Ever stuck for what to do with the kids on a Saturday morning?
Here’s an idea: If you like movies and have children aged 5 or over (younger siblings welcome), sign up for the Barbican Family Film Club.
The boys and I went down recently to check out this weekly cinema mix for families. The BFFC screens a variety of movies from Disney to classic musicals and silent cinema, appealing to both young and young at heart.
Our main attraction was Sherlock Hound, a TV animation series by acclaimed director Hayao Miyazaki (Spirited Away, Ponyo).
Before the show, a professional animator took the kids through the steps to create their very own cartoon flip books.
Jed was thrilled to bits with his handiwork.
The Film Club hosts regular pre-show activities and invites skilled artists and entertainers to lead the workshops.
Inside the rather grand yet intimate screening room, film club hostess Vanessa welcomed us and we all sang Happy Birthday to three children celebrating that day.
This would actually be a cool and inexpensive way to spend a birthday morning and every celebrant gets a free ticket for their next visit.
Sherlock Hound was a great romp – I’m a huge fan of Miyazaki and the babes were riveted by the zany characters and lively action sequences.
Before we left, Vanessa kindly provided us with a rucksack packed with film club goodies. Every new film club member receives a welcome pack and loyalty card to stamp towards a free visit.
Ezra’s already been rocking his Barbican Family Film Club rucksack around town and we’ll definitely be back for another screening soon.
As a relaxed and fun way to spend a Saturday morning with the little ones, the Barbican Family Film Club will be hard to beat.
Join online: Membership to Barbican Family Film Club is free and comes with discounted tickets and free goody bag. The theme for April is Enchanted Tales.
Visit the Barbican web site for more
