Celebrate Roald Dahl Day in Manchester this Weekend

'A little nonsense now and then is relished by the wisest men.' Roald Dahl

I loved reading as a child, and although he wasn't my favourite author, Roald Dahl was definitely in my top five. His books filled part of my childhood bookshelves and have always stayed with me. My favourites were George's Marvelous Medicine and Danny, Champion of the World!

2016 marks 100 years since the birth of one of the greatest Children's authors and 13th September was his birthday. There are events happening all over the world to celebrate and plenty happening in Manchester over the weekend. My children will be dressing up as their favourite characters for school on Tuesday to mark the occasion (Fantastic Mr Fox and either Matilda or a witch - she's not decided yet!) before before that we'll be heading in to Manchester City Centre on Sunday to have some fantastic fun!

Glittering Eyes pop up cinema

On Saturday 10th and Sunday 11th there will be a fantastical  Glittering Eyes pop up cinema at New Bailey near Spinningfields. There will be showings of James and the Giant Peach,  Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory,  Matilda and The Witches. It's not just about the movie showings though as there will be a wonderland of Dahl themed activities from a walk through Willy Wonka's garden to a giant peach pop-up library and loads of Children’s entertainment as well as lots of tasty street food traders to tempt your tastebuds! 
New Bailey Street, Salford, M3 5AX (tickets from £7.50 available at www.eventbrite.co.uk).  

Roald Dahl Big Picnic Day at Tatton Park

To celebrate this special birthday Tatton Park are opening their Gardens to picnickers for the first time on Sunday 11th September 2016, so you can bring a picnic and settle down in their gorgeous formal Gardens! And what's more, they will be free to enter for everyone! During your picnic enjoy exploring the 50-acre garden. There’s a fabulous Danny the Champion of the World Trail to follow full-of-fun obstacles. James and the Giant Peach and the Twits provide further fun! A great afternoon entertainment programme includes a mini disco, Roald Dahl inspired performances and the young ones can settle down and listen in to storytelling. On the day you’ll be able to give a little by treating yourself to a slice of the most humungous, yummy birthday cake baked by our very own baker …..the proceeds go to Roald Dahl’s Marvellous Children’s Charity caring for seriously ill children. Go dressed up as your favourite Roald Dahl character and you could win a superlicious surprise! Gardens open from 10am. Activities take place between 12pm and 3pm. Ice cream, beers and hot and cold refreshments are available to purchase. Car parking is £6 per car. Find out more here

Justin's Annual 2013 Review

Ben is a huge Justin Fletcher fan. Ever since his class was given the fantastic opportunity to be in the audience of Justin's House last September he has barely missed an episode! So he was thrilled to be sent a copy of Justin's Annual 2013 before it was even released in the shops!

Christmas is not the same with out an annual, it's a Christmas tradition and Ben has had one every year, I even have some saved from my own childhood.  Justin's Annual has got to be one of my favourites so far, it's jam packed full of fun activities, puzzles, games, stories and even a recipe!

Each of the 61 colourful pages are filled with something to catch and hold a child's attention from simple songs with missing words to find (we had lots of fun singing these!) simple colour by numbers and words to trace to practice handwriting and over 50 stickers! There's a great bedtime story about slippers too!

Justin's Annual will be released for sale on 1st November 2012 and has a RRP of £7.99, but don't forget to check the supermarket offers as they always run promotions on children's annuals on the run up to Christmas!

I would recommend this annual as a stocking filler for any Justin fan this Christmas!