−−− BY LINZI DAVIES −−−
Easter is a lovely time for children, a time to see how many chocolate eggs the Easter Bunny has brought, and a much-needed break from school! We have had a look at what events are happening around the city and come up with some ideas on where to take the kids, let them have fun and more importantly – get them away from the TV and gadgets for a while! Here’s what’s on near you;
Easter & Springtime Babies
24th March-15th April,
meet the babies Easter weekend
■ Image © Leeds Museums and Galleries
Visit the new-born lambs and chicks at Temple Newsam Farm. See the eggs and newly hatched fluffy yellow chicks in their incubators, and watch the lambs leap around with the rest of their flock. The whole family will love meeting the cute additions to the farm! Join the Easter Chick Trail around the house and farm for a chance to win an Easter treat.
On Weds 4th April, sow a pumpkin in the Walled Garden ready for you to return and carve in October for Halloween. This is a free event.
For the Easter farm and house activities, normal admission prices apply – £9.50 adults, £4.50 children
Temple Newsam, Temple Newsam Road, Selby Road, Leeds LS15 0AE
Tel: 0113 3367461 (house) 0113 3367560 (estate office)
www.leeds.gov.uk/museumsandgalleries
A Mad Hatter of an Easter
24th March – 15th April
■ Image © Yorkshire Reporter
Explore the Mad Hatter’s trail in the house and gardens at Lotherton. Every Wednesday there is the highly popular Mad Hatter’s Tea Party, along with Flamingo Fun in the Nestbox Education Centre. There is also a varied programme of activities to join in daily including springtime crafts in the house, the new Wildlife World, as well as outdoor games.
Normal admission prices apply – £7.50 adults, £3.75 children
Lotherton Hall, Off Collier Lane, Aberford, Leeds LS25 3EB
Tel: 0113 3782959
www.leeds.gov.uk/museumsandgalleries
Easter Tournament 2018
30th March – 2nd April
■ Image © Royal Armouries
This world class medieval jousting tournament is now a firm annual fixture at the Royal Armouries in Leeds. Internationally renowned knights from England, France, Poland and Australia thunder around the arena on their huge war horses in a thrilling display of speed, strength and skill as they battle for the prestigious trophy. This is spectacular entertainment for the whole family as children and adults alike take a step back in time to the Middle Ages. As well as the tournament itself, the museum has an action-packed programme including tales of the tournament, arming the knights demonstrations, sword combat plus jolly jesters and minstrels.
Tickets must be booked in advance for the shows as they sell out fast, but there are plenty to choose from, all culminating in the Grand Final at 3pm on Easter Monday. There are also opportunities to meet the knights and their horses for the all-important selfie!
Visit www.royalarmouries.org/events for more information and tickets (various prices).
Royal Armouries Museum, Armouries Drive, Leeds LS10 1LT
Tel: 0113 2201999
Thwaite Fete
1st April 11am -4pm
■ Young people and families enjoy events at historic Thwaite Mills
Thwaite Mills in Stourton is a fantastic museum showing the building’s history as a fully functional water mill producing in its lifetime putty, prison bread and even oil for Stephenson’s Rocket! You can explore how many Victorians lived and worked at the height of the mill’s success.
This Easter Sunday, you can also discover how they played when they had a rare day off, with the Thwaite Fete. The traditional fete promises to be great fun with plenty of food, boat rides, donkey rides, games and a prize for the best Easter bonnet! You will also get the chance to meet the Easter Bunny.
Entrance to the fete is included in the normal museum admission price – £9 for a family of 2 adults and up to 3 children.
Thwaite Mills Watermill, Thwaite Lane, Stourton, Leeds LS10 1RP
Tel: 0113 3782983
www.leeds.gov.uk/museumsandgalleries/thwaitemills
2Faced Dance – What The Moon Saw 4th – 7th April
■ Dancers Kai Tomioka and Louis Parker-Evans. Image © Luke Evans
What The Moon Saw is a new dance and circus performance by the 2Faced Dance Company. Inspired by Hans Christian Andersen’s enchanting story, where the Moon teaches young Jack to be brave by taking him on amazing adventures around the world, the show is perfect for young children and their families.
You can watch Jack’s world come to life in this interactive tale of dance, circus and music which promises to bring a trove of secrets and surprises sure to delight the whole family. For the ultimate adventure, the company recommends attending in your pyjamas!
The show lasts approximately 45 minutes and is suitable for anyone aged 3+!
Tickets are priced £6.50 for adults and £5 for children, and can be purchased from the website or by calling the telephone number below;
Stanley and Audrey Burton Theatre, Northern Ballet, Quarry Hill, Leeds LS2 7PA
Tel: 0113 2208008
