Tag: WIN

The international ballet company brings Swan Lake and Cinderella to The Hexagon in on 23^rd & 24^th February & we have a pair of tickets to win! 

Classical ballet fans in Reading are set for a treat as Varna International Ballet and Orchestra brings its acclaimed productions to The Hexagon as part of its major 2026 UK tour. Presented by RG Live, the internationally renowned company will perform Cinderella on 23 February, followed by Swan Lake on 24 February 2026, offering local audiences the chance to experience world-class ballet close to home. 

Founded in 1947, Varna International Ballet is celebrated for its award-winning soloists and beautifully disciplined corps de ballet. Under the leadership of Artistic Director Daniela Dimova, the company has earned an international reputation for presenting classical ballets of exceptional quality, appealing to first-time audiences and seasoned ballet lovers alike. Each performance is accompanied by live music from the Varna International Ballet Orchestra, conducted by Azat Maxutov, adding richness and drama to the on-stage storytelling. 

New for 2026, Cinderella is choreographed by Sergey Bobrov and brings Prokofiev’s exhilarating score to life in a dazzling production filled with magic, romance and vibrant costumes. Audiences can also enjoy Swan Lake, widely regarded as the greatest romantic ballet of all time, featuring Tchaikovsky’s unforgettable music and iconic choreography. 

Daniela Dimova said: “We are thrilled to be bringing our highly talented company of dancers and musicians back to the UK. We can’t wait to perform for British audiences again and to bring these magical ballets to life on stage.” 

With stunning choreography, live orchestral music and timeless stories, Varna International Ballet’s visit to Reading promises an unforgettable cultural highlight. 

To book tickets call 0118 960 6060 or email boxoffice@reading.gov.uk.  

How to enter

To enter our prize draw, fill in the form below before 12pm on 13th February.

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Enid Blyton: Why Her Stories Still Spark Adventure for Every Generation

Whether it’s midnight feasts in secret dormitories, lashings of ginger beer, or a hidden door in an enchanted tree, few writers have captured the wonder of childhood like Enid Blyton. For millions of readers, her books were not just stories but invitations to adventure, friendship, and imagination.

That legacy was shaped in Buckinghamshire, where Blyton settled in Beaconsfield in 1938. From her home, Green Hedges, she produced an astonishing body of work, including the Famous Five, Secret Seven, Malory Towers, St Clare’s, and The Magic Faraway Tree. Writing with remarkable discipline, she claimed her characters “told her what to write”, eventually publishing more than 600 books and 4,000 short stories.

A former teacher, Blyton believed stories were central to learning. Her clear plots, straightforward language, and strong sense of fun opened the door to reading for generations of children, particularly those who struggled with books. Teachers saw even reluctant readers turning pages eagerly, keen to find out what happened next.

Some aspects of her work reflect the attitudes of the mid-20th century, and her legacy has been debated. Yet careful modernisation has allowed her stories to remain accessible while preserving what matters most: the excitement of discovery, the importance of loyalty, and the reassurance that courage and kindness count.

Although Green Hedges no longer stands, Blyton’s influence remains strong. From school libraries to modern adaptations, her stories continue to remind us that imagination is where learning begins, and that childhood adventure never truly goes out of fashion. 

We have five copies of each of the books featured to give away.

How to enter

To enter our prize draw, fill in the form below before 12pm on 30th January.

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Win 18k white-gold gemstone earrings worth £520 from luxury British brand Lena Cohen

Turn up the glamour with this dazzling prize from Lena Cohen Jewellery, an independent British fine-jewellery studio known for its modern luxury and meticulous craftsmanship.  

One lucky winner will take home a pair of 18k white-gold and natural-gemstone earrings, worth an incredible £520; the perfect way to elevate any look with effortless brilliance. 

Lena Cohen specialises in curated-ear elegance, from diamond studs and glittering huggies to sculptural cartilage pieces designed to mix, match and sparkle from every angle. The brand’s signature aesthetic also extends to slim stackable rings, refined chain necklaces, and delicate bracelets that shimmer beautifully in the light. 

Every piece is crafted in 18k solid gold, never plated, and set with natural diamonds and gemstones, making each design a timeless investment. Many styles can also be personalised: chains can be customised or layered with a chosen stone, and clients can even commission bespoke pieces for something truly one-of-a-kind. 

Explore the full collection at lenacohen.co.uk to shop the brand’s glittering world of modern fine jewellery. 

How to enter

To enter our prize draw, fill in the form below before 12pm on 30th January.

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Enter to win an indulgent Brooklands spa break with dinner for two.

If you’re dreaming of a luxurious winter escape, this month’s competition is one you won’t want to miss. We’re giving one lucky reader the chance to win an indulgent overnight stay for two at the Brooklands Hotel & Spa in Weybridge, complete with a delicious three-course dinner and full access to the hotel’s award-winning BSpa. 

Set beside the historic Brooklands motor racing circuit, the four-star Brooklands Hotel combines sleek contemporary architecture with bold, art deco-inspired interiors that nod to its iconic heritage. From the moment you step inside, the atmosphere feels effortlessly sophisticated: striking design, warm lighting, contemporary artwork and a sense of relaxed luxury that runs throughout every space. 

Your prize includes the hotel’s popular Fast & Fabulous one-night spa break, available on Friday and Sunday nights. Guests can unwind in the tranquil BSpa, home to a state-of-the-art Sunlight Therapy Room, outdoor hydrotherapy hot tub overlooking the Mercedes-Benz World track, sauna, steam rooms and a treatment menu designed for deep, restorative relaxation. 

In the evening, you’ll enjoy a beautifully crafted three-course dinner at the hotel’s acclaimed 1907 Restaurant, Bar & Grill. With modern British dishes, seasonal flavours and a sleek open-kitchen vibe, it’s the perfect place to settle in for an elegant, unhurried meal. 

Brooklands is known for offering one of Surrey’s most distinctive getaway experiences — stylish, grown-up, and filled with thoughtful details that make a night away feel truly special. Whether you want to relax, reconnect or simply press pause, this escape promises an unforgettable treat. 

Enter at roundandabout.co.uk for your chance to win. To explore more or book your own break, visit brooklandshotelsurrey.com. 

 
T&Cs: Valid Friday & Sunday nights only.  

• Subject to availability.  

• The dinner included is for two people from the package inclusive menu in 1907 restaurant, bar & grill.  

• Drinks will be payable by the winner.  

• Once winner is known, a voucher will be issued that is valid for six months.  

• Non-transferable.  

• No cash alternative.  

• Transport not included.  

• Package terms & conditions apply and can be found here: https://brooklandshotelsurrey.com/offer/fast-fabulous-one-night/ 

How to enter

To enter our prize draw, fill in the form below before 12pm on 30th January.

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Age: 18-24 years old 25-34 years old 35-44 years old 45-54 years old 55-64 years old 65-74 years old 75 years or older

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Where to find more prizes?

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Clare Davis, founder of Bottle Soc, tells us what she loves about local life & we have a prize to be won

Clare Davis is a creative force of nature… in many ways. Living in Preston Crowmarsh for the past five years, she is both a product designer and a commercial Christmas card illustrator and founder of Bottle Soc. 

“I can’t tell you how many mornings used to start same way,” she explains, “rushing out the door, arms full, shouting ‘Shoes on! Let’s go!’ Then, halfway down the street, ‘Mum! I forgot my water bottle!’_ 

“That’s when it hit me. If my son kept forgetting his bottle (and I kept dropping mine  

under my arm), there had to be a better way. So I created BottleSoc: a simple, hands-free strap that keeps bottles close and mornings calm(ish). 

“Now we both leave the house with our bottles right where they should be – over our shoulders, ready to go. Because staying hydrated shouldn’t be another thing to remember.” 

Why families love it: 

✅ Hands free for holding hands 

✅ No more forgotten bottles 

✅ Comfy, washable and fits most bottles  

✅ Available in pink, white, black and egg-blue with a gold logo 

How to enter

To enter our prize draw, fill in the form below before 12pm on 30th January.

Your Name

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Age: 18-24 years old 25-34 years old 35-44 years old 45-54 years old 55-64 years old 65-74 years old 75 years or older

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Where to find more prizes?

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Discover artist Ali Mackie’s joyful practice and enter our exclusive competition to win.

In our corner of the world, it’s a rare gift to encounter someone whose creative life feels as generous as it is radiant. Meet Ali Mackie, an artist, writer and educator who collects and creates joy – through colour, composition and warm words. Her work invites us into playful, intimate visual stories, where sentimental treasures floating in space become windows into our shared memories. 

Ali’s paintings are shaped around objects of meaning; pressed leaves, old letters, shells, keys – each arranged individually yet united into richly patterned, folk-inspired cabinets of memory. Over time you return to her canvases, noticing harmony in colour, texture, and imagery you hadn’t spotted before. This is her invitation: to slow down, observe carefully, and savour the quiet beauty in everyday treasures. 

Alongside painting and exhibiting, she maintains a creative practice in words, and runs an online art membership, Sketchbook Playdate. Through her BRIGHT Substack, she offers playful, bitesized video lessons once a month, designed to help artists fall in love with their sketchbooks again. Recently, she also launched the BRIGHT pencil pack; a dozen vivid dual-ended pencils in unexpected combinations such as sugar plum and berry blast. Whether for sketching, layering or simply ornamentation, these pencils are designed to spark fresh ideas. 

Ali has launched The Weekender, A BRIGHT Sketchbook, designed with curated prompts and inspiring layouts to support artists’ exploration during restful downtime. You can visit roundandabout.co.uk to be in with a chance of winning one! 

Ali loves the local community: the independent shops, cafés, and the beautiful mix of urban and rural on her doorstep. Her go-to spots include Darmon Deli, A Little Street Kitchen, Sycamore, Nana Craft Bakery, The Grocer, and Bistro Twelve Twenty in Amersham Old Town, for when she wants something extra special. She champions local artisan networks such as Amersham Art Unlocked, where 28 artists gather yearly to showcase paintings, jewellery, ceramics, prints and more.  

A member of the Visual Images Group (the team behind Bucks Art Weeks), Ali sees her role as both creator and connector. Her wish for the world? “Let’s all smile more – it makes a huge difference!” She believes in those feel-good chemicals, and how a simple smile can influence mood, motivation and empathy. 

In a world often clamouring for attention, her work reminds us of quiet wonder. Through colour, pattern and gentle storytelling, she shows us how to hold space for memory, delight and soulful curiosity. 

Visit alimackie.art to find out more & sign up to the newsletter. 

How to enter

To enter our prize draw, fill in the form below before 12pm on 30th January.

Your Name

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Age: 18-24 years old 25-34 years old 35-44 years old 45-54 years old 55-64 years old 65-74 years old 75 years or older

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Where to find more prizes?

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Celebrate in style this Christmas and be in with the chance to win Two bottles of Hambledon’s Classic Cuvée

Add a little sparkle and fizz to your seasonal celebrations with a Bottle of Hambledon’s Classic Cuvée. White gold in the glass, it balances freshness with elegance and is sure to impress your guests!

How to enter

To enter our prize draw, fill in the form below before 12pm on 15th December.

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Where to find more prizes?

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Image: Ryan Cowan

A new book unites Rod Craig’s watercolours and Peter Adamson’s verse in a lyrical tribute to Blenheim Park. We have five copies to be won  

Blending art and verse, this brings together more than 50 watercolours by Rod Craig with poems by Peter Adamson, offering a lyrical tribute to the timeless beauty of Blenheim Park. 

The hardback volume reflects two decades of Rod’s artistic devotion to the parkland surrounding Blenheim Palace. Known for his expressive and atmospheric style, Craig has long drawn inspiration from the historic Oxfordshire landscape. He also leads popular workshops and demonstrations at Blenheim during the summer, encouraging visitors to engage with the scenery through art. 

Each painting in the book is paired with Peter’s evocative poetry, creating what art historian and author Ross King describes as “a gentle, immersive journey through landscape and language.” The book also includes a thoughtful introduction exploring the traditions and techniques of watercolour. 

For Rod, Blenheim’s trees remain the most powerful muses. “On my morning walks through Capability Brown’s magnificent landscapes, it’s the trees that captivate me most – the ancient oaks, the copper beeches, the sycamores,” he says. “I will never tire of painting them, observing their changes through the seasons and reflecting on the centuries they’ve witnessed. One oak in the park is over 1,000 years old – a humbling reminder of the enduring beauty of nature. I was thrilled to have collaborated with my dear friend and colleague Peter. He’s a wonderful writer and his contribution has resulted in something far more than a simple book of paintings” 

Beautifully produced and timeless in appeal, the book is an ideal gift for art lovers, poetry enthusiasts and fans of the countryside.  

Blenheim: Reflections in Paint and Poetry is available now, priced at £15.99; visit peteradamsonwriting.com/essays/blenheim/  

How to enter

To enter our prize draw, fill in the form below before 12pm on Friday 28th November.

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Where to find more prizes?

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Our lucky winner can enjoy £150 worth of botanical beauties from 100 Acres 

100 Acres products are crafted to take you to your own hundred acres of heavenly English countryside. Beautifully fresh, perfumer-crafted fragrances distilled from flowers, herbs and fruits are all infused into luxurious products for bath, body & home. Made in the English countryside from the very finest natural and organic ingredients, we’ve teamed up to offer one lucky winner £150 to spend on products for bath, body & home as featured at 100acres.co.uk. Enter as above. 

How to enter

To enter our prize draw, fill in the form below before 12pm on Friday 28th November.

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Between 14th November and 7th January Greenacres in the Oxford countryside will offer a magical Winter Wonderland experience in one of the deluxe dome. You could win a stay 

If you’re dreaming of a peaceful escape that blends rustic charm with modern comfort, look no further than Greenacres Holiday Retreat in Horspath.  

Nestled in a secluded corner of the Oxfordshire countryside -just a stone’s throw from Shotover Country Park and within easy reach of Oxford—this hidden gem is the perfect place to recharge. 

The newest additions to the site are the stunning luxury Glamping Domes, and they’re a real treat. Each spacious 50m² dome sleeps up to five guests, making them ideal for families, couples, or small groups of friends. Thoughtfully designed for year-round comfort, each dome includes a private ensuite bathroom, a well-equipped kitchenette, and comfortable living and dining areas. There’s also an indoor log burner to keep things toasty on chillier days, and your own private garden complete with seating, BBQ and a fire pit for marshmallow toasting under the stars. 

Step outside and you’re surrounded by countryside tranquillity, with plenty of walking routes right from your doorstep. Whether you’re up for a hike in nearby Shotover Park or a visit to the dreaming spires of Oxford, it’s all just minutes away. 

With its blend of natural beauty and luxurious touches, Greenacres offers a peaceful alternative to traditional hotels or holiday parks.  

wind. Whether you’re glamping under summer stars or sipping hot chocolate in a winter wonderland, this Oxfordshire escape is just what the doctor ordered. 

Book now at greenacresholidayretreat.com 

How to enter

To enter our prize draw, fill in the form below before 12pm on Friday 28th November.

Your Name

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Age: 18-24 years old 25-34 years old 35-44 years old 45-54 years old 55-64 years old 65-74 years old 75 years or older

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Where to find more prizes?

Head to our competitions page to find all of our current prizes.