Category: Family

Festival of Friendship

Epsom and Ewell Borough Council Announces First-Ever Festival of Friendship – Ukraine

From 27 January to 1 February, Epsom and Ewell Borough Council is proud to partner with Epsom and Ewell Refugee Network, Epsom Library, and Epsom Picturehouse to host the borough’s first Festival of Friendship – Ukraine.

This week-long celebration will showcase traditional Ukrainian crafts, music, and cultural heritage, while highlighting the friendships formed between Ukrainian nationals who have settled in the borough and the local community that has welcomed them.

The festival offers a vibrant programme of exhibitions, workshops, films, and live performances, all designed to share Ukrainian culture and foster community connections.

Epsom & Ewell Borough Council has worked with partners to curate and run a week of workshops as part of the Festival of Friendship – Ukraine.

Key Highlights:

      • Free Workshops and Exhibitions at Epsom Library, including Ukrainian block printing, paper cutting art, wool crafts, and beading. Spaces are limited; please arrive early to secure your spot. All materials provided.
      • Film Screenings at Epsom Picturehouse, accompanied by live Ukrainian music performances. Tickets available via the Epsom Picturehouse website.
      • Children’s Activities, including a treasure hunt, face painting, and a special Paddington Bear appearance, at Epsom Library.

Ewell Epsom councillor Clive WoodbridgeSpeaking of the upcoming festival, Councillor Clive Woodbridge, Chair of the Community and Wellbeing Community said,

“The Festival of Friendship – Ukraine is a heartwarming celebration of culture and community spirit, it brings together Ukrainian nationals and local residents through shared traditions, crafts, music and friendship. Events like this remind us that kindness and mutual understanding are at the heart of a thriving borough—thank you to everyone helping to make this festival possible.”

The Festival of Friendship – Ukraine supports the three strategic pillars of the council’s Arts, Culture and Heritage Strategy by nurturing creative talents within our community, increasing access to creativity for all and championing economic growth via creative industries. The Festival of Friendship – Ukraine also delivers against the strategic aim of the council’s Health and Wellbeing Strategy which seeks to improve the mental and emotional wellbeing of residents.

Jo Sherring, Lead from Epsom & Ewell Refugee Network added,

“Epsom & Ewell Refugee Network are delighted to partner with Epsom & Ewell Borough Council, Epsom Library and Epsom Picturehouse to create this celebration of our friendship with Ukrainian nationals who live in our community.  Since the start of the war in Ukraine in 2022, we have been working with Ukrainian nationals who fled to the UK, helping them access work, housing, schools and community.  Their courage, resilience and determination have been an example to us. As we have helped them to navigate life in the UK, we have enjoyed building friendships and learning about their culture and traditions.

The Festival of Friendship is a chance for our Ukrainian friends to share their traditions and culture with the local community with activities happening during the week. We hope you will find time to join us during the week to be part of this celebration.”

Festival Timetable Highlights:

      • Tuesday 27 January: Opening Celebration at Epsom Library; Ukrainian craft workshops and exhibitions.
      • Thursday 29 January: Performance by Renaissance Choir and screening of Rocky Road to Berlin at Epsom Picturehouse.
      • Sunday 1 February: Music from Yuliia Komyshan (Ukrainian Bandura) followed by screenings of Sanatorium and Home for Ukraine at Epsom Picturehouse

Information correct at the time of release but please check the website for the most up-to-date information.

For full details and booking information, visit: Festival of friendship – Ukraine | Epsom and Ewell Borough Council.

Hobble’ween Returns for Spooktacular Half-Term Fun

This October half-term, the award-winning farm, zoo and adventure park Hobbledown will be transformed into a world of magical mischief, spooky surprises and family fun as Hobble’ween returns from Saturday 25th October to Sunday 2nd November 2025. Families can look forward to a packed programme of immersive activities, live entertainment , hair-raising fun – all included with standard admission.

A Frightfully Fun Line-Up

From bug eating and monster discos to creepy crawlies and mischievous skibblers, Hobble’ween is packed with frightfully good fun for families seeking memorable moments together:

  • • Hobble’ween Storytime – Gather round for enchanting tales from the Hobblers’ world.
  • • Skibbler School – Join the prank-loving Skibblers and master their mischievous ways, from silly walks to cackling laughs.

     

  • • Monster’s Ball – A family-friendly party where fancy dress is strongly encouraged and monster moves are a must.

     

  • • Bug Brunch – Daredevils can sample real dried bugs and gain the title of Bug Champion.

     

  • • Hobble’ween Trail – Explore the park, hunt for hidden clues and reveal the secret word to claim a sweet prize.

     

  • • Skibbler Passport – Collect stickers throughout your visit and trade in your completed passport for a sweet treat – no tricks, just treats.

Add-on Adventure: Trick or Treat Maze Challenge
For just £6 per child, little explorers can brave the Trick or Treat Maze Challenge, held daily at 10:30am to 11:30am and 3:00pm to 4:00pm. Work with the Hobblers to solve the mystery and claim your treats.

Hobbledown Hobble’ween is open from 25th October to 2nd November 2025. Tickets start from £17.50pp when booked in advance online. For more information and to book, visit: https://www.hobbledown.com/epsom/whats-on/hobbleween-at-hobbledown/.

 

2 Theme Parks For The Price of 1

Running till the 17th August, the Twice the Fun offer allows guests to plan two unforgettable days out for the price of a single ticket at one of four of UK’s top theme parks including Alton Towers Resort, LEGOLAND® Windsor Resort, Chessington World of Adventures Resort, and Thorpe Park.

Families can mix and match their visits across these parks or visit the same one twice, with the flexibility to redeem their second visit at any point before 30th September 2025.

Schools out for the summer! But for many parents that means a full six weeks of keeping the kids entertained which can be a daunting prospect. Fear not, Merlin is here to lend a helping hand in the form of its new money saving offer giving guests the chance to enjoy two of the UK’s top theme parks, for the price of one which means double the fun.

Running till the 17th August, the offer allows guests to plan two unforgettable days out for the price of a single ticket at one of four UK’s biggest and best-loved theme parks including the LEGOLAND® Windsor Resort, Alton Towers Resort, Chessington World of Adventures and Thorpe Park.

Whether you’re building memories brick by brick, roaring into action, or flipping out on record-breaking coasters, there’s a world of fun waiting, and with four parks to choose from, families can mix, match, or double down on their favourite.

Guests can simply purchase their Twice the Fun tickets online at the park’s website to unlock free entry to a second day out. And the best part?  Families can extend the summer fun with the flexibility of visiting the second theme park until 30th September.

For the thrill seekers, a stop at Alton Towers Resort is a must. From heart-racing coasters to joy-filled moments that become lifelong memories, there’s no feeling like it! Dive into epic adventures, explore fantastical worlds, take on the world’s first 14-loop rollercoaster, and brave Toxicator – the brand-new ride for 2025 at Alton Towers Resort. Find out more at  https://www.altontowers.com/ . 

Can’t get enough? Head to Thorpe Park, the ultimate destination for high-adrenaline fun. Brave the Big Six coasters, including Hyperia – the UK’s tallest and fastest rollercoaster – or cool off on epic water rides like Tidal Wave, with its jaw-dropping splash! It’s the perfect spot for thrill seekers. See https://www.thorpepark.com/ for details.

Dive into unmissable family fun at Chessington World of Adventures with wild rides for all ages and come face-to-face with over 1,000 majestic animals across Chessington Zoo & SEA LIFE Aquarium. Race through the Jumanji jungle on Mandrill Mayhem and step into the pages of your favourite storybook with The Gruffalo River Ride Adventure, before staring wide-eyed at a tower of Rothschild’s giraffe. Head to https://www.chessington.com/ to find out more.

There’s no better way to cool off this summer than the LEGOLAND® Windsor Resort where families can splash about at Drench Towers or slide into fun at Splash Safari. The thrill seekers can experience the world’s first LEGO® duelling rollercoaster, Minifigure Speedway, a high-energy race full of twists and turns. Whether you’re a high-flyer, wave rider, or master builder-in-the-making, there’s something awesome for every adventurer. Visit https://www.legoland.co.uk/ for more details.

“We know how much families value quality time together over the summer, and Twice the Fun is our way of making those magical moments go even further,” said Sabrina de Carvalho – Senior Vice President, Managing Director, UK at Merlin Entertainments. “With two visits for the price of one, it’s double the fun, double the laughs, packed with thrills, chills and smiles for miles!”

Whether you want to discover somewhere new or revisit your favourite theme park again, this is the ultimate summer deal to enjoy two days of thrills for the price of one.

So why wait? Pack your bags and get ready for the ultimate ride of your life!

To book your ticket and get a second visit to another theme park for free, visit one of the following sites the LEGOLAND® Windsor Resort, Thorpe Park, Alton Towers Resort or Chessington World of Adventures. 

 

The Great Get Together

THE GREAT GET TOGETHER is a free community event to celebrate all that unites us. It’s happening on Sunday 22nd June 2025 at St Joseph’s Church Hall, St Margaret Drive, Epsom KT18 7JQ from 1pm – 4pm

Good Company (Surrey) is hosting a FREE community event for all the family. This is part of a network of events around the country called The Great Get Together, inspired by Jo Cox’s belief that we have more in common than that which divides us.

“Hosting a community event like The Great Get Together allows us to bring people from all walks of life together in a spirit of unity, friendship and shared humanity. It’s an opportunity to celebrate our diversity, forge new connections, and show that Epsom is a place where everyone belongs” explains Jo Sherring, Epsom and Ewell Refugee Network Lead.

The event is completely free, with music, food, activities and entertainment for all the family. It will be opened by The Worshipful The Mayor of Epsom & Ewell, Councillor Robert Leach and the Mayoress.

The free entertainment includes songs from the Ukrainian choir, a Disney Sing-along, the Freedom Pulse Brass Band as well as children’s entertainment and crafts, treasure hunt, henna hand-paintng, artisan displays, and an assortment of games and sports including Crazy Golf.

Good Company incorporates Epsom & Ewell Food Bank, Epsom & Banstead Pantries and Epsom & Ewell Refugee Network.

Even though the event is free, entry tickets need to be booked using the QR code on the flyer below. This also shows the timetable of the afternoon.

The Great Get Together

New Digital Guide Of Horton Country Park

Epsom & Ewell Borough Council has launched a new digital tour that showcases local beauty spot, Horton Country Park Local Nature Reserve. The tour is available to download now via Bloomberg Connects. Epsom and Ewell Borough Council created the tour to help both first-time and returning visitors explore the history of Horton Country Park Local Nature Reserve.

This is the second tour to be launched on Bloomberg Connects by Epsom & Ewell Borough Council; in September 2023, Nonsuch Park went live on the app, allowing users to peruse the formal gardens at their leisure.

Horton Country Park Local Nature Reserve covers 200 acres and is situated in the northern half of the borough of Epsom and Ewell. There are 14 stops along the tour, which include Pond Wood with a mention of the bomb crater which was left from an air raid in 1941; volunteering at Horton Country Park; as well as the community orchard where residents can pick apples in the summer season. It also highlights the Horton Light Railway, which once ran through the area, serving the largest hospital cluster of its kind in Europe at the time. The entire walking tour takes approximately 2.5 to 3.5 hours, but can be enjoyed at any pace, returning to the start at any of the designated turning points.

The new digital tour of Horton Country Park Local Nature Reserve is packed full of information, interesting facts, photos, history and more. It is the perfect accompaniment to enhance the experience of those visiting Horton Country Park Local Nature Reserve and makes information accessible to people anytime, anywhere.

The tour is an important part of the council’s Arts, Culture and Heritage Strategy. One of the aims of the strategy is to increase access to culture and heritage in Epsom & Ewell, allowing people to engage with our colourful and varied cultural past in new and engaging ways.

Ewell EpsomCouncillor Clive Woodbridge, Chair of Epsom & Ewell Borough Council’s Community and Wellbeing Committee, said,

“I am delighted to support the launch of our latest free-to-enjoy digital tour about the Horton Light Railway at Horton Country Park Local Nature Reserve. Showcasing the richness of our borough’s heritage, the tour is a great way to spend time outdoors, learning about the importance of the railway and its vital contribution to the borough’s hospital cluster.”

The Bloomberg Connects app is available for download from Google Play or the App Store.

You can also view the tour of Horton Country Park Local Nature Reserve here: https://links.bloombergconnects.org/6Ggw/175fz8wz

The Ho-Ho-Home of Christmas

Chessington World of Adventures announces Winter’s Tail event ticket release PLUS new year-round Christmas themed accommodation

The festive spirit lands at Chessington World of Adventures as it announces the much-anticipated ticket release for its popular Christmas event. And for festive fans who can’t wait until November, the attraction has launched a fully-themed Christmas hotel room bringing holiday cheer throughout the year.

The one-of-a-kind accommodation has been created in response to growing consumer demand for all things Christmas. New research from Chessington World of Adventures reveals that over a quarter of Brits (29%) wish Christmas would last longer and over a fifth (21%) who plan their Christmas experiences are doing so earlier than ever this year. The research found that spending time with family (57%), Christmas traditions (41%) and the nostalgia that Christmas brings (37%) are the things people love most about the holiday.

Our nation of Christmas-lovers admits to extending the holiday magic by keeping Christmas decorations up throughout the year, with the most popular being fairy lights (21%), Christmas tree (15%), stockings (9%) and baubles (8%).

Chessington’s Christmas Room means festive devotees no longer need to wait for the most wonderful time of the year to enjoy magical family Christmas experiences. Sleeping two adults and two children, with one large double bed and bunk beds plus ensuite bathroom, the space features seasonal details including:

      • Christmas Classics – the curated room includes twinkling decorations and garlands, floor-to-ceiling Christmas tree, Christmas crackers, hot chocolate and shortbread biscuits, and Christmas tunes jingling through the room’s speakers on arrival to create the festive mood, plus other seasonal touches.
      • Extra Christmas Trimmings – the hotel offers a special ‘Stocking Filling Service’ for parents to surprise little ones with gifts. Plus VIP experiences* include an Elf Wake-up Call and Reindeer Encounter at the zoo.
      • Christmas car parking space – the personalised reserved spot comes festively decorated to kickstart the Christmas cheer from the moment guests pull up in the car (or sleigh).

And from November, Chessington’s highly anticipated Winter’s Tail event will transform the theme park into a winter wonderland at the heart of which is the Christmas Village, where visitors will enjoy a silent disco, a meeting with Father Christmas, and a visit to the Enchanted Hollow: Toy Workshop to meet the elves who are hard at work.

Howard Ebison, Divisional Director (and Chief Christmas Cheer Officer) at Chessington World of Adventures said: “We love Christmas here at Chessington World of Adventures – so, there is ‘noel’ time like the present to unveil our Christmas Room offering year-round festive fun for families. We’ve worked hard to bottle the joy of Yuletide and create an experience like no other filled with seasonal touches for our guests to enjoy after spending a day at our park and zoo. What’s more, Winter’s Tail tickets are now on sale earlier than ever before, so families can start planning for memories to be made at Chessington this Christmas.”

Go to chessington.com/christmas to book a stay in The Christmas Room from 17th May and purchase tickets for Winter’s Tail starting from 22nd November.

Stays in The Christmas Room start from £77pp based on a family of four including breakfast and 1 day ticket pp. Add-on VIP Experiences* include…

Reindeer Encounter (from £32pp)
  • Experience the magic of Christmas with our Reindeer Encounter
  • Guests under 16 years old must be accompanied by a full paying adult
  • Minimum age 3 years
  • This is a 20-30 minute experience
 
Elf Wake-Up Call (from £25 per child)
  • Have your very own elf come knock on your hotel door in the morning! (plus each ticket will receive a little early Christmas present straight from the North Pole)
  • One ticket needs to be purchased per child in order for each child to receive a present
  • This is a time-slotted 5-10 minute experience
 
Winter’s Tail (from £32 per person)
A magical Christmas adventure awaits you and your family in the Christmas Village. Jingle away to a festive Silent Disco before you journey into a snowy woodland guided by an elf to visit Santa’s Grotto. Greeted by twinkling lights and the scent of a woodfire, join Father Christmas who is ready to hear your Christmas wishes and spread festive cheer to all who visit. Then adventure into Enchanted Hollow: Toy Workshop, where the elves are busy making gifts for Christmas, you may even receive an early Christmas gift.
 
The festive fun does not end there, enjoy everything else that Winter’s Tail has to offer, including festive trail, Christmas panto, carollers, select rides and attractions, and over 1,000 animals in Chessington Zoo and SEA LIFE. It’s the ultimate Christmas day out for families looking to make the season truly magical.
 
Visit before 24th December to enjoy all the magic of the Christmas Village – book early for the best price and availability. From 25th December, Father Christmas will head back to the North Pole with his elves. Guests can enjoy everything else that Winter’s Tail has to offer until 31st December.
 
Winter’s Tail Ultimate Christmas Package (from £140pp)
  • Have your very own dedicated elf come in straight from the North Pole to guide you around Winter’s Tail
  • Meet Father Christmas in the Christmas Village
  • Meet the reindeers in training
  • Enjoy a delicious meal in the theme park
  • Get instant VIP access to all selected rides and attractions open during your visit

PAW Patrol-Themed Land Opening Spring 2026

Leading UK family theme park, Chessington World of Adventures, has announced a major new partnership with Paramount Location-Based Experiences and global preschool powerhouse, PAW Patrol, produced by Spin Master Entertainment.

The London attraction will launch a themed, immersive land comprising four thrilling rides -including an entry-level ‘my first rollercoaster’ – play areas, and interactive character ‘meet and greet’ events. Guests will also enjoy a dedicated food and beverage outlet and picnic space, plus a customised retail store.

The new must-visit destination for preschoolers and their families, targeting children aged two to five years old, will be the UK’s first and only PAW Patrol-themed land. Representing a multi-million pound investment, with a 1.4 acre footprint, the new land will also be Chessington’s largest preschooler attraction.

PAW Patrol, the top-rated preschool series in the UK and globally, follows the adventures of a tech-savvy boy named Ryder and his team of heroic rescue pups who are ready to save the day. Whenever there’s trouble, pups Chase, Marshall, Rubble, Skye, Rocky, Zuma, Everest and Tracker are ready for action, no matter what comes their way. With a mission to work together to keep Adventure Bay safe, no job is too big, and no pup is too small. Since launching on Nickelodeon in 2013, the franchise has expanded with consumer products, two feature films with a third coming up in 2026, and live events including PAW PatrolTM Live! in the UK this summer. PAW Patrol is produced by Spin Master Entertainment and airs on Nickelodeon, Channel 5’s Milkshake! and Paramount+ in the UK.

PAW Patrol-themed land opening in 2026
The new attraction will see PAW Patrol’s Adventure Bay setting represented in vibrant landscape theming with the land’s storytelling drawing on the role of the pups in the community, demonstrating purpose and everyday heroism. PAW Patrol’s values of teamwork and friendship resonate with parents and children and support families on their preschooler journey. These themes will come to life in the immersive experience at Chessington, with messaging around emotional and social engagement integrated into the fun. This aligns with Chessington’s core purpose for its guests – driving valuable connection between parents and children while they enjoy family-friendly thrills.

A PAWsome 2025 at Chessington
Children don’t need to wait until 2026 to meet their favourite pups. Families can begin to immerse themselves in PAW Patrol at Chessington from spring 2025. Pups Chase, Skye and Rubble will be on site helping to oversee the construction of the new land, giving guests the opportunity to interact with their favourite characters in a brand-new PAW Patrol Meet and Greet experience opening for May half term, from 24th May.

From this summer, PAW Patrol fans can enjoy a ‘pawfect’ short break when Chessington’s Safari Hotel opens an exclusive collection of five themed rooms – the first and only PAW Patrol accommodation in the UK. And in September, Marshall will join his pup pals to launch PAW Patrol Autumn Adventure* – an action-packed day of fun including a pup-tastic park trail, the opportunity to meet the heroic pups, and access to 20 magical preschool rides and attractions.

PAW Patrol themed land opening Spring 2026

Howard Ebison, Divisional Director of Chessington World of Adventures, said:

“Our purpose at Chessington is to be the UK’s greatest place for young families to create lifelong memories​. As one of the world’s leading pre-school brands – delighting children across the globe with the stories of Adventure Bay – the power and appeal of PAW Patrol is unparalleled. It’s a great privilege to join forces with Paramount to create this immersive land – the UK’s first and only PAW Patrol themed land – to provide magic and excitement for our young guests. We can’t wait to welcome the pups to Chessington World of Adventures. As the pups would say, Chessington is ready for action!”

Marie Marks, SVP, Global Experiences at Paramount, said:

“We are so excited to see the iconic PAW Patrol brand come to life at Chessington World of Adventure, and incredibly pleased to be partnering with Merlin Entertainments to bring these beloved pups to their first fully themed land in the UK. Chessington World of Adventures and Nickelodeon have a deep commitment to creating entertainment that families can enjoy together, and we are delighted that this new themed land will immerse young visitors in their very own PAW Patrol adventure.”

Visit www.chessington.com/paw-patrol

*PAW Patrol Autumn Adventure runs from 3rd to 26th September mid-week during term time. Day tickets start from £29 per person.

Roald Dahl Story Day

Roald Dahl Story Day is celebrated every year on his birthday, the 13th September , and people all over the world come together to celebrate the magic he brought to, and continues to bring, children everywhere.

On Saturday 14th September Bourne Hall will be hosting a range of events to celebrate this. Please see theses detailed below:

Roald Dahl Story Day

Science Boffins show Saturday 14th September 11:00am -12:00pm

Join us as Science Boffins host a fun and interactive way for the kids to learn about various scientific principles while having a great time. It will engage their curiosity and show them the wonders of the natural world through hands-on experiments and demonstrations.

watch as they conjure up an ancient scientist from a bottle. They will then do some experiments to see who’s naughty or nice testing their observation skills and more importantly their morals! As water disappears from a cup one willing victim risks getting wet as the remaining children decide their fate. Next the children will learn about a poorly elephant with a toothache and be amazed how 3 small quantities of chemical can make such a huge amount of toothpaste! With the amount of noise, the children will have made so far, it’s time to test how big their lungs are with our windbags. Using Bernoulli’s air flow principles, we can make a child fill a bag up with over 10 litres of air in one breath!  Finally, we use Bernoulli’s principle to show where a stream of air goes with metres of loo roll being flung across the room as the air carries it over the children.

Book your tickets now, to be a part of the fun, adults go free with a children’s ticket. All children must be supervised.

To book https://sessami.co/events/6bfa3697-07b5-47e0-90fe-e8c559576542?utm_medium=facebook&utm_source=Bourne%20Hall%20 or alternatively visit our website at www.bournehall.org

Roald Dahl Story Day

Quentin Blake illustration workshop for adults Saturday 14th September 1:00pm -2:00pm

Join Martine Spencer who will be hosting an illustration workshop with us on the 14th September 2024 to celebrate Roald Dahl day. she will be guiding you to explore techniques similar to Quentin Blake and look at different mediums to create small sketches from your favourite books.

What to expect:

A short presentation

Demonstrations explaining the process.

Resources that show how to draw the features, mark-making, and an A5 sketched character that can be copied for proportions.

All materials (paper, fine liner pen, watercolours, brushes)

Drawing one character and a variety of animals

So, book on now, as there is limited availability.

To book https://sessami.co/events/2cf2605f-3b3e-4dfc-abdf-3b4723d84847?utm_medium=facebook&utm_source=Bourne%20Hall%20 or visit our website at www.bournehall.org

Roald Dahl Story Day

Ghost writers’ children poetry competition:

To run alongside the Museums Ghost writers’ event, we are holding a poetry competition for local children to write poems on what they like about the local area or a local place. These will be judged by the poet Ana Mclaughlin in the following age groups: 5-8, 9-12, and 13-16.

The top 3 in each group will win a signed copy her new anthology Heroes and villains, which will be presented by her at an event in October at Bourne Hall.

Poems should be emailed to David at [email protected] or dropped of at Bourne Hall reception desk by the 14thSeptember.

Roald Dahl Story Day 
Museum Ghost writers’ Saturday 14th September 2024 10:00am-4:00pm – free entry

Bourne Hall museum will be celebrating some of the many writers who have celebrated our local area. All have died, hence ghost writers. 4 re-enactors’ will be playing the writers’, Mrs Beaton, Robert Fabian, Samuel Pepys and Charles Dickens. So come and join us as our Museum comes to life.

Roald Dahl Story Day

Animatronic James and the Giant peach display 9th – 21st September 2024

Come and see some of the characters form James and the Giant peach, brought to life as animatronic models by the super talented and legendary Bob Ballan. Available to view to from the Main Foyer.

 

Roald Dahl Story DayEwell library:

Running: 10th – 14th Sept

Dressing Up as a Roald Dahl character

Prize:- Book Giveaways

Crafts on Sat 14th Sept:- Based on Roald Dahl books £1 per craft.

Running:- 10th – 14th Sept

Roald Dahl Treasure Hunt around the Library and Museum

 

 

Wild Noises & Animal Voices

Wild Noises & Animal Voices: Britain’s Got Talent sensation Geneviève Côté comes to Chessington World Of Adventures

Chessington World of Adventures Resort has announced a new interactive wildlife-themed show like no other: ‘Wild Noises & Animal Voices’. Professional ‘noise maker’ and Britain’s Got Talent 2024 star, Geneviève Côté, will be joining families at the London theme park and zoo on 27 June 2024 to captivate guests with her incredible animal impressions. Making the journey all the way from Canada, Geneviève is gearing up to learn some new animal noises from some of Chessington’s zoo residents.

Many children’s toys and books focus on animal noises.. but roars and ribbits aren’t just fun and games. Imitating these simple sounds plays an important role in early speech and language development and can help to enhance children’s cognitive skills[1]. Parents can support their children by using animal sounds, whether in play or reading a book. And when children hear those animal noises in real life, in nature or at a zoo, it can help them develop a deeper understanding of the world.

So family favourite, Chessington World of Adventures, is inviting parents and children alike to level up their animal noises with a hands-on masterclass. Putting her unique vocal talents to the test, Geneviève will be barking along with the California Sea Lions, and working on her neigh with the Grévy’s Zebras. She will also be joined by zookeepers who will provide fascinating facts and insights about all the animals Geneviève mimics. It will be a fun and interactive experience the whole family will go wild for.

Guests can oink, chirp, and neigh their way through this one-of-a-kind event on 27 June 2024. Performances of Wild Noises & Animal Voices will take place throughout the day and are included in a day ticket, starting from £29 per person, with access to the theme park, zoo, and SEA LIFE Aquarium. For more information visit chessington.com.

Jack Stein and others at FeastyFest

JACK STEIN, DEAN EDWARDS, MIRA MANEK & MORE ANNOUNCED FOR FEASTYFEST LIVE DEMO KITCHEN. MICHELIN-STARRED CHEFS, MASTERCHEF FINALISTS AND BROADCASTING STARS TO APPEAR AT SURREY FESTIVAL 

Independent Surrey food & drink festival FeastyFest have announced a host of world-famous and award-winning chefs, who will be taking turns to cook up a storm in the live demo kitchen. A weekend of the best food, music and entertainment for all ages in the heart of Surrey, FeastyFest exists to provide families with an amazing but affordable festival experience while creating a platform for the area’s phenomenal food & drink producers.

Leading today’s announcement is familiar TV face and Chef Director of Rick Stein’s Seafood Restaurants Jack Stein. As well as regularly appearing everywhere from the BBC’s Saturday Kitchen to Channel 4’s Sunday Brunch, Jack has also filmed several successful TV series himself, including Born to Cook: Jack Stein Down Under, Wine, Dine & Stein and Jack Stein: Inside The Box.

Jack Stein, Dean Edwards, Mira Manek & more announced for FeastyFest live demo kitchen. Michelin-starred chefs, MasterChef finalists and broadcasting stars to appear at Surrey FestivalJoining Stein at FeastyFest is Bristol-born Dean Edwards who burst onto the culinary scene after reaching second place in the BBC’s 2006 edition of Masterchef. Since then, Dean has become renowned for his cost-cutting, accessible and family-friendly recipes, not to mention his cheeky personality, as resident chef-demonstrator on ITV breakfast show Lorraine.

 

Also popping up in the demo kitchen is Jeremy Hollingsworth who, having cooked under culinary icons like Anton Mossiman and Marco Pierre White, became Chef Director of three acclaimed gastropubs in London. Having collected accolades such as TimeOut Gastro Pub of the Year 2005 and Yorkshire Life Neighbourhood Restaurant of the Year 2011 as well as gracing the Michelin Guide.

Elsewhere, inspired by the Gujarati flavours of her heritage, Mira Manek will be exploring the succulent secrets of her vegetarian and vegan Indian recipes that have featured in the likes of The Independent, Grazia and Waitrose Magazine, as well as on BBC Radio and in her latest book The Book of Chai, whilst highly-regarded private chef Renu Ballantine will be leading a masterclass in creating delicious, nutritionally balanced meals that champion local produce.

This lineup of some of the country’s finest chefs will be joining a full festival programme packed with music, sports, activities and much more for all ages. Previously announced for Feasty’s music euro-pop icons Vengaboys as well as the euphoric live-experience of The House and Garage Orchestra with The Dolly Parton Experience, Strictly UB40, Club Tropicana, The Dunwells, Ska Wars, All New Blues & Soul Revue and much more.

Already boasting an incredible array of independent and artisanal street food vendors, FeastyFest 24 have announce that the likes of Venezuelan Arepas from Avila, Korean Fried Chicken courtesy of Nimtoh, Oh My Dog’s infamous hot dogs and a double decker converted into a Fish and Chip Bus on wheels, will all be joining this unbeatable gathering of the very best local and international food.

With over 100 traders street food, produce and other traders set to attend the festival this year, FeastyFest have shared the first look at this year’s food & drink programme with League Of Fire’s world champion chilli eatingcompetition taking centre stage alongside Cocktail Masterclasses, Gin Tasting, Live Chef Demos, Wine Tasting, VIP Bar and the inaugural Golden Yorkie Roast Awards with more still to come.

Launched in 2018 by local event professionals looking to create a brilliant but affordable event for their hometown, FeastyFest has grown into Surrey’s largest independent food festival, attracting thousands of attendees from across the region.

With a huge programme covering everything from live-cooking demos, chilli eating competitions, wrestling, sports and a full music line-up on the main stage, the team behind FeastyFest hope to offer a cost-of-living busting festival experience with adult tickets priced from just £27.50 per day with under 12’s going absolutely free.

As a not-for-profit festival, FeastyFest is committed to supporting initiatives in their local community via their Feasty Community Projects. Supporting  both local charities and individuals, Feasty Community Projects has financially supported initiatives including days out for families of children with complex needs, Christmas dinners for the elderly in sheltered housing where government funding has been removed, a Secret Santa for struggling families in the community and life-changing mobility items essential to people’s jobs and careers.

Line Up For FeastyFest

Demo Kitchen

Jack Stein, Dean Edwards, Jeremy Hollingsworth, Mira Manek, Renu Ballantine

Food Traders

Bratwurst UK, Lisa’s Luscious Bakes, Wow Bao Club, Churros Ole, Barnyard Birds, Nimtoh, Churros Garcia, Street Food Spain, Tasty Affair Souvlaki, Tasty Affair Pizza, Ray’s Fusion Eats, Newdlez & co, Fish and Chip Bus, Greek Souvlaki, Angus Beef Burger, Hog Roast, Loaded Fries, Berlin Doner/German Sausage, Caribbean Hut, Uptown Flava, Oh My Dog, Rizz Events, Jaffna Kitchen, Meat and Bread, SoleLuna Pizza, The Chimney Baker, Baraka Falafel, Olivecorner, Avila

Music

The House and Garage Orchestra, Vengaboys, Kevin Davy White, Ska Wars, RPJ, All New Blues and Soul Revue, The Dunwells, The Dolly Parton Experience, Strictly UB40, Rockin The Joint, Mick Brown Club Tropicana, Corazon & more

Food & Drink

League of Fire – Chilli Eating Competition, Hot Pods Public Chilli Comp, Cocktail Masterclass, Gin Tasting, FeastyFest Kitchen – Live Chef Demo’s, Wine Tasting, VIP Area, Golden Yorkie Award and over 100 street food, produce and other traders

Activities

Water Wars, Swingball, Bushcraft, Bezerkas Circus, Outdoor Theatre, BEW Wrestling (live), Storytelling with the Fairy Bookmother, TicTac Skate School, Tree Climbing, Bouncy Castles, Bungee Run, Archery, Yoga Tots – Baby Zumba, ContaKids & Contact Improv, Arts and crafts, Wild About Britain and much more.

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Tickets for FeastyFest 2024 are on sale now with Under 12’s going free

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Mike Quinton, FeastyFest founder said:

“While we’ve got activities for the whole family, loads of live music and so much more, FeastyFest is still a food festival at heart and we take so much pride in our demo kitchen and food programme. To have people like Jack Stein and Mira Ramek coming to FeastyFest to cook their amazing food and share their incredible skills and experience with our audience is such an exciting thing. Outside of that, we’re thrilled to share some of the incredible traders joining us at the festival this year. We really can’t wait!” 

Jack Stein photo by James Ram