BEDFORD, SANDY & BIGGLESWADE WHAT’S ON P22 - 27 COMPETITIONS P28 & 29 FUN THINGS TO DO THIS SUMMER P8-9 MAGAZINE & WEBSITE THE GO-TO GUIDE FOR YOU AND YOUR CHILD raring2go.co.uk SUMMER 2024
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raring2go.co.uk 3 Raring2go! WELCOME Welcome to Summer! I can hardly believe that school is nearly out for Summer and we can look forward to some fun times with our families! Hoping to see some sunshine too! There are so many great things to do and places to visit right on our own doorsteps. We’ve been working with some great local businesses and organisations to bring you this edition and give you lots of ideas to keep the kids amused and make memories. We will also be sharing lots of other ideas so be sure to follow us on Instagram and Facebook so that you don’t miss out! Please visit our website to subscribe to our monthly newsletters, enter our fantastic competitions and take advantage of our offers www.raring2go.co.uk/bedford-andbiggleswade. Have a fantastic summer! Tilly x p.s. Please remember to mention Raring2go! wherever you go! 07855 952956 bedford@raring2go.co.uk Copyright © 2024 by Gemini Print No part of the publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, mechanical or electronic, including photocopying & recording, or by any information storage & retrieval system, without permission in writing from the publisher. Published by Raring2go! Bedford Tilly Bartens Phone: 07855 952956, Email: bedford@raring2go.co.uk All information in the booklet is published in good faith. We do not guarantee the services and products from any business featured. Printers: Gemini Print: 01273 464884 Layout by Free Range Design: 01234 315493 General Competition Rules: No cash alternatives to prizes. Please refer to individual closing dates. Personal data only used to administer competitions. f Stay In Touch! Make sure that you re-subscribe so we can keep telling you about the great offers, competitions and things ? Are you getting your message across? Free Range design & print solutions helping you to crow about it I business cards I flyers I leaflets I logos I brochures I posters I banners I stickers I adverts... designed, printed, delivered. 01234 315493 I enquiries@freerange-design.co.uk www.freerange-design.co.uk
MORE WAYS TO PLAY COME FOR THE ADVENTURE, STAY FOR THE FUN. Visit better.org.uk/bedfordshire and make the holidays count
Junior members aged 11-15 years are restricted in their use of CV and fixed resistance machines and free weights are not permitted. Better is a registered trademark and trading name of GLL (Greenwich Leisure Limited), a charitable social enterprise and registered society under the Co-operative & Community Benefit & Societies Act 2014 registration no. 27793R. Registered office: Middlegate House, The Royal Arsenal, London, SE18 6SX. Inland Revenue Charity no. XR43398. TADWORTH COMMUNITY AND LEISURE CENTRE Discover more at better.org.uk/tadworth FAMILY/FUN SWIMMING Our fun sessions include floats and toys in the pool, enjoyed by kids of all ages - and mum and dad too! Add swimming to your list of holiday activities in the confidence that whatever the weather, you’ll get to make some great holiday memories together. AQUA SPLASH If you’re looking for ultimate fun in the water, Aqua Splash is where you need to be! Come along and enjoy the excitement of our inflatable assault courses, laid out in the swimming pool. MAKE YOUR SUMMER BREAK ONE TO REMEMBER... In partnership with JUNIOR GYM Junior gym is a dedicated session where teens and older children aged between 11-17 can access the gym and get active. All sessions have a member of staff present, so if you are unfamiliar with any equipment, you can always ask them for safety advice. SWIM SCHOOL HOLIDAY SHORT COURSES Why not keep the kids active this holiday while learning a new life skill with our Swim School Holiday Courses. Suitable for all levels, your child will build their confidence in the water and have fun at a swimming pool near you. Lessons run daily from Monday to Friday.
6 raring2go.co.uk Raring2go! BICYCLE SAFETY Nurturing Responsible Riders: Bike Riding Safety on Roads for Children Under 12 Bicycle safety for children under the age of 12 is vital, especially concerning ‘bike riding safety on roads’. Ensuring the well-being of young cyclists goes far beyond riding for fun. It is about instilling in them lifelong habits and preventing accidents. Helmet Habits: Emphasise the importance of wearing helmets. Ensure they fit snugly and are worn every time they venture out on their bike. Road Awareness: Teach children to be road-conscious. Look left, right and left again before moving. Being aware of their surrounding will help them stay safe. Visibility Matters: Make sure bicycles have reflectors and bright colours. Being visible to drivers reduces the risk of accidents, especially during low-light conditions. Hand Signals: Educate children on basic signals for turning and stopping. Being clear in their communication will enhances overall road safety for cyclists. Supervised Routes: Encourage riding in supervised areas to begin with before introducing them to low-traffic areas. This will help build confidence in riding in different environments. Obey Traffic Rules: Teach children to stop at lights, follow traffic signs and give way when necessary. Instilling these basic habits ensures responsible road behaviour. Two-Wheel Maintenance: Regularly check and maintain bicycles. Ensure brakes, tyres, and chains are in good condition for a safe and smooth ride. Avoid Distractions: Discourage the use of gadgets while they ride. Distractions can compromise concentration and reaction time, increasing the risk of accidents. Buddy System: Encourage riding with a friend or in groups. The buddy system is easy and enhances overall safety on the roads. Emergency Preparedness: Teach basic emergency procedures such as what to do if they fall or encounter a potential hazard. Being prepared is key when facing unexpected situations. When we prioritise ‘bike riding safety’ on the roads for our children under 12 we are laying the foundations for responsible, confident cyclists. By instilling the basic safety measures from an early age, parents ensure that their young riders can enjoy all of the the benefits of cycling while navigating roads and traffic responsibly and safely.
raring2go.co.uk 7 Raring2go! CLUBS & CLASSES Kumon’s maths and English study programmes work to build your child’s confidence and inspire a passion for learning. Fees vary. Please refer to your local study centre. To unlock your child’s potential, contact your local Instructor for a free assessment. Bedford South Study Centre Kirsten Putman 01234 268 608 kumon.co.uk
Beach Day: Spend a day at the beach building sandcastles, playing beach volleyball, swimming, and enjoying a picnic. Don't forget sunscreen and beach toys! Outdoor Movie Night under the Stars: Set up a projector and screen in the back garden for an outdoor movie night. Bring out blankets, pillows, and snacks for a cosy evening of family entertainment. Fruit Picking: Visit a local orchard or berry farm and pick your own fruits. It's not only a fun outdoor activity but also provides fresh, delicious fruits for snacks or homemade treats. Water Balloon Fight: Cool off on a hot summer day with a family water balloon fight in the back garden. It's a fun and refreshing way to stay active and beat the heat. Camping in the Back Garden: Set up a tent, make s'mores, and tell stories around a campfire (if permitted). Camping in the back garden is a great way to introduce younger family members to the camping experience. 10 fun things to do as
Family Bike Ride: Explore scenic bike trails or ride around your neighbourhood. Summer is an ideal time for a family bike adventure, providing exercise and quality time together. Kayaking or Canoeing: If you live near a lake or river, consider renting kayaks or canoes for a family paddling adventure. It's a great way to enjoy nature while staying active. Outdoor Sports Day: Organise a family sports day with activities like football, basketball, or even a mini-Olympics. Divide into teams and compete in a friendly and fun atmosphere. Outdoor BBQ and Picnic: Fire up the grill and have a family barbecue in your back garden or a local park. Pack a picnic with all the summertime favourites like grilled burgers, hot dogs, and fresh salads. Amusement Park: Spend a day at a local water park or amusement park for thrilling rides, water slides, and family entertainment. It's a surefire way to create lasting summer memories. a family this Summer
10 raring2go.co.uk Raring2go! PLACES TO GO Summer Activities at John Bunyan Museum Join us at the John Bunyan Museum and Library this summer for family friendly activities, trails, and exhibitions. Explore why people give to museum collections, and why it’s so important that they do in our summer exhibition: ‘Collected Works’: finding a good home for cherished things. Discover the stories and objects that have come to the John Bunyan Museum & Library in this celebration of our recent collections. On display at the Basement at Bunyan Gallery from Friday 19th July 2024. Open 11am-4pm, Tuesday-Saturday. Free Entry. Our Crafty Thursdays return every week this August. Be inspired by our collections, stories, and even our garden with a fun new creation to make and keep each Thursday. Have fun with our seaside theme, fun puppets, crazy clay, and become Secret Agents! From 11am-3pm (last entry 2.30pm). Drop in- no booking required- £2 per participating child, accompanied. New for 2024, Bunyan Meeting is running craft and activity sessions every Tuesday in August. With a Noah’s Ark theme, each week make a different animal to take home and help Noah fill his Ark! Have a go at trails around the museum and find the hidden surprise in our summer exhibition. 11am-2pm in Bunyan Meeting completely free. Free sandwich lunch for children completing all three activities on the day. For more information visit our ‘What’s On’ page bunyanmeeting.co.uk/events We wish you a very happy summer holiday and look forward to seeing you! John Bunyan Museum is open TuesdaySaturday. 11am- 4pm. Last entry 3:45pm. John Bunyan Museum & Library, Bunyan Meeting, Mill Street, Bedford, MK40 3EU 01234 270303 curator@bunyanmeeting.co.uk www.bunyanmeeting.co.uk/museum X - @JBunyanMuseum Facebook – JohnBunyanMuseum
ROARsome Crafts Tuesday 23rd July. £4 Afternoon Tea With The Princesses Thursday 25th July. £15 Bits & Bobs Crafts Wednesday 14th August. £4 Krisgars’ Magic Show Wednesday 21st August. £5 Little City Thursday 22nd August. £9 Jurassic Trail Saturday 24th August - Sunday 1st September. £3 Scan the QR code or head to: www.marstonvale.org/events The Forest Centre Millennium Country Park Marston Moretaine, MK43 0PR SUMMER at the Forest Centre
12 raring2go.co.uk Raring2go! THINGS TO DO Summer is the season of limitless imagination and outdoor play. What better way to ignite the spirit of adventure in children than with a back garden camping experience? Turn your garden into a campsite and watch it become a magical world of discovery, creativity and fun. 1. Nature's Playground: Your garden becomes a huge playground for young adventurers. Encourage them to explore the flora and fauna, identify insects, birds and plants. Whether it's the thrill of discovery or simply observing the busy lives of ants, the garden will become a rich natural wonderland. 2. DIY Camping: Pitching a tent in the back garden is an exciting DIY project for children. Let them take charge of building the tent (with a little supervision) and arranging their sleeping bags. This hands-on activity not only builds practical ‘can do’ skills but also instills a sense of accomplishment. 3. Starry Night Spectacle: For many children, the night sky is a source of wonder. A back garden camp offers the perfect opportunity for stargazing. Lay out blankets, point out constellations, and share stories about the stars. It's a chance for kids to connect with the vastness of the universe from the comfort of their own outdoor haven. 4. Campfire Magic: No camping adventure is complete without a campfire experience. While a real fire may not always be feasible, simulate the magic with flashlights or battery-operated lanterns. Gather around and share tales, sing songs, or simply enjoy the warmth of your makeshift campfire. 5. Sleepover Excitement: The back garden camping experience doubles as an exciting sleepover. The sweet novelty of sleeping outdoors, the sounds of nature, and the gentle rustle of leaves create a unique atmosphere that enhances the sense of adventure. It's a perfect opportunity for children to bond with siblings or friends. 6. Creative Playtime: Camping in the back garden unleashes the creative juices. The garden transforms into a canvas for imaginative play, whether it's turning a blanket into a fortress, imagining the bushes are a jungle, or the lawn is a vast desert. This unstructured play nurtures creativity and allows children to invent their own stories. In a world filled with screens and structured activities, back garden camping provides a refreshing escape into nature's wonders. It's an opportunity for kids to embrace their sense of curiosity, engage in imaginative play and experience the joy of the great outdoors right at home. So, pitch that tent, let the adventure begin and watch as your little explorers embark on a summer camping escapade that is filled with laughter, discovery, and the magic of childhood. Little Explorers: The Real Magic of Back Garden Camping Adventures
raring2go.co.uk 13 Raring2go! CLUBS & CLASSES www.trinityleisure.co.uk 01234 291777 enquiries@trinityleisure.co.uk Our lessons run alongside the Swim England guidelines and are designed to work on swimmers’ technique, confidence, versatility, skills and endurance. School of Fish is held on - Monday to Friday afternoons: 4.00pm-6.00pm Saturday mornings: 8.30am-2.00pm. Term dates: Subject to school term dates Swim School The School of Fish is the learn to swim programme offered by Trinity Arts & Leisure. School of Fish
14 raring2go.co.uk Raring2go! THINGS TO DO Raring2grow! Raring2grow! Raring2grow! Raring2grow! Raring2grow! Raring2grow! Raring2grow! Raring2grow! Raring2grow! Raring2grow! Raring2grow! Raring2grow! Raring2grow! Raring2grow! Raring2grow! Raring2grow! Raring2grow! Raring2grow! Raring2grow! Raring2grow! Raring2grow! Raring2grow! Raring2grow! Raring2grow! Raring2grow! Raring2grow! Raring2grow! Raring2grow! Raring2grow! Raring2grow! Blooms & Laughter in the Summer time Watering Relay Races: Turn watering into a game by organising relay races. Children love the competition, and your plants will appreciate the consistent hydration. Colourful Container Planting: Engage children in planting colourful flowers or herbs.This adds a splash of colour to the garden while teaching some essential gardening basics. Weeding Wonders: Transform weeding into a fun scavenger hunt by challenging children to find and remove weeds. They’ll begin to get the importance of regular garden maintenance this way. Butterfly and Bee Spotting: Encourage children to observe and identify butterflies and bees. Planting pollinatorfriendly flowers enhances the garden's educational value. Creative Garden Markers: Craft artistic garden markers with your little ones using things like lolly pop sticks and paint. This adds a personal and bright touch to your garden. Harvesting Happiness: Involve children in harvesting ripe fruits and vegetables. This not only teaches them about food but can also encourage healthy eating habits. Summer Scarecrow Challenge: Create a mini scarecrow as a fun summer project. It adds character to the garden while keeping ‘pesky’ birds at bay. DIY Bird Feeders: Build a bird feeder and place it in your garden. Then watch the birds arrive and feed. It’ll add a new dimesion to your garden's charm and fascination. Garden Diary Continued: Encourage children to continue their garden diary during the summer. This practice develops observational skills and a love for documenting growth. Starry Nights in the Garden: Arrange a stargazing night in the garden. This not only offers a magical experience but also teaches children about the incredible night sky. Summer maintenance in the garden can be less of a chore and more a fun family affair. By combining education with hands-on fun, you're not only cultivating a thriving garden but also helping to build a lifelong appreciation for the wonders of nature in your little ones. Let laughter and blossoms fill your summer days in the garden! Raring2grow! Outdoor fun for budding green-fingers Summer heralds the arrival of a vibrant and colourful garden. Involving children at this time can be educational and entertaining (some even say fun!) So dig in with this simple guide to maintenance jobs and ensure a flourishing and joyous garden for the whole summer.
raring2go.co.uk 15 Raring2go! CLUBS & CLASSES Bedford North 07341 583675 kumon.co.uk Boost your child's confidence Kumon's Maths and English study programmes work to build your unlock your child's confidence and inspire a passion for learning. To child's potential, get in touch for a free assessment. Bedford North Study centre 07341 583 675
16 raring2go.co.uk Raring2go! HOBBIES
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18 raring2go.co.uk Raring2go! PLACES TO GO M Lidlington Ridgmont Aspley Guise Woburn Sands Bow Brickhill Fenny Stratford BLETCHLEY MILTON KEYNES Central LEIGHTON BUZZARD John Bunyan Mus The Higgins Bedf HULA Animal Rescue Frosts Garden Centre Woodland Walks Bletchley Park Woburn Sands Emporium MK Dons FC Ridgmont Station Heritage Centre Leighton Buzzard Railway BIRMINGHAM NEW STREET C Great Days out on The Marston Vale Line this Summer!’ @marstonvalecrp 01234 832645 stephens@bedsrcc.org.uk www.marstonvalecommunityrail.org.uk f GroupSave Rail Tickets: Third off for adults in groups of 3-9, Children half price, under 5s free! Granny & Grandad travel half price with a Bedfordshire Bus Pass! Bedford River Festival - 20th & 21st July Live music, boat parades, funfair, arts & theatre, sports & heritage villages, festival of motoring, craft market, raft & dragon boat races, water sports &much more! Visit www.riverfestival.bedford.gov.uk. Avoid the traffic and hop on the train into Bedford. The Festival site is just a short walk from Bedford St Johns. Normal Saturday timetable plus special Sunday service. Visit www.marstonvalecommunityrail.org.uk or call 01234 832645. Trains run Monday – Saturday and on Bank Holidays too!
raring2go.co.uk 19 Raring2go! PLACES TO GO BEDFORD BEDFORD St Johns Kempston Hardwick Stewartby Millbrook Kids World seum ford The Forest Centre Millennium Country Park Kimberley College Panacea Museum Laser World Vue Cinema Riverside Bedford 25% off at Gallone’s in The Arcade and The Pavilion at the Park in Bedford with your valid rail ticket! £1 Ticket Offer Extended Until 19th August! Any single journey is just £1 for adults and 50p for children. Railcard and Bedfordshire Bus Pass discounts (half price travel after 10:00 on weekdays and all day on Saturday & Bank Holidays) apply. Available at all ticket sales points including Ticket Offices and the conductor on the train. Symbol Spot on the Marston Vale Line! Collect your free pack with your train ticket at Bedford or Bletchley Stations and Ridgmont Station Heritage Centre (during normal opening hours). Why not enjoy a picnic and a walk whilst doing the Symbol Sport? Take a look at www. letsgo.org.uk/walk for some great ideas! • Can you find the Symbols at each station and in the train? • What can you spot out of the window between stations? • Learn about Rail Safety • Adults take part too! • Collect all Symbols for a prize (collect from Ridgmont Station Heritage Centre) Connections to: Bletchley Park, Grand Union Canal at Fenny Stratford, Forest of Marston Vale and Bedford museums! Jurassic Trail @ the Forest of Marston Vale The Forest of Marston Vale Trust 24th August - 1st September John Bunyan Museum & Bunyan Meeting Church Crafty Thursdays 8th, 15th, 22nd & 29th August 11:00am – 3.30pm £2 per child Summer Holiday Club 6th, 13th, 20th & 27th August - Free entry! Visit www.bunyanmeeting.co.uk/museum or call 01234 270303 Higgins Bedford The Siege of Bedford Castle - Castle themed fun and creative activities Dates to be released in July – visit www.thehigginsbedford.org.uk or call 01234 718044
20 raring2go.co.uk Raring2go! CLUBS & CLASSES
raring2go.co.uk 21 Raring2go! HELPING HANDS DO YOU NEED INSURANCE? One Broker’s local and independent teams are on hand to find a policy to suit your individual needs. 01223 792265 www.onebroker.co.uk PERSONAL INSURANCE • BUSINESS INSURANCE • SPECIALIST SECTORS PROMOTION. One Broker is a trading name of Jensten Insurance Brokers (East) Ltd, which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. Registered address: Discovery House, 4 Norwich Business Park, Whiting Road, Norwich, NR 6DJ. Registered in England and Wales No: 07131737. From home and car to landlord and business insurance, we’ve got you covered!
22 raring2go.co.uk Raring2go! WHAT’S ON July Sunset Series @ Wimpole Estate 5 Jul – 23 Aug Various theatre performances throughout the Summer in the beautiful grounds of Wimpole Estate. nationaltrust.org.uk The Unusual Adventures of Robin Hood @ The Place, Bedford 14 Jul This musical show is full of audience interaction, physical comedy and truly touching moments. The hilarious characters, fast-paced plotting and brilliant songs will have the audience singing all the way home. The outdoor setting instantly transports you to the world of Sherwood Forest. Suitable for the whole family. Not to be missed this summer! theplacebedford.org.uk Bedford River Festival @ Bedford 20 – 21 Jul The ever-popular Bedford River Festival is back this year. As always this is a community event which is free to attend and offers something for everyone, including live entertainment and activities, a funfair, raft and dragon boat races, the Sports Island and water sports arena. riverfestival.bedford.gov.uk Shaggy’s Summer Spectacular @ Mead Open Farm 20 Jul – 1 Sep Join in the fun down on the farm! meadopenfarm.co.uk Summer of Play @ Dunstable Downs 21 Jul – 1 Sep See Dunstable Downs transform into a Sports Village with free, outdoor activities like football, cricket, hockey, tennis, athletics, volleyball, soft archery (Wednesdays only), and frisbee golf (Fridays only) for you to get stuck into. nationaltrust.org.uk ROARsome Crafts @ Forest of Marston Vale 23 Jul Become a prehistoric painter this summer holidays and try your hand at some dinosaur themed craft activities. All art and craft supplies and a dino decoration are provided - you just need to let your imagination run wild with fantastic designs! Parents must stay with their child at all times during the session. The price of the ticket is per participating child, and proof of booking will be required on arrival. Booking is recommended to avoid disappointment, as spaces are limited and may fill up quickly. marstonvale.org
raring2go.co.uk 23 Raring2go! WHAT’S ON Summer Fete @ Shuttleworth 27 Jul A brand new event at Shuttleworth House on Saturday 27th July, where the picturesque grounds will be transformed into a lively hub of entertainment and excitement for the whole family. shuttleworth.org August Big Camp @ Dunstable Downs 3 – 4 Aug Big Camp is the perfect family adventure, offering you the rare opportunity to pitch your tent and camp overnight at the highest point in Bedfordshire. Spend the weekend exploring the Downs in a new light and admiring our vast night-time skies. Highlights: • Camp fire with marshmallows • Lantern lit sunset walk • Scavenger hunt • Nature bingo All included with your pitch ticket! There will also be plenty of downtime for you and the kids to make your own fun, and our food outlet will be open to purchase other snacks and beverages, including a BBQ style dinner and breakfast on Sunday morning. nationaltrust.org.uk BRAVE Summer Workshop – A Journey Through the Woods @ The Place, Bedford 5 – 9 Aug Are you looking for an engaging way to keep your children entertained this summer? Look no further than this youth drama holiday club! The program is designed for young people ages 8 -16 who are passionate about theatre, performance and the magic of creativity. Through a variety of fun and interactive drama activities, including working in an open air theatre environment, the experienced tutors will guide your child through the world of outdoor performance and exploration of the fantasy realm. theplacebedford.org.uk Beach Party with The Tower Princess @ Frosts Garden Centre, Woburn Sands 6 & 27 Aug Climb to the top of the tower and rescue the beautiful Tower Princess just in time for her appearance at her themed Beach Party! Sing, dance, and enjoy beautiful, sweet treats in a land where dreams come true with the tower princess from Be Our Guest Princesses. Your little prince and princesses will enjoy a delicious picnic lunch box and adults will each receive a Scone with jam and cream and a pot of tea. frostsgardencentres.co.uk Mama G: The Magic Bookmark @ The Place, Bedford 8 Aug Audiences are invited to join Britain’s Got Talent semi-finalist Mama G on a brand-new panto adventure for the whole family! It all starts when the evil Book Worm decides that reading gives people too much knowledge and makes all the books from Mama G’s library disappear. Before the world can turn to chaos, Mama G vows to save the day by finding three books that will help make the world a better place. Of course, she can’t do it alone and that’s when she discovers the mysterious and wonderful Magic Bookmark… theplacebedford.org.uk
24 raring2go.co.uk Raring2go! WHAT’S ON 2 .co.uk What’s OnSummer 2024 JUNE CHILDREN’S ART WEEK 29 June-July 7 - Lots of great things going on across the UK in galleries, museums, libraires and schools near you! NATIONAL BBQ WEEK 3-9th It’s the 28th National BBQ week, so its time to remove the cover and spark up the BBQ! Learn more here … https://nationalbbqweek.info/ July JULY PLASTIC FREE JULY Whether you’re a beginner looking for a few singleuse plastics to avoid, or someone well on their way to a plastic free life, we have ideas to inspire you at home, work, school, and within the community.To get involved visit here. https://www.plasticfreejuly.org/ DON’T STEP ON A BEE DAY 10th. Without the tireless work of our native bees, over a third of everything we eat would disappear from our tables. Bees are so vital for the ecosystem of the planet and yet they are under threat like never before. Learn more here… https://beegood.co.uk/blog/ dont-step-on-a-bee-day/ NATIONAL PICNIC MONTH it’s time to get out and have fun in the sun (hopefully!) If you are looking for ideas for a picnic, here’s a few… You just can’t beat finger sandwiches in the sunshine! OLYMPIC GAMES 2024 26- Aug 11th. This summer the Olympic Games in Paris For the schedule of events , visit here! https://olympics.com/en/ paris-2024/schedule LOVE PARKS WEEKLearn K all about what you can do in your community to look after our beautiful Parks.Visit here. https://www.keepbritaintidy. org/get-involved/support-ourcampaigns/love-parks-week NATIONAL CHEESECAKE DAY Celebrate here in style with Baking Mad.com’s Baked Cheesecake recipe .It’s got a 5 star review! https://raring2go. co.uk/activities/bakedcheesecake/ AUGUST SHINE NIGHT WALK 2024 for Cancer Research UK.Various dates in August, Sept & Oct across the UK to get involved, visit here! https://www. cancerresearchuk.org/getinvolved/find-an-event/charitywalks/shine-night-walk. PLAYDAY 2024- 7th. Playday is the national day for play, traditionally held on the first Wednesday in August. It is the biggest play sector event in the UK, and possibly Europe! As well as a celebration of children’s right to play, Playday is a campaign that highlights the importance of play in children’s lives.To get involved go to https://www.playday.org.uk/
raring2go.co.uk 25 Raring2go! WHAT’S ON 3 Raring2go! WHAT’S ON AFTERNOON TEA WEEK 2024 12-18th. Celebrating the great British tradition of Afternoon Tea and is the perfect excuse to catch up with loved ones over a cup of tea and some expertly created treats. https:// afternoontea.co.uk/ GCSE RESULTS DAY 22nd. After all the hard work and the long wait, today’s the day. Good luck to everyone, we hope you get the results you deserve! September SEPTEMBER ORGANIC SEPTEMBER A celebration of everything organic and the hard work and dedication that goes into growing and making it work with nature, not against it. https://goorganicuk.com/ organic-september HERITAGE OPEN DAYS 6-15th. England’s largest festival of history and culture. Stories are told, traditions explored, and histories brought to life. It’s your chance to see hidden places and try out new experiences – and it’s all FREE. https://www. heritageopendays.org.uk/ GREAT BRITISH BEACH CLEAN 20-29th. A wonderful initiative to clean up our beautiful shores.To get involved visit here https:// www.mcsuk.org/what-you-cando/join-a-beach-clean/greatbritish-beach-clean/
26 raring2go.co.uk Raring2go! WHAT’S ON John Lawson’s Circus Show @ Frosts Garden Centre, Willington 15 – 17 Aug John Lawson’s award-winning Circus makes its along-awaited return to Frosts Willington this Summer Holiday with a BRAND NEW show! With an entirely human cast and lead by Ringmistress Jennie and supported by Kirubin The Clown this action packed show is filled with thrills and spills and lasts one hour. It features Viktor & Yulia the unicyclists, Ellie on the aerial cube, Anjo on the slackline, Miss Octavia dance trapeze, Danny Centner who’s wild on wheels & The Duo Vakal with their quick change and dancing bears routine. frostsgardencentres.co.uk Kites Connect Festival @ Dunstable Downs 17 – 18 Aug An exhilarating two-day festival to rediscover the power of kites in connecting us all. nationaltrust.org.uk Wrest at War @ Wrest Park 17 – 18 Aug Attention! Head to Wrest Park for an actionpacked weekend as you’re propelled into wartime Britain. Experience WWI and WWII through the grounds of Wrest Park, train like a soldier and hear stories of the battlefield as you wander through the living history encampments. english-heritage.org.uk Family Weekend @ Shuttleworth 10 – 11 Aug Enjoy a weekend of activities for the whole family including a thrilling air display, outdoor cinema, flight simulators, funfair with carousel and Ferris wheel, playground, children’s activities, and more! Children can enjoy a range of engaging activities at our Discovery Zones and your entry also includes access to the world-famous Shuttleworth Collection, children’s playground, café, and gift shop. shuttleworth.org Silverstone Festival 2024 @ Silverstone 23 – 25 Aug Make the August Bank Holiday a weekend to remember with at the Silverstone Festival! ☀️ Your ticket to the best historic track action, three nights of live music and non-stop family entertainment! silverstone.co.uk Jurassic Trail @ Forest of Marston Vale 24 Aug – 1 Sep Join the dinosaur safari! The dinosaurs have escaped in the park, can you find them all before they cause any damage? All kinds of different dinos have been stomping and flying around the Sensory Wildlife Garden! Spot them all and complete the trail sheet to say where you saw them and win a prize. Price - £3 per child (age 1+) marstonvale.org
raring2go.co.uk 27 Raring2go! WHAT’S ON Big Tree Climbing @ Wimpole Estate 28 Aug – 30 Oct Using ropes and harnesses, ascend into the canopy of one of Wimpole’s largest trees, and enjoy an exhilarating adventure at new heights. During your climb, you will learn how to safely reach the top of giant trees and take in the views of the parkland. You can hang out in the canopy or venture further out onto the branches if you’re feeling brave, before returning safely to the ground. This activity is suitable for ages 6 to 100, and each session is run for up to 8 people, creating a unique and intimate experience. nationaltrust.org.uk September Night of Legends @ Wrest Park 5 – 8 Sep An evening of medieval storytelling and performance in the grounds of Wrest Park. On selected evenings this September, the grounds of Wrest Park will come to life with medieval myths and legends as stories are told of doomed lovers, witches’ curses and mounted knights. With theatrical staging, brilliant performances and a beautiful historic setting, Night of Legends promises to be an unforgettably entertaining theatrical event. Doors will be open from 6pm, so go early to enjoy delicious hot food and sweet treats while you soak up the atmospheric surroundings of Wrest Park. english-heritage.org.uk Bedfordshire Steam & Country Fayre @ Shuttleworth 13 – 15 Sep The Bedfordshire Steam & Country Fayre is held in the picturesque setting of Old Warden Park, home of the world famous Shuttleworth Collection housed in its own museum. Attracting over 15,000 visitors each year, the Bedford Steam Engine Preservation Society aims to give an insight into the country life at the turn of the 20th Century when steam was in its hey day. Many working demonstrations will take place wherever you may care to roam on the 400 acre site. shuttleworth.org Don’t’ forget that the Immersion Theatre Company will be touring the UK again this Summer with amazing performances of “Peter Pan” and “A Midsummer Night’s Dream”. Check out their website for the full programme! immersiontheatre.co.uk Please go to www.raring2go.co.uk/ bedford-and-biggleswade/whats-on for all the latest information and details of what’s on in the area
28 raring2go.co.uk Raring2go! COMPETITIONS Win an Aqua Park Pass for 4 people at Box End Park Enjoy an action packed visit to Box End’s Aqua Park, a splash-tastic time guaranteed! The kids will love it (and the grown-ups too)! Booking is essential. Closing date: 31st July 2024 Summer Competitions To enter all of these fantastic competitions and many more go to www.raring2go. co.uk/Bedford-and-biggleswade/competitions Win a family ticket to Immersion Theatre’s fantastic performance of “Peter Pan” at Evenley Wood Garden, Northamptonshire on Sunday 4th August Get ready to think happy thoughts and fly high as the mischievous Peter embarks on an awfully big adventure, introducing Wendy Darling to the lost boys, the cheeky Tinkerbell, the hilarious Smee, and a host of other exciting characters before facing the most feared villain of them all, the infamous Captain Hook! Filled with catchy music, heaps of audience interaction, and a laugh-aminute script, this hilarious and exciting musical of the boy who never grew up promises to have every member of the family entertained throughout…You’ll be HOOKED! Suitable for ages 4+ Running time: Approximately 100 minutes including interval. Closing date: 31st July 2024
raring2go.co.uk 29 Raring2go! COMPETITIONS Win a family ticket to Immersion Theatre’s fantastic performance of William Shakespeare’s “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” at Winwick Hall, Northamptonshire on Sunday 11th August This hilarious adaptation sees Shakespeare’s fantastical characters brought vividly to life as audiences are transported to an enchanting world bursting with magic, romance, and of course, heaps of laughout-loud comedy! Four young lovers, a band of hapless actors, and a magical realm populated by mischievous spirits set on causing mayhem at every turn culminate in an unparalleled open-air experience of beauty and hilarity. This is Shakespeare as it’s meant to be: interactive, fun, and highly accessible! Suitable for ages 8+ Closing date: 31st July 2024 Win Silverstone Festival Tickets 23-25 August. We have 5 pairs of general admission tickets to giveaway for the winner’s day of choice. In addition to these two tickets the winners may add up to 4 tickets for under 16’s to their prize. Under 16’s may attend the festival free of charge but do require a ticket. A weekend of the best historic race action on the track and the best family fun off it! There will be motorsport, music, food, dancing, family entertainment and so much more. Take the family along for an epic weekend at the home of British motorsport. Silverstone Festival tickets received as a prize in this competition are offered in line with the event terms and conditions available here: www.silverstone.co.uk/terms-andconditions/silverstone-festival-terms-andconditions Closing date: 31st July 2024 Win a family ticket for an Archery Session and a goody bag at Eagle Eye Archery A great opportunity for all the family (up to 6 participants) to learn the art of archery at the newly-opened Eagle Eye Archery. Each session lasts for an hour and will including a safety briefing. Suitable for ages 10+. All participants under the age of 18, must be accompanied by a supervised adult. @eagle_eye_archery_bedford/ Closing date: 10th August 2024
30 raring2go.co.uk Raring2go! CLUBS & CLASSES
TICKETS FROM £75 KIDS UNDER 16 GO FREE! SILVERSTONE.CO.UK @SILVERSTONEFESTIVAL THOUSANDS OF CLASSIC CARS HOT AIR BALLOON NIGHT GLOW DREAM RIDES STUNT & RALLY SHOWS DRIFTING & DRAGSTERS AUC T I ONS EV TEST DRIVES YOUNG DRIVER LESSONS SHOPPING VILLAGE PLUS FEST FOODIE DIDDLY SQUAT FARM SHOP LOCAL ARTISAN MARKET TASTING TENT SILVERSTONE KITCHEN LIVE WITH TOP CHEFS TO BE ANNOUNCED... HISTORIC F1 CARS TOURING CARS GT CARS SPORTS CARS P LUS : AYRTON SENNA TRIBUTE ONTRACK F R I D A Y S UND A Y S A T U R D A Y FT. FORMULA 1 TEAM SHOW CARS FAN ZONE CIRCUS SHOWS & WORKSHOPS STEM ACTIVITY WITH LEGO BIG WHEEL TRADITIONAL FUNFAIR THRILL RIDES CRECHE & SOFT PLAY AXE THROWING WATER ZORBS CRAZY GOLF & GARDEN GAMES MINI MONSTER TRUCKS FACEPAINTING FAMILY FAVOURITES in partnership with
cable wakeboarding stand up paddleboarding giant aqua park summer fun at Treat the kids to the ultimate splash-tastic DAY OUT! kids holiday mornings lake ninja disc & football golf boOK AT WWW.BOXENDPARK.COM
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