Wow! Just back and fully recovered from a tremendous long weekend at Camp Bestival.  My six year old summed it up when asked what was her best bit and she said “Oh everything! Can we come back when I am 7? And 8? And 9? And 10? And 11? And 12? And 13?”

Where else can you witness Howard Marks and Keith Allen sat together, not drinking, not smoking (anything) but reading kids bedtime stories?

Prior to that, Radio 1’s Sara Cox had us in stitches over her ‘Helen Daniels from Neighbours’ Mummy Tummy, and that was after a wood oven cooked bacon sarnie from the River Cafe Canteen.

But the best thing about Camp Bestival has to be the fact that everyone, young and old, seemed to be thoroughly enjoying every minute of it. Whether it was milling around in the baby and toddler zone, complete with toddler soft play and baby chill out zone, to the fancy dress parade and Zing Zillas in the big top, or thousands of kids and their grown-ups singing “Valerieeeeee” at the top of their voices as Mark Ronson completed what he himself called his best ever UK gig, despite a week that had been bad (well he said a word beginning with ‘s’) for anyone who loved music.

Lessons Learned for Next Year…

Packing – Wipes for washing,  potty (no late night tramping to the loo!), loo roll, sun lotion, dry shampoo, bin bags, extra blankets (sunny days meant cold clear nights), steriliser bags, ear plugs, and cart. Parents who’d transformed carts into fairy bowers,  with cushions, blankets, lights and canopies, for little ones to be towed around in and snooze in, got to stay up late and soak up the electric atmosphere whilst headline acts played. Also, don’t forget snacks and drinks for little ones as food stalls are far from cheap. Although, download the Camp Bestival App for free kids meals vouchers.

Arriving/Departing – The only less than glorious moments were arriving and departing with heavy gear, two little kids and an uphill trudge to find a camp spot. Next year, at the very least, we will park in the car park with trolley and sherpa hire, or if we are feeling flush, go the ready-made route with boutique camping , and if we feel really rich, hire a campervan with shower…. heaven!

More info: www.campbestival.net

Fans of Peppa Pig should make their way to Selfridges in London this Saturday (19 February 2011) for a special book signing event. The creatives behind the much loved TV cartoon, co-creator Neville Astley and producer Phil Davies will be in store to sign limited edition Peppa Pig prints, which will be available exclusively at Selfridges.

There will be opportunities for kids to be photographed with their favourite TV character too. Artwork starts at £10 and entitles you to have your photo taken with the UK’s cutest pig.

Find out more details here.



Book ahead for tot-friendly skating in spectacular settings this Christmas

Get into the festive mood by taking a twirl around one of the outdoor ice rinks that are open for Christmas holiday season. There are stunning rinks all over the country and here we have highlighted the most kid-friendly ones to visit.

 

1. Brighton Pavilion Ice Rink

Dates: now until 16 January 2011

With a pre-school crèche, penguin skate supports for little ones and allocated kid-friendly skate times, the most tot-friendly ice rink this Christmas is by the seaside in Brighton. Apres-skate warm up with drinks and food from Due South.

Price: from £6.50 for children, £9.50 for adults

 

2. Natural History Museum

London

Dates: Now until 9 January 2011

 Combine dinosaurs with skating at the Natural History Museum. Set on the front lawn of the majestic museum there is a dedicated rink for mini skaters, connected to the main rink via an ice bridge. Warm up with hot chocolates and delicious snacks in the Café Bar overlooking the rink.

Price: Children from £8, Adults from £11.50, Family ticket from £31

3. George Square

Glasgow

Dates: Now until 30 December

Why: Skate beneath the stars in Glasgow’s bustling George Square, alongside fairground rides and live ceilidh music.

Parent and toddler session times are available

Price: Adult tickets from £6, children from £5

glasgowloveschristmas.com; 0141-564 4220

 

4.  Somerset House

London

Dates: Now until 23 January 2011

Set in the spectacular 18th century courtyard of Somerset House this is the ice rink of choice for London’s fashionistas. Tots can take their first steps on the ice with the Penguin Club, which offers special skating tuition for children up to the age of eight.  After skating, you can warm up with a hot chocolate from the Tiffany tuck shop under the twinkling Christmas tree.

Price: Adult tickets from £11.80

5. Hampton Court Palace

Surrey

Dates: now until 9 January 2011

The huge ice rink takes centre stage outside the famous palace of Henry VIII. Skate lessons and ice guides are available too.

Price: from adult £10, child £7.50

6.  The Eden Project

St Austell, Cornwall

When: Now until 27 February

Set in the stunning Eden Project this is the rink of choice for little eco-warriers. The Eden Project is running special toddler and parent skating sessions for the season. fee for adults

www.edenbookings.com; 01726-811 911

7. Cardiff’s Winter Wonderland

City Hall Lawn, Cardiff

When: Now until 3 January

Offering a spectacular setting amongst Cardiff’s impressive civic centre, the ‘Winter Wonderland’ combines an open-air rink with a tot-friendly fairground and dazzling Christmas lights. The ice rink has dedicated skating sessions for under 8s with penguin balancing aids available for £1 a session, plus a cosy cafe with baby changing facilities. There’s also a 50+-stall traditional Christmas market on nearby St John Street, filled with hand-made crafts and toys.

www.cardiffswinterwonderland.com

30 July to 1 August

The Bristol Harbour Festival is a three day cultural event with music, food and theatre set against the backdrop of the stunning and historic harbourside.  There is masses of offer for everyone at this fun, free festival – with music, food and theatre and heaps of child-friendly activites.

Highlights include:

Circus and children’s area - Castle Park  is the new home for the festival’s Circus Stage, the largest and most popular collection of circus acts in the UK. Cirque Bijou are returning to dazzle the crowds with amazing aerial and static trapeze performers, juggling and acrobatics. The area also offers a fabulous array of children friendly activities including; storytelling, making activities, swing boats and other rides.

Music for all - The city’s stunning Queen Square features a music stage programmed by Colston Hall alongside a delicious continental food market, while Cascade Steps stage offers a chilled out vibe with acoustic musicians and slam poetry.

Dance Village - Programmer Ashley Russell attracts renowned dance artists from around the world to perform on the festival’s dance stage in Millenium Square. Highlights include New York City Ballet, performing for the first time ever in Bristol, Netherlands Dance Theatre, Alvin Ailey American Dance Theatre and top flight BBoy artist from Bristol Wilkie Branson.

The Bristol Village Fayre - featuring a West Country food market and bar, community garden and street theatre from the Invisible Circus.

Interactive live theatre - The cobbled streets of King Street will feature an outdoor theatre stage, with performance and participatory events from the famous Bristol Old Vic’s Young Company. Over 100 members will be performing two specially commissioned pieces, ‘Run’ and ‘Fallen’.

This year will also see the involvement of the first ever Tate Movie, a national project organised by the Tate collaborating with Aardman to create an animation film made by children across the UK.

Fireworks – Historic boats and tall ships with join the 250 other boats in the harbour, as a backdrop for a spectacular fireworks display on the Saturday at 10pm.

As the summer holiday season begins long lazy days on the beach lie ahead. Be the hottest family on the sand with our guide to beach essentials.
1. Swim Suits – Mini Boden is the one-stop shop for all your colourful beachwear. Stocking everything from Rash suits, to trunks and comfy towelling ponchos. We particularly love this printed swimsuit for girls. Age 18months plus. Mini Boden, £18. 

 

 2. Swim Nappy - There’s no need for disposable swim nappies with one of these colourful and comfy nappies. From JoJoMamanBebe, £12.

3. Swim Aids - I’m a big fan the SwimFin buoyancy aid. Kids love the shark fin design and with their arms free they are encouraged to swim. £19.99.

4. Snorkelling Swim Trunks – These Ej Sikke Lef surf shorts are made for summer days out. Made from fast drying polyester and from Nordic Kids, £25.50 from age 3.
 

5. UV Protection Sun Wear – great for little ones and easier than slapping on endless rounds of suncream. Choose all-in-ones of tops and bottoms. The Beach Factory has a great range of suits for all ages. Legionnaire’s hats which protect tot’s faces and sensitive necks are perfect for keeping little heads cool. Choose ones that can be worn in and out of the water such as the sweet Lion in the Sun range, from £11.
6. UV Pop Up Tents – Useful as a base on the beach and can be used for playing, feeding and naps.  My kids often curl up for a little snooze in the shade after hours of fun in the sea and sand. They are also for perfect protection from the British Summer weather hazards such as blowing sand, rain and wind. The Beach Factory, £27.95
7. Suncream – UV sunwipes are great way to safely cover on the move. Also recommended are coloured spray creams as you can see where you’ve creamed avoiding missed patches. I’m a fan of the sticks and roll-ons for busy little tot’s sensitive ears, necks and cheeks.  Available from all good chemists and supermarkets.

8. Anti Mosquito Gizmos – Anti-Mosquito T Wipes -  Uses Chinese Eucalyptus instead of DEET but has been proven to be just as effective in field tests. Safe for pregnant women and children, even newborns. Comes in handy five-tissue packs, cost £4.99 and each wipe can be used up to 10 times. Also DEET free are the Squeeze and Stick Anti-Mosquito patches, £5.99 from Green Baby.
9. Cooling Spray – These spray cans provide instant relief in hot sticky weather. Perfect for little ones and grown-ups you can use them directly on your face or body in the heat. Find them in chemists and travel shops.
10. Olympus Mju Tough 3000 Digital Camera – Having ruined at least 3 mobile phones and 1 camera on the beach, this Olympus has been one of the best purchases I’ve recently made. It’s protected against all the beach elements as it’s waterproof up to depths of 3m and shockproof to 1.5m. Available from John Lewis, £169.95.