PT LEICS Winter 19

Family What’s On Guide
52,000 COPIES FOR FAMILIES
OF PRIMARY SCHOOL CHILDREN
Leicestershire & Rutland
www.primarytimes.co.uk
DAYS OUT • EDUCATION • COMPETITIONS • FAMILY FUN
WINTER
25TH NOV ‘19- 2ND FEB ‘20

52,000 COPIES FOR FAMILIES
OF PRIMARY SCHOOL CHILDREN
WINTER
25TH NOV - 2ND FEB ‘20
Contents
4 News
6 WOW: Family events
8 Exploring Christmas
9 Winter Wonderland
14 Interview with Bear Grylls
16 Santa’s Grottos
18 Loopy Library
20 Box Office
22 Competitions
Primary Times in Leicestershire & Rutland is
published by: Schools Publishing Limited
1 Accent Park, Bakewell Road,
Peterborough, Cambridgeshire PE2 6XS
Telephone: 01491 411848
www.primarytimes.co.uk/leicestershire
Dear Readers,
Primary Times is independently published and distributed free through national primary schools in Leicestershire . 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 Leicestershire 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.
Welcome to the Winter issue of Primary Times. We can’t
believe how quickly 2019 has flown by! With Christmas,
Hanukkah, and more right around the corner, this is a
wonderful time of year full of celebrations for the whole
family. There are so many exciting activities and events on in
the upcoming weeks, there’s something for everyone! Many
of these listed events are free or low cost – which might be
especially helpful at this time of year!
There are lots of opportunities to meet Father Christmas
before he travels the world on Christmas Eve. Make sure you
check out our What’s On Where pages to see where he’ll be
so you don’t miss him!
Plus, the holidays wouldn’t be complete without a fun
pantomime or show! Our Box Office pages are filled with
brilliant performances; check to see what’s on local to you.
We’ve got everything from Aladdin to Beauty and the Beast.
From everyone here at Primary Times, we wish you happy
holidays and a fantastic start to the new year.
With very best wishes,
The Primary Times Team
Total Qualified (Easter 18)
Circulation: 48,410
BPA March Statement 2018
Winter
2019
Family What’s On Guide
Leicestershire & Rutland
www.primarytimes.co.uk
DAYS OUT • EDUCATION • COMPETITIONS • FAMILY FUN
Sales: Helen Pattinson:
helen.pattinson@
primarytimes.co.uk
Tel: 01491 411848
Production: Caroline Yates
leics@primarytimes.co.uk
Design: Caroline Yates
The UK’s biggest free ‘what’s on’
magazine for parents! Primary
Times in Leicestershire and Rutland
distributes 52,000 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
WELCOME
Love trees and the environment?
There aren’t many industries planting trees these days, but the paper industry plants and grows far more than it consumes. As the
most recycled product in the world paper remains one of the more environmentally friendly products due to its ability to be recycled
over again. Here are some interesting facts that might change the way you view paper products like magazines.
• The paper and magazine sector is one of
the lowest industrial emitters of greenhouse
gases, accounting for less than 1%
of all EU greenhouse gas emissions
• All of our magazines are printed on
recyclable paper which is sustainably
sourced. Paper is also one of the most
recycled products in the world.
• Thanks to growers like us, the European
forest has been expanding by an area
equivalent to 1,500 football pitches a day!
• As the paper industry relies on a reliable
source of wood fibre, it plants more trees
than are used, which helps in contributing
to reducing the amount of Co2 in the air
• By choosing a paper magazine you are
putting back into the earth by indirectly
planting more trees!
so do we
• Myth buster: you may think that
electronic devices are less harmful to the
environment however in 2016 alone, 447
million tons of e-waste was generated and
these numbers are increasing each year. Vast
amounts of water and electricity are used to
power and cool the electronic servers
• Greenhouse gases created by these
electronic media servers contribute to a less
than environmentally friendly planet earth
• 72% of consumers worldwide still prefer to
read a printed magazine, such as Primary
Times, compared to reading electronically
• A printed magazine helps with quality
family time by reading the publication
together, compared to an electronic device
which is usually read alone. Electronic devices
can increase chances of developing myopia
30
of happy PUBLISHED SINCE 1989
YEARStimes www.primarytimes.co.uk
www.primarytimes.co.uk/Leicestershire | Winter 2019 3

NEWS
Primary Times Leicestershire & Rutland
leicestershire & rutland
NEWS
Do
you have news to celebrate? We’d love to hear!
Email helen.pattinson@primarytimes.co.uk
www.primarytimes.co.uk/leicestershire
Leicestershire Primary School
Admissions
Parents and carers of children
turning five from September 2020
can start to apply for a school place
from 1st June 2019, and should
note that the process closes 15th
January 2020. You must apply for
a school place through the home
Local Authority that you live in, and
the best way to apply if you live
in Leicestershire is through our
online system. Before applying
I would encourage you to read
the publication entitled “Your
Guide to Education” as it will guide
you through the process as well as
advise you on a range of matters.
This can be found by following the
link www.leicestershire.gov.uk/
education-and-children/schoolscolleges-and-academies/
school-admissions/your-guideto-education
Family Festival Fun - The Spark
Festival 2020
The countdown to The Spark Festival
has begun. Get ready for a week of
unforgettable festival fun for children
aged 0 to 13 and their families from
Monday 10th to Sunday 16th February.
See extraordinary theatre, music and
dance shows in the city and on your
doorstep in theatres, schools, libraries
and community centres. Unleash your
creativity at festival workshops, mix
and make your own music, make a
3D portrait or try life drawing with a
difference. And don’t miss the Festival
Family Takeover weekend which will
be jam packed with free activities
you’ll never forget.
For the first time The Spark has
handed over control to children,
schools and family groups to take
charge of the Family Festival
Takeover events at Curve and New
Walk Museum & Art Gallery and
in the community at The Brite
Centre and Belgrave Library and
Neighbourhood Centre.
The Spark Festival 2020 is going to be
enormous and everyone’s invited so
come along and join them.
Full details of all the festival
events can be found on
The Spark website
www.thesparkarts.co.uk or call
0116 261 6893 for a brochure.
FROM 31 st JANUARY 2020
School admissions: First time and
infant to junior school transfers
If your child will be four years old before
1st September 2020 and starting school
for the first time the closing
date for applications is
15th January 2020.
If your child is transferring
from infant to junior school
the closing date for applications
is also 15th January 2020.
APPLY ONLINE
IT’S EASY & SECURE
Closing Date: 15th January 2020
www.leicestershire.gov.uk/admissions
To apply for your child’s place,
apply online at: www.leicestershire.gov.uk/admissions
For more information, contact School Admissions
on 0116 305 6684 or email: admissions@leics.gov.uk
A UNIQUE SENSORY EXPERIENCE THAT
WILL APPEAL TO THE WHOLE FAMILY.
SPECIAL RATES FOR SCHOOL GROUPS AVAILABLE.
TEACHERS SHOULD CONTACT ADMIN@VANGOGHEXPO.CO.UK
All Saints' Church, Highcross Street, Leicester
vangoghexpo.co.uk
Van Gogh: The Immersive
Experience
Tickets are on sale for a new
exhibition that is coming to Leicester
following successful runs in Brussels
and York. Van Gogh: The Immersive
Experience will be housed in ancient
All Saints’ Church on Highcross Street.
The multimedia experience tells the
story of Vincent Van Gogh’s life and
work. Projections and interactive
elements will fill the Grade I listed
exhibition space. Over 200 artworks
will coming to life thanks to digital
animation and an emotive soundtrack.
Visitors of all ages will be delighted
by this engaging insight into
Impressionism, using cutting-edge
technology. Previous knowledge of
the artist is not required to enjoy the
experience in full. All Saints’ Church,
Highcross Street, Leicester, LE1 4PH
Book online at www.vangoghexpo.co.uk
4
Winter 2019 | www.primarytimes.co.uk/Leicestershire

Georgia is the winner of the
Leicester-Shire
Music
Education
Hub
Are really excited to be able to
offer new singing opportunities
for young singers. Research has
proved that singing promotes
a general sense of wellbeing,
enhances learning retention,
language development, listening
skills and concentration but
most importantly It’s fun!!!
All groups are led by vocal
specialists and will focus
on improving vocal quality
and musical skills whilst
being engaging and fun with
opportunities to perform.
For more information about
dates and times visit the
www.leicestershiremusichub.
org where you will also find
details of lots of other musical
opportunities for young people.
The picture on the front cover
of this card was created
by Georgia Ptak.(aged 9), Burrelton Primary School
Christmas Card
Competition Winner!
Georgia Ptak Aged 9
(Primary Times Fife)
Every year Primary Times asks children to create the picture
for our Christmas Card. This year we received a sack full of
wonderful entries and we would like to thank you all for
taking the time to draw, colour, paint and
glitter your designs for us!
The winner of the competition is Georgia Ptak, Aged 9, who
will receive 50 Christmas cards made with
her design of a festive Igloo!
Wear A Funky
Scarf Day
24th January
2020
Charity Link works throughout
Leicester, Leicestershire, Rutland and
Northamptonshire to support local
people in hardship and crisis. They
provide emergency support such as
food and grants for utilities and also
provide essential items to improve
quality of life, including clothing
(including winter coats, boots, and
school uniforms), beds and cookers.
Did you know that for every £10 you
raise by supporting Wear a Funky
Scarf Day they will be helping to
provide £50 worth of essential items
for local people in need?
That means, if you raise £25 you could
actually provide a bed for a local
child in need to ensure they can a
comfortable, warm night’s sleep –
that’s pretty amazing!! All schools
that support and donate will receive a
thank you letter and certificate.
Find out more and how your school
can help at charity-link.org/getinvolved/events/wear-a-funkyscarf-day
Bodie Hodges
Foundation Santa
Fun Run
THIS ISN’T JUST ANY SANTA FUN
RUN on Sunday 15th December, the
Bodie Hodges Foundation are putting
on an all-inclusive wheelchair friendly
route fun run for all the family to
enjoy at the one and only Leicester
Racecourse.
And that’s not all! There will be a
Christmas village, Christmas food
(and mulled wine!) stalls, live on-stage
entertainment and the best bit every
paying participant will receive a Santa
suit to wear on the day!
Registration is from 1pm, fun run is at
2pm. The cost is £10 per adults, £5 per
child and under 3 go free.
To purchase your tickets, email
paul@bodiehodgesfoundation.co.uk
www.bodiehodgesfoundation.co.uk
Primary Times Leicestershire & Rutland
Beat the
winter bugs!
Here are some simple steps to
help your family stay well, and
avoid spreading infection to others
this winter.
To minimise the spread of coughs,
colds and the winter sickness bug
Norovirus, children should to wash
their hands regularly with soap
and warm water, especially after
using the toilet and before eating.
An alcohol-based hand gel is a
good alternative when you’re out
and about. Visit www.nhs.uk/livewell/healthy-body/best-way-towash-your-hands/
for more tips.
Remind children to use tissues
to trap germs when they cough
or sneeze and bin used tissues
as quickly as possible. Germs
can live on surfaces for 24 hours,
sometimes longer, so keep
antibacterial or disinfectant wipes
to hand.
Take advantage of the opportunity
for your child to have the nasal
flu vaccination in school - it’s
quick and painless! And if you’re
pregnant, you can have the flu
jab for free. Talk to your GP or
pharmacist.
Make sure your diet includes
a good balance of fruit and
vegetables, find ways to stay
active and ensure you get plenty
of sleep.
If children do come down with a
sickness bug, they should stay at
home for 48 hours after the last
episode of vomiting/ diarrhoea.
Give them plenty of water to drink,
and liquid paracetamol for fever
aches and pains. They do not need
to go to the GP or to Accident &
Emergency. However, if symptoms
last longer than a few days,
contact your GP or call NHS111.
Check out more germ-busting tips
and the Flu Heroes animation on
our Health for Kids website:
www.healthforkids.co.uk
NEWS
Supporting Families Bereaved Of A Child
www.primarytimes.co.uk/Leicestershire | Winter 2019 5

WHAT’S ON WHERE
WOW!
what’s on where
If you are looking for more inspiration, there
are many more events on our website
www.primarytimes.co.uk/leicestershire
1 Nov - 24 Dec
Real Christmas Trees
Bosworth Water Park CV13 6PD
www.bosworthwatertrust.co.uk
The perfect real ‘Christmas trees’ for you
and your family, they drop less because
they are farm fresh! You can choose your
tree while it is still in the ground. You can
even dig or cut it yourself — if you want to!
15 Nov - 6 Jan
15 Nov – 6 Jan
Christmas Wheel of
Light
Jubilee Square LE1 3LY
Extra fun for the festive season. Each
ride lasts for approximately 10 minutes,
in which you’ll rise to a dizzying 110 feet!
The wheel offers unparalleled views
around Jubilee Square and beyond,
and you can even catch a sneak peek
of all the twirling skaters in the nearby
ice rink. There are 24 covered gondolas,
each seating 6 people. Wheelchair access
is available to one of the gondolas
and assistance will be provided for
anyone using this gondola.
www.christmasinleicester.co.uk
26 Nov - 17 Dec
Baby and Toddler Group
New Walk Museum & Art Gallery
LE1 7EA
www.facebook.com/leicestermuseums
Every Tuesday. Calling all under 5’s… The
gallery is all yours! Fun, sensory play and
stories with our new baby and toddler
group. Look out for plenty of special events
and activities throughout the months
leading up to Christmas Baby Disco!
28 Nov - 30 Dec
Christmas at Belton
Belton House NG32 2LS
www.nationaltrust.org.uk
The magical, after-dark, illuminated trail.
The tree-tops will glisten and the gardens
will shimmer and sparkle. It’s definitely the
most wonderful time of the year to wander
beneath historic tree canopies drenched
in seasonal colour and dripping with
shards of light, frosty snowflakes, stars
and baubles.
29 Nov - 3 Dec
Meltons Christmas Tree Festival
St Mary’s Parish Church LE13 1AE
www.melton.leicester.anglican.org
Largest Christmas Tree Festival in
the country with more than 200
organisations taking part and more than
1300 magical trees!
30 Nov
Steam with the Team
Abbey Pumping Station LE4 5PX
www.abbeypumpingstation.org
Admission to museum galleries is free
but tours of the Beam Engine House are
via ticket only costing £5.00 per person
(Limited numbers per tour). After your
tour of the beam engines why not enjoy a
hot cuppa and a cake in the LMTA café, a
perfect end to a perfect day.
30 Nov
Family Workshops
Attenborough Arts Centre
LE1 7HA
FREE! Every Saturday during our
exhibitions are themed activities for the
whole family to get involved with. The
friendly workshop leaders will guide
you through a creative and hands-on
afternoon for fun tailoring for all ages –
so bring the whole family down!
www2.le.ac.uk/hosted/
attenborougharts
Guildhall Christmas Craft Fair
Leicester Guildhall LE1 5FQ
www.facebook.com/leicestermuseums
A unique Christmas shopping opportunity
in the medieval hall with city and county
stallholders showcasing a wide range of
arts and crafts stalls. Its a wonderful chance
to support not only your local heritage,
but local creatives as well! Plus childrens
activities and food available throughout the
weekend.
100% Vegan Xmas Special
New Market Square LE1 5HB
www.wheretovegan.co.uk
Where To Vegan have teamed up with
the Leicester City Council to bring you
the newest, free, irresistible, 100% vegan
monthly event! Expect Music, Food, Drinks,
Organic Products, Great Vibes and all in all
a Great Time!
6
Winter 2019 | www.primarytimes.co.uk/Leicestershire

Primary Times Leicestershire & Rutland
30 Nov - 1 Dec
Ashby Food Gusto Christmas Fair
Market Street, Ashby-de-la-Zouch LE65
www.foodgusto.com
What better way to get in the Christmas
spirit than nibbling your way around
the food-filled Market Street full of Hot
Food, Drink and Gift Ideas from Local and
Regional food producers and artisans, all
while listening to great local entertainment.
Family Workshop
The Gallery, De Montfort University
LE1 9BH
www.thegallery.dmu.ac.uk/learning
FREE! The sessions of hands-on creative
activity, inspired by the current exhibitions,
are aimed at ages 5-10 years but younger
siblings and participants are more than
welcome! Designed to inspire imaginations,
engage, challenge and spend some
creative time making and exploring
contemporary art as a family.
30 Nov - 24 Dec
Christmas Trail
Rutland Waterside Café LE15 8HD
www.anglianwaterparks.co.uk
Come along and enjoy our Christmas Trail,
following the clues to find some interesting
nature facts and claim your chocolate
reward and goodie bag! £5 per person
30 Nov - 1 Jan
Saturday Art Club
Various Locations LE1 2BA
www.visitleicester.info/whats-on/freesaturday-art-clubs
FREE! Every Saturday: Artists and students
will devise a different art project for children
to try and make in a fun two-hour art club
for all the family. From mosaics to murals,
painting to collages, you can have fun and
get as messy as you like. No need to book –
just turn up and have fun!
1 Dec
1 Dec
Clarendon Park
Christmas Fair
Clarendon Park LE2 1TU
Escape the City Centre rush and
enjoy your Christmas shopping while
supporting independent businesses
and local entrepreneurs. 50 stall selling
crafts, unique gifts, homemade food,
live entertainment, fairground rides for
the kids, and much more. You’re sure
to find the perfect gift for everyone on
your list!
www.christmasinleicester.co.uk
Santa Fun Run
Belvoir Castle
www.dovecottage.org
Choose between 3K, 5K or 10K, and run,
walk, skip or jump to raise funds for your
local hospice. All are welcome, including
your doggy, and routes are buggy and
wheelchair friendly. Join us for a festive
family fun day, and enjoy a snow blizzard,
best-dressed dog competition, games,
glitter tattoos, refreshments will also be
available. Registration includes a medal and
Santa suit.
Loughborough Santa Fun Run
Market Place LE11 3EA
www.santa-fun-run.co.uk
The annual Loughborough Santa Fun Run!
Join in the tide of spectacular red Santa’s
to run, walk or stroll on this 5km route.
Don’t forget to enter your pooch in the Best
dressed Dog Competiton!
Museum Shop Sunday
National Space Centre LE4 5NS
www.spacecentre.co.uk
A day dedicated to getting hands-on with
new crafts and skills, as well as discovering
more about our local creator community;
Families can take part in maker sessions
with each stall holder, to get hands-on with
making something amazing to take home.
5 Dec - 5 Jan
Real Ice Rink
Jubilee Square LE1 3LY
www.christmasinleicester.co.uk
The rink will have a clear roof so skaters
can show off their best moves come rain
or shine, plus a new feature this year is
an outdoor ice trail. The Jubilee Square
experience is crowned by the magnificent
Wheel of Light soaring above the skaters
giving people the best view of the
city’s lights.
6 Dec
Museum Minis: Toys
Market Harborough Library LE16 7LT
www.harboroughmuseum.org.uk
FREE! Session for two to five year
olds, which will offer a fun way to learn
through crafts and storytelling. Get ready
for Christmas with Toys! There will be
storytelling, historical Christmas facts and
simple crafts.
6 Dec - 8 Dec
Langham Christmas Festival
St Peter & St Paul Langham LE15 7JE
www.oakhamteam.uk
With Gala Concert in the church to open the
Festival on Friday, in addition to the display
in the church there will be workshops and
children’s activities running alongside on
Saturday, at 4pm on Sunday to close the
festival join the service of ‘Carols among the
Trees’ with all the old favourites and a few
new ones and get the season started -
all welcome!
7 Dec
Festive Fun
Hicks Lodge Visitor Centre LE65 2UP
www.lrwt.org.uk
Christmas crafts and games. Wildlife
Watch groups for children aged 5 -12
years. Children aged under 8 must be
accompanied by an adult.
Booking essential.
Broughton Astle
Christmas Fayre
Main Street LE9 6RD
www.broughtonalive.co.uk
From 4pm - 8pm, Light Switch on at 5pm.
Join in for a mince pie and mulled wine
(while they last!), come on down and
support your local shops and traders!
WHAT’S ON WHERE
SCROOGE
27TH, 28TH, 29TH & 30TH DECEMBER
December Kids
Pantomime
No need to book as these shows
are included in your admission or
FREE entry for Members!
FRIDAY 10TH JANUARY
SHOW 6.30PM
SATURDAY 11TH JANUARY
SHOW 6.30PM
SUNDAY 12TH JANUARY
SHOW 5.30PM
Adult £6.95
Child £4.95
Family £20
(2 adults & 2 children
or 1 adult & 3 children)
It’s time for
your Family
Pantomime!
Winter
WONDERLAND 2019
There are 13 dates
to choose from
30th November,
1st, 7th, 8th, 14th,
15th, 18th, 19th,
20th, 21st, 22nd,
23rd and 24th
December 2019.
Coming up at
CONKERS
A must for your Christmas calendar!
YOUR TICKET TO
WINTER WONDERLAND
INCLUDES A FULL DAYS
PASS ON THE DAY OF
YOUR VISIT TO THE
WHOLE OF CONKERS!
OPEN FROM
10AM DAILY
Discover Santa’s
Woodland Grotto through
the Enchanted Forest and the
Valley of Christmas Lights
Book online www.visitconkers.com
or call 01283 216633
CONKERS Rawdon Road (B586), Moira
Nr Ashby-de-la-Zouch, Derbyshire DE12 6GA
www.primarytimes.co.uk/Leicestershire | Winter 2019 7

Primary Times Leicestershire & Rutland
Winter Wonderland
Jubilee Square Ice Rink!
Thursday 5 December – Sunday 5 January
Get your skates on for a magical
month on real ice! The rink will have
a clear roof so skaters can show
off their best moves come rain or
shine, plus a new feature this year
is an outdoor ice trail. Skating aids
are available for younger skaters to
hire, making the ice rink great fun
The Gift of
Shoes
Looking for an alternative Christmas
gift? Something different rather than
toys? A stomp gift voucher makes a
great gift and very useful too! It’s not
just any voucher, because a visit to
stomp is special with the team striving
to make every visit as wonderful as we
can for every little stomper.
Don’t like to give a voucher? There are
wellies or raincoats or bags.
Check out www.stompfootwear.com
for more information.
and safe for all the family. There
will also be a number of quiet
sessions for those who need a
calmer environment plus themed
sessions, including the Filbert Fox
on Ice! Tickets are available now,
for further information go to
www.christmasinleicester.co.uk
Go Kids Go
Leicester’s exciting indoor play
and party centre. Why not take
the advantage of their fantastic
membership offer to make your
fun family day out much more
cheerful.
Toddlers go FREE* with their
Membership £9.99 per child for
3 months.
MON - FRI
(term time/off peak )
1-3 year old - FREE entry
4 years and above £3
SAT - SUN (Peak)
1-3 year old - £4.50
4 years and above £6.50
Adults: £1.95 each.
Register your membership today
to get discounts on your entry.
Go Kids Go, Unit 2,
Raw Dykes Road,
Leicester LE2 7JU.
0116 2556575
goto@gokidsgoleicester.co.uk
Santa’s got
a brand
new grotto,
at Archery
Legends
Santa is stopping off at Archery
Legends in Loughborough’s Great
Central Trading Park (across the road
from Great Central Railway).
You can Meet Santa! At the Archery
Legends grotto for the first three
weekends in December between
10am-1pm.
Santa’s Elves will only be charging £5
if booked online at
www.archerylegends.co.uk and
£6 on the door.
Price includes: Personalised time
with Santa (and post Christmas
wish in North Pole Post Box). Photo
opportunity in grotto (take pictures
with your own phone). Small mystery
gift from Santa.
Santa looks forward to seeing you
soon: Archery Legends, Unit 2,
Great Central Trading Park,
Great Central Road, Loughborough,
LE11 1RW. Tel: 01509 278 078
www.archerylegends.co.uk
Christmas
magic begins at
CONKERS every
festive season
Tread between the snow
covered trees for your family
experience to see Santa!
Make sure you’re wrapped
snuggly warm, ready for your
Elf adventure when you arrive
at Winter Wonderland’s ‘Elf
Stop’. Santa’s Chief Elf and his
team will lead you through the
Enchanted Forest to discover
Santa’s Woodland Grotto.
Adults each receive mulled
wine and mince pie, whilst
children can choose from the
yummy selection of Mrs Clauses
freshly baked cookies! Visitors to
CONKERS Winter Wonderland
also travel via Head Elf’s Twinkle
Toes Train, through to the 4D
Cinema, meet the Balloon Modeller
and watch our Christmas
shows and films. It’s sure to raise
your Christmas spirits when you
find the Snow Cave for Storytime
and Festive Activities!
info@visitconkers.com
01283 216 633
The UK’s Largest ‘Pick-Your-Own’
Christmas Tree Farm!
Bring the children to visit Santa and
his magical friends; set out on foot in
search of his Grotto along the winter
trail meeting his friends along the way.
A present is guaranteed for all boys
and girls… as long as they have been
good all year.
Firezeland’s Enchanted Grotto is
set in the heart of the UK’s largest
pick-your-own Christmas tree farm,
why not choose your ideal tree whilst
meeting Santa in his grotto, you can
even dig or cut it yourself!
www.christmas-tree-farm.co.uk
WINTER WONDERLAND
www.primarytimes.co.uk/Leicestershire | Winter 2019 9

Primary Times Leicestershire & Rutland
WHAT’S ON WHERE
Jubilee Square Ice Rink
GET YOUR SKATES ON
Enjoy a magical month on real ice. Bring your friends
and family - the more the merrier, as groups of four
or more receive a discounted price.
5 December – 5 January 2020
BUY TICKETS AT
christmasinleicester.co.uk
visitleicester
@visit_leicester
7 Dec
Charity Santa Paddle
Leicester Outdoor Pursuits
Centre LE4 5PN
The BIG Charity Santa paddle on the
River Soar! Dress for the weather on
the day - a Santa suit to wear over all
your clothes and your buoyancy aid.
We recommend GLOVES for everyone!
Minimum age 5.
www.lopc.co.uk
A Christmas Carol
Oakham Castle LE15 6DR
www.oakhamcastle.org
Chorus Theatre’s adaptation of Dickens
classic morality tale is expertly and lovingly
told by just one actor, and a myriad of
characters. The engaging narrative moves
seamlessly into action between characters
vividly portrayed by a simple change of hat,
cloak, prop and the endearing tiny puppet
of Tim.
7 Dec - 8 Dec
Victorian Christmas Weekend
Stonehurst Farm LE12 7AA
www.stonehurstfarm.co.uk
“An established event that’s a real family
favourite during the festive season; Santa
by a real log fire, stalls, gifts, food tasting,
carols, roasted chestnuts, mulled wine, live
nativity scene, children’s fair rides, farm
park open. Enjoy the atmosphere, sights,
and sounds,of a Victorian Christmas.”
7 Dec - 22 Dec
7 Dec - 22 Dec
Santa in the Square
New Market Square LE1 5HB
FREE! Come and visit Santa in the
Square! A wonderful experience for
children and families to visit with Father
Christmas at his beautifully decorated
Christmas grotto in New Market Square
- A truly magical experience!
www.christmasinleicester.co.uk
8 Dec
Christmas Toys & Steam Day
Abbey Pumping Station LE4 5PX
www.abbeypumpingstation.org
Start the festive season with a visit to the
Abbey Pumping Station Museum. Enjoy
listening to the Christmas music whilst
taking in the festive environment. When the
cold starts to bite come into the warmth and
enjoy the refreshments in the LMTA café.
Earth Friendly Christmas Decs
Anglian Water Birdwatching LE15 8BT
www.lrwt.org.uk
Make Christmas decorations from natural
and recycled materials and a Christmas
wreath for the birds in your garden. Wildlife
Watch groups for children aged 5 -12
years. Children aged under 8 must be
accompanied by an adult.
Booking essential.
The Muppet Christmas Carol
Leicester Guildhall LE1 5FQ
www.facebook.com/leicestermuseums
Enjoy this classic family film in the beautiful
surroundings of the medieaval Guildhall,
with a real roaring fire and a glass of mulled
wine (or hot chocolate!) and let the Muppet
characters tell their version of the classic
tale of an old and bitter miser’s redemption
on Christmas Eve.
Broughton Astley Santa Fun Run
Main Street LE9 6RD
www.broughtonalive.co.uk
Featuring “Catch the Christmas Pudding”;
First Adult and First Child to “Catch out
Pudding” will win a prize.
Melton Mowbray Santa Fun Run
Market Place LE10 1NT
www.meltonsantafunrun.co.uk
10.30am in Market Place for a warm-up with
the resident Healthy Elf. The Fun Run starts
at 11.00am. All age groups and abilities
welcome. Festive fancy dress, or wear your
Christmas jumper! There will be medals for
everyone sporting a festive theme. Wellbehaved
dogs (on leads) in fancy dress too
welcome too!
Christmas Market
Peepul Enterprise LE4 6DP
www.peepulenterprise.com
Enjoy a fun day with the whole family at our
Christmas Market!
Open Play Workshop
The Gallery, De Montfort University
LE1 9BH
www.thegallery.dmu.ac.uk/learning
FREE! Session is for babies and toddlers
aged 0-4, the drop in workshop will explore
the gallery through sensory and play
led activities.
8 Dec
Leicester Tigers JTC
Christmas Cracker
Premiership Suite, Welford
Road Stadium LE2 7TR
An afternoon of Christmas entertainment,
music, arts and crafts and the
chance to visit Santa in his grotto;
face painting, a jungle bouncy castle
and a Christmas disco to play all your
favourite party games. Includes one
soft drinks voucher and a special gift
brought all the way from the North Pole
from Santa.
www.leicestertigers.com/events
11 Dec
Katylou’s Winter Wonderland
Party
Burbage Common LE10
www.katylous.co.uk
Make some magical Reindeer food, play
10
Winter 2019 | www.primarytimes.co.uk/Leicestershire

in the ‘snow’, dance and sing to some
Christmas Songs, make a Christmas craft,
drink Hot Chocolate, have a festive snack
and play find the Snowman! You will also
get to meet the BIG MAN himself!
The Jungle Book
Oakham Castle LE15 6DR
www.oakhamcastle.org
“Raised by wolves since birth, young
man-cub, Mowgli is forced to leave his
jungle home when he is threatened by
Shere Khan, a terrifying tiger! Full of live
music, comedy, puppetry and energy, this
production explores the themes of growing
up and staying true to yourself. Ages 6+
Christmas Carol Concert
St. James the Greater Church LE2 1NA
www.leicesterhospitalscharity.org.uk
Featuring traditional carols and
performances from the Kibworth Ladies
Choir, Highs & Lows Children’s Diabetes
Choir and more! It’s the perfect way to
begin Christmas or remember a loved
one no longer with us in the majestic
surroundings of The Church of St James
the Greater!
12 Dec
Christmas Carols
Manor Farm Park & Woodlands
LE12 6LU
www.manorfarm.info
Join East Leake Community Choir for a
singalong. The choir will be handing out
song sheets and singing from 7.30pm until
8.45pm with a short interval. There will also
be craft stalls, mulled wine and mince pies
available to purchase, and a small selection
of hot food on offer.
14 Dec
Easy Saturday
LCB Depot LE1 1RE
www.facebook.com/LCBDepot
FREE! Family day with drop-in creative
activities for toddlers to ten-year-olds
(and their grown ups); enjoy a range of
workshops, including; music, growing,
building, drawing, dancing, printing, acting,
pottery, movie making, storytelling, cooking
and more!
Christmas Fete
Paradise Educational Farm Park
LE9 4JF
www.paradisefoundfarmpark.co.uk
Come along and meet Santa, Rudolph and
his pals. Enjoy some Christmas treats from
our Christmas menu whilst your little ones
play. Additional children’s rides and stalls
will be available too.
15 Dec
Family Festivities
Barnsdale Gardens LE15 8AH
www.barnsdalegardens.co.uk
Put on your Christmas jumpers and join us
for a family festive day of Christmas crafts,
festive quiz, raffle, guess the weight of the
Xmas cake and a delicious afternoon tea for
you and the children.
Festive Feast and Crafts
Market Place LE10 1BZ
www.facebook.com/feasthinckley
Exciting international street foods, warming
mulled wine and cider, local crafts, gifts
and collectibles and more. Local male
vocal group 4th Avenue will be performing
festive favourites throughout the day in
front of the town’s Christmas Tree and local
radio station Fosse 107 will be attendance.
Other entertainment includes a stilt-walking
Santa!
18 Dec
Christmas Party
360 Play LE19 1JZ
www.360play.co.uk
A fantastically festive evening to start your
Christmas celebrations at the home of fun!
21 Dec
Children’s Crafty Christmas Makes
Leicestershire Craft Centre LE16 7NJ
www.leicestershirecraftcentre.co.uk
A short course for kids – drop them off
while you finish your Christmas shopping.
They’ll have fun and come home with some
great Christmas makes. Age 7 upwards.
Leicester Tigers v Exeter Chiefs
Welford Road Stadium LE2 7TR
www.leicestertigers.com/events
The Christmas fixture is against Exeter
Chiefs; come and join the #TigersFamily
this Christmas!
24 Dec
Christmas Eve
Twinlakes LE13 1SQ
www.twinlakespark.co.uk
Everyone’s super excited for the big day
including Santa, Mrs Claus, the elves and
the Twinlakes festive team. Christmas Eve is
a pre-book only day. Wave Santa on his way
with a elf sized firework display at 4pm.
26 Dec
The Annual Plum Pudding
Mallory Park LE9 7QE
www.malloryparkcircuit.com
The Plum Pudding is the only race meeting
on the circuit calendar to feature two, three
and four wheels and is the ideal excuse for
the whole family to get up off the sofa and
away from those mince pies! Fresh air and
racing engines… fabulous!
Boxing Day Walk
Kedleston Hall DE22 5JH
www.nationaltrust.org.uk
Discover the variety of wildlife as well as an
insight into the history of the garden and
parklands. The walk will be over 4 miles so
please wear suitable outdoor clothing and
sensible footwear. This walk is aimed at
adults and older children due to the length
of the walk. Free but booking essential.
27 Dec - 30 Dec
Christmas ‘Game On’
Sudbury Hall DE6 5HT
www.nationaltrust.org.uk
Test your board game skills as they have
filled the rooms in the hall with interactive
game experiences for all to enjoy. Set within
the spectacular festive setting of Sudbury
Hall, complete all the games in the Sudbury
Christmas Compendium. Will you take on
the challenge and win a prize?
28 Dec
Festive Race Day
Leicester Racecourse LE2 4AL
www.facebook.com/leicesterraces
Come along and enjoy a day of top class
racing, followed by not one but THREE
brilliant tribute acts who will be performing
music by The Spice Girls, Pink and Bruno
Mars! Tickets are just £15 online and under
18’s go FREE!
Family Workshop
The Gallery, De Montfort University
LE1 9BH
www.thegallery.dmu.ac.uk/learning
FREE! The sessions of hands-on creative
activity, inspired by the current exhibitions,
are aimed at ages 5-10 years but younger
siblings and participants are more than
BYOB Comedy
Wednesday 11 December
12pm - 1.15pm
Lunchtime comedy club
for you and your little
one - a top night out
during the day!
Family Workshops
Every Saturday
1pm - 3pm
Free drop-in workshops
in our galleries, exploring
themes and materials
from our exhibitions.
Fafunia: Snowy Stories
Sunday 22 December
11am - 12.30pm and
1.30pm - 3.00pm
Come and play in a
Winter wonderland with
Enter Edem.
Merry Christmas
Celebrate the festive season at
Attenborough Arts Centre
www.attenborougharts.com
WHAT’S ON WHERE
www.primarytimes.co.uk/Leicestershire | Winter 2019 11

Inspire their passion for adventure with…
Bear Grylls
Primary Times teams up with Bear Grylls to discuss Mount Everest, building
confidence in children and his own adventure heroes.
Bear, we believe every child
should be able to dream big,
how does it feel to have achieved
your childhood dream of
climbing Mount Everest?
I was quite shy as a kid but loved to climb with
my Dad. I dreamt of climbing Everest aged 8
when my dad had given me a picture of the
mountain, and to have achieved it whilst he was
still alive meant so much. The summit of Everest
itself is extraordinary - small, like a coffee table,
and standing there was a feeling like no other.
How do you give your
children the confidence
to follow their dreams?
I have tried to pass on to my sons many of
the lessons from my late father. He taught
me to follow my dreams and that failure was
just a stepping stone to success. Inspiring
our kids and giving them the confidence and
skills to succeed is so important, which is why
we are setting up an exciting organisation
called BecomingX, to help everyone realise
their potential. BecomingX will be sharing the
powerful, often surprising life lessons from so
many of the world’s most inspiring people, from
Hollywood actors to global sports stars.
Can taking adventures help
build confidence in children?
Survival and adventure is not just about
knowledge and skills, it’s even more about
positivity, resourcefulness, courage and above
all determination. Pack a sense of humour and
embrace the unexpected.
Some parents will struggle to
travel to wild places, how can
they inspire a love of adventure?
The best thing we can do for our children is to
get outside and have an adventure with them -
even if it is just camping out or going for a hike
- it brings us close to our children. The outdoors
and an adventure shared gives kids confidence
and pride that money cannot buy.
Do you have any fitness
tips for busy parents of primary
school aged children?
I’ve recently launched a fitness provider
called Be Military Fitness – It is proving such
a powerful way to help veterans and regular
people achieve their fitness goals in a positive
community atmosphere. There’s always a park
for any busy parent to get to, the training is short
and the workouts can fit around any schedule.
Is there any military-style
exercises that young
children can enjoy?
You can’t beat stuck in the mud! The
Commandos ‘play’ in the clay mud estuary by
their training centre, it is brutal and very tiring!
You’ve visited some of the wildest
places on Earth – do you have a
message about conservation for
our readers?
It’s a fact that my programmes and adventures
are totally dependent on the existence of wild
places in the world, so I feel its part of my job
to highlight the importance of protecting our
planet. Whether that be taking President Barack
Obama to Alaska, to look at the effects of global
warming, or supporting charities such as Tusk
Trust in their mission to reduce ivory poaching. I
hope that my programming and books serve to
showcase the magnificence of nature and wild
locations and how we all have a duty of care to
protect our fragile planet
for generations
to come.
Who are your adventure heroes?
Well first off heroes come in all different
shapes and forms - there are those we publicly
celebrate for great achievement and for me
that would be the Antarctic explorer Douglas
Mawson - his story is amazing. But then
there are the many unsung heroes, quietly,
courageously edging their way forward, serving
others, being kind, often getting knocked
down but always getting back on their feet and
never giving up! That’s what makes a hero:
selfless positive attitude and rooted in kind
deeds for others. I encounter so many people
like this in my role as Chief Scout, such as the
many volunteers who help in thousands and
thousands of Scout groups every week around
the country. This for me is one of the many
great privileges of that role and to me they are
the real heroes.
Find out more about Bear Grylls exciting
new organisation BecomingX here:
www.becomingx.org

Primary Times Leicestershire & Rutland
welcome! Designed to inspire imaginations,
engage, challenge and spend some
creative time making and exploring
contemporary art as a family.
1 Jan
New Year’s Day Walk
St Wilfred’s Church DE73 7HB
www.lrwt.org.uk
Enjoy a refreshing walk to blow away
the cobwebs and discover water birds at
Barrow on Trent.
New Year’s Day Walk
Kedleston Hall DE22 5JH
www.nationaltrust.org.uk
The walk will encompass all three lodges
into Kedleston, a meeting with the resident
Dexter’s along with learning more about the
long and fascinating history of the parkland.
The walk will be approximately 5km, much
of it over uneven ground to many of the
lesser know and visited parts of the park.
4 Jan
Kids Run Free
Palmerston Way LE2 3YL
www.facebook.com/LeicesterKnighton
Come and join in the fun 9am at Kids Run
Free, suitable for all ages from toddlers to
teens, start with some fun games before
running 250 metre laps as many as you
want to! More laps lead to rewards. If you’ve
never been before just turn up with a drink
and dress to the weather conditions!
11 Jan
100% Vegan Special
New Market Square LE1 5HB
www.wheretovegan.co.uk
Where To Vegan have teamed up with
the Leicester City Council to bring you
the newest, free, irresistible, 100% vegan
monthly event! Expect Music, Food, Drinks,
Organic Products, Great Vibes and all in all
a Great Time!
12 Jan
Open Play Workshop
The Gallery, De Montfort University
LE1 9BH
www.thegallery.dmu.ac.uk/learning
FREE! Session is for babies and toddlers
aged 0-4, the drop in workshop will explore
the gallery through sensory and play led
activities.
25 Jan
25 Jan
Wear A Funky
Scarf Day
Charity Link
Donate an amount of your choice or
gain sponsorship for wearing your scarf
for the day and by doing so help to support
local people in hardship or crisis.
Find out more and how your school can
support Wear a Funky Scarf Day and
help to change lives
www.charity-link.org
Gorse Hill City Farm
Fundraising Gig
The Shed LE1 1UT
www.facebook.com/PhonoMediaUK
Sadly Gorse Hill Farm Park has lost it’s
funding, so are in need of support more
than ever to keep the farm open. Help
raise funds for the farm park and animals,
so that Leicester families and children still
get to see these wonderful animals. All day
musical event suitable for all ages.
Messy Play
Countesthorpe Village Hall LE8 5TB
www.facebook.com/littlemesssouthleicester
A variety of wet, soft and dry messy play
materials. It’s a great opportunity for your
little one to explore a variety of textures and
materials that may not be easily accessible
at home!
26 Jan
Zumbini Trial Class
The Old School LE12 8BL
www.facebook.com/ZumbiniWithSarah
Designed for children ages 0-4, and their
caregivers, Zumbini combines music and
movement to create the ultimate bonding
experience! Sing, dance, and play together
while developing your little one’s social,
cognitive, emotional and motor skills.
Booking essential.
1 Feb
Baby & Children’s Market
Rawlins Academy LE12 8DY
www.facebook.com/BabyandChildrens-
MarketEastMidlands
Mums and Dads selling lots of excellent
quality TOYS, books, clothes, pushchairs,
kids DVD’s, walkers, stair gates, play mats,
nursery furniture, bed linen, outdoor toys,
high chairs, car seats and so much more!
2 Feb
Steam Toys in Action
Abbey Pumping Station LE4 5PX
www.abbeypumpingstation.org
Come along to the the 28th year of this
popular event! See the Gimson Beam
Engines running plus many more miniature
steam engines, boats and trains will be on
display. The café will be open and rides will
be available on the narrow gauge railway.
Don't forget
to say you
saw it in
WHAT’S ON WHERE
Foremarke Hall, Repton
Preparatory School
“Excellent across
all categories”
MOST RECENT ISI INSPECTION
A boarding and day school for boys
and girls, aged 3 to 13 years. Centred
on a fine Georgian mansion and
surrounded by 55 acres of beautiful
grounds, Foremarke Hall inspires
and captures the imagination of
its children even before they have
walked through the door.
Key dates for January and February:
Year 7 Entrance Morning – Saturday
18th January 2020. Participate in a
lesson, spend some time with existing
pupils, as well as sitting academic
assessments.
Lower Prep Open Morning (Nursery
to Year 4) – Friday 24th January
2020. An opportunity to experience
Foremarke’s younger year groups
during a normal school day.
Open Morning – Saturday 1st
February 2020. Have a tailor made
school tour by Year 8 pupils.
Drama, Music and Sport Scholarship
Day – Monday 24th February 2020.
Foremarke Hall offers scholarships to
pupils entering Year 7 in Drama, Music
and Sport. Children will be given the
opportunity to take part in various
activities in their specialised area.
For more information on these
events or for general admission
queries please contact the
Registrar on 01283 707112 or email
registrar@foremarke.org.uk. Further
information can be found at
www.foremarke.org.uk
OPEN MORNING
SATURDAY 1 ST FEBRUARY 2020
9.00am until 11.30am
For further information or to register your attendance
please contact the Registrar on: 01283 707112 email
Registrar@foremarke.org.uk or visit foremarke.org.uk
www.foremarke.org.uk
@foremarkehall
www.primarytimes.co.uk/Leicestershire | Winter 2019 15

Primary Times Leicestershire & Rutland
SANTA’S GROTTO
Santa’s
Grotto
*Father Christmas is a magical chap and can
be in all sorts of places at many different times,
however please check websites for dates.
Pre-booking maybe essential!
15 Nov – 6 Jan
Christmas in
Leicester
City Centre LE1
Transformed into a magical Christmas
wonderland. The city’s streets will be
illuminated with over 16,000 sparkling
lights and a spectacular 52-foot tree,
with 2,000 twinkling pea lights and 900
baubles , will take centre stage at the
Clock Tower. The real ice rink will be in
Jubilee Square, snow-covered Santa’s
Christmas grotto in New Market Square,
Woodland Tales Christmas tableau in
Town Hall Square and so much more!
www.christmasinleicester.co.uk
20 Nov - 22 Dec
Santa’s at Belvoir
Engine Yard NG32 1PA
www.engineyardbelvoir.com
Santa will be once again stopping off at the
Engine Yard with his happy little helpers and
reindeer friends!
23 Nov - 24 Dec
Christmas at Palmers
Palmers Garden Centre
LE19 2BS
www.palmersgardencentre.co.uk
Breakfast with Santa in the company of
Santa, Mrs Claus and their Elves, once
you’ve tucked in to your delicious, freshly
prepared breakfast, Santa will arrive with
Mrs Claus. Join in the fun, frolics and
Christmas excitement. Visit our Santa’s
Grotto at Enderby where you’ll get to meet
and chat with Santa, his elves & Mrs Claus in
their cosy grotto, bring your best Christmas
jumper and take part in a sing-a-long with
Santa.
Santa Steam Trains
Great Central Railway LE11 1RW
www.gcrailway.co.uk
Santa has swapped his sleigh for a fun
filled journey on an enchanting steam train.
Ride on board our award winning Santa
Specials and let Father Christmas surprise
you with a an exciting present at your seat
and a chat with the man himself! We look
forward to welcoming you for some pure
festive magic.
Santa’s Grotto at Glebe
Glebe Garden Centre LE8 5QP
www.cherry-lane.co.uk
Take the Polar Express through a Christmas
world to arrive at Santa’s Grotto! Have fun
with the elves and meet Father Christmas
for a charming chat where you’ll receive a
special gift!
29 Nov
Lutterworth Christmas Lights
Switch On
Lutterworth Town Centre LE17
www.facebook.com/LutterworthTown-
Council
Packed with all the festive fun as in
previous years plus much more. Expect
Christmas favourites such as Santa’s grotto,
the fun fair, mulled wine, a hog roast and
lots to keep the family entertained including
on stage entertainment and the Christmas
Lights Switch On at 7.30pm. Fireworks
Display and Christmas Market.
29 Nov - 1 Dec
Melton Victorian Christmas
Market
Town Centre LE13
www.meltonmowbraychristmas
weekend.co.uk
Three full days of festive delight, make
a date to meet friends, bring the family,
start your Christmas shopping and soak
in the traditional Christmas experience.
Victorian Street Market, entertainment and
performers, street theatre, Santa’s grotto.
30 Nov
30 Nov
Friezeland’s
Enchanted Grotto
Bosworth Water Park
CV13 6PD
www.bosworthwatertrust.co.uk
Take a wonder through our magical
forest walk, meeting Santa’s friends
along the way. Reindeers, the
gingerbread family & many more will
greet your family along the wintery
path whilst you make you way to the
man himself! At the end of the walk
your children will be greeted by Father
Christmas in his nice warm grotto for a
chat and of course a gift.
www.bosworthwatertrust.co.uk
30 Nov - 24 Dec
30 Nov – 24 Dec
A Conkers
Christmas
Conkers DE12 6GA
Wrap up warm and get ready for a silly
Elf adventure as you arrive at Waterside
Winter Wonderland, where Santa’s
Chief Elf and his team will lead you
through the Enchanted Forest and the
Valley of Christmas Lights to discover
Santa’s Woodland Grotto. This is your
chance to tell Santa that you have been
good, and fingers crossed, he may
share some pre-Chrismas presents
www.visitconkers.com
Santa’s at Shackerstone
The Battlefield Line CV13 6NW
www.battlefieldline.co.uk
Meet Father Christmas on his train,
children receive a gift and parents festive
refreshments.
30 Nov- 23 Dec
Santas Tropical Wonderland
Tropical Birdland LE9 9GN
www.tropicalbirdland.com
Grab a lantern and take a magical stroll
down to Santa’s Grotto visiting all of his fairy
friends along the way, visit our amazing
Snow Queen in her Ice Cave. The Real
Macaw cafe will be open for light snacks
and refreshments.
5 Dec - 20 Dec
5 Dec – 20 Dec
Meet Santa!
Archery Legends
LE11 1RW
Santa has landed at Archery Legends
and he’s set up a grotto in the Dragon
Range! You’ll have a chance to make a
Christmas wish and put it in his Magical
North Pole Postbox, meet his reindeer,
have a hot chocolate and a photo
with Old St. Nick himself! Ticket price
includes personalised time with Santa,
photo opportunity in the grotto and a
mystery gift from Santa.
www.archerylegends.co.uk
7 Dec
Christmas Fayre and Grotto
Gorse Hill City Farm LE4 0FJ
www.gorsehillcityfarm.org.uk
Christmas Fayre and market at the farm.
Meet Santa and receive a small gift. Sing-along
Carols, raffles, face painting and more
fun for all the family.
7 Dec - 8 Dec
Winter Fair
Beaumanor Hall LE12 8TX
www.beaumanorhall.co.uk
Discover the true magic of Christmas as
the Victorian country house is transformed
to form a truly enchanting backdrop for
a traditional winter fair. The festive family
event promises to be a weekend packed
full of fun, memories and sparkle.
7 Dec - 12 Dec
Breakfast With Santa
Glebe Garden Centre LE8 5QP
www.cherry-lane.co.uk
Expect a fun-filled morning including
balloon modelling and magic, a meeting
with Santa, and a special present. Plus enjoy
a freshly-prepared delicious breakfast with
Santa and his elves!
7 Dec - 24 Dec
Christmas Magic
Manor Farm Park & Woodlands
LE12 6LU
www.manorfarm.info
Visit Santa in his woodland cabin to receive
a gift, see the reindeer and feed them a
tasty treat. Enjoy live animal Nativity in the
Christmas marquee. Write a letter to Santa
and post it in the woodland postbox. Make
reindeer food, join in the festive woodland
scavenger hunt and make Christmas toast
on the woodland campfire.
7 Dec – 22 Dec
Santa’s in the
Square
New Market Square
LE1 5HB
A wonderful FREE experience for
children and families to visit with Father
Christmas at his beautifully decorated
Christmas grotto in New Market Square
- A truly magical experience!
www.visitleicester.info
11 Dec - 19 Dec
Tea Time With Santa
Glebe Garden Centre LE8 5QP
www.cherry-lane.co.uk
There’ll be a fun festive hat to wear
and don’t forget to pull the cracker too,
whilst Santa’s helpers surround you with
entertainment at the table. Following Tea,
there’s balloons and magic before the big
countdown to Santa’s arrival.
16 Dec - 24 Dec
Gates’ Grotto
Gates Garden Centre LE15 7QB
www.gatesgardencentre.co.uk
Santa visits Gates Garden Centre every
year from the end of November right up
until Christmas Eve and, once again, Santa
will be bringing along his live Christmas
reindeer for you to meet! Stroll through a
magical winter wonderland before visiting
Santa in his Grotto.
18 Dec - 22 Dec
Santa’s at Hinckley
Britannia Centre LE10 1DD
www.hinckleybid.co.uk
All the way from Lapland, Hinckley BID
is flying Santa and his helpers to their
amazing magical Grotto at Britannia Centre.
£2 entry per child with free admission to
under 3’s. Every child will get to meet Santa
and receives a little Christmas gift.
20 Dec
20 Dec
Santa’s in Space!
National Space Centre
LE4 5NS
A very special pre-Christmas Small
Space day, including a visit from a
very jolly chap on route from the North
Pole! Our friends at NORAD are getting
ready to track Santa as he heads off,
delivering gifts to all the children
around the world; with songs, stories,
games and the whole Centre for the
under 5s to explore.
www.spacecentre.co.uk
21 Dec - 22 Dec
Santa’s Castle Grotto
Oakham Castle LE15 6DR
www.oakhamcastle.org
Take a magical, storytelling journey or join in
some of the craft activities before meeting
Santa in his grotto to share your Wish list
and receive your very own gift from his
toy shop.
16 Winter 2019 | www.primarytimes.co.uk/Leicestershireicestershire

Christmas greetings
from Kip McGrath
Term 1 is almost over and now we
have the excitement of Christmas.
This long term has seen your
child learn so many new things at
school but perhaps you have some
concern about your child’s progress.
Wouldn’t it be great if there was
someone you could rely on to help
your child individually; somewhere
you could take your child for 1-2-1
support; a method that could not only
improve their achievement but also
boost their confidence and encourage
them to work independently.
This is what we offer at Kip McGrath
for Maths and English. Your child
will be assessed so that you can be
assured that they will be taught at
a level appropriate for them. Your
child will be taught by a qualified
teacher who will quickly get to know
your child and understand their
strengths and areas for improvement.
Your child will be taught in safe and
friendly surroundings so that they gain
confidence and improve achievement.
You can rely on Kip McGrath’s vast
experience and stimulating resources
to bring back the enjoyment into
learning and see scowls and tears
turning into smiles and laughter.
Kip McGrath could be just what you
need for your child. Your local Centres
are Hinckley, Loughborough and
newly opened Leicester West. Please
see our advert for contact details and
book your Free Assessment.
www.kipmcgrath.co.uk
WHERE
• Ball pool
• Obstacles
• Snake forest
• Trampolines
• Fun brick house
• Spider web climber
• Multi-lane wave slide
• Spiral slides
• And more...
Parklands Play World
parklandsinfo@everyoneactive.com
Opening Times
Monday to Sunday 9:30am – 6pm
B582
HAS FUN!
Wigston Road
B582
at Parklands
Leisure Centre
Washbrook Lane
Wigston Road
Washbrook Lane
B582
Washbrook Lane
FUN CLIMB!
Fun, Play, Challenge
Fun Climb is an action packed activity
with 18 large, individually themed
climbing challenges. Our facility
provides healthy, challenging fun for
everyone from beginner to expert!
From pre-school kids to recycled teenagers,
everyone will love the physical and mental
challenges that Fun Climb provides.
Contact Parklands Leisure Centre
on 0116 272 0789 to book!
Play areas are suitable for children up to and including 12 years. All children must be supervised by a parent or adult over 18 years. Socks must be worn at all times. Last admission: 45 minutes before closing. Fun Climb suitable from four years upwards
(Under 8s must be accompanied by an adult). Everyone Active manages this facility in partnership with Oadby & Wigston Borough Council.
www.primarytimes.co.uk/Leicestershire | Winter 2019 17

Primary Times Leicestershire & Rutland
LOOPY LIBRARY
Q: What happens
when a frog’s
car breaks down?
A: He gets
toad away
Q: What is a
cat’s favourite
movie?
A: The sound of
mew-sic!
Q: What do you
call a slow ski
instructor?
A: SNOW COACH!
(Cathy aged 5)
Q: What do you
call a gorilla
wearing ear-muffs
A: Anything he
can’t hear you
Email your
jokes to:
leics@
primarytimes.co.uk
18
Winter 2019 | www.primarytimes.co.uk/Leicestershire

Save the Children’s
Christmas Jumper Day
It’s the start of the Christmas term
and all the Christmas razzmatazz will
be on us before we know it. Save the
Children’s Christmas Jumper Day is
back on the 13th December.
So mark the date in your school diary,
sign up for your free fundraising pack.
Swap your blazer for a Christmas
jumper. There’s no need for new
jumpers - jazz up old knits or hold a
jumper swap at school.
Your pupils will love seeing teachers
tinseled and class mates Christmassy.
And remember, by joining in the
festive fundraising, you’ll make sure
children across the world have big
futures to look forward to.
Sign up now at
www.christmasjumperday.org and
they’ll send you a free fundraising
pack bursting with festive inspiration.
From stickers to fundraising ideas,
they’ve got everything you need to
plan pullover perfection.
Free trial available
office@frenzyyouththeatre.co.uk
Loughborough, ashby
& birstall
Drama classes ages 2-18
www.frenzyyouththeatre.co.uk
Come and join all the fun
at Frenzy Youth Theatre!
Frenzy Youth Theatre is a
dynamic theatre company
with the emphasis on
imagination and the
power of play. Their
classes allow youngsters
to explore creatively
in a non-competitive
environment whilst having
lots of fun! All lesson plans
are written by a qualified
Drama Teacher and they
have Frenzy Franchises in
Loughborough, Ashby and
Birstall. Contact Frenzy today to book your trial - they look forward to welcoming
you into the Frenzy Family! www.frenzyyouththeatre.co.uk
www.primarytimes.co.uk/Leicestershire | Winter 2019 19

0231513
Primary Times Leicestershire & Rutland
BOX OFFICE
Box Office
Your family
theatre guide...
Attenborough Arts Centre
www2.le.ac.uk/hosted/
attenborougharts
Fafunia: Snowy
Stories
22 Dec
Pay what you think. Suitable for all
ages. Spend time in the magical land of
Fafunia, in an interactive puppetry and
storytelling experience where anything
is possible. Explore a forest of fairies
during Autumn, or come and play in
a Winter wonderland of snowflakes
and stars.
www2.le.ac.uk/hosted/
attenborougharts
26 Jan
Moonbeam on a Cat’s Ear
Suitable for ages 3+. Visual adventure
with puppetry, movement, and music.
In the middle of the night Rosie, Toby ,
the cat and the mouse sneak out to play
in the shadow of the apple tree. When
Toby steals the moon from the sky they
go on an adventure across the stars and
the sea. But, was it all just a dream?
Century Theatre
www.centurytheatre.co.uk
5 Dec
0231512
TICKET
TICKET
Snow White
Vienna Festival Ballet presents this
classic tale; come to life in the form of
a ballet it has to be the most enjoyable
and spectacular way of viewing it.
Dick Whittington
14 Dec - 15 Dec
A bigger, better panto at the Century
Theatre? Oh yes it is! Full of audience
participation, goodies, baddies and
singing and dancing. A full 2 hours of
fun! Great songs, stunning choreography,
sparkly scenery and fabulous
costumes. An original, laugh-a-minute
script with lots of audience participation:
everything on the pantomime
wish list!
www.centurytheatre.co.uk
Concordia Theatre
www.concordiatheatre.co.uk
15 Dec
The Wizard of Oz
Presented by Ballet Theatre UK: Follow
the yellow brick road and discover all the
wonders of Oz. Enjoy Dorothy, the Scarecrow,
Tinman, and Lion, (and yes Toto
too) as they seek the Wonderful Wizard
to find that there’s no place like home!
9 Jan - 1 Feb
Aladdin and his Wonderful Lamp
A madcap journey to ancient China
to meet Aladdin and the rest of the
Twankey Family. Follow Aladdin’s quest
to win the heart of the beautiful Princess
Balroubadour – first he needs to find
wealth by finding a Magical Lamp! Join
the Pantomime Company on a magic
carpet ride to a spectacular production!
Ages 3+.
ous singing, this breath-taking event will
present the choirs’ impressive musicality
and inspirational narratives
Giraffes Can’t
Dance
9 Dec - 31 Dec
Gerald the Giraffe longs to go to the
great Jungle Dance, but how can he
join in when he doesn’t know how to
tango or two-step? Everyone knows
that giraffes can’t dance! But with a
little help from a wise and kind cricket,
Gerald discovers his rhythm – because
sometimes when you’re different, you
just need a different song!
www.curveonline.co.uk
20 Dec - 21 Dec
The Lost Present
It’s Christmas Eve, and having tumbled
to earth through the night sky, Elva sets
out on a journey to find her best friend –
a little girl she hasn’t even met yet. Has
the lost present got what it takes to find
her way through the cold winter night?
Will she arrive in time for Christmas
morning? Will Elva be everything the
little girl wished for?
De Montfort Hall
www.demontforthall.co.uk
Aladdin
Conkers
www.visitconkers.com
27 Dec - 30 Dec
Scrooge
Put yourself in Ebenezer Scrooge’s
shoes for a moment... You’ve had a really
hard day doing what misers do, making
lots of money and lots of people’s lives
miserable as a result, especially those of
your office clerk Bob Cratchit, and your
Housekeeper, Dame Scratchit.
Be dazzled with a classic story
beautifully retold!
14 Dec - 5 Jan
Join in with this traditional family
pantomime full of songs, laughter, fun,
baddies, silliness – and lots of custard
pies! Starring X Factor winner Sam
Bailey, popstar Antony Costa from Blue,
Channel 5 Milkshake! presenter Nathan
Connor, BBC Radio Leicester’s Martin
Ballard, Paul Burling from Britain’s Got
Talent and magicians Matthew Pomeroy
and Natasha Lamb!
www.demontforthall.co.uk
10 Jan - 12 Jan
Jack and the Beanstalk
It’s the summer fair in the peaceful
kingdom of Ambrosia, but dark days
are ahead. The Giant and his henchman
Fleshcreep have taken over the country,
and are busy raising taxes. The King
and his subjects are facing bankruptcy.
They need a hero! But who? Packed with
great songs, amazing dance routines
and plenty of laughter!
Curve Theatre
www.curveonline.co.uk
30 Nov
Festival of Choirs
Inspiring and uplifting audiences with
their vocals, the widely popular Festival
of Choirs returns to Curve for its seventh
year; bringing together local community
gospel choirs for an evening of harmoni-
Haymarket Theatre
www.haytheatre.com
28 Nov
The Nutcracker
Snow flurries, sweets, princes, magic
and love are just some of the elements
that will be brought together by this
renowned Russian company. A highly
accessible ballet, full of familiar music
such as the Waltz of the Flowers and the
Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy. The Nutcracker
is an eternal seasonal favourite!
Little Theatre
www.thelittletheatre.net
13 Dec - 5 Jan
Robin Hood
With all the traditional panto pandemonium
wrapped up in beautiful costumes
20
Winter 2019 | www.primarytimes.co.uk/Leicestershire

and stunning scenery, join in the
merrie-making and revel in the festive
spirit. The story of men in tights! What’s
not to like!
Loughborough Town Hall
www.loughboroughtownhall.co.uk
Jack and the
Beanstalk
FROM THE AWARD-WINNING PRODUCERS OF GANGSTA GRANNY!
BOX OFFICE
Jack & The
Beanstalk
15 Dec
A GIANT of a pantomime! Fe Fi Fo Fum,
watch out Mountsorrel cause here we
come! This panto-crime is spookable
for the whole family! Join our Hero
Buttons as he tries to save the day and
ensure any Panto Villains are sent back
to jail!
www.mountsorrelmemorialcentre.co.uk
Peepul Enterprise
peepulenterprise.com
23 Nov - 5 Jan
Fee Fi Fo Fum…Loughborough Town
Hall is in for some fun... Dame Trott and
her family have been selling Ice Creams
at the annual Luffbra fair for as long as
anyone can remember. But when the
ginormous giant puts the rent up the
family are forced to sell their beloved
cow Pat for just a handful of beans. Can
Jack get his head out of the clouds long
enough to save the day?
www.loughboroughtownhall.co.uk
Melton Theatre
www.meltontheatre.co.uk
30 Nov - 7 Dec
Beauty and the
Beast
9 Dec
A magical pantomime production for all
the family filled with fun, laughter, audience
participation and not forgetting
the talented cast they will have waiting
for you.
www.peepulenterprise.com
Wednesday 4 -
Sunday 8 March
demontforthall.co.uk 0116 233 3111
The Snow Queen
A frozen pantomime presented by
Trevonne Stage School.
9 Dec - 10 Dec
Uppingham Theatre
www.uppinghamtheatre.co.uk
11 Dec - 14 Dec
Scrooge
BMC performing arts students presents
it’s annual pantomime show for all the
family, with songs, dances, a lot of
laughs and the occasional fright! Come
and see if Scrooge learns his lesson or is
it really all humbug?!
Scrooge
Performed by Seaton Starlights: The
elderly miser who is visited by the ghost
of his former business partner Jacob
Marley and the spirits of Christmas Past,
Present and Yet to Come.
13 Dec - 21 Dec
Jack and the Beanstalk
Starring Coronation Street and Dancing
On Ice star “Steven Arnold”, panto
Favourite “Stuart Earp” as Jack and back
by popular demand “Bessie McMillan”. A
GIANT of a Pantomime, full of beans and
packed with “Fee, Fi, Fo, FUN!”
26 Jan
Dance Lobo at the Movies
A family show for all; come and be
swept away in an afternoon of dance
with Dance Lobo at the Movies. Children
as young as 3 years to adults will take
to the floor to perform ballroom, Latin
American and freestyle routines to some
of the most loved movie music.
Mountsorrel Memorial Centre
www.mountsorrelmemorialcentre.co.uk
19 Dec - 21 Dec
Beauty and the Beast
Sometimes inner beauty is hard to find…
when a horrible, selfish Prince is cursed
by The Enchantress to a life as a Beast,
everything changes for him, and he must
earn the true love of another in order for
the curse to be broken. But who could
love a Beast…? A magical pantomime
with fun and laughs for the whole family.
Y Theatre
www.leicesterymca.co.uk
30 Nov
Leicester’s Got Talent 2019
Uniting young people of Leicester by
bringing the community together in
an environment which is welcoming
and safe. The competition gives young
people an opportunity to share their passions
and creativity with people whilst
also helping to build their confidence
and have their talent recognised by a
wider audience.
12 Dec
Sleeping Beauty
The lovely Princess Rose, is cursed by
a wicked fairy who was not invited to
her christening. Can she be saved from
the curse? Is there a handsome prince
out there who will fall in love with her?
Can the forest of thorns be beaten? 100
years is a long time to wait to findout!
21 Dec
Jack’s Giant Adventure
Join the adventure as Jack and his mum,
Dame Trott, try to come up with enough
money to pay the greedy Mr Nick Alott
and stop themselves from being evicted.
A fun filled pantomime, with original
music and loads of energy.
www.primarytimes.co.uk/Leicestershire | Winter 2019 21

COMPETITION TIME
Win!
WIN!
To enter these competitions please go to...
www.primarytimes.co.uk/leicestershire/competitions or
via Facebook at www.facebook.com/primarytimesleicestershire
WIN!
Jump aboard the magic carpet
this Christmas…
Join us for this traditional family pantomime full of songs,
laughter, fun, baddies and silliness! Starring X Factor winner
Sam Bailey and popstar Antony Costa from Blue, as well as
Channel 5 Milkshake! presenter Nathan Connor, BBC Radio
Leicester’s Martin Ballard, Paul Burling from Britain’s Got Talent
and magicians Matthew Pomeroy and Natasha Lamb.
To enter, just answer the following question:
Which television competition did Sam Bailey win?
A) X Factor B) Strictly Come Dancing
C) Britain’s Got Talent
*Prize* Four Tickets For Aladdin Saturday 14 December, 5pm
Closing date – 6/12/19
Four tickets to Jubilee Square
Ice Rink
Get your skates and enjoy a magical month on real ice!
Come rain or shine you can glide gracefully under the clear
roof and little ones won’t be left out of all the fun, skating aids
are available to hire, making the ice rink safe and great fun for
the whole family.
To enter, just answer the following question:
What dates is the ice rink open?
Find the answer on christmasinleicester.co.uk
(Tickets – 2 adult and 2 children, or 1 adult and 3 children)
Closing date – 10/12/19
WIN!
WIN 1 of 4 spaces to
Munchkins Madness*
Includes squash & cookies
at Megazone Leicester
A Pantomime Family Ticket
WIN A FAMILY TICKET* to enjoy the magic of Pantomime this
festive season at the Peepul Centre. Beauty and the Beast runs
Monday 9th December 2019 to Thursday 26th December 2019.
Tickets are now on sale via the website
www.peepulenterprise.com or call the Box Office on
0116 2616000 for further information
To enter, just answer the following question:
Which flower is most associated with Beauty and the Beast
A) A. Orchid B) Rose C) Daffodil
* Family Ticket consists of 2 adults & 2 child/concession. family ticket valid for shows
15th December – 26th December.
Closing date – 12/12/19
* For children aged 6 -14 years - Munchkins runs on Sat/Sun 10-12
To enter, simply answer this question:
WHAT DAY DOESN’T
MUNCHKIN MADNESS RUN ON?
(A) SATURDAY (B) WEDNESDAY (C) SUNDAY
Send your answer along with your name and contact details
to competitions@writeplacemedia.co.uk
Please state MEGAZONE10 in the email subject header only
Closing date for entries 11/12/2019
www.megazoneleicester.co.uk
22
Winter 2019 | www.primarytimes.co.uk/Leicestershire

Win!
WIN!
To enter these competitions please go to...
www.primarytimes.co.uk/leicestershire/competitions or
via Facebook at www.facebook.com/primarytimesleicestershire
WIN!
COMPETITION TIME
A Family Ticket to CONKERS
Winter Wonderland
Become immersed in the magic of Christmas as your family
steps between the illuminated trees through snow paths
with Mulled Wine and Mince Pies in hand.
This Christmas, families visiting CONKERS Winter
Wonderland can also explore the whole of CONKERS,
including its 4D Cinema with Christmas theme and
indoor snow!
To enter, just answer the following question:
Who is Santa’s wife
A) Mrs Christmas B) Mrs Claus C) Mrs Winter
Ticket is for Saturday 14th or Sunday 15th December either
10.30am or 6.00pm
Closing date – 9/12/19
Going Christmas crackers
for Archery
Archery Legends is a one-of-a-kind indoor archery activity
centre for everyone who would like to try shooting a bow
and arrow.
We’ll help you find out if you have what it takes to become
an Archery Legend.
Designed for individuals, groups, birthday parties, team
building. No experience necessary. Ages 7+
To enter, just answer the following question:
Robin Hood loves Christmas, but what is the old English
word for Christmas?
A) Yodel B) Yule C) Yankeedoodle
Closing date – 13/12/19
WIN!
WIN!
A family ticket to see Jack and
the Beanstalk
Fee Fi Fo Fum...Loughborough Town Hall is in for some fun!
The team behind the 2018 five star smash-hit Beauty and
the Beast are back with the BIGGEST panto of them all with
marvellous moo-sic, cow-ntless costumes and an udderly
ridiculous dame with giant-sized jokes!
To enter, just answer the following question:
What does Jack have to climb to head up in to the clouds?
A) Ladder B) Beanstalk C) Stairs
Closing date – 11/12/19
Free entry for 1 child and 1 adult
Go Kids Go is Leicester’s exciting indoor play and party centre.
We aim to provide safe and fun family entertainment. We have
a range of interactive games and activities such as Lazer arena,
Rope-a-phobia, Climbing trees, bouncing castle, three tier play
frame, sega games and much more. Please visit Go Kids Go
where family fun never stops!
To enter, just answer the following question:
Which of these activities is not present at Go kids Go
A) Go Karts B) Lazer Tag C) Climbing walls
D) Swimming pool
Winners will receive a free entry for 1 child and 1 adult .
Valid any day for 3 months from the date of winning.
General T&C and rules of play apply.
Closing date – 11/12/19
www.primarytimes.co.uk/Leicestershire | Winter 2019 23