AS HALF-TERM approaches, there is a wide range of activities for families across Reading, including classes, trails, and festivals.
Libraries, museums, and other venues across the town will be hosting free and low-cost activities during the October half-term celebrating Hallowe’en and local history.
Reading Museum will see a Brilliant Bats Trail where attendees will learn about the world’s only flying mammal as they spot all of the bats hidden around the galleries.
It is offering craft sessions where attendees will be able to create a flappy bat, taking place on Thursday, October 27, in half-hour sessions between 10am-noon and 1-3pm.
The museum will also offer sewing craft classes where attendees will be able to pick up the basics of sewing by creating their own fish-themed applique projects.
The Museum of English Rural Life is teaming up with Autism Berkshire to provide sessions where children with special educational needs or disabilities can browse the museum during quiet periods.
This will help children who struggle to contend with sensory input to view exhibits at their own pace, including provision of sensory backpacks, ear defenders, and break out rooms for those who need them.
For full details of accessible “Museums, My Way” exhibits, visit: www.merl.reading.ac.uk.
Reading libraries will also be providing a number of events.
Southcote Library is set to provide craft sessions for children aged 4-10, with Hallowe’en-themed arts sessions on Saturday October 22 and 29, from 10.30am-11.30am.
Caversham Library is also hosting similar sessions on Thursday, October 27, from 2pm-3.30pm.
Central Library will hold spooky Spaghetti Skeleton craft sessions and Spooky Stories on Wednesday, October 26, from 10.30-11.30am.
There will be a £1 charge, but no booking needed.
The Big Draw Festival returns to New Directions College, brining a worldwide celebration of drawing and learning through art to the college on Tuesday, October 25.
Sessions run from 10am-noon and 12.30-2.30pm, with all welcome to take part free of charge, though children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult.
To book a place, or for more information, visit: www.newdirectionsreading.ac.uk.
Reading All Steel Percussion Orchestra will hosting a free steel band workshop for kids on Tuesday, October 25, at CultureMix Music and Arts Centre, Queens Walk, in celebration of Black History Month.
A number of performative events will also take place, with Pop Princesses coming to the Hexagon on Wednesday, October 25.
The show will see four fairy tale princesses taking part in a musical, including songs from pop artists such as Little Mix, Ariana Grande, Meghan Trainor, Miley Cyrus, and Taylor Swift.
For information or tickets, visit: www.whatsonreading.com.
A new take on Rapunzel will be coming to South Street in the form of Rapunzel and The Tower of Doom, suitable for ages 4 and up.
The productions is showing at South Street on Wednesday and Thursday, October 26-27, at 11.30am and 2pm each day.
For a full list of events and activities, visit: servicesguide.reading.gov.uk
