, she is battling a rare progressive muscle wasting disease which will weaken all her muscles including her heart and lungs, shortening her life to potentially 16. Money raised will go to her Therapy Fund to help with ongoing specialised equipment, physiotherapy and adaptions as she grows. Tickets limited so book online. Photos must also be paid in advance on the ticket line.
Sunday 23rd February
Nothing new yet, have a day of rest and pray Monday isn’t a teacher training day, or as I like to call them, teacher down the pub day! Have a great half term!
Swindon’s Shoebox Theatre are getting excited to welcome Edalia Day to the Theatre, as part of their Artist Residency Programme, and invite children aged 7-12 to join in the fun!
Edalia will be developing a new piece of theatre called ‘Spectacular Spacebots.’ It’s a new family show about autism and space adventures. The children will be sharing a relaxed, work-in-progress performance with an after-show Q&A on Saturday the 21st of September.
Join Zee, robot adventurer, as they battle space wizards, gunslingers and a quizzical hippopotamus, asking what does it mean to be human. And how far do you have to go to be accepted as one…
But the fun doesn’t stop there! There will also be an opportunity for to take part in a FREE pre-show workshop with Edalia.
In this physical workshop, you’ll play improvisation games and learn how Edalia makes theatre. Exploring the voice and movement of digital characters and acting alongside them, using a mixture of wordplay, puppetry, chorus and physical comedy.
Workshop: Saturday, 21st September, 11am-12.00 Midday
How much? FREE!
Suitable for ages 7-12
Work in Progress Performance and Q&A: Saturday, 21st September, 13.00pm
How much: £3
Suitable for all the family aged 5+
Approx. runtime: 45min
Birds singing, the blossom on the trees, and that first cut of the lawn (groan!) Spring is here and it’s time to venture out and about, without snood and snowshoes. This summer sees some great events and gigs, but what’s on offer this early? Let’s take a look at what’s to be doing this April.
It’s always worthwhile heading to the Southgate in Devizes on a Wednesday if you like acoustic music, you’ll discover regular acoustic jam sessions, where any of our great local musicians may just turn up and improv.
But this Wednesday 3rd, there’s also open mic at New Inn Semington, or the Lamb in Devizes hold their fourth vinyl listening night with Pete from Vinyl Realm. From 7:30-9:30pm you can join this social gathering with a log fire and nibbles. Take your favourite album along to play and natter about all-things music with other vinyl lovers. It’s free, nibbles too, and they’ve a raffle.
For a fiver a pop, the weekend kicks off on Friday with Sheer Music back down the Cellar Bar for the second in a series dubbed Subterranean. Young indie band Falling Fish and Devizine favourites Larkin support Clock Radio. Meanwhile there’s raw roots blues with the king of cigar box guitar, Howlin Matt down the Southgate. But if you want to get dancing, it’s good to hear house music returns to town, it’s Funky Sensation’s launch at the Exchange with DJ’s George G-Force, Nina LoVe and Stach; preview here.
It’s also good to see People Like Us returning to their former place of residency, The Waterfront in Pewsey, while George Michael fans need to head for the Assembly Rooms in Melksham for Fast Love and lovers of a golden era of music from the 1920s and 1930s need check out the Pasadena Roof Orchestra at the Neeld, Chippenham.
But most eyes focus on Swindon, ska fans in particular, with The Erin Bradwell Collective at the Castle and Ska-Bucks at the Vic, but also, their Fringe Festival begins. Running from Friday 5th to Sunday 14th, there’s a truckload of variety across Swindon’s finest venues, from the Groovy Pig Festival, and our friends at The Ocelot with their regularly hosted comedy nights at The Vic, to bizarre theatrical performances at the Artsite, The Olive Tree Café, and nerdy night of action figure archive show, After Dusk: An Improvised Twilight Zone at The Incredible Comic Shop. Check out the website, too much to list here!
Saturday night is owned by Devizes, with the Billy Walton Band at the ever-popular Long Street Blues Club, The Duskers live at The Southgate and of course, The Full Tone Orchestra are at St Johns being Big, Bold & Russian. That said, I’m cannot wait for I’ll be at Asa Murphy’s Buddy Holly Lives show at the Corn Exchange, in honour of Bruce Hopkins, oh boy, this’ll be a knockout; preview. (Apologies, terrible pun, could’ve at least pre-warned you!)
But rock n rollers are spoiled for choice Saturday as Melksham Rock n Roll Club brings us The Hurricanes at the Spencer Sports & Social Club from 7pm. while Local Heroes Inc at The Jenny Wren in Calne, and Port Erin at The Lamb, Marlborough also come recommended, rum n reggae fans need to head for Wotton Bassett, where Razah-I-Fi and Knati P are blasting some sound system culture at the Cross Keys.
Sunday is Devizes Half Marathon and Fun Run, I’m certain “fun-run” is an oxymoron, but c’est la vie! Be Well, a Holistic Wellbeing & Spiritual Event is at Corn Exchange, but I’d consider PSG Choirs for Alzheimer’s Support @ The Neeld, Chippenham.
April’s Second week sees the highly-anticipated production of Made in Dagenham by The Devizes Musical Theatre at Daunstey’s. Running from Wednesday 10th to 13th, this uplifting British musical comedy about friendship, love and the importance of fighting for what is right is inspired by a true story and based on the hit movie, Made in Dagenham. Book a Ticket here.
Friday 12th is all about Sheer Music’s favourite American, Olivia Awbrey down the Cellar Bar of the Bear, Devizes. To be honest, Saturday looks rather quiet, so far, Fret ‘n’ Keyz are at The Southgate while country fans will enjoy Zenne and Shooting the Crow at the Cavalier.
Meanwhile Marlborough’s Sound Knowledge celebrates Record Store Day. This year’s list is available online: https://recordstoreday.co.uk/releases/rsd-2019/ They’ll be open from 8am with hundreds of titles from the list. Get in touch with Sound Knowledge and let them know what you’ll be hoping to pick up on the day, they cannot reserve anything, but it insures correct ordering. The fun continues on Sunday, with an amazing live music roster from midday, including The Leisure Society, LION, Tom Speight, Little Geneva, and Wilding. It’s free entry, and has a Bar and barbeque.
Melksham’s newest pub, The Hiding Place hosts song-writing and touring legend, Henry Priestman, a founder member of punk band Yachts in the 70s, and The Christians in the 80s. This is at The Rachel Fowler Centre in Melksham, the venue is so beautiful and yet few people even know it’s there. £10 per ticket, can be bought at the bar in The Hiding Place or over the phone. Eighties soft metal fans meanwhile could take in Bon Jovi Forever at the Assembly Hall.
If you’d rather not thrust your bad habits at your children, grab a £10 ticket to the Neeld in Chippenham on Sunday, when it’s Pongo’s birthday party! A colourful farmyard is the setting for these loveable puppet characters; Pongo’s Party is a family show particularly suitable for 2 – 7-year olds, and includes a special guest appearance by the Easter Bunny!
If that all seems a tad too much, adults could try cross-border folk multi-instrumentalists and festival favourites, The Shee at the Wiltshire Music Centre, Bradford-on-Avon. An exceptional all-female band boasting powerful and emotional vocal performances and instrumental prowess.
The third week of April sees another Devizes Books Presents event on Wednesday 17th. The theme is Shopping! Women are supposed to love it, men to hate it. Both have written about it. Hear India Knight on its joys, G.K Chesterton on how much he hates grocers, and Sophie Hannah on what she got up to in bookshops. Much more, including Dalgit Nagra, Bill Bryson, Fanny Burney, Evelyn Waugh, Radcliffe Hall plus a guest appearance by a local poet, (that our man, Andy?) 7 for 7.30 Tickets £6 to include a drink and nibbles. Over in Swindon, the Wyvern have a Celebration of eighties soul idol, Luther Vandross.
Thursday 18th rock fans could try The Sultans of Swingers @ The Bear Hotel, Chippenham, while space rock fans head to The Bell by The Green, Devizes for Pink Floyd Tribute, All Floyd; it’s a fiver on the door. BUT -If you missed Little Geneva’s album launch at the Cellar Bar in March, or you’re just in Marlborough and thinking, I want some raw, passionate blues, Little Geneva are at Club Thirty8, tickets are a fiver too, and you get the incredible George Wilding supporting.
Ska fans point your boots and braces in the direction of Swindon, where the Erin Bardwell Collective play to their home fans at Beehive before heading for the London Ska Festival. That or, Vic Fest 2019 at, The Vic, where else?! Mod and scooterist fun continues on Friday when the Exit 17 Scooter Club do an Easter egg run, with local sixties garage band, Absolute Beginners at the Consti Club afterwards.
In Devizes town Honeytrap return To the Southgate, and Vinyl Realm Presents their second drum & bass come house bash at The Fold in the Lamb, with Harry B (Gyro Records) James Threlfall (Mini Rig) and Rappo (b2b/Retrospect.) These nights are quite exclusive, with 50 fiver tickets for each event, 30 spaces on door, but fear not, for Saturday they’re doing it again with a house/trance night with DJ’s Rappo, Morgosis and Shaun Ashley of Rapture recordings.
You haven’t got to go raving though, people of Devizes; Sam and Finley are back together as Larkin Live at the Southgate, or Katy Ellis is at the Devizes Family Club in the Cavalier donning two tributes, Katy Perry and Taylor Swift.
Easter Sunday book your kid into the Hillworth Park Easter Egg Hunt quick, as it’s limited, and at £3 at pop, going to be popular. Adults hide away in the Three Crowns with People Like Us. If contemporary reggae is your thing, try Reggae Wiltshire’s Easter Sunday Reggae night at The Skybar Melksham Football Club; Reggae, RNB, Soul & Ragga mixed by Reggae Wiltshire’s exclusive DJ Mister M.
All is rather quiet while we digest our chocolate eggs or else spew them up on mum’s fluffy white stair-carpet. Friday 26th April then, Devizes has King Louie at The Southgate, while The Cavalier have Abba tribute, Abba’s Angels, and its Open Night at the Pump in Trowbridge.
Before you’ll know what’s what it’ll be May, with the Devizes Lion’s May Fair, Hopdog Fest at the Woodbridge, Urchfont Scarecrow Festival, Born to Rum at the Wyvern Club Devizes, The Seend Beer Festival with Train to Skaville, Melksham TownFest, All Roads Lead to Frome at Cheese & Grain, Chippenham Soap Box Derby, Shindig Festival, Chippenham Folk Festival, Lechlade Festival, OwlFest, and loads more from the Coopers Hill Cheese Roll to Jason Donovan, yes, Jason Donovan at the Cheese & Grain, and when you’re done with that, it’s Devizes Arts Festival. Keep one step ahead with Devizine, continue to scroll the home page where events are added, like, nearly all the time!
Throw on your lab coats and grab your goggles: My Science Fair 2019 is here!
For the eighth year running, on Sunday 3rd March from 10am-3pm, the Wiltshire Music Centre in Bradford on Avon will host the free family event My Science Fair. The annual Fair, which attracted over 400 visitors last year, promises a jam-packed programme, full of activities, presentations and performances designed to engage young people aged 5+ years in the amazing worlds of music, movements and science.
The day will begin with a bang as Bath-based Fun Science and presenter Cressida Bullock (known by her scientist alter-ego ‘Chemical Cress’) take to the Centre’s Auditorium stage for an interactive experiment with colour, excitement and fire. The Fun Science team will also be conducting roaming experiments throughout the day around the Centre!
This opening performance will be followed by a percussion workshop exploring the fast-paced rhythms of samba music with music leader David Garcia, who will be putting a scientific twist on the vibrant dance music genre. Later, electro-acoustic composer Duncan Chapman will be recording soundbites from My Science Fair attendees to create an enthralling lullaby, complete with the swooping and ethereal sounds of the Theremin and the haunting vocals of an Indian raga singer.
Elsewhere around the Centre, children can look forward to creating their own plastic models with a 3D printer from the University of Bath or blast off with water powered rockets out on the field. Explore the exciting world of electricity with a Van de Graaf generator in a hair-raising experience, or discover the science behind the music we hear with sonic crystals. Experience a Colourscape installation where you are able to create sounds and digital imagery using your body movements or explore far-off worlds using a virtual reality headset. Budding engineers can check out the LEGO robotics stand, as well as Bot Club, where you can create your own mini-robots, and find out how to use ultrasound to levitate solid objects with University of Bath students.
The Fair also marks the culmination of the My Science Fair competition, for which students from 14 primary schools across Wiltshire and Bath have been devising their own exciting experiments exploring music, movement and science. Experiments will be exhibited throughout the day and will be judged by an expert panel, including scientists from the University of Bath, University of Bristol and the University of the West of England, as well as automotive-test specialists AB Dynamics, the Ministry of Defence and Unilever.
As you make your way around the Centre make sure to visit the experiment stands to find out about their investigations, which explore questions such as “Which ingredients are important in a cake?”, “Is it possible to make butter using a bike?” and “Classical or funky music – which is best for sleeping?”
My Science Fair is being generously supported by the Bradford on Avon Area Board, the Jack Lane Charitable Trust, NFU Mutual and Wiltshire Music Connect, as well as Wiltshire Music Centre Season Sponsor AB Dynamics. Entrance is free and there is no need to book tickets. Simply bring your enquiring minds and join in on Sunday 3rd March to investigate, discover and create!
SUN 3 MARCH 10AM-3PM
Wiltshire Music Centre, Bradford on Avon, BA15 1DZ
TICKETS: This event is FREE to attend. There is no need to book, simply bring inquiring minds on the day and get ready to discover something amazing!
TIMETABLE:
10am-12pm: Fun Science Experiment, Samba Science with David Garcia
12.15pm-2.30pm: Lullaby Recording and Performance with Duncan Chapman
2.30pm: Prize Giving for Young Scientists
All Day: LEGO Robotics Workshops, roaming experiments, Colourscape, virtual reality, Bot Club, water-powered rockets, Young Scientists’ Experiment tables.
Big gulp of wine Mums, it’s half term next week. Okay, that’s quite enough, don’t panic. From daffodil picking, cooking and first aid, to football, driving tanks and having a go at being a DJ, here’s some things to keep little soldiers and princesses of all ages at bay, and smiling!
Sure thing is a movie; “How to Train Your Dragon: The Hidden World,” is at the Palace Cinema, from today until Thursday 21st. “The Lego Movie 2” is a must, from Friday 15th also until Thursday 21st.
From Thursday 14th through to Friday 22nd there’s a funfair at The County Ground in Swindon, from 2pm. Scream if you want me to go faster, or you’re running low on wine.
There will be the usual free swimming at the Leisure Centres, but check ahead, as some timetables have changed.
You could take them for a trip down the Kennet & Avon, The Admiral is free on Saturday 16th and Sunday 17th, find it at the Caen Hill Café, below the bridge at lock 44, at 11am. There will be trial sheets to explore the Jubilee Woods, and, back on board there will be a history of the canal and its restoration.
Starting Saturday 16th, you can pick your own daffodils at Woodborough’s Whitehall Garden Centre, available daily until 31st March. £4.99 per bag. Both centres, at Woodbrough and Lacock, have a Gardening Nature Trail until Thursday 21st. Claim a lollipop at customer services for every completed entry.
Saturday (16th) The Devizes Family Club have at Children’s Disco at the Conservative Club. 6:30-8pm, all are welcome but only above 9 years should be left. There’s an adult creche for you, with bar! £3 on the door, lucky dip 50p, tbc face painting and optional princess and superhero fancy dress. Proceeds are going to Rowde Academy.
Starting Sunday and running through the week, The Wyvern Theatre in Swindon has a roadshow at The Brunel Centre, inviting children to join in at The Crossing, to make dinosaurs or dragons to celebrate the arrival of Dinosaur World Live and Julia Donaldson’s Zog in April.
In Melksham there’s activities all week long at Young Melksham’s The Canberra Club. These clubs are for all young people in Year 5 and above (aged 8 to 16) and will run from 2pm till 5pm Monday to Friday, with entry costing £2.50 per session or a week-long pass for just £10. There will be a plenty of activities on offer including pool, table tennis, table football, arts and crafts, karaoke, cooking and baking, games and sports and much more. There are also computers and consoles available for use and a chill out room where you can watch tv or a film together.
The Canberra Centre is amazing building with lots of space to run around and have fun and play games with your friends. There is also an outside courtyard for football, basketball and just burning off some energy! A variety of hot and cold food and snacks will be available to purchase as well as free squash.
How about teaching your nipper some line dancing on Monday? All ages and abilities welcome at The Town Hall, Devizes. Early Bird Session: 6.30-7.30pm £5 Beginners: 7-8pm £5. Improvers 7.30-9.30pm £6.
For footballers ages three to six, Devizes Town Youth has free coaching in their Little Kickers sessions from 9.30am to 11am on Monday, Wednesday and Friday at the Football Club. Kid receive a free t-shirt and football. To sign your child up contact Mr Sheridan on 07860232052 or Raymond King on 07917787903 or Jon Wozencraft on 07767851332
Tuesday and Wednesday with two sessions per day: 11.00am – 12.30pm & 1.30pm – 3.00pm, there’s Wildlife in Wiltshire at The Wiltshire Museum, Devizes. Art and Craft activities linked to their Natural History Exhibition. You can make animal masks, create animal models and pictures. These sessions are very popular, so booking is essential. It’s suitable for age 11 and under. Age 8 and under to be accompanied. £5 per child. Accompanying adults free.
Or maybe try your hand at being a DJ? Trowbridge’s Community Area Future has a Free Half Term DJ Workshop at Studley Green People’s Place on Tuesday 19th. DJ Nina LoVe will show you how to mix the Old Skool way, using vinyl records! There will be a few different types of music available – House, UK Garage or Drum and Bass. Come and check it out, book yourself some time on the decks or get on the microphone! For ages 13-18. Please feel free to drop in or call to book a place on 07765371051/tcaf@trowbridge.gov.uk
Have a go at a soldier-led assault course, plus Tank-themed fun family activities, at the REME Museum, Lyneham. Make your own tank with parachute and see if your engineering skills are up to scratch by dropping your tank “into battle” in one piece. On the artistic side, you can design and colour-in tanks. There’re model tanks which you can drive on a special course. Drop in from 11 am to 3 pm, any day from Tuesday until Friday. Special soldier run kid’s assault course will be running, plus fun tank-based kids trails, activities and craft in the museum. All children to be accompanied by an adult. All activities are included in the admission fee. Assault Course suitable for 5 – 12-year olds. The Museum is open from 10 am to 4.30 pm (last entry at 3.30 pm), some activities run from 11 am to 3 pm. Museum admission required to take part in activities. No pre-booking required for this activity, just turn up and enjoy.
Wednesday 20th is time to get fit in Hillworth Park, free event, in association with Boot Camp UK, it’s going to be all Sprint, Slide, Shake, Scamper, Scurry, Swing and Stomp!
For arts and crafts, Fired Thoughts at the Old Potato Yard, Devizes, has Half Term Lino Workshops, from Wednesday to Friday. A two-hour workshop to design, cut and print using Lino and inks. All ages and abilities welcome. All materials included, but please book: Tel:01380 840666 email: info@firedthoughts.co.uk
At the Court Street Gallery in Trowbridge, there’s a Children’s Silk Sun Catchers Workshop on Wednesday at 10am. £15 per person including materials. To learn more and book, visit: www.nicoladaviscrafts.co.uk/workshops.html
How about some first aid training for your children? Louise Worsley, a qualified trainer is at Marlborough Rugby Club on Thursday, 21st, 09:30 – 15:30 with an essential First Aid Training for Children. Sessions are tailored to age groups and are full of practical to make them fun and memorable: 9:30-11am – Mini Life-Savers course for 5-8-year olds – £18 (£15 for a sibling.) 11:30am-1pm – Mini Life-Savers course for 8-12-year olds – £18 (£15 for a sibling) and 1:30-3:30pm – Teen-Aiders course for 12-16-year olds – £24 (£20 for a sibling)
Thursday is the opening night for MACS Theatre School’s “The Addams Family” at Devizes School. It runs until Sunday. Tickets at Devizes Books or online here. Doors open at 6:30pm for a curtain up at 7:30. There’s also a mini Macs matinee performance on Saturday at 2:30pm.
From Thursday until Saturday 23rd The Seend Village Pantomime presents “Snow White and the 7 Dwarfs.” It takes place at Seend Community Centre, it’s the Fawlty Players 40th Anniversary, and there’s three of the cast were in the first Snow White in 1981! Tickets at the Post Office and Community Centre.
At Bradford on Avon’s St Margaret’s Hall, two of Roald Dahl’s Revolting Rhymes will be performed by local theatre group, the multi award-winning Bradfordians Dramatic Society. A take on Dahl’s retelling of the classic fairy tales, Cinderella and Jack and the Beanstalk. Following their success with The Twits last year, the group will bring Dahl’s honest, often vicious wit and humour to the stage in this production. Show times: Thursday 21st February – 6.30PM, Friday 22nd February – 6.30PM, Saturday 23rd February – 11AM, Saturday 23rd February – 2.30PM, Sunday 24th February – 2.30PM. Head to the Bradfordian’s website to see the full cast and more information here: http://www.thebradfordians.com/
Learn some street dance with a taster class at Charlotte’s School of Dance, Bath Rd Business Centre, Devizes, at 7:30pm on Friday with Jacinta Childs. To book this £5 session text: 07903812364.
Aspiring chefs, Saturday 23rd is for you; Margaret Bryant hosts Middle Eastern at Vaughan’s Kitchen Cookery School, Devizes. Spicy (but not hot) Falafels; Hummus; Baklava. Designed to give your youngster a firm foundation that will provide them with the techniques and knowledge they need to grow into competent and confident cook, it is also lots of FUN and they will bring home the results of the session to share with the family.
Billy the Burger and Sid Sausage are raring to get to the Devizes Scooter Club’s Charity BBQ Day at the Conservative Club on July 21st, but they’re looking paler then Scooter Club’s organiser Adam Ford after a few blackcurrant Fruit Shoots. Can you help by colouring them in?
Ask Mum or Dad to stop watching the football for just a few minutes and print out either picture, or both, below. Give it your best colouring-in job, bring it along with you to the family fun day and hand it to the DJ, who I think will be me. I’m a very tough judge, so make sure it is your best work!
The winners of each age group will get a free snack of their choice, be it a hotdog or a burger. Age groups will be 2-5, 6-10, 10-100; See you there!
If you can’t print this out, don’t worry; I will try to get the Club to photocopy some too, and we’ll bring them and some colouring pencils with us; give your Dad something to do won’t it?!
Meanwhile grownups will be treated to the excellent DayBreakers, who I’m delighted to announce will be playing live. Everyone is welcome to enjoy the day; let’s raise some funds for the Devizes & District Opportunity Centre, a preschool for children with disabilities and learning difficulties.
The Day has FREE entry from midday, with music, fun & games , soft play and bouncy castle, a BBQ and other food and drink including cakes, teas and coffees, a Mega-Raffle plus side stalls, lots of scooters naturally, and trophies for the best scooters.
fortnight, and oh, and come back to spook this list again soon, as I’m sure more will be added!
Dress to impress in your Halloween finest! The Deputy Mayor will be on the lookout for the best costumes at 1:30pm right outside the Café – and there are prizes up for grabs in these categories:
Dates:
Saturday 25th & Sunday 26th October
Fest opens at 12PM | Fun until 6PM
What’s waiting for you:
Craft & Produce Market – handmade gifts, bakes, jams, plants, sweets & more
Sweet & Cake Stalls
Arts & Crafts Activities
Burgers, Hot Dogs & Autumn Eats
Fun Tarot Readings
Live Music & Autumn Vibes
Beer, Wine & Seasonal Sips from the Bar
01672 646232 (Between 10am & 7pm)
devizine.com 