Today we’re celebrating World Book Day and I’ve got the babes dressed up as the Lion from Dear Zoo and Mr Strong (with rolled-up t-shirts for extra muscle definition). Look out for photos on our Facebook page.
Visit www.worldbookday.com to check out events near you and of course there’s The Big Write festival at Discover Story Centre kicking off our guide to weekend activities for London kids and families. Don’t forget to ‘bookmark’ Babes about Town too!
Thu-Sun: The Big Write at Discover Story Centre, 383-387 High St, E15 (Stratford overground/tube)
The massive 10-day annual festival of literature returns to Discover with a stonking line-up featuring Simon Bartram, Axel Scheffler (The Gruffalo), Jim Field, Polly Dunbar and more. Don’t miss Rastamouse and the Easy Crew book signing and Charlie Dark’s Octopus Club ‘underwater’ disco for ages 0-5. 10am-5pm (Tue-Fri), 11am-5pm (Sat-Sun); adult £7/child £6.50/concs £5.50 (Mar 7-17)
Thu-Sun: Feast at Tobacco Dock, 50 Porters Walk, Wapping E1 W (Shadwell DLR/rail)
After sell-out events in Islington last year, Feast takes over Tobacco Dock with a mouthwatering array of food from top restaurants and street food heroes. Come out with the family to enjoy fabulous food, experimental cocktails, acoustic sets and a gorgeous setting. Starring Big Apple Hot Dogs, Dishoom, Patty & Bun, Caravan, Pizza Pilgrims, The Bowler and more tasty nosh. Hurry, last remaining tickets going fast! 6-11pm (Thu-Fri); 12-11pm (Sat); 12-8pm (Sun): £9 (Thu-Fri), £8 (Sat-Sun) (Mar 7-10)
Fri-Sun: Michael Caine at Museum of London, 150 London Wall, EC2 (Barbican/St Paul’s tube)
A chance to wander through this brand new retrospective of the original cheeky chappie, featuring never-before-seen photographs, film and audio clips and iconic portraits by David Bailey and Terry O’Neill. There’s always something going on at the MoL for young ‘uns too and it’s a great museum to explore. 10am-6pm, FREE (Mar 8-Jul 14)
Fri-Sat: Singing in the Rain with Live Orchestra at Royal Albert Hall, Kensington Gore, SW7 (South Kensington tube)
Rush to get your hands on tickets for this live extravaganza, featuring the gorgeous musical Singing in the Rain on screen accompanied by a live orchestra. Experience the stunning acoustics of Royal Albert Hall with the entire family. We took the babes to see this classic film on the big screen at Barbican recently and it was sensational. 7.30pm, £15-£49.50 (Mar 8-9)
Fri-Sun: Move It Dance Festival at Olympia, Hammersmith Rd, W14 (Kensington Olympia tube)
It’s a dance bonanza at this hugely popular annual event, with live performances from Boy Blue Entertainment, English National Youth Ballet, Wayne McGregor and more top artists. Classes for pros and amateurs in every style from hip hop to flamenco, including plenty for the little ones to shake a tail feather to. 10am-7pm (Fri-Sat), 10am-5pm (Sun); adult £14-£38/child £10.50-£26/under 5s FREE (Mar 8-10)
Fri-Sun: High Performance Festival at Science Museum, Cromwell Rd, SW7 (South Kensington tube)
Speed geeks get ready for a weekend of discovery, where you can meet motorsports engineers, see an electric racing car and meet the young and older teams who race them, take part in workshops and explore the awesome engineering that goes into high performance helicopters, military planes and other vehicles. 11am-4pm (event times vary), FREE (Mar 8-10)
Sat: Little Sunshine Little Rainfall (top pic) at Tara Arts Theatre, 356 Garratt Lane, Earlsfield SW18 (Earsfield rail)
Enter the magical Japanese garden where the little creatures must work together to overcome the naughty Storm Fox. Can the wise old Turtle hold the secret to saving them all? An engaging blend of folklore and traditional dance, inspired by haiku and origami, by A Thousand Cranes in association with Arts Depot. 10.30am & 1.30pm; adult £10/child £8 (Mar 9-10)
Sat: Badges for Mother’s Day at Foundling Museum, 40 Brunswick Square, WC1 (Russell Square tube)
Explore the exhibition Fate, Hope & Charity and be inspired to create your own memorable badges and buttons as a gift for mum this Mother’s Day. For ages 5+, younger siblings welcome. 10.30am-12.30pm, 2.30-4.30pm; FREE (Mar 9)
Sun: Mavis Sparkles at Arts Depot, 5 Nether St, Tally Ho Corner, North Finchley N12 (Finchley Central tube)
Inspired by her stargazer mum and her magician dad, little Mavis goes on an adventure to see the Northern lights for herself. An enchanting tale filled with illusion, animation and wonder for ages 5+. 12pm & 3pm, £7 (Mar 10)
Sun: Little Bookniks at Jewish Museum, Raymond Burton House, 129-131 Albert St, NW1 (Camden Town tube)
A great day for storytelling, filled with secret histories and superpowers. There’s pop-up bookmaking, live music and tales from the Klezmer Klub, claymation workshop and more to entertain ages 0-99. 10am-4pm, £5 (Mar 10)
We also like
There’s a Shoe Carnival at Selfridges for all ages with load on for the Kids Shoe Carnival this weekend; Gnomeo and Juliet is playing at Electric Cinema Kids Club in Notting Hill (Sat); The Princess Bride is on at Vue Kids AM (Sat-Sun); celebrate International Women’s Day with 4 days of festivities at WOW Women of the World at Southbank Centre (until Sun); don’t miss a brand new retelling of Pinocchio on screen at Institut Francais in Kensington, part of the Cinema Made in Italy festival (Sun)
Photo via Tara Arts web site
