PT Staffs Back to School 2019

41,741 COPIES FOR FAMILIES 

OF PRIMARY SCHOOL CHILDREN 

Staffordshire & Stoke on Trent 

www.primarytimes.co.uk 

DAYS OUT • EDUCATION • COMPETITIONS • FAMILY FUN 

BACK TO SCHOOL 2019 

4TH SEPT - 13TH OCT ‘19

Contents 

4 News 

Dear Readers, 

BACK TO 

SCHOOL 2019 

41,741 COPIES FOR FAMILIES 

OF PRIMARY SCHOOL CHILDREN 

WELCOME 

6 WOW: family events 

Welcome to our back to school edition! We hope you had a fantastic summer break and 

have been enjoying the warm weather, and now feel ready to start a new school year. 

Staffordshire & Stoke on Trent 

7 Konnie Huq interview 

We also want to give a warm welcome to all of our new readers who have little ones 

just starting their first year of school! It’s such an exciting time full of new experiences 

www.primarytimes.co.uk 

13 Choosing a secondary School 

for them and you, and we hope these first few weeks go just as well as you hope. For 

our regular readers, we hope this new school year brings positive change and lots of 

14 Focus on education 

20 Box office 

opportunities for fun with your family. 

Make sure to check out our What’s On Where pages for a huge array of family and 

child-friendly events and activities on in your local area. We’ve got everything from 

steam tots to the circus. We always make sure to include lots of activities that are free 

or low cost too so you can fill your schedule without worry! Don’t forget to browse our 

BACK TO SCHOOL 2019 

DAYS OUT • EDUCATION • COMPETITIONS • FAMILY FUN 4TH SEPT - 13TH OCT ‘19 

22 Competitions 

Box Office pages for local theatre shows suitable for your budding theatre-goers. When 

you find an activity you’d like to take part in, remember to check the venue’s website 

23 Loopy Library 

Primary Times in Staffordshire is 

published by: Schools Publishing Limited 

Unit 1, Accent Park, Bakewell Road, 

Peterborough, PE2 6XS 

Telephone: 01733 385300 

www.primarytimes.co.uk/Staffordshire 

to make sure you’re getting the most up to date information (sometimes details are 

subject to change!) and book in advance when necessary. Details of our Christmas card 

competition are inside too; we can’t wait to receive your entries! 

With very best wishes, 

The Primary Times Team 

Sales: Kerry Howard: 

kerry.howard@ 

primarytimes.co.uk 

Tel: 01733 385307 

Production: Kathy Wright 

kathy.wright@primarytimes.co.uk 

Design: Holly Aston 

Primary Times is independently published and distributed free through national primary schools in Staffordshire . It aims to 

inform families and children about current educational issues, forthcoming events, courses, attractions and to give teachers, 

pupils and parents the opportunity to participate in the magazine by adding to its contents or by joining in the competitions. 

It is NOT our intention to publish any racist, sexist or politically based material whatsoever. We also undertake not to carry 

any advertising which we would consider to be offensive to young families or harmful to the best interests of young children. 

Primary Times would like to thank all the schools in Staffordshire for their assistance in distributing the magazine and for their 

contributions to its contents. We would also like to thank all the advertisers who have supported this publication and therefore 

made it possible. Please support their endeavours when and where you can. The copyright on all written material, logos and 

advertising artwork produced by our studio remains with Primary Times or with the relevant contributor. Primary Times is 

currently publishing over 2 million copies per issue under franchise licences throughout Britain. 

Total Average Qualified 

Circulation: 41,741 

BPA March Statement 2018 

The UK’s biggest free ‘what’s on’ 

magazine for parents! Primary 

Times in Staffordshire distributes 

41,741 copies seven times a year, 

and is part of a national network 

distributing more than 2.7 million 

copies in 59 regions across the 

UK and Ireland 

Viking Skirmishes and a 

Giant Puppet back at the 

Derbyshire Woodland Festival 

A brilliant family day out with lots 

of opportunities to see and have a 

go at traditional and contemporary 

woodland crafts. Wood carving, 

turning, willow weaving and sculpture 

to bushcraft, furniture, arts, textiles 

and much more to buy. 

Meet Arbor,18 foot tall, part man part 

tree, a magical show and walkabout 

performance. Vikings of Middle 

England will recreate a Viking village, 

with re-enactment and amazing 

combat. Get to handle some of the 

weapons and try your hand at bygone 

crafts. Stalls at the festival will be 

selling hand crafted items, bespoke 

gifts, textiles and timber products 

and hungry visitors will have a wide 

range of food and drink to choose 

from – including vegetarian and 

vegan options. There are many more 

things to see and do, with working 

shire horses, traditional fairground 

rides, wild food, campfire cooking and 

Green Man storytelling. Set within the 

beautiful grounds at Elvaston Castle 

Country Park, with the opportunity to 

explore the formal gardens, lakes and 

parkland that surround the Castle. 

For more information and to 

download the voucher visit the 

Website www.derbyshire.gov.uk/ 

woodlandfestival for follow them on 

Facebook: DerbyshireCountryside 

www.primarytimes.co.uk/Staffordshire | BACK TO SCHOOL 2019 3

Primary Times Staffordshire 

NEWS 

NEWS 

Do 

you have news to celebrate? We’d love to hear! 

Email kerry.howard@primarytimes.co.uk 

www.primarytimes.co.uk/staffordshire 

Brewhouse Autumn Programme 

The Brewhouse Arts has 

recently announced an 

autumn programme bursting 

with activities, shows and 

performances for children 

and families. 

The fun kicks off at the Burton 

upon Trent venue from Friday 

4th October until Sunday 6th 

October with Little Angel 

Theatres acclaimed adaption of 

the Michael Rosen book, We’re 

Going on a Bear Hunt’, which 

is marking its 30th anniversary. 

The story is brought to life with 

beautiful puppets and original 

music, following a family as they 

go on an expedition of a lifetime 

– running down the grassy bank, 

wading through the cold river, 

squelching over the oozy mud, 

stumbling into the dark forest, 

then peering into a cave… what will 

they find there? 

Into Film Festival – 

6th – 22nd November 

UK schools are once again being 

offered the opportunity to attend 

free cinema trips and access free 

resources through the Into Film 

Festival; the world’s largest free film 

festival, and its many elements that 

can be used across the curriculum. 

With 3000 screenings and 200 

special events, this year’s eclectic 

programme offers something 

for 5 to 19-year-olds from all 

backgrounds and corners of the 

UK. There will be numerous special 

events targeted towards Primary 

students including 40 simultaneous 

pupil premieres of climate change 

documentary 2040 to launch the 

Later that month, families can 

also enjoy a range of half term 

activities, including the national 

Big Draw Festival, which takes 

over The Brewhouse, on Sunday 

27th October. Let your imagination 

run wild with graffiti, painting and 

drawing! Then continue the fun 

by staying to see Jackie and The 

Beanstalk, an original story, full of 

adventure and laughter. 

Rounding off October sees the 

visit of Marty MacDonald and his 

Toy Machine on Wednesday 30th 

October, which features the voice 

of CBBC favourite Justin Fletcher 

as Pongo the Pig! 

For more information, plus 

details of even more exciting 

shows and workshops, visit www. 

brewhouse.co.uk or call 01283 

508100 

Festival, sing-along screenings of 

The Greatest Showman and many 

other collaborations with UNICEF, 

UK Space Agency, Guide Dogs UK, 

Anti-Bullying Alliance, Wee Critters 

and Oxfam. 

Book online now at: 

www.intofilm.org/festival 

You’re never too 

old to learn to swim! 

Two well-known television faces 

have announced their plans to take 

part in adult swimming lessons and 

finally find the fun in aquatic activity. 

Athletics legend and sports pundit, 

Colin Jackson, and BBC Breakfast 

TV presenter, Naga Munchetty, 

have announced they are learning 

to swim with Everyone Active, at the 

ages of 52 and 44 respectively. 

According to research carried out by 

Swim England, one in five adults in 

Britain are unable to swim. Colin and 

Naga are determined not to be part 

of this statistic and recently began 

swimming lessons with the national 

leisure operator. Both will follow a 

12-week Learn to Swim programme 

to build their skills and confidence in 

the water. They have set themselves 

Get a Pizza the Action 

at The Lost City! 

Adventuring is hungry work and 

now when you visit the Lost City 

Adventure Golf you can enjoy a 

selection of freshly-baked pizzas 

and tasty sides after your game. 

The new range includes the 

more traditional Margarita and 

Pepperoni along with a few more 

adventurous alternatives: The 

Marion features caramelised red 

onion chutney and goat’s cheese 

while the Voodoo Islander packs 

a punch with pepperoni, chilli, 

peppers and hot sauce! Seasoned 

potato wedges and sweet potato 

fries finish the menu and are 

perfect as a light bite or quick 

snack. All made freshly to order, 

the new food menu is the perfect 

accompaniment to the range of 

delicious soft and alcoholic drinks 

already available at The Lost City. 

From cocktails and mocktails 

to ice cream milkshakes and 

the goal of participating in a charity 

swim next year, where they will have 

to conquer at least 400 metres – 16 

lengths of a standard 25-metre pool. 

Both Colin and Naga have outlined 

safety as one of their primary 

reasons for wanting to improve 

their aquatic skills, as well as 

ensuring that they don’t miss out on 

experiences and activities due to 

their lack of ability in the water. They 

will be joining the 140,000 children 

and 4,000 adults who currently 

learn to swim with Everyone Active 

each week. 

To find out more about this, or to 

follow Colin and Naga’s journeys, 

visit www.everyoneactive.com/ 

swim-partnership/. 

barista-style hot drinks, there is 

something for everyone. 

The Lost City is open from 

10.30am weekdays and 10am 

at the weekend, until late. 

Food is served all day. For 

more information visit www. 

lostcityadventuregolf.com 

4 

BACK TO SCHOOL 2019 | www.primarytimes.co.uk/Staffordshire




WHAT’S ON WHERE 

WOW! 

what’s on where 

hammock, get mucky and make a mud pie, 

and sing songs round the campfire, all in 

the exciting outdoor classroom. All sessions 

include a hot drink for adults, plus juice 

and snacks for children. Activities occur 

whatever the weather so please make 

sure you and your little ones are suitably 

dressed. Suitable for children aged 6 

months - 5 years. £5.50 per child, £3.50 per 

additional sibling - adults free. 

6 September – 8 September 

Road, Rail and Ale 

Stafold Barn Railway B79 0BU 

www.enjoystaffordshire.com 

Lots of things to do at this event, including: 

Unlimited Steam Train Rides, Live 

Entertainment, Stalls. T :01827830389. 

American built class of war locomotive was 

designed for war time use and were widely 

used around Europe. For the kids there is 

a selection of activities to keep them busy 

with a Word search, crafts, colouring and 

more. T: 07376252917. 


Apple Pressing Month 

Sunnycroft TF1 2DR 

www.nationaltrust.org.uk 

11am-3pm. September is the traditional 

time of harvest at Sunnycroft they will be 

collecting the apples from the orchard to 

create fresh apple juice. Come and see how 

an apple becomes juice using a traditional 

press and have a taste of freshly pressed 

juice. T: 01952 242884. 

Ongoing 

Butterflies at Trentham Gardens 

Trentham Gardens ST4 8JG 

www.trentham.co.uk 

Butterflies is an inspiring, transformative 

art installation utilising iconic materials of 

Stoke-on-Trent - ceramics and metal. In 

support of The Donna Louise Hospice for 

Children and Young People, each ceramic 

butterfly is available to purchase to help 

transform the lives of children and young 

people living with life limiting conditions. 

Garden admission applies. 

Trentham Fairy Trail 

Trentham Gardens ST4 8JG 

www.trentham.co.uk 

Keep your eyes peeled as you walk around 

the beautiful mile-long lake, and through 

the woodland and garden, where the Fairies 

at Trentham live. The fairy trail is included 

in the price charged for garden admission. 

Pick up a Trentham Fairy Trail leaflet and 

pencil at the entrance (cost £1) and receive 

a FREE fairy sticker when you’ve finished 

spotting the fairies. 


Pathways to Paradise 

Shugborough Estate ST17 0XB 


11am-3pm. Over the years a number of 

networks have cut through Thomas Anson’s 

eighteenth century vision of paradise 

at Shugborough. With journey stick in 

hand, little explorers can discover all the 

pathways, waterways and train tracks that 

allow people to pass through this paradise, 

adding mementos to their journey stick to 

take home with them. This trail is aimed at 

children. T: 01889880160. 

4 September – 14 October 

Stick Man Outdoor Trail 

National Memorial Arboretum DE13 7AR 

www.thenma.org.uk 

Young visitors will love the 2019 outdoor 

adventure trail. Pick up a free trail map 

from the Welcome Desk and join Julia 

Donaldson’s Stick Man* on his journey 

back to the family tree, while exploring the 

Arboretum grounds and woods. T: 01283 

245 100. 

5 September 

Family Storytime 



12-3.30pm. Families with children aged 

0-10 are invited to spend a moment in the 

summer tent listening to landscape linked 

stories, such as The Gruffalo and Percy the 

Park Keeper. Storytime sessions are in half 

an hour slots. Children to be supervised at 

all times. T: 01889880160. 

Wildlings at Hem Heath Woods 

Hem Heath Woods,Trentham ST4 8RF 

www.staffs-wildlife.org.uk 

10.30am-12noon. Wildlings is a play group 

with a twist with Staffordshire Wildlife 

Trust. Come along and try new things 

outdoors. You could swing in a hammock, 

get mucky and make a mud pie, and sing 

songs round the campfire, all in the exciting 

outdoor classroom. All sessions include a 

hot drink for adults, plus juice and snacks 

for children. Activities occur whatever the 

weather so please make sure you and your 

little ones are suitably dressed. Children to 

be accompanied by an adult. Age: 6 months 

- 5 years. 

Tots Make and Do - Joseph 

Wrights Birthday Party 

Museum and Art Gallery DE1 1BS 

www.derbymuseums.org 

10-11.30am. Tots Make and Do is a weekly 

session where 2-5 year olds are welcomed 

with their grown-ups for crafts, games and 

stories inspired by the museum’s fabulous 

collections. Drop in session, suitable for 

children 2-5 years old with their grown-ups. 

Free event. T: 01332 641901. 

6 September 

Little Saplings Sensory Play 



10-11am and 11.30am-12.30pm. Little 

Saplings Sensory Play and storytelling 

is designed to help the youngest visitors 

enjoy the Arboretum and heighten their 

development and enjoyment of learning. 

Sounds, colours, textures, auditory sensory 

activities and other hands-on elements will 

add to the month’s chosen theme. Sensory 

Play sessions are suitable for babies, 

toddlers and preschool children. All children 

must be supervised by an accompanying 

parent/carer/guardian at all times. Booking 

essential. T: 01283 245 100. 

Nature Tots at Westport 

Lake Visitor Centre 

Westport Lake Visitor Centre, Stoke on 

Trent ST6 4RZ 


10am-12noon. Nature Tots is an indoor and 

outdoor adult and toddler group run by 

Staffordshire Wildlife Trust. Each week has 

a different theme; it could be bug hunting, 

marvelling at magic or exploring a story. 

All activities are designed to encourage 

your toddler’s engagement with nature. 

£5.50 per child, £3.50 per additional sibling. 

Age: 8 months - 5 years. Children must be 

accompanied by an adult. 

Wildlings at The Wolseley Centre 

The Wolseley Centre, Stafford ST17 0WT 


10.30am-12noon and 1-2.30pm. Wildlings is 

a play group with a twist with Staffordshire 

Wildlife Trust. Come along and try new 

things outdoors. You could swing in a 

7 September 

Steam Tots 



1.30-3pm. Play, make and learn together 

amongst the museum’s historic collection 

in this sensory exploration of STEAM 

(Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and 

Mathematics). FREE – Give What You Think. 

Drop-in session, suitable for children 2-5 

years old with their grown-ups. 

T: 01332 641901. 

Sheriff’s Ride 

The Guildhall, Bore Street, Lichfield 

www.visitlichfield.co.uk 

The Sheriff’s Ride is a unique tradition 

dating from Queen Mary’s Charter of 1553 

in which Lichfield was separated from 

Staffordshire and made a ‘City and County’ 

with a right to appoint its own Sheriff. 

The day starts from the centre of historic 

Lichfield, where the Sheriff accompanied 

by other Civic Dignitaries will lead the 

procession of horses out of the city. The 

22-mile ride then follows a marked route 

via bridleways, private land and some 

road sections with plenty of cross-country 

canters and gallops, before returning to the 

city via the Cathedral Close. T: 01543309852. 

7 September – Ongoing 

weekends in September 

Spudfest 

National Forest 

Adventure Farm DE13 9SJ 

www.adventurefarm.co.uk 

Dig up potatoes for FREE*! Head over to 

the Adventure Farm’s potato plot, grab a 

fork and fill a bag of spuds to take home 

and enjoy. Also enjoy the huge indoor and 

outdoor play areas plus meet and feed the 

animals. *1 bag per child aged 2+ or child 

member. Subject to availability. 


‘50 things’: Climb a huge hill 



10am-4pm. Have you got what it takes to 

tick off number 28 on your list of 50 things 

to do before you’re 11¾? Stop off at the 

summer tent for some 50 Things inspiration 

and to pick up your flag to plant at the top 

of the hill. T: 01889880160. 

Yankee Weekend 

Churnet Valley Railway ST10 2HA 

www.visitstoke.co.uk 

11am-5pm. Come along and celebrate 

all things America at the Churnet Valley 

and leave you feeling like you are in the 

American dream. Enjoy being hauled by 

the resident steam engine USATC Class 

S160 No.5197. What better way to travel 

during the All American Yankee Weekend 

than being hauled by a Yankee Engine? 

Based at the Churnet Valley Railway this 

7 September – 13 October 

British Ceramics Biennial 

Stoke on Trent ST4 2DE 


The British Ceramics Biennial (BCB) 

launched in 2009 with a festival celebrating 

and showcasing contemporary ceramics 

from across the world. Set in Stoke-on- 

Trent – the heart of the UK ceramics 

industry, the festival takes place in 

established venues and non-traditional 

spaces across the city. It returned in 2011, 

2013, 2015, 2017 and now it returns in 2019 

for the sixth time. T: 01782 294634. 

8 September 

Classic Bus Running Day 

Gladstone Pottery Museum ST3 1PQ 

www.stokemuseums.org.uk 

The Potteries Omnibus Preservation Society 

will be holding a rally and running day at 

Gladstone. Come along and see preserved 

buses and take a ride on a classic vehicle 

using the comprehensive free bus service 

around the area. The shop and café will be 

open but not open for museum admissions. 

Suitable for any age. 

Lichfield 10K Race 

and Family Fun Run 

King Edward VI School, Lichfield 


10.30am-12noon. One of the biggest and 

best sporting events in the Midlands. All 

runners will receive a souvenir medal and 

all 10K runners will also receive a high 

quality souvenir T-Shirt. .Entries are on-line 

only. The Family Fun Run is £3.50. Both 

races are subject to a £2 administration fee. 

Artisan Market at the 

World of Wedgwood 

World of Wedgewood ST12 0ER 


8am-4pm. A regular market on the second 

Sunday of every month, February to 

December. With over 50 stalls, inside and 

out, full of fine foods from local producers 

and hand crafted products. 

Etruria Stationary Vintage Engine 

and Classic Vehicle Rally with 

Engine and Mill ‘In Steam’ 

Etruria Industrial Museum ST1 4RB 


10.30am-4.30pm. Come and enjoy the 

Vintage Stationary Engines steaming on the 

Saturday and Classic Cars and Commercial 

Vehicles on the Sunday at the attractive canal 

side location in the heart of Stoke-on-Trent. 

National Festival Circus 

Priory CE Primary, ST4 8EF 


The National Festival Circus is a magical 

mix of laughter and excitement. Slapstick 

clowns, balancing equilibrists, fast tempo 

juggling, baffling magic, high flying diabolos, 

mesmerising spinning hoops and buckets 

full of fabulous fun. T: 01782 233585. 

6 






9 September 

Abbots Bromley Horn Dance 

Abbots Bromley WS15 3DE 


The Abbots Bromley Horn Dance, 

performed since August 1226, is one of 

the few ritual rural customs to survive 

the passage of time. Today the Horn 

Dance, which takes place annually on 

Wakes Monday, offers a fascinating day 

out attracting visitors from all over the 

world. Attractions during the day include 

exhibitions, craft stalls. 

Backstage Pass Tours 

Buxton Opera House SK17 6XN 

www.buxtonoperahouse.org.uk 

11am. Take a look behind the scenes at one 

of the country’s finest examples of a Frank 

Matcham theatre. In a new series of guided 

tours, discover the fascinating history of 

this iconic building, from its Edwardian 

beginning right up to the present day. T: 

01298 72190. 

9 September – Ongoing 

Stafford Gatehouse Tots 

Stafford Gatehouse Theatre ST16 2LT 

www.staffordgatehousetheatre.co.uk 

10am-12noon. Every Monday, Georgie will 

introduce the children to songs, stories, 

dress up and role play as well as building in 

time for free play, crafts and a quick refuel. 

T: 01785 619080. 

12 September 









songs round the campfire, all in our exciting 







- 5 years. 

Toddler Thursday 



10.30-11.30am. Learn, play and explore 

in these sessions especially for under 5’s 

and their parents or carers. £1 per child but 

normal admission applies if you wish to visit 

the rest of the museum. Booking essential 

-please call T: 01782 237777. 

13 September 

Tots Make and Do - Colour Magic 









Free event. T: 01332 641901. 





with a twist with Staffordshire Wildlife Trust. 

Come along and try new things outdoors. You 

could swing in a hammock, get mucky and 

make a mud pie, and sing songs round the 

campfire, all in the exciting outdoor classroom. 

All sessions include a hot drink for adults, 

plus juice and snacks for children. Suitable for 

children 6 months - 5 years. £5.50 per child, 

£3.50 per additional sibling - adults free. 

Heritage Open Day - 

Historic Walk of Longton 



2pm. Lasting around an hour and a half the 

walk is an ideal way of learning more about 

the history of the town, taking in landmarks 

along the way. The current buildings tell the 

industrial tale of the development of the 

area and the important role it played in the 

pottery industry. Beginning at the Gladstone 

Shop at 2pm, the walk is free of charge 

please book by calling T: 01782 237777. 

Theatre Tour - Go 

Behind The Curtain 

Crewe Lyceum Theatre CW1 2DA 

www.crewelyceum.co.uk 

11am. Explore backstage, get a sneak peek 

of the theatre’s brand-new Studio, have 

your moment in the spotlight on the stage 

in the historic Edwardian auditorium and 

then finish up with a tea, coffee or soft 

drink in the Lyceum Restaurant. This is a 

unique opportunity to find out what goes on 

backstage at a working theatre. Suitable for 

the entire family. T: 01270 368 242. 

14 September 

Messy Church at Lichfield 

Cathedral 

Lichfield Cathedral WS13 7LD 


2-4pm. Come along to the Cathedral for 

an action-packed afternoon of children 

and adults being at church together – 

worshipping, learning and having fun. 

Sing, pray, learn about Bible stories and 

get messy exploring through crafts and 

activities. Children to be accompanied by 

an adult. No need to book. T: 01543 306100. 

Leek Farmers and Craft Market 

The Market Place, Leek ST13 5HH 


9am-4pm. Held every third Saturday of 

the month, Leek Farmers and Craft market 

has over 60 stalls in Leek Market Place. 

Local food stalls, street food and live music 

alongside Archer Fairs Craft, Collectors and 

Vintage market makes this market one of 

the best markets in Staffordshire. 

Classic Vehicle Show 

High Street, Biddulph ST8 6AR 


2-5pm. As part of the wider Heritage events 

taking part over the weekend Biddulph 

will be hosting a Classic Vehicle Show. All 

vehicles welcome Cars, Bikes, Scooters, 

Commercial, Military and Farming. Prizes for 

Best In Class. Refreshments available. 

T: 01782 297845. 

Heritage Day - Backstage Tour 

Regent Theatre ST1 1AP 

www.atgtickets.com 

Tours at: 11am, 1pm and 3pm. Come along 

and get a backstage view of what it’s 

like being behind the scenes of a busy 

working theatre, with areas not normally 

accessible to the general public. See the 

dressing rooms where the stars spend 

their time before a show - and be prepared 

to be wowed by how big the stage 

really is. Booking in advance is strongly 

recommended. T: 0844 871 7615. 


Lichfield Heritage Festival 

Lichfield City, Lichfield 


Join the festivities in Lichfield this Heritage 

weekend, help celebrate Samuel Johnson’s 

Birthday with a ceremony on the Market 

Square, followed by an afternoon of 

entertainment. Enjoy free admission to 

venues not normally open to the public, an 

array of tours, exhibitions, fun activities and 

much more. T: 01543 308924. 

Victorian Living History 

Tamworth Castle B79 7NA 

www.tamworthcastle.co.uk 

10.30am-3pm. Step back in time and join 

the Victorian Governess, Housekeeper 

and Servants as they go about their daily 

tasks. Visitors are invited to experience the 

daily activities of a Victorian household 

by helping the servants with their chores 

or participating in a lesson from the 

Governess. T: 01827 709618. 

Midland Game Fair 

Weston Park ST14 8AG 

www.midlandgamefair.co.uk 

The Midland Game Fair offers plenty of 

action and entertainment for the whole 

family, with children’s features including 

crossbows and catapults, countryside 

workshops, punch and judy shows and 

lots lots more. There are over 700 topquality 

trade stands selling everything for 

the home and garden, and visitors can 

also take time out to relax at the picnic 

area and enjoy the superb roaming live 

entertainment. 

Heritage Open Weekends 

Chatterley Whitfield 2019 

Chatterley Whitfield former Mine and 

Museum ST68UW 


10am-4pm. A chance to see the former 

Mine that closed in 1975 on an above 

ground guide tour with the Friends of 

Chatterley Whitfield. T: 07980924738. 

15 September 

Wildfamilies Discover @ The 

Wolseley Centre 



1.30-3.30pm. Fabulous drop in activities at 

The Wolseley Centre. No need to book just 

come along and join in with some outdoor 

fun. Please come dressed for the weather 

as lots of activities take place outside. £3.50 

each (0-2 years free with paying sibling). 

Aged 3 years to 103 years (0-2 years free 

with paying sibling). 

Race for Life: Stoke on Trent Pretty 

Muddy Kids 

Central Forest Park, Stoke on Trent 

ST1 6BD 

www.raceforlife.cancerresearchuk.org 

9.45am. Race for Life Pretty Muddy Kids is a 

brilliant muddy obstacle course just for the 

little ones. They can take on the obstacles, 

crawl through the mud pit and have fun 

with friends, all the while helping raise 

valuable funds for life-saving research. 

Children: £10.00. Supervising Adult: free. 

17 September 

Handling Histories 



10.30-11am. Handling Histories is the 

museum’s regular object handling morning 

where you can get up close to some 

objects from the collection. Drop-in session, 

suitable for all. Free – Give What You Think. 

T: 01332 641901. 

18 September 

Longton Heritage Walk 



1.30pm. Join Jane Corfield and Jon Goodwin 

of the City Council’s Heritage Team for a 

walking tour of Longton Conservation Area, 

outlining it’s history and development. Find 

out about heritage-led regeneration and 

the Ceramic Heritage Action Zone. Leaving 

from the Gladstone Shop at 1.30pm. This 

event is free and normal admission charges 

apply to the rest of the museum. Please call 

T: 01782 237777 to book your place. 

19 September 






Come along and try new things outdoors. 

You could swing in a hammock, get mucky 

and make a mud pie, and sing songs round 

the campfire, all in the exciting outdoor 

classroom. All sessions include a hot 

drink for adults, plus juice and snacks for 

children. Children to be accompanied by an 

adult. Age: 6 months - 5 years. 




2pm. Take a look behind the scenes at one 






01298 72190. 

20 September 

Tots Make and Do - Harvest 

Celebration 









Free event. T: 01332 641901. 

Nature Tots at Westport Lake 

Visitor Centre 

Westport Lake Visitor Centre, 

Stoke on Trent ST6 4RZ 




Staffordshire Wildlife Trust. Each week has 

a different theme; it could be bug hunting, 

marvelling at magic or exploring a story. 

All activities are designed to encourage 

your toddler’s engagement with nature. 

£5.50 per child, £3.50 per additional sibling. 

Age: 8 months - 5 years. Children must be 

accompanied by an adult. 










classroom. All sessions include a hot drink 

for adults, plus juice and snacks for children. 

Activities occur whatever the weather so 

please make sure you and your little ones 

are suitably dressed. Suitable for children 

aged 6 months - 5 years. £5.50 per child, 

£3.50 per additional sibling - adults free. 


Retro Arcade Event 



11am-5pm. Travel back to a world of retro 

gaming with a weekend of over 50 arcade 

classics and pinball machines to keep 

everyone entertained. See classics like Pac- 

Man, Donkey Kong, Frogger and more. If 

vintage consoles and computers are more 

your thing, don’t worry – that’s covered too 

with the likes of the incomparable Snes and 

PS1. Suitable for all. T: 01332 641901. 

8 






21 September 

Nature Detectives 



10.30-11.30am. From tiny insects to 

mammals and amphibious water loving 

creatures, the Arboretum is home to a wide 

variety of wildlife, trees and flowers. Nature 

loving young visitors can discover more 

about just some of these amazing living 

things at the monthly interactive Nature 

Detectives sessions. Parents / guardians 

must remain with their children at all times. 

T: 01283 245 100. 

Birdwatching For Beginners 



9am-12noon. During this three-hour guided 

walk you will learn how to recognise the 

wide variety of birds seen at the Arboretum 

over the year. Dedicated guides will explain 

migration and which birds to look out for 

in the different seasons. This three-hour 

walk is at a leisurely pace to suit all ages. 

Pre-booking required. Free event. T:01283 

245 100. 

Heritage Open Days at Gladstone 



As part of the national celebration of 

heritage the museum will be waiving it’s 

admission fee and it will be free to visit. 

Visitors will also be able to browse craft 

stalls from local makers in the cobbled 

courtyard at the annual craft fair. T: 

01782237777. 

Hero Walk 

Walsall Arboretum WS1 2QB 

www.stgileshospice.com 

12noon. Join in this 5km family walk and 

fun day and make memories in a mask 

around Walsall Arboretum. Kick off your 

afternoon at the hero hub where you 

can give your super powers a boost with 

snacks and smoothies before you set off on 

your arboretum adventure with awesome 

activities along the route. Your entry fee 

includes a hero mask for each participant. 

If you’d like to take on the challenge in 

true hero style, St Giles capes can be preordered 

or purchased on the day for £5. 

Doggie sidekicks are welcome. £6 children 

(under 16), £10 adults, £30 family (2 adults, 2 

children), Free entry for children under 3. 


Autumn Festival 



9am-5pm. Come along to the Arboretum’s 

seasonal setting for a celebration of all 

things Autumn. Featuring a food and craft 

fair and entertainment for all ages, this is 

sure to be a weekend for the whole family 

to enjoy. T: 01283 245 100. 

Apedale Valley Railway 50th 

Anniversary Weekend 

Apedale Valley Light Railway ST5 7LB 


Half a century ago, a school summer 

fete set into train events which led to 

the creation of the Apedale Valley Light 

Railway. How did this happen? Come along 

and find out. Special fares will apply. T: 0845 

094 195. 

Derbyshire Woodland Festival 

Elvaston Castle and Country Park DE72 

3EP 

www.derbyshire.gov.uk 

The annual festival is set within the beautiful 

grounds of Elvaston Castle Country Park. 

This is a great day out for all the family with 

lots of fun activities for children, unique 

crafts and furniture to buy. Professional 

demonstrators and performers will share 

their amazing skills, from sawmills and 

carving to wood turning, weaving, horse 

logging and many opportunities for you to 

have a go. T: 01629 533870. 

26 September 
















- 5 years. 

27 September 

Tots Make and Do - Japan: 

Fantastical Creatures 









Free event. T: 01332 641901. 












for children. Suitable for children aged 6 




Michaelmas Harvest Fair 

Moseley Old Hall WV10 7HY 


11am-4pm. Find out the stories behind 

our heritage variety apples, pears, 

quinces, medlars and more and try 

some homemade produce. You’ll have 

homemade Moseley jelly and cheese on 

sale to try, and honey from the beehives. T: 

01902 782808. 

1 October 









T: 01332 641901. 




2pm. Take a look behind the scenes at one 






01298 72190. 


Ride To The Wall 2019 



9-5pm. Ride to the Wall sees thousands 

of motorcyclists, both young and old, from 

around the UK come together to remember 

the names engraved on the walls of the 

Armed Forces Memorial at the National 

Memorial Arboretum. Experience and enjoy 

the spectacle as thousands of motorcyclists 

arrive at the Arboretum for Ride to the 

Wall 2019. Activities, including an annual 

Remembrance service, T: 01283 245 100. 


Tots Make and Do - World Space 

Week 









Free event. T: 01332 641901. 

Little Saplings Sensory Play 



10-11am and 11.30am-12.30pm. Little 

Saplings Sensory Play and storytelling 

is designed to help the youngest visitors 

enjoy the Arboretum and heighten their 

development and enjoyment of learning. 

Sounds, colours, textures, auditory sensory 

activities and other hands-on elements will 

add to the month’s chosen theme. Sensory 

Play sessions are suitable for babies, 

toddlers and preschool children. Booking 

essential. T: 01283 245 100. 

Nature Tots at Westport Lake 

Visitor Centre 

Westport Lake Visitor Centre, Stoke on 

Trent ST6 4RZ 




Staffordshire Wildlife Trust. All activities 

are designed to encourage your toddler’s 

engagement with nature. £5.50 per child, 

£3.50 per additional sibling. Age: 8 months - 

5 years. Children must be accompanied 

by an adult. 




10.30am-12noon and 1-2.30pm. Wildlings is 

a play group with a twist with Staffordshire 

Wildlife Trust. Come along and try new 

things outdoors. You could swing in a 

hammock, get mucky and make a mud pie, 

and sing songs round the campfire, all in 

the exciting outdoor classroom. All sessions 

include a hot drink for adults, plus juice 

and snacks for children. Activities occur 

whatever the weather so please make 

sure you and your little ones are suitably 

dressed. Suitable for children aged 6 



4 October – 6 October 

Stone Food and Drink Festival 

Westbridge Park ST15 9DP 


Eat, Drink, Shop and Learn at the Stone 

Food and Drink Festival.... Staffordshire’s 

biggest gastronomic gathering. T: 07564 

378916. 


Steam Tots 



1.30-3pm. Play, make and learn together 

amongst the museum’s historic collection 

in this sensory exploration of STEAM 

(Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and 

Mathematics). FREE – Give What You Think. 

Drop-in session, suitable for children 2-5 

years old with their grown-ups. T: 01332 

641901. 


Anything Goes at Churnet Valley 

Railway 

Churnet Valley Railway ST10 2HA 


11am-5pm. The line is hosting its annual 

‘Anything Goes’ gala. The home fleet will 

be operating an intensive service along 

the Churnet Valley line, including operating 

some of the shunter diesels that don’t 

normally get out and about.. As the name 

implies if the locomotive works and is 

certified fit to pull a passenger train then it 

runs. T: 07376252917. 


Hands on for Home Educators 

Kedleston Hall DE22 5JH 


10.30-12noon. Come along on the first 

Monday of the month for a practical 

outdoor work session aimed at families who 

home educate. Sessions will be suitable for 

a mix of ages, but children should be over 5 

years old. Please get in contact if your child 

has any additional needs. Gloves and tools 

will be provided, but please come dressed 

for the outdoors and expect to get your 

hands dirty. T: 01332 842191. 











classroom. All sessions include a hot 

drink for adults, plus juice and snacks for 

children. Children to be accompanied by an 

adult. Age: 6 months - 5 years. 

Toddler Thursday 



10.30-11.30am. Learn, play and explore 

in these sessions especially for under 5’s 

and their parents or carers. £1 per child but 

normal admission applies if you wish to visit 

the rest of the museum. Booking essential 

-please call T: 01782 237777. 


Tots Make and Do - Japan: The 

Seasons 







collections. Free event. T: 01332 641901. 












10 



Indian dance and art workshops 

Priya Sundar is a south asian dance 

practitioner with more than 2 

decades of performing experience. 

She passionately uses dance as the 

medium of communication. She is 

a strong and dedicated performer, 

devoted dance teacher, passionate 

choreographer and a brilliant 

workshop leader. Her performances 

are audience oriented. She uses 

dance as a medium and she 

believes dance is a universal 

language that can reach all age 

groups. 

Workshops are done with Indian 

traditional dance using intricate 

hand gestures, folk dance using 

properties like sticks, scarf, 

traditional pots and candles. Priya 

also organises art workshops at 

different schools on a regular basis. 

Testimonial:’Priya is an amazing 

performer with a real gift for 

captivating a crowd. She has an 

ability to engage all ages with her 

performances, and we’ve seen 

everyone from toddlers to adults 

enthralled! Priya is professional 

and reliable, and is a pleasure 

to work with – we are looking 

forward to having her perform 

again at Tullie House this year.’ 

Anna Smalley - Head of Collections 

& Engagement, Tullie House, 

Carlisle, cumbria.( 2019) 

For more information, 

please visit: www.indiandance 

-art-workshops.co.uk 

Organising 

an event? 

Contact us 

today via our website 

and get listed! 

primarytimes.co.uk/ 

Staffordshire 




for children. Suitable for children aged 6 




Creating Calm for Wellbeing 



10.30am-12.30pm. The Museum will 

be marking World Mental Health Day 

(Thursday 10 October) and The Big Draw 

drawing festival on Saturday 12 October. 

Drop-in session, suitable for all. FREE – Give 

What You Think. T: 01332 641901. 

Messy Church at Lichfield 

Cathedral 

Lichfield Cathedral WS13 7LD 


2-4pm. Come along to the Cathedral for 

an action-packed afternoon of children 

and adults being at church together – 

worshipping, learning and having fun. T: 

01543 306100. 


Autumn Horse Trials 

Weston Park TF11 8LE 


10am-5pm. The International Autumn 

Horse Trials is run over two days for 

the National Junior Championships, 

National under 21 Championships 

CC1* and CCII* classes which consist 

of dressage, cross country and show 

jumping. T: 01952 852100. 


Autumn Pumpkin Trail 

Biddulph Grange Garden ST8 7SD 


10am-4.30pm. Enjoy the autumn colour in 

the garden while searching for the hidden 

pumpkins that have a letter on. Make a 

secret password with the letter to collect 

your activity bag from Visitor Reception. 

£2.50 per trail (includes activity bag prize). 

Admission fees apply. T: 01782 517999. 


Artisan Market at the World of 

Wedgwood 

World of Wedgewood ST12 0ER 


8am-4pm. A regular market on the second 

Sunday of every month, February to 

December. With over 50 stalls, inside and 

out, full of fine foods from local producers 

and hand crafted products. 










T: 01332 641901. 


Birdwatching For Beginners 



9am-12noon. During this three-hour guided 

walk you will learn how to recognise the 

wide variety of birds seen at the Arboretum 

over the year. Dedicated guides will explain 

migration and which birds to look out for 

in the different seasons. This three-hour 

walk is at a leisurely pace to suit all ages. 

Pre-booking required. Free event. T:01283 

245 100 

Cinderella at 

The Theatre Royal Nottingham 

The Theatre Royal Nottingham have a 

star-studded line-up for the ultimate 

family pantomime this festive season, 

starring Coronation Street’s Les 

Dennis and Connor McIntyre who will 

swap the cobbles for clutch bags as 

the Ugly Sisters, alongside Pop Idol 

star Gareth Gates as Prince Charming, 

with Richard Cadell and Sooty starring 

as Buttons. 

Jonathan Saville, interim venue 

director at the Theatre Royal 

Nottingham, said: “We are so 

excited to announce a really strong 

pantomime cast line-up today. 

Cinderella is already such a beautiful 

and well-loved story, and I think the 

sheer talent and comedy value this 

cast can bring will raise this year’s 

panto to another level. Our Ugly 

Sisters will be unrecognisable from 

their Corrie personas, so that alone 

will be a treat for all the soap fans 

in the audience. Alongside Gareth’s 

wonderful voice, and Richard Cadell 

and Sooty’s comedy and magic tricks, 

we hope this years’ show will have 

plenty for everyone to enjoy.” 

Don’t miss your chance to see 

Cinderella, the Fairy Godmother of 

all pantomimes. The clock is ticking… 

book your tickets to the Ball today! 

For more information, visit the 

website: www.trch.co.uk 

12 



trentbarton’s young explorer ticket 

Get out and about to some really 

great places with trentbarton’s young 

explorer ticket. Kids aged 10 or under 

can travel on any bus, anywhere and 

at any time for just £1 for each trip, 

even at Bank Holidays and weekends*. 

Young explorer tickets can be 

purchased from our friendly drivers 

on any trentbarton bus. The really little 

ones aged 4 years & under can travel 

for free. 

trentbarton buses are packed with all 

the latest features including free WiFi 

and USB chargers, so you can keep 

the kids occupied with a few episodes 

of Shaun the Sheep whilst you ride 

in style. 

Our award-winning drivers are the 

best in the business, guaranteeing 

you a fantastic travel experience, 

and our network covers much of 

Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire - 

perfect for the school run, shopping 

in town, or a trip out to Bakewell or 

Ashbourne. 

*not valid on skylink Derby, Arriva X38 

and nightbuses 

For more information, visit their 

website: www.trentbarton.co.uk 


FOCUS ON EDUCATION 


Denstone College Prep School 

Going to Denstone College Prep 

School is a real adventure. Not only 

do the children receive an excellent 

education in the traditional sense of 

the word, but they will also get the 

opportunity to camp in the grounds 

and participate in different activities 

such as Police Cadet Training, 

gymnastics, fencing, archery, 

wildlife and Forest School. The new 

astro pitch will be ready for the 

Michaelmas term and they have an 

GB Olympic Hockey player to open 

the facility. They also have local boy, 

Adam Peaty visiting in September to 

talk about his achievements. 

Denstone College Prep School 

are currently experiencing the 

most successful period in the 

School’s prestigious history with 

no fewer than 89 scholarships and 

exhibitions being awarded over the 

past five years to their secondary 

school of choice. One third of 

these recognised academic ability 

alone, while a further third were 

all-rounders’ awards, encompassing 

two specific areas of strength 

outside the classroom, combined 

with academic ability. This success 

shows the commitment to an allround 

education. Visitors are always 

welcome, so go and see the school 

at the Open Week from Monday 

16th – Saturday 21st September. 

For more information, 

Tel: 01889 562083, email:registrar@ 

denstoneprep.co.uk or visit their 

website: www.denstoneprep.co.uk 

Derby Grammar School: 

Introducing…Year 8 pupil, Adam 

Adam Gentles is the face of Derby 

Grammar School’s September Open 

Day campaign. He joined in Year 3 in 

2014 and this year starts Year 8. He’s 

embraced every opportunity open to 

him at school. 

He’s taken LAMDA speech and drama 

classes since he started and this 

year passed his Grade 5 Reading for 

Performance examination. In Year 6 

he was Deputy Head Boy and 

Charities Prefect. 

In Year 7 Adam took up the electric 

guitar. He’s already passed his Grade 

2 examination. He’s also part of the 

school rugby, hockey and cricket 

teams. He’s also a golfer and is a 

member of the Derbyshire County 

U14 Golf Squad. 

He works hard in his classes and this 

year won School Prize for Effort and 

the Prize for English Reading 

for Year 7. 

Adam really has made the most of his 

time at Derby Grammar School, and 

there’s still so much more to come. 

If you’re ready to discover more for 

your son go and see the school at 

the Open Day. Reserve your place at 

derbygrammar.org 

Take advantage of 

Kumon’s one-week Free Trial 

Kumon study helps children of 

any age and any ability to shine. 

Established for 60 years, the Kumon 

Maths and English Programmes 

enable students of all ages and 

abilities to develop into confident, 

independent learners with strong 

study skills. 

Kumon study equips students with 

core study skills that help any child 

to achieve beyond expectations. 

The new Kumon Stafford Study 

Centre will be opening on the 5 

September and will be offering 

a one-week Free Trial of the 

Kumon programmes between 1 

September and 30 September for 

all new students. To take part in our 

Free Trial, just contact your new 

Instructor, Jaspal Chima, and book a 

consultation. 

The Kumon Stafford Study Centre is 

located at Salvation Army, Faraday 

Road, Stafford, ST16 3NQ, with 

classes running on Thursday’s 

3.30pm – 6.30pm and Saturday’s 

9.00am – 12pm. 

Jaspal looks forward to welcoming 

local families to the Kumon Stafford 

Study Centre and endeavours to 

guide students to become selfsufficient, 

successful learners for 

the future. 

To find out how Kumon study can 

help your child to shine, contact 

your local Instructor, Jaspal Chima, 

on 01902 917887 or email stafford@ 

kumoncentre.co.uk. 

14 







Foremarke Hall, Repton 

Preparatory School Open Morning 

Saturday 28th Sept 9am to 11:30am 

The Open Morning is an opportunity 

to experience the vibrant atmosphere 

of the school and be provided with a 

school tour by Year 8 pupils. 

After being greeted in the Assembly 

Hall you will begin your tour, to 

include a visit to the Music School, 

Design, Technology and Art 

department, and the wide array 

of sports facilities. All areas of the 

school will be open for you to explore 

including Boarding Houses, Lower 

Prep and Upper Prep classrooms. 

There will be plenty of time to meet 

with Mr Robert Relton, Headmaster 

and key staff members over a light 

brunch in the Assembly Hall. 

If you are looking for immediate 

provision or planning ahead, a warm 

welcome awaits you at Foremarke 

Hall. Please register your attendance 

for the Open Morning by contacting 

the Registrar. 

Call Miss Ellie Jones on: 01283 

707112, email: registrar@foremarke. 

org.uk or visit www.foremarke.org. 

uk/admissions 

Fun Classes for under 5s at 

Lichfield Cathedral School 

Lichfield Cathedral School has added 

another toddler and parent class - this 

time for aspiring singers! Mini Voices 

will be run by professional musicians 

from Music Share and is a relatively 

formal class for children aged 0-5 

and their carers. Music is a proven 

stimulus for building good language 

and communication skills and has 

many educational benefits, as well as 

being a great social activity to begin 

the week. Weekly classes will be on 

Mondays from 9.30am to 10.45am in 

College Hall, The Close, Lichfield. The 

cost is £36 per term (approximately 

£3.20 per week). 

For those preferring a more relaxed 

sing-along, Toddler Rhyme Time takes 

place on Tuesdays from 9.30am to 

10.30am at Lichfield Cathedral Junior 

School in the beautiful village of 

Longdon, just 5 minutes drive from 

Lichfield. This free class encourages 

socialisation and is a great way to get 

to know other parents. 

Forest Tots on Thursdays from 9.30am 

to 10.30am offers outdoor learning in 

a woodland environment for children 

aged under 5. From bug hunting and 

mud painting, to building dens and 

cooking over a fire, these classes 

help to improve stamina and dexterity 

while children learn to respect and 

appreciate the natural world. Limited 

to 15 places, Forest Tots costs £24 per 

term (£2 per week). 

To find out more information or to 

book onto any of these classes, 

contact Amelia on 01543 306168 or 

a.grey@lichfieldcathedralschool. 

com. Lichfield Cathedral Junior 

School is located in Longdon Green, 

just off the A51. 

16 




BOX OFFICE 

18 




0231513 


BOX OFFICE 

Box 

Office 

Your family theatre guide... 

Beacon Park 

WS13 6RA 


7 September 

Lichfield Proms 

5.30-10pm. Come along for the 21st 

Lichfield Proms. The City of Lichfield 

Concert Band will warm up the crowd 

leading up to the main concert which 

features The Britsh Police Symphony 

Orchestra. The evening culminates with 

a firework finale. Prime seatng tables 

available, call T: 01543 308869 to book. 

Buxton Opera House 

SK17 6XN 


26 September 

Top Dog Film Festival 

7.30pm. From the producers of the 

Banff Film Festival tour in the UK comes 

a collection of heartwarming short 

films about dogs and their people. 

The Top Dog Film Festival presents a 

cinematic celebration honouring the 

bond between dogs and their people. 

This carefully curated program of 

canine-themed films is comprised of 

the most inspirational and entertaining 

stories about dogs and their human 

companions, from independent 

filmmakers around the globe. T: 01298 

72190. 


ABBA Forever 

7.30pm. ABBA Forever is one of the UK’s 

leading international tribute shows, and 

theatre audiences from across Great 

Britain and Sweden have long enjoyed 

this superb recreation of possibly the 

world‘s greatest pop band. The unique 

ABBA sound is replicated with an 

incredible attention to detail, using a 

six-piece band featuring electric and 

acoustic guitars, keyboards and piano, 

drums and bass guitar. Two outstanding 

ABBA girls complete the line-up, adding 

the essential glitz and glamour to a wellpolished 

and gently humorous show. T: 

01298 72190. 


The Ballroom Boys 

7.30pm. Strictly Come Dancing favourites 

Ian Waite and Vincent Simone are 

joining forces in 2019 with their brand 

new production - The Ballroom Boys. 

Expect dances like the Waltz, Quickstep, 

Paso doble, Foxtrot and of course, the 

Argentine tango. Get ready for a high 

intensity evening of glitz and glamour 

with Ian and Vincent, the Ballroom Boys. 

T: 01298 72190. 

0231512 

Crewe Lyceum Theatre 

CW1 2DA 

www.crewelyceum.co.uk 


Joseph and The Amazing 

Technicolor Dreamcoat 

Various Times. Retelling the Biblical 

story of Joseph, his eleven brothers and 

the coat of many colours, this magical 

musical is full of unforgettable songs 

including Go, Go, Go Joseph, Any Dream 

Will Do, Jacob and Sons, Close Every 

Door To Me and many more. Joseph and 

the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat 

was the first of Lloyd Webber and Rice’s 

musicals to be performed publicly. Seen 

by an estimated 26 million people, and 

counting, Joseph continues to enthral 

audiences around the world. T: 01270 

368 242. 


Dear Zoo 

Various Times. The classic and timeless 

children’s book Dear Zoo returns to 

the stage this autumn. The best-selling 

book by Rod Campbell has delighted 

generations of young readers since 

it was was first published in 1982 and 

engages and encourages young 

children to learn to read across the 

globe. Perfect for children aged 2+ 

and their families, this production will 

delight all those who have read the 

book (both young and old) as well as 

new audiences alike as it unfolds with 

engaging puppets, music and audience 

interaction. T: 01270 368 242. 

Lichfield Garrick 

WS13 6HR 

www.lichfieldgarrick.com 

20 September 

TICKET 

TICKET 

Wildlife Road Trip 

7.30pm. To celebrate a momentous 

50 years of nature conservation, 

Staffordshire Wildlife Trust is teaming up 

with wildlife presenters Martin Hughes- 

Games and Iolo Williams to bring you 

A Wildlife Road Trip, an informative 

and amusing wildlife show packed with 

fascinating facts and fun for the whole 

family. Their exciting journey is filled with 

real life stories and takes the audience 

behind the scenes of the wonderful 

world of wildlife and TV presenting. T: 

01543 412121. 


The Three Musketeers: A 

Comedy Adventure 

2.30 and 7.30pm. Armed only with a 

baguette and his questionable steed, 

join hot-headed D’Artagnan as he travels 

to Paris full of childish excitement 

and misplaced bravado to become 

a Musketeer. Will things go to plan? 

It’s unlikely. With four actors and over 

30 characters this will be their most 

hilariously chaotic adventure yet. T: 

01543 412121. 

Mitchell Arts Centre 

ST1 4HG 

www.mitchellartscentre.co.uk 


Captain Flinn and the Pirate 

Dinosaurs 2: The Magic Cutlass 

2 and 4.30pm. All aboard me hearties, 

for a real live pirate adventure. Flinn is 

back. Les Petits return with the sequel 

to their hugely successful Captain Flinn 

and the Pirate Dinosaurs based on the 

book by Giles Andreae and Russell Ayto. 

Will fearless Flinn be able to outwit the 

pirate dinosaurs? Will Pirate Pearl be 

brave enough to battle the dangerous 

dinos and will terrified Tom be back in 

time for Tea? All aboard for a non-stop 

action packed theatrical experience 

with live music, puppetry and dastardly 

dinosaurs. T: 01782-409307. 

Prince of Wales Theatre 

WS11 1DE 

www.princeofwales.live 


The Diary of Anne Frank 

7.30pm. Few more poignant true stories 

emerged from World War II than the 

diary of young Anne Frank. Published 

long afterwards by her father, the only 

family survivor, it records the minutiae 

of twenty-five months that two Jewish 

families spent in hiding from the 

Gestapo in an Amsterdam warehouse 

attic. The constant secrecy, growing 

hunger and friction of living in such 

cramped conditions could not dull 

Anne’s vibrant personality or her passion 

for living. T: 01543 578762. 

Regent Theatre 

ST1 1AP 

www.atgtickets.com 

21 September 

Diversity - Born Ready ‘The 10 

Year Anniversary Tour’ 

7.30pm. Since winning the third series of 

Britain’s Got Talent, Diversity have taken 

the nation by storm. 2019 marks their 

10 year Anniversary Tour, Born Ready. 

Creator and choreographer Ashley Banjo 

said of the forthcoming tour “Born Ready 

is such an incredibly special tour for the 

whole Diversity family. 2019 marks 10 

years since we won Britain’s Got Talent 

and since then we have continued to 

innovate, grow and achieve things that 

most said were impossible. Born Ready 

will not only celebrate this and look back 

at some of the iconic Diversity moments 

over the past 10 years. But it will also 

look forward to the future, at how 

Diversity continues to evolve and how it 

plans to pass what we’ve created onto 

the next generation. Be prepared for 

dance, illusions, mind blowing stunts and 

inspiring stories that will hopefully leave 

people amazed!” T: 0844 871 7615. 


Madagascar The Musical 

2.30 and 7.30pm. Based on the smash hit 

DreamWorks animated motion picture, 

Madagascar – The Musical follows all 

your favourite cracka-lackin’ friends 

as they escape from their home in 

New York’s Central Park Zoo and find 

themselves on an unexpected journey 

to the madcap world of King Julien’s 

Madagascar. T: 0844 871 7615. 

Stafford Gatehouse Theatre 

ST16 2LT 

www.staffordgatehousetheatre.co.uk 


I Believe In Unicorns 

1.30 and 4pm. This intimate show is set 

in a library full of books that hold more 

than stories within their pages. It is a tale 

of the power of books, and the bravery 

of a young boy called Tomas. Tomas 

hates reading and school, but his world 

is turned upside down the day he meets 

the Unicorn Lady ... ‘I Believe in Unicorns’ 

also includes a ‘book swap’, for which 

audience members are invited to bring 

along a favourite children’s book (for 

ages 6 and upwards) to help form part 

of the stage set at the beginning of the 

show. At the end the children are invited 

to swap their book for another one and 

so have a new story ‘from the library’ to 

take home with them. Age guidance 6+. 

T: 01785 619080. 


Dear Zoo 

Various Times. After a successful debut 

tour, Dear Zoo the timeless children’s 

classic book returns to the stage in 2019. 

This production will delight all those who 

have read the book (both young and 

old) as it unfolds with child-engaging 

puppets, music and lots of audience 

interaction. T: 01785 619080. 

The Brewhouse Arts Centre 

DE14 1AA 

www.brewhouse.co.uk 

21 September 

The Tales of Beatrix Potter, 

Cinderella and La Fille Mal 

Gardee 

7pm. Three ballets for all to enjoy. Pupils 

trained by Stephanie Parrott ARAD. 

Tickets: £10. T: 01283 508100. 


We’re Going On A Bear Hunt 

11am and 1.30pm. A family go on an 

expedition of a lifetime – running down 

the grassy bank, wading through the 

cold river, squelching over the oozy 

mud, stumbling into the dark forest, then 

peering into a cave… what will they find 

there? Little Angel Theatre’s acclaimed 

adaptation returns to celebrate the 30th 

anniversary of Michael Rosen’s beloved 

book. Brought to life with beautiful 

puppets designed by Lyndie Wright 

and original music by Barb Jungr, this 

production is ideal for brave hunters 

and bear lovers alike. T: 01283 508100. 

20 



COMPETITIONS 

Win! 

To enter these competitions please go to... 

www.primarytimes.co.uk/staffordshire/competitions 

or via Facebook at www.facebook.com/PTStaffs 

WIN! 

Win a family ticket to see We’re Going 

On A Bear Hunt at the Brewhouse 

For your chance to win, all you have 

to do is answer this simple question: 

What anniversary is We’re Going 

On A Bear Hunt celebrating? 

a) 10th Anniversary 

b) 20th Anniversary 

c) 30th Anniversary 

Closing date –27/09/19 

Terms and conditions apply - Tickets can be used for any of the shows, 

between 4th and 6th October. Subject to availability. 

22 



Q: Why did the 

crab never share? 

A: Because 

he’s shellfish 

Q: What do you 

call a month’s 

worth of rain? 

A: England 

Q: What do you get 

when you cross a 

snake with a tasty 

desert? 

A: A Pie-thon 

Q: What did the 

snowman and his 

wife put over their 

baby’s crib? 

A: A Snowmobile 

Send your 

jokes to 

Kathy.Wright@ 

primarytimes.co.uk 


24

PT Staffs Back to School 2019

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