In the Night Garden Live, the brilliant theatrical adaptation of the popular CBeebies Show, is back by popular demand in a brand new 2012 tour and we have tickets to give away!

Kids can get up close and giggly with their favourite characters Igglepiggle, Upsy Daisy, Makka Pakka and even the teeny tiny Pontipines making a grand appearance on stage.

In the Night Garden live takes place in its own all-weather, purpose-built inflatable show dome with many family-friendly facilities.

This summer, the smash hit show will be travelling to 3 London destinations: the Live Quarter at The O2 (May 24 to Jun 9); Old Deer Park, Richmond (Jun 16-30); and Brent Cross (Jul 7-22).

Babes about Town had the pleasure of watching In the Night Garden Live last year and both little ones and mama had a fabulous time. It really is a magical experience from start to finish. Read our In the Night Garden Live review!

**Win a Family Ticket to In the Night Garden Live in London!**

Babes about Town has been kindly offered a prize of 1 Family Ticket (4 people, minimum 1 adult) for any 1 of the 3 London venues e.g. O2, Richmond or Brent Cross to give away to one lucky competition entrant. Simply answer the following question:

Q: What does Igglepiggle always carry?

a) Blanket
b) Trumpet
c) Scooter

Send the correct answer to editor@babesabouttown.com by May 21, 12pm GMT. Please provide your full name, email address and contact number, as well as stating which venue and performance you would like to see. Winner will be drawn at random and notified via email and on the blog.

The tickets are non-transferable and subject to availability. No cash alternatives, accommodation or travel are provided in this competition. For further show information www.nightgardenlive.com or 0333 300 0023.

I’ll start this post with an admission: I don’t really have any stretch marks.

I’m not trying to piss anyone off with that statement. It’s just that stretch marks weren’t among the various ‘blessings’ of pregnancy I experienced, otherwise including skin changes, swollen nose and feet, wider hips, C-section scar and a belly button that never recovered.

So why am I testing out a sample** of Johnson’s Skin Perfecting Oil? Because I believe that one thing that helped immensely during my stretched belly stage was slathering myself in oils and butters that kept the skin smooth and supple.

Of course genetics plays a part in whether you develop stretch marks. But keeping your belly, thighs, boobs and other vulnerable areas well moisturised with the right type of product can not only prevent them, but also help to improve their appearance after babies.

Johnson’s Skin Perfecting Oil claims to reduce the appearance of stretch marks in just 4 weeks. I’ve been spraying myself with the product for a few weeks now and I can definitely see an improvement in the tone and quality of my skin.

The oil goes on lightly and absorbs quickly so you don’t feel totally greased up like an ’80s bodybuilder. I concentrate the spray on patchy areas of discolouration, including a childhood scar on my leg and I don’t know if I’m imagining it, but these seem to be fading too.

The magic is in the special combination of botanical and anti-oxidant ingredients including soybean oil, sweet almond oil, blackcurrant seed oil, rosehip oil, wheatgerm oil, vitamin E and bisabolol – all proven to do wonders for skin.

I also like that it comes in a spray bottle so it feels refreshing and it’s easy to apply all over, even my back.

Johnson’s invited 4 mothers to do a 4 week trial of their Skin Perfecting Oil and video the process.

Check out the Johnson’s Mums Video Diaries and see for yourself!

Johnson’s Skin Perfecting Oil (price £9.99-£14.99) is available at Boots, Superdrug, Tesco, Sainsbury’s and local chemists

**free review sample

Some of the tastiest names in street food are ‘meating up’ at London’s newest weekly night food market, Street Feast, that launched last Friday off Brick Lane.

Our very own BAHD boy (Big Apple Hot Dogs) joins the Ribman, Home Slice, Kimchi Cult, The Bowler, Mama’s Jerk Station, Hardcore Prawn, Yum Bun… and more guest traders dishing out the good stuff.

The weekly night market features live street art, a cocktail bar, private ‘Car Wash’ dining room and draught beer from Camden Town Brewery.

At last week’s debut Street Feast, BAHD also announced the winner of Blog Eat Blog – the contest that saw food bloggers battle it out to create ‘the next great topping’ for Big Apple Hot Dogs.

It was a tough call with so many delicious and innovative toppings created by some passionate chefs, but in the end the winning plaque went to Will Yums for his amazing concoction involving Jack Daniels, cider fried crispy jalapeno, bacon, chorizo and pineapple jam and nacho cheese sauce. Yums is the word.

Feast your eyes on our slideshow from Blog Eat Blog heats and finals.

Personalize your own slideshow design

Street Feast night market is open every Friday, 5pm to midnight from May 4 to Jul 20 at Sclater St Car Park, 91 Sclater St, E1 6HR (Shoreditch High St overground). Tel: 07716 122 283 www.streetfeastlondon.com

Follow @StreetFeastLDN

Read more about the Blog Eat Blog contest on Will Yums blog

The spirit of celebration is in the air with untold street partying and revelry being planned for the Queen’s Jubilee and of course the London Olympics 2012 Games.

Here’s our calendar guide to where the party’s at for kids and families this summer, as we highlight child-friendly festivals in London and around the UK.

(by date order)

MAY

1. Norfolk and Norwich Festival, Norwich NR3 1HF (Norwich rail station, 30 mins from Liverpool St via Greater Anglia trains)
Kicking off the family-friendly festival circuit this weekend with 2 weeks of music, arts, circus cabaret and loads of action for kids. Top picks include Festival Feast, Kid Carpet and the Noisy Animals rock and roll stage show, more party music from Dan Zanes and Friends, Dinosaur Petting Zoo and the Bo Nanafana Social Club! £5-£55, some events free. Ticket hotline 44 (0)1603 766400 (May 11-26)

2. Big Dance 2012, across the UK
Step up for the UK’s biggest celebration of dance, with thousands of local events including the touring Big Dance Bus and the Big Dance Pop-Up Cinema, all building up to Big Dance Week (Jul 7-15) including Big Street Dance and the grand finale in Trafalgar Square. (May 18-Jul 15)

JUNE

3. Southbank Festival of the World at Southbank Centre, SE1 (Waterloo tube)
There’s no better place to be in London this summer than on the banks of the Thames with the return of the Urban Beach, plus the UK’s largest poetry festival, street food, outdoor arts, shows and more. Keep an eye on the web site for updates. (Jun 1-Sep 9)

4. Jubilee Family Festival (pic) at Hyde Park, W1 (Hyde Park Corner tube)
Party like your middle name is Kate at this massive event with 40 bands, kids zone featuring Thomas the Tank Engine, Mike the Knight, Angelina Ballerina and others, Commonwealth Stage, village green fete, plus daily finale with Magic of Disney concert. 10.30am-7pm, adult £20/child under 16 £12.50/under 3s FREE (Jun 2-3)

5. Thames Diamond Jubilee Pageant, along River Thames to Battersea
Watch 1000 boats of all descriptions sail in tribute in one of the largest flotillas ever on the river. Check website from May 16 for updates on viewing areas/screens and transport/road and bridge closures. 2-6pm, FREE (Jun 3)

6. Diamond Jubilee Festival in Battersea Park (Clapham Junction, Fulham Broadway and Victoria tube)
Carters Steam Fair, the Alternative Village fete and pop-up pub the ‘Diamond Geezer’ lend a quirky, vintage feel to this traditional celebration, with live bandstand, main stage, deck chairs and big screen to watch all the riverboat action. 12-7pm, adult £5/under 12s FREE (Jun 3)

7. Apple Cart Festival in Victoria Park, Grove Rd, E3 (Mile End tube)
Escape the frenzied flag-waving at the boutique festival of comedy, music and cabaret with main stage acts Noah and the Whale, Adam Ant and more, plus House of Fairytales, magic tents, kids crafts, village fete and other shenanigans. 11am-10.30pm, adult £33/under 12s FREE (Jun 3)

8. Water Poet Diamond Jubilee Festival, at the Water Poet, 9-11 Folgate St, E1 (Liverpool St tube/Shoreditch High St overground)
Join a good old fashioned East End knees up on the cobbled streets of Spitalfields, with cocktails and street eats, live stage, Red Routemaster bus market, keepsake crowns and 7 screens showing the Jubilee Concerts. 12-6pm, FREE (Jun 4)

9. London Green Fair at Cumberland Green, Regent’s Park, NW1 (Regent’s Park tube)
The capital’s top eco-cool event lets it all hang out with live stage, good food, hundreds of boutique stalls and tons of baby-friendly action including activities and chill-out zone. 12pm onwards, FREE (Jun 9-10)

10. Festival London 2012, UK-wide
More than 12,000 events across the country including loads of free stuff for families. Highlights such as Hackney Weekend, World Shakespeare Festival and River of Music Festival (see July) keep the celebration of the Olympic Games popping through the Closing Ceremony and beyond. (Jun 21
-Sep 9)

11. Greenwich+Docklands International Festival, varying locations around SE10, Canary Wharf and Docklands
A 10-day carnival of live performance with explosive theatre including Prometheus Awakes and Handspring Puppet Company, free outdoor arts in family-friendly Greenwich Fair, music, words and more. Varying times, FREE (Jun 23-30)

JULY

12. Latitude Festival, Henham Park, Southwold, Sunrise Coast, Suffolk (National Express coaches from central London direct to festival)
Artsy fun for every age group with top acts ranging from Pet Shop Boys and Javier de Frutos’ The Most Incredible Thing to Jack Dee, Lucy Rose and DJ Norman Jay. Children’s Arena with Noisy Toys, Book Nook, theatre workshops, Heartstitch crafting and baby and toddler chill-out tent. From 2pm (Thu); day ticket £75, weekend £175/child 5-12 £5/under 5s FREE (booking fees apply) + camper van £40 (Jul 12-15)

13. Deer Shed, Baldersby Park, Topcliffe, North Yorkshire (Grand Central trains direct from Kings Cross London to Thirsk rail station)
Deer Shed is run by parents and was nominated for Best Family Festival in 2011 (UK Festival Awards). Fun for young ‘uns includes Paintball Art, Cardboard City building, Exotic Animals show, drumming workshops. Saint Etienne, Villagers and Los Campesinos among the main stage bands. From 1pm (Fri), 8am-3am (Sat), 8am-7pm (Sun); adult £69 (Fri-Sun) or £59 (Sat-Sun)/child 6+ £20/under 5s FREE + weekend camper van pass £15 (Jul 20-22)

14. BT River of Music Festival (London 2012 Festival), various locations
It’s the weekend before the Opening Ceremony, what to do? How about 2 days of free music from around the world at landmarks along the River Thames. Locations include Battersea Park (Asia stage); Trafalgar Square (Europe stage); Somerset House (Europe stage); Tower of London (Americas stage); Greenwich Old Royal Naval College (Oceania stage) and London Pleasure Gardens (Africa stage). From 12pm, FREE (tickets required, £3 processing fee/under 2s no tickets). Tickets released from May 15, check web site (Jul 21-22)

15. Camp Bestival, Lulworth Castle, Dorset (Big Green Coach from London Victoria station, direct to festival)
One of the most popular family festivals actually has its own guide to Camp Bestival for parents. Main stage features Hot Chip, Chic, Kool & the Gang, Happy Mondays and other unmissable acts. For the kids, there’s Shrek the Musical, Mr Tumble, the Bopps, Beauty & the Beast, Fantastic Mr Fox and the Silly Olympics. Weekend with camping tickets adult £175 or £185 (from Thu)/child 15-17 £110 or £115 (from Thu)/child 11-14 £95/under 11s FREE (Jul 26-29)

AUGUST

16. LolliBop Festival, Regent’s Park, NW1 (Regent’s Park tube)
London’s biggest bash for little people returns for its third outing, with line-up including The Gruffalo live, Waybuloo, Mister Maker, Little Angel Theatre, Science Museum plus tons of activities including 3ft and Under Tent, Disco Shed, Enchanted Forest and more. 10am-7pm, from £22-25 adv single ticket/babies under 1 FREE (Aug 17-19)

17. Just So Festival, Rode Hall Estate, Stoke-on-Trent, ST7 3QP
A journey of creativity and imagination awaits at this baby-friendly festival with live theatre, storytelling, boutique camping, Lazy Days fun area including trapeze lessons, Jitterbugs dance action and special under 3s area, Peekaboo. From 2pm (Fri, car park), from 9am (Sat & Sun day ticket), adult weekend with camping £85/child 3+ £35/under 3s FREE (Aug 17-19)

18. Carnaval del Pueblo, Burgess Park, Albany Rd, Camberwell, SE5 (Kennington tube)
Europe’s largest outdoor Latin American festival presents a riot of colour with more than 15 floats, 3 mile carnival procession, 4 live stages and 200 stall marquees. All day, FREE (Aug 19)

19. Notting Hill Carnival, Notting Hill and surrounding areas (Westbourne Park exit only, see TFL web site closer to date for transport advice)
The biggest street party in Europe happens in the heart of west London as colourful floats, sound systems, street food and millions of revellers take over for the August Bank Holiday. Sunday is Children’s Day, with kids on parade and a lighter atmosphere. Monday is mayhem! From 9am, FREE (Aug 26-27)

SEPTEMBER

20. Thames Festival, along South Bank, Tate Museum, Southwark Bridge and Tower Bridge
The massive annual end-of-summer party happens this year on the closing weekend of the Olympic Games and promises non-stop action. From big stages to local celebrations, family-friendly Blue River village, rounding off with the popular Night Carnival and spectacular Fireworks Finale. From around 11am daily until late, FREE (Sep 8-9)

+ 10 More Family Friendly Festivals

World Shakespeare Festival (Apr-Sep)
Bigging up the Bard, all about the UK, as part of the Cultural Olympiad.

Hay Fever at Hay Festival (May-Jun)
Hay Fever is the Hay Festival’s 10-day event for children and families with writers, storytelling, workshops and tons of activities to stoke the imagination.

Glastonbury (Jun)
The festival to begin and end all festivals. Cancelled for 2012, but watch the web site for 2013 updates.

Wychwood Festival (Jun)
100 acts and 3 days of music, cabaret and creativity, Wychwood is a nominee for Best Family Festival at the UK Festival Awards.

Cornbury Festival (Jun-Jul)
Great gigs for grown-ups, fun stuff for kids including dance workshops, circus skills and shows, against a beautiful Oxfordshire backdrop.

Ben & Jerry’s Sundae on the Common (Jul)
Sadly the Olympics schedule has wiped this year’s event from the calendar, but definitely one to watch, great vibe and free ice cream!

Larmer Tree Festival (Jul)
Friendly, intimate gathering in Dorset with loads on for kids and fun carnival procession to round things off.

Womad (Jul)
The global celebration of world music has always been a cool spot for families.

Big Chill (Aug)
Cancelled this year, but keep an eye on the web site for possible news of a smaller, indoor event for 2012 and a return to outdoors in 2013

Beautiful Days Festival (Aug)
Already sold out for 2012, this happy, hippy event by the Levellers won Best Family Festival in 2011.

Top image via Just So Festival web site

Family concerts, pets on show, nonsense rhymes and puppets with Punch in Covent Garden create a knock-out weekend for kids and families in London.

Fri: Giraffes Can’t Dance Family Concert at Jerwood Hall, LSO St Luke’s, EC1 (Old St tube)
Tango, waltz and jig your way through the musical retelling of the popular story, in this special concert for under 5s. 12.30-1.15pm, £3/babies under 12 months FREE (May 11)

Sat: What on Earth? Family Activity Day at Grant Museum of Zoology, University St, WC1 (Euston tube)
Explore strange specimens and bizarre bones on this epic odyssey of the museum’s treasures, part of Silly Season. 11am-4pm, FREE (May 12)

Sat: Family Day: The Factory of Confessions at Whitechapel Gallery, Shoreditch, E1 (Aldgate East tube)
Share your family confessions in typed, edible, written or spoken format, with a family trail of Gillian Wearing exhibition and a chance to dress up and get snappy in the photo booth. 12-4pm, FREE (May 12)

Sat-Sun: Mr Punch’s Big Grin Birthday Party & Covent Garden May Fayre, Covent Garden Piazza and St. Paul’s Church Gardens, WC2 (Covent Garden tube)
A special celebration of Mr Punch’s 350th birthday, with Punch professors and puppeteers from around the world appearing in the Piazza (Sat) for birthday cake, photocells and free shows; plus the annual May Fayre (Sun) in St. Paul’s churchyard with puppet shows, workshops, stalls and folk music. 11am-5pm (Sat), 11am-5.30pm (Sun), FREE (May 12-13)

Sat-Sun: London Pet Show at Earl’s Court Two, SW5 (Earl’s Court)
Find a furry, scaly or slimy friend at the largest exhibition of pets with hundreds of breeds on show. Plus special family activities throughout the day. 9.30am-5pm, adult £13 adv/£16 door; under 16s £9 adv/£10.50 door; under 5s FREE (May 12-13)

Sun: Nonsense! The Wonderful World of Edward Lear at British Library, 96 Euston Rd, NW1 (King’s Cross tube)
Come and celebrate the mad lyrics of Lear in popular rhymes like Owl & the Pussycat and The Jumblies, with top poets Michael Rosen, Roger McGough and special guests. 2.30-4pm, £7/£5 concs. (May 13)

Sun: Planet of the Beetlebuns at Jacksons Lane, 269a Archway Rd, N6 (Highgate tube)
Kids ages 0-5 are invited to hop onto a magical, interactive carpet filled with spinning objects, glowing moons and colourful plant life. Fabulous show for babies, toddlers and bigger kids. 10am, 11am, 12pm, 2pm, 3pm & 4pm (cafe open until 4pm); £8.95. Booking essential, limited spaces per show, call 0208 341 4421 (May 13)

Local Pick
Fri-Sun: Remember the Umbrella at Little Angel Theatre, 14 Dagmar Passage, N1 (Angel tube)
An enchanting tale of shadow puppetry, music and audience participation as we follow the adventures of the Umbrella-seller storyteller. For ages 4-7, baby-friendly performance on Sun am. 5pm (Fri), 11am & 2pm (Sat-Sun); £8/£6 concs. (May 11-13)

We also like
Sunshine on a Rainy Day at Chickenshed Theatre, Southgate (Sat), May in a Day at Cecil Sharp House, NW1 (Sat), Not So Silent Movies at King’s Place, N1 (Sun), Kid Carpet and the Noisy Animals at Arts Depot, N12 (Sun), LPO Funharmonics Family Concert at Southbank Centre, SE1, Town Mouse and the Country Mouse at Puppet Theatre Barge, Little Venice (ongoing)

Don’t miss our action-packed May Family Events Calendar

Ever since I first saw Beauty and the Beast on its release, I’ve been totally enraptured with the film. The story of Belle and the fierce creature that she tames and grows to love is one of Disney’s most magical affairs.

I’d recently bought a copy of the DVD and was looking forward to watching it with the babes when we got a press invite to see it on the big screen – in 3D!

From the opening frames, you’re totally immersed in the gorgeously animated forest and the legend of the mean prince who falls under an enchantment that only true love can break.

Belle is a feisty, bookish heroine who dreams of more than ‘this provincial life’ but spends most of her time fighting off the attentions of local meathead Gaston (imagine Steven Seagal… on steroids).

When her father accidentally trespasses on the Beast’s castle and is held captive, Belle offers to take his place. It’s the start of an adventure crammed with catchy musical numbers and loveable characters, like Mrs Potts (the teapot maid) and Lumiere (the candlestick manservant).

The babes were excited to see the film and always enjoy sporting 3D glasses.

But the images literally burst from the screen at points and some scenes were pretty intense for little ones. Jed was clinging to me during the Beast’s early rampages and Ezra kept taking his glasses off because it was ‘too scary’, especially when the wolves attack.

Still, both said they loved the film and were happy to sit through the end credits with Mama, soaking up the Oscar-winning title song.

I’m not a fan of everything being converted to 3D and found the picture slightly dizzying at times. That said, the new version does give you an extra appreciation of the care that’s been lavished on this film.

Beauty and the Beast remains one of my top 5 Disney films and the Beast is still the ultimate romantic hero. If you’re a fan of big-hearted storytelling and a soaring score, you and your family can’t help but fall under its spell.

Beauty and the Beast 3D is on limited release nationwide from May 4

If you’re getting ready for festival season or dreaming of foreign shores, we’ve got a fabulous family travel product as our special offer this week.

Flexibath is a lightweight (just 1.5kg) yet secure portable baby bath tub that’s suitable for kids ages newborn to 4 years old. It’s totally free of toxins, folds completely flat in seconds and comes in 6 groovy colour combinations.

We first featured Flexibath early last year, at the request of one of our readers searching for a toddler bath for a somewhat cramped living space. The tub also comes in handy for laundry or extra storage.

**Win a Flexibath Portable Bath for Baby and Toddler**

Now the kind folks at Whitestep have offered us one Flexibath as a prize for a lucky Babes about Town reader. All you have to do is answer the following question:

What is your favourite colour Flexibath? (click on the Flexibath web site link to see the full range)

NB: For an extra competition entry, you can sign up for the Whitestep newsletter to hear about more great products.

Answers to editor@babesabouttown.com by May 20 and winner will be drawn at random. Please let us know in the email if you made an additional entry by signing up to the Whitestep newsletter. Good luck!

Flexibath is priced from £29.95, for stockists visit www.whitestep.co.uk

It’s Bring Your Grandparents to Museum of London Docklands (Sat) and a big old Sikh knees up at Vaisakhi in Trafalgar Square (Sun). But the whole Bank Holiday weekend is packed with family friendly things to do. Enjoy this special extended edition of our Weekend Scoop and have a good one!

Thu-Mon: London 2012 Olympics Test Events, various venues in Olympic Park, E15 (Stratford tube/overground)
Hot tickets are already sold out but some remain for this special pre-Olympic series billed as ’2012 hours to go’ until the main event. On the menu are Athletics, Water Polo, Paralympic Athletics, Wheelchair Tennis, Boccia and Hockey. Visit London Prepares web site for details of upcoming test events. (May 2-8)

Thu-Mon: Netherlands National Circus, Wanstead Flats, Wanstead, E12 (Wanstead Park)
One of Europe’s most popular touring circuses returns with a sensational show of acrobatics, juggling, slapstick, aerial skills and more – no animal acts.4.45pm & 7.30pm (Wed-Sat), 2pm (Sat), 1pm & 3.30pm (Sun), 12.30pm, 3pm & 5.30pm (Mon); ticket range adult £9-£21/child £7-£15 (includes online discounts) (until May 8)

Sat: Saturday Puppet Club and Crafty Kids at Little Angel Theatre, 14 Dagmar Passage, N1 (Angel tube)
It’s the kick-off of the popular Saturday Puppet Club (ages 5-11) and Crafty Kids (ages 2-5) run by the Islington institution. This year, participants in the courses will be invited to parade their creations at the Little Angel Summer Party in July celebrating the 350th birthday of Punch & Judy. 9.45-11am or 11.30am-12.45pm, £85/£60 concs (ages 5-11) and £90/£65 concs. per child/carer pair (ages 2-5) (May 5-Jul 7)

Sat-Sun: Modern Movement Weekend at Brockwell Lido, Dulwich Rd, SE24 (Herne Hill rail)
The annual design fair presents a chance to browse art from local students, vintage furniture and design with gourmet food and BBQ, multi-sports activities for kids and the Big Jump – a plunge at 12pm to mark the start of open-air swimming. 10am-4pm, FREE (May 5-6)

Sat-Mon: Chorus Festival at Southbank Centre, SE1 (Waterloo tube)
A whole weekend celebration of how singing can change the world, with vocal sessions in aid of dementia, homeless, equality and special family workshops including Singalong Oliver! (Sat, 4pm) and a chance to perform with iGospel (Mon) and South Africa’s Mbawula (Mon). Varying times and performances, workshops are FREE (May 5-7)

Sat-Mon: Canalway Cavalcade, Little Venice, Paddington, W2 (Warwick Ave tube)
Celebrate London’s waterways at this unique family festival featuring traditional entertainment including Morris dancers, kids activities, food and stalls and a stunning illuminated boat procession on Sunday night. 10am-6pm (Sat-Sun), 9pm illuminated boats(Sun), 10am-5pm (Mon), FREE (May 5-7)

Sat-Mon: Breakin’ Convention 2012 at Sadler’s Wells, Rosebery Avenue, EC1 (Angel tube)
Hosted and curated by Jonzi D, the annual 3-day hip hop fiesta prepares to tear the roof off with live graffiti showcase, workshops including a Tiny Totrock kids session, MC and beatbox demos and of course crazy moves from the likes of all-female troupe Boadicea and disabled crew Ill Abilities. Doors open 4pm, shows from 6pm, £15-£20 (May 5-7)

Sat-Tue: Toddle in the City at Canary Wharf, E14 (Canary Wharf tube)
Little feet go on a big adventure armed with digital cameras in this photographic Treasure Hunt, devised by Urban Beings. Collected images from the Toddles will be exhibited on May 27 at Greenwich Maritime Museum. For ages 2-5, siblings welcome. 11am-12pm or 2-3pm; £12.50 per adult and child, pre-booking essential (May 5-8)

Sun: Shrek the Musical Family Day at Theatre Royal Drury Lane, Covent Garden, WC2 (Covent Garden tube)
To celebrate the anniversary of the musical that’s been painting the town green, London families are invited to a free day of fun. There’s a chance to meet the cast, hear fairytale readings, do arts and crafts and win Shrektacular prizes. 11am-2pm, FREE (May 6)

Mon: Brixton Windmill Recycling Festival and Parade from Tate Library, Windrush Square, SW2 (Brixton tube)
Stretch your creativity at this family fun day with a recycling theme by making a recycled bug or dragonfly to parade and decorate the railings. There will be good grub, music, activities for kids and more in Windmill Gardens, plus brief tours of the Brixton Windmill. Gather from 12.15pm, parade starts 1pm, party 2-6pm; FREE (May 7)

Mon: One Bigg Magical Party at the Roof Gardens, 99 Kensington High St, SW7 (High Street Kensington tube)
Wizards, elves, fairies and other mystical creatures are invited to this magical showcase of London’s top family entertainers. Up on the chic Roof Gardens, enjoy gardening, cooking and crafts sessions, ice cream and sandwich making contests, live acts and more fun than you can shake a wand at. For ages 2-10, siblings welcome, plus tea and pampering for grown-ups! 11am-4.30pm, adult £15/child £20/family £60. NB: Sold Out but waiting list open (May 7)

Mon: May Day on the Docks at Museum of London Docklands, West India Quay, E14 (West India Quay DLR)
Come and enjoy a traditional day of festivities including making a Jack in the Green for luck, storytelling, chimney sweep folklore, a chance to join in the procession and of course Morris Dancing! 11am, drop-in, FREE (May 7)

We also like
Spray Away Family Workshop at Somerset House (Sat), Hare & Tortoise at Stratford Circus (Sat), Hoola Fest at Camden Crawl (Sat), Funday Sunday: Coronation Cookies at Whiteleys (Sun), May Day at Freightliners Farm, N1 (Mon), Board Games and Beyond at Hackney Picturehouse (Mon)

I was gutted when I learned that our neighbourhood farm was threatened with closure last year, due to shortage of funding (the dreaded credit crunch strikes again).

Freightliners Farm is part of the heart and soul of Islington and provides a welcome escape from the hubbub of central London.

Then my friend Anyi, one of many Islington parents who visit the farm regularly, invited me to be part of an amazing grassroots effort bringing some famous names and the community together to help the farm.

Getting Piggy with It

It all kicks off in earnest this June with A Night of Comedy for Freightliners Farm, hosted by actor/comedian Alan Davies, with help from friends Jo Brand, Rich Hall, Phill Jupitus, Isy Suttie, Ian Stone, Roisin Conaty and Tiffany Stevenson!

‘It’s one of the best comedy bills I’ve ever been part of,’ says Davies, who says he was ‘horrified’ to hear of the farm’s plight. ‘My little girl loves it there so I’m delighted to help raise funds.’

Tickets are now on sale for A Night of Comedy for Freightliners Farm, happening on June 16 at Islington’s Union Chapel, recently voted Time Out’s Best Live Music Venue.

It promises to be an unforgettable night so bag your seats before they sell out!

Farm Hands Unite

The benefit gig is the first in a series of events and activities being planned by Islington locals in support of Freightliners Farm.

Babes about Town will be blogging the action as it unfolds as well as offering a helping hand on ground. People are encouraged to get involved through farming, gardening, environmental and crafts activities, skills sharing or just visiting with your kids and leaving a donation.

Freightliners Farm is a lovely space to hang out with family and give little townies a taste of country life.

The vegetarian cafe serving up truly yummy food made with farm-fresh ingredients is one of Islington’s best kept secrets!

Tickets for A Night of Comedy for Freightliners Farm are on sale through www.ticketmaster.co.uk

To find out more about the event, go to www.freightlinersfarm.org.uk, www.unionchapel.org.uk and www.ticketmaster.co.uk

Visit Freightliners Farm on Sheringham Rd, N7 (Highbury & Islington tube). Tel: 0207 609 0467

May Day, May Day! It’s a red alert for the Capital as we capture the hottest adventures around for London kids and families. Roll on summer!

New & Now
Rooftop Film Club at Queen of Hoxton, London Fields and Kensington Gardens (Apr 30-Aug 30, varying dates)
Netherlands National Circus at Wanstead Flats, E12 (May 1-8)
London 2012 Olympics Test Events, various venues in Olympic Park, E15 (May 2-8)
Breakin’ Convention 2012 at Sadler’s Wells, Rosebery Avenue, EC1 (May 5-7)
Chorus Festival at Southbank Centre, SE1 (May 5-7)
Canalway Cavalcade, Little Venice, Paddington, W2 (May 5-7)
Toddle in the City at Canary Wharf, E14 (May 5-8)
One Bigg Magical Party at the Roof Gardens, 99 Kensington High St, SW7 (May 7)
The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe, ThreeSixty Theatre, Kensington Gardens, W8 (May 8-Sep 9)
London Wonderground at Southbank Centre, SE1 (May 8-Sep 30)
David Shrigley: Brain Activity at Southbank Centre, SE1 (until May 13)
BP Summer Big Screens at Trafalgar Square, WC2 (May 17 & 30, Jul 17)
Museums at Night, various venues (May 18-20)
RHS Chelsea Flower Show, Royal Hospital Chelsea, SW3 (May 22-26)
In the Night Garden Live at The O2, Peninsular Square, SE10 (May 24-Jun 9)
HMS Belfast Family Weekender, Bankside, SE1 (May 26-27)

Ongoing
Kids Go Free at new Kensington Palace, High St Kensington tube (reopens Mar 26)
Brains: the Mind as Matter at Wellcome Collection, Euston Rd, WC1 (until Jun 17)
E4 Udderbelly Festival at Southbank Centre, SE1 (until Jul 8)
Damien Hirst at Tate Modern, Bankside, SE1 (until Sep 9)
London 2012 Olympics and Paralympic Games Medals at British Museum, Great Russell St, WC2 (until Sep 9)
Titanic Remembered at National Maritime Museum Greenwich, SE10 (until Sep 30)
Matilda the Musical, Cambridge Theatre, WC2 (until Oct 21)
Superheroes at Discover Children’s Story Centre, High St, Stratford E15 (until Nov 4)
World Shakespeare Festival, various venues (until Nov 2012)
The Making of Harry Potter Studio Tour at Warner Brothers Studios, Leavesden, WD25 7LR (until Mar 6, 2013)

Calendar Cutie

We spotted this month’s cutie hanging at our fave hot dog cart** in Vibe Bar, Brick Lane. Little Quentin is a natural born comedian who toddles around with the confidence of a much older kid. ‘He’s 15 months going on 5,’ says mama Kim. ‘And he’s such a charmer. We know we’re in trouble with this one!’

Quentin is also our Trendy Toddler pick for the week.

Style Check
Hat – CTH Mini
Shirt – Zara Kids
Jacket – Zara Kids
Goggles – Quentin’s uncle

Send in your favourite photos of your babes (ages 5 and under) for a chance to be our next Calendar Cutie and be entered into a prize draw! Email photos and a short description to editor@babesabouttown.com

Check out more Trendy Toddler fashion every Tuesday now at Very Busy Mama blog!

**Disclosure: We’re affiliated. Read more about Big Apple Hot Dogs