Catch wondrous Willie Dowling live

Liz Nicholls

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Berkshire

Liz Nicholls

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Book your tickets to see Willie Dowling perform The Simpleton in Bracknell and Milton Keynes

Witnessing Willie Dowling perform live is far more than just watching a sequence of great songs played well.

His self-deprecating and acerbic wit that precedes each song is as funny as many of the comedy greats that he has worked with.

A musical director and session musician of high regard, Willie has toured extensively and recorded with artists as diverse as Midge Ure, Shane MacGowan, Sinead O’Connor, Dr Hook, The Wildhearts, Hot Chocolate, Andy Taylor and the Quireboys among others. Willie has fronted, written and produced albums for his previous bands, had Top 40 hit singles, appeared on Top of The Pops and TFI Friday and performed on the major festival stages in the UK and worldwide. He was the founder member of influential rockers The Grip, mid1990s ‘quick-flash and gone’ Honeycrack, followed by SugarPlumFairies, Jackdaw4 and The Dowling Poole. Willie Dowling is also a renowned composer for film and television in a wide variety of styles and genres. He wrote songs and underscore for the return of the legendary satirical puppet show Spitting Image, and over the years has worked on many other TV shows and films for such luminaries as Steve Coogan, Rob Brydon, Stephen Fry, Rik Mayall, Lenny Henry, Alexander Armstrong, Ben Miller, Vic Reeves, Bob Mortimer, and many more.

Willing Dowling has written a musical that performed in London’s West End. As a key participant in the Tony Hawks best seller One Hit Wonderland, Willie produced and recorded with such nobility as Sir Time Rice & the late Sir Norman Wisdom. The result of this strange cocktail was a chart hit in Albania!

Recently he composed acritically acclaimed album of classical music inspired by memories of his upbringing in the North East of England – Reflections on Northumbria. Living in a converted mill in rural France now, Willie and his wife live the Good Life of near agricultural self-sufficiency.

You can see Willie Dowling perform The Simpleton on tour as special guest to Cats In Space on 2nd October in Southampton, as South Hill Park Arts Centre & Wilde Theatre on 16th October and at The Stables in Milton Keynes on 11th December.

For more info visit williedowling.com 

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Bangers at Alexandra Palace Fireworks Festival

Liz Nicholls

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Berkshire

Liz Nicholls

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The Cuban Brothers, Artful Dodger, Definitely Mightbe & Abba Revival will dazzle at the palace on Friday 1st & Saturday 2nd November, with an ice disco, German bier, bonfire & more at this iconic location

Lighting up Ally Pally’s iconic view of the capital’s skyline, and taking over the 196 acres of parkland, London’s biggest and best fireworks display will be soundtracked by a specially curated playlist. This year’s display will be preceded by a spectacular drone show, marking an exciting first for a London bonfire event.

Alongside the legendary display, the festival also presents big top Cafe De Pally, which includes a plethora of live music and singalongs aided by a brass band, and choir. Some of London’s best street food, cocktail and craft beer vendors make up the StrEATlife Festival Village, soundtracked by funk-fuellled, comedy duo The Cuban Brothers (1st November), and by UK garage legends Artful Dodger (2nd November).

As part of the festivities, the UK’s largest German bier festival returns to the Palace’s Great Hall, with oompah bands, live music and lederhosen aplenty. Oasis tribute act, Definitely Mightbe (1st November) and Abba Revival (2nd November) take to the stage, with more DJs to be announced.

The Park will also play host to a huge bonfire, funfair and entertainment for all the family, and visitors can also step inside the Palace, with the ice rink featuring a variety of skating sessions and an ice disco.

Buy your tickets at Fireworks Festival | Alexandra Palace & Park

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Vampire Ball at Crazy Bear Stadhampton

Liz Nicholls

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Berkshire

Liz Nicholls

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We’re suckers for a great Halloween event! So don’t miss your chance to book for this highlight on 25th October.

Prepare to be captivated by the allure of the Vampire Ball, an extraordinary evening of immersive entertainment.

This event promises to transport you into a world of darkness and mystique. From the moment you step inside, you’ll be enthralled by a captivating line up of talented performers, each contributing their unique artistry to the stage.

Hosted by singer and dancer Ashley Stroud, the line-up for the event is as eclectic as the venue itself. Musical highlights will include the winner of The Voice, Jermaine Jackman, and Lisa Marie Holmes of smash hit musical Everyone’s Talking About Jamie. Showcasing their unique talents will be West End cabaret performer Lucius, acrobat Matthew Smith and burlesque artists Sera Fina.

With one of two dates already sold out, limited tickets remain for Friday 25th October.

Find out more – Entertainment | Vampire Ball | Crazy Bear Group

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First World War family day highlight

Liz Nicholls

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Berkshire

Liz Nicholls

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Soldiers of Oxfordshire Museum in Woodstock will host a First World War Family Day on Saturday, 2nd November, in tribute to the 110th anniversary of the start of the Great War

Visitors of all ages are invited to immerse themselves in history with living history displays and interactive galleries.

You’ll also find First World War-themed family workshops and craft activities, pop-ups from other museums, historians and heritage organisations. The museum team will gratefully accept donations of records and objects with local Great War stories.

The family day, 12-5pm on Saturday, 2nd November, marks 110 years since the outbreak of the Great War, while the county military museum also celebrates 10 years since it first opened.

The event aims to commemorate this and help families discover more about Oxfordshire’s contribution to events that changed the world and the stories of local people caught up in them.

First World War activities will be open to all the family, with an illustration workshop focused on wartime animals, and an opportunity to make your own Princess Mary tin, like those gifted to soldiers from Christmas 1914.

During the event, the museum’s galleries will be open alongside a range of WW1 living history displays to help immerse visitors in the period. The Great War Society, Britain’s longest-running First World War living history group, will portray soldiers from the county regiment (The Oxfordshire & Buckinghamshire Light Infantry) throughout different stages of the conflict. Those dropping in will also see interpretations on the ‘War to End All Wars’.

The museum’s permanent displays cover some of the many different fronts on which the war was fought, from the western front to Mesopotamia (now Iraq), while a recreated trench dugout offers visitors a chance to walk through history, with equipment and clothing for families to handle and even try on.

Alongside living history, there will be opportunities to find out more about local and family history with a number of displays from other museums and heritage organisations, including the Western Front Association, Chipping Norton Museum, Soldiers of Gloucestershire Museum, and the Royal Army Chaplains’ Museum. Great War historian and author Helen Frost will be prompting her new book Voices from the Great War: Women’s Land Army, with signed copies available, alongside a fascinating display of Land Girls’ uniforms and photographs to help tell their often-overlooked First World War story.

Those with a family story from the First World War and objects to share will find museum staff and volunteers on hand to discuss these and accept donations to the museum’s collections, preserving Oxfordshire’s military heritage for future generations. The museum is particularly interested in objects from the First World War with a person or story associated with them that ties to the county itself, or one of the county’s regiments, The Oxfordshire & Buckinghamshire Light Infantry or Oxfordshire Yeomanry.

During the First World War Family Day the museum will not charge its standard admission prices for entry, instead visitors will be encouraged to pay what they can as entry will be by donation. All proceeds will be support the museum’s 10th anniversary fundraising campaign, helping to ensure the museum can continue to look after and expand its collections while preserving and sharing Oxfordshire’s military and wartime stories.

Blenheim Palace, just a short walk from Soldiers of Oxfordshire Museum, is kindly supporting this event providing additional car parking for visitors on their site throughout.

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Tee-rific LEGOLAND October birthday invitation!

Liz Nicholls

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Berkshire

Liz Nicholls

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Anyone who celebrates their birthday during October can enjoy a free round of golf at LEGOLAND Windsor Resort’s themed mini golf attraction, Adventure Golf

The team at Adventure Golf are offering visitors who share an October birthday a round of mini-golf for free. Whether you’re blowing out five candles or 98, all birthday boys and girls are invited to share in the LEGO® fun and enjoy the ultimate birthday treat!

Perfect for a tee-rific start to the October half-term holidays, the LEGO® themed indoor golf experience is ‘fore’ the whole family – with four different LEGO themed course to master. From putting with Pirates and swinging into Space, to driving into LEGO® City or taking your best shot in a Medieval village, each course guaran-tee-s family fun no matter the age.

What’s more, families will be surrounded by Lego models, including a 1.5m tall ice cream sundae made up of 65,000 LEGO bricks, and a giant octopus with tentacles that are over 2.5m wide and made of 150,000 bricks.

Make the most of your visit by joining the biggest, the best and the ultimate party for monsters big and small at LEGOLAND’s Brick or Treat Extravaganza. Join the case of ‘The Great Monster Chase!’ and the ‘fang-tastic’ live Monster Jam Harbour Show or boogie down at Lord Vampyre’s disco show on the Miniland stage. The frightfully good fun continues with a walk down Monster Street, where ghoulish residents host games of trick-or-treat, and the Haunted House Monster Party ride, where Lord Vampyre turns the house upside down.

Don’t miss out on this un-fore-gettable celebration and make this October half-term, the most spook-tacular yet.

To claim their free round of mini golf, guests must pre-purchase tickets via the LEGOLAND Windsor Resort website. Guests will need to select the ‘free ticket’ option, alongside purchasing at least one additional ticket. Guests must bring proof of date of birth to show at the front desk at LEGOLAND Adventure Golf. For additional details, please see the terms & conditions below.

Tickets to LEGOLAND Windsor start from £29 per person, kids under 90cm go free. Additional Adventure Golf tickets can be purchased online in advance from £10 per person. To book for your tickets, please visit LEGOLAND® Adventure Golf | LEGOLAND® Windsor Resort

To book the Brick or Treat extravaganza, please visit Brick or Treat | Halloween Event at LEGOLAND Windsor Resort. For more information and to book your trip visit LEGOLAND® Windsor Resort: UK’s Favourite Kids Theme Park

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Step up for wildlife this month!

Liz Nicholls

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Berkshire

Liz Nicholls

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You’re all invited to create your own autumn fundraising challenge to help Berkshire, Buckinghamshire & Oxfordshire Wildlife Trust (BBOWT) restore our wondrous nature.

BBOWT’s Big Wild Walk aims to be the biggest yet to encourage wildlife lovers to raise money and help restore nature across its three counties.

Supporters can create their own challenge, whether a trek through town or a long-distance hike in the countryside, in any way that suits them. The funds raised will support wildlife recovery and contribute to BBOWT’s mission to see 30% of land well managed for nature by 2030.

Image: Zsuzsanna Bird

Image: Laura Snell

This autumn BBOWT is encouraging participants to nominate friends and family to get involved too, with #NominateForNature. A digital fundraising pack will support everyone by providing a sponsorship sheet, distance-tracking form and social media posts.

The Big Wild Walk takes place across from Monday, 21st October, to Sunday, 3rd November. It’s half-term for schools and a great time for all ages to enjoy the great outdoors. Sign-up at Big Wild Walk.

Liz Shearer, community engagement director at BBOWT, said: “This challenge is the perfect chance to plan your autumn adventure and take it at your own pace! I love nothing more than putting my boots on and exploring the outdoors, and there are some wonderful place across our counties to do this, including more than 80 nature reserves.

“While you’re on your walk, you can listen out for wintering birds and spot mushrooms growing among the trees, all against the orange, bronze and red autumn backdrop. It’s also a great opportunity to raise money for The Wildlife Trusts, including BBOWT, to help us create more nature everywhere, for everyone. What are you waiting for?”

Rhiane Fatinikun, founder of Black Girls Hike and ambassador for The Wildlife Trusts, said: “Dip your toes into the outdoors this autumn, and join me, as well as thousands of others, to experience the joy that nature can bring. Supporting children, families, and individuals to get outside is a cause which is so close to my heart, as well as an incredible opportunity to raise money for a WILDlife-changing charity. Sign up today to get involved with The Big Wild Walk!”

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Paddington Visits comes to town

Liz Nicholls

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Berkshire

Liz Nicholls

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A statue of everyone’s favourite marmalade loving bear will appear in Reading & Newbury this week, as part of Paddington Visits with more than 20 Paddington statues being installed on benches stretching from John o’Groats to Land End

Red hat? Check! Blue duffle coat? Check! Emergency marmalade sandwich? Triple check! STUDIOCANAL has announced production for Paddington Visits, a trail of Paddington Bear statues across the UK and Ireland to celebrate the forthcoming release of Paddington in Peru, arriving in UK and Ireland cinemas on November 8th.

From Liverpool to Land’s End to Birmingham to Bury St Edmunds, and of course, London Paddington, bear-y special statues are coming to cities, towns, and beauty spots across the UK and Ireland in early October. Each meticulously crafted and painted statue will sport the wise bear’s signature red hat, blue duffle coat, and naturally, a marmalade sandwich in paw. Fans, friends, and family can step into Mr. Gruber’s shoes, sit with Paddington for a spot of tea, a sandwich or two, or even write a postcard to Aunt Lucy!

Actor Hugh Bonneville, who plays Mr Brown in the film, comments: “I am thrilled to reveal we are going to be unveiling a number of benches across the UK, all featuring a statue of our beloved bear. Ahead of the new film, fans, families and friends can sit down and have a chat with the marmalade loving bear, so watch this space for more information about Paddington… coming to a bench near you!”

Paddington In Peru will see Paddington return home to the Peruvian jungle to visit his beloved Aunt Lucy, now a resident at the Home for Retired Bears. With The Brown Family and Mrs Bird in tow, a thrilling adventure ensues when a mysterious disappearance plunges them into an unexpected journey from the Amazon rainforest to the mountain peaks of Peru.

Watch this space for updates!

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Mad for it at Mucky Weekender

Liz Nicholls

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Berkshire

Image: Ant Penny Photography

Liz Nicholls

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The crowning glory of a soggy summer, this year’s Mucky Weekender wonderland was a Mad Hatter’s brimful of treats, and we can’t wait for next year!

You know good times are afoot when the ground is pulsating with bass as you arrive. And, after squelching on to a very soggy Vicarage Farm and ditching my car to dive into the fun, that’s exactly the omen Mucky Weekender 2024 delivered…

Image: Ant Penny Photography

Image: Ant Penny Photography

“WOMP! WOMP! WOMP!” said the mud. And no wonder, with a line-up like this year’s Mucky. Even the wompy swamp was ready to go, after biblical storms all week threatened everyone’s hopes.

For those who aren’t familiar with this small but perfectly formed ravers’ paradise near Micheldever, it’s the brainchild of the Dub Pistols’ Barry Ashworth. Thanks to the friends, fans & fellow musicians he’s gathered over a decades-long musical career rolling into dub, reggae, ska, drum & bass and jungle and much more besides, this end-of-summer shindig has become the highlight of many a summer. As well as spirits, the festival raises funds for mental health charities, something Barry is very passionate about. And, by that logic… the bonkers Alice in Wonderland theme was the perfect way to let loose and go mad. 

Another humdinger of a line-up beckoned us all to tumble down the rabbithole into 2024’s Mucky last month, among them Congo Natty (AKA Michael Alec Anthony West/ Rebel MC) who arrived on Friday night to greet the parting of the clouds in godlike style. Other legends who delighted the crowds, from front to back, day & night, include LTJ Bukem, Micky Finn, London Elektricity, Woody Cook, The Prodigy star Leeroy Thornhill, Beans on Toast, Bez & Rowetta, Utah Saints, Krafty Kuts, Freestylers, Aries, Don Letts and Nicky Blackmarket. 

All the big tents throbbed with amazing vibes and music (top marks to the sound system which never gave up) but my favourite stomping ground, once again, was the spaceship on higher ground, overlooking the whole wonderland, where Plump DJs & many more kept everyone moving. But, (cliche trigger warning) what makes this festival so great is that it’s really not just about the music but the people. This year’s Alice theme inspired a party of incredible outfits, from a stiff skirt that offered a whole tea party to Tweedledee & Tweedledums galore (special mention, also, to the bizarre pram of trippy treats, The Unlucky Dip). No wonder everyone was grinning like Cheshire Cats, and that the first tier of tickets has already sold out to next year’s Mucky, 11th to 13th September. See you there! 

Home – Mucky Weekender Festival (mucky-weekender.co.uk)

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Geoff Hurst & more in Newbury

Liz Nicholls

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Berkshire

Liz Nicholls

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The Corn Exchange Newbury is set to deliver an exciting line-up of shows for everyone to enjoy during October.

Audiences can look forward to evenings filled with laughter from top comedians, engaging theatrical performances, music acts that pay homage to musical legends, and a fascinating talk from a hero of English football. With a much-loved family show also on offer for the beginning of half term, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.

A trio of hilarious comedy shows that promise laughter and absurdity will hit the Newbury stage this month. Dom Joly kicks things off with The Conspiracy Tour (Tue 8), where the globe-trotting comedian delves into the bizarre world of conspiracy theories, offering a hilarious guide to the most outlandish ideas on the planet. Next up, Joe Pasquale returns with The New Normal, 40 Years of Cack… Continued (Thu 17th), a brand-new tour celebrating his four-decade career of delightful humor. Finally, Fin Taylor takes to the Corn Exchange stage with his show Ask Your Mother (Wed 23rd). Known for his brutally funny stand-up, Fin brings his sharp wit and viral internet fame to the stage for a night that will have audiences laughing and questioning everything.  

There are three facinating theatre offerings on the Corn Exchange’s stage this October, starting with Black Is The Color Of My Voice (Wed 9th), inspired by Nina Simone’s life, returning to Newbury. This powerful piece follows the life of the singer and civil rights activist reflecting on her journey from a piano prodigy to a jazz icon. Secondly is Windrush Secret (Wed 16th), a one-man drama by Rodreguez King-Dorset, exploring the 2018 Windrush scandal through the perspectives of a far-right leader, a Caribbean diplomat, and a government official. One holds a life-changing secret that could alter everything. The final theatre offering for the month, Casting The Runes (Tue 29), invites you to the edge of your seat with a chilling adaptation of M.R. James’ ghost stories, perfect for the build-up to Halloween.  

For music lovers, there are a number of shows guaranteed to get you reminiscing. First up, Musicals: The Ultimate Live Band Sing-Along (Thu 10th) offers a wild, interactive experience where the audience takes centre stage. From Mamma Mia! to Hamilton, you’ll belt out tunes from your favourite musicals alongside a talented cast, making this night truly unforgettable. Then, the Johnny Cash Roadshow (Fri 11th) returns with a new production that takes you deep into Cash’s world, set against a Folsom Prison-style backdrop. With hits like Walk the Line and Ring of Fire, the show dives into Cash’s legendary career, bringing his story to life. Finally, The Rocket Man: A Tribute to Elton John (Sat 19th) expect a spectacular journey through Elton’s career with performances of all of his greatest hits.   

On Tuesday 15th, football legend Sir Geoff Hurst, the only player to score a hat-trick in a World Cup Final, will be at the Corn Exchange Newbury for his final farewell tour, Last Man Standing. At 82, Sir Geoff, England’s 1966 World Cup hero, will share his incredible story, followed by a Q&A with his friend and agent Terry Baker. VIP tickets are available for this event enabling audience members to meet-and-greet Sir Geoff, have a photo opportunity, and autograph session with him. This is an event not to be missed for any football fan.  

The end of October sees the start of another half term and with it some fantastic family shows. The first being a musical adaptation of the much-loved tale The Tiger Who Came To Tea (Fri 25th – Sun 27th) by Judith Kerr. Join the tea-guzzling tiger, Sophie and her mummy for this delightful family show, packed with oodles of magic, sing-along songs and clumsy chaos. Children can also enjoy an arts and crafts pre-show workshop themed to the show on Saturday 26th to create their very own tiger mask to wear during the show and take home with them.  

Find out more Corn Exchange Newbury

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Enjoy art by Didcot’s Charlie Davies

Liz Nicholls

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Berkshire

Liz Nicholls

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Charlie Davies’ paintings, inspired by following her husband’s epic UK bike ride, are on show at the Cornerstone until the end of October

Didcot locals might well be familiar with Charlie’s paintings of the iconic Didcot Power Station Towers, Nearly Home and You’ll Miss Us (below).

And now, in the Cornerstone Arts Centre foyer, you can admire more of Charlie’s work thanks to her latest exhibition, Artist in Transit – Land’s End to John O’Groats with Ride Across Britain,” Charlie explains. “I decided to join him on this epic adventure, challenging myself as an ‘artist in transit’ to paint across Britain. It took nine days and I produced nearly 30 paintings along the way. Since coming home I have produced a collection of etchings and some larger studio paintings as well as a book documenting our journey. All of these will be on show.”

Charlie is a plein air painter and printmaker who is inspired by nature and all its beauties and loves to capture light and moments in time in her paintings. She is a member of the Society of Botanical Artists, Oxford Printmakers and Oxford Art Society. Last year one of her etchings was exhibited and sold out the whole edition at the Royal Academy Summer Show.

“I paint using oils and adore the subtleties of colour and the effects of light, which can be achieved with this medium,” adds Charlie.

“I have won two People’s Choice awards for my artwork. In 2010 I won The People’s Choice Award for my painting of the Didcot Towers. Following that success I began to paint local landscapes, focusing on Wittenham Clumps. I have more time now, and I feel incredibly lucky to be able to indulge my passions and explore all these creative possibilities.”

Please visit Charlie Davies Designs

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