By Kate Hodges
28th November 2019
EVENT Great Tate
Tate Modern is alive this weekend. Not only is the beautiful Olafur Eliasson exhibition still pulling in the crowds, but there’s a fascinating free Open Studio event, featuring products by London’s emerging talent as well as free craft-based talks and workshops suitable for adults and older teenagers. On Sunday, young adults take over the venue for a night of art and activism exploring climate justice and environmental racism. Discover how young people can act against the climate crisis through workshops, talks, films, food and performance and take in the Eliasson exhibition for a fiver. Those in the south west of the country aren’t left out – Tate St Ives’ winter festival brings together choirs, pop-up talks and recycled art workshops for only £1.
MAKE and RECIPE Peel Sessions
Drying fruit fills your house with delicious smells and is easy and fun. Try making these chocolate-dipped versions or use these to sweeten breakfast cereals. Alternatively, make decorations for your tree – these Apple Star ornaments look simple yet festive while orange slices can be hung from branches or used to make a wreath. Or go full-traditional and make pomanders to scent your house with citrus and spice
EVENT and DO Feed the Tree
Tree Dressing Day is held on the first weekend in December, and not only celebrates our love for our leafy friends, but also our wider community and cultural history. The act of dressing a tree binds us to it and celebrates the unique role that trees have in our local neighbourhoods – you’ll find the custom around the world from Japan to India. This weekend, find events across the country, such as the aspen party at the Weald and Downland Museum, or find a favourite tree and create a dressing ritual yourself – find inspiration from around the globe here.
RECIPE Keep It Simple
The month ahead will be stuffed with rich food and sumptuous experiences. Why not keep things simple and create some calm before the storm, by spending a day making your own bread and butter? Even very small children can help knead and bake this easy loaf, while the transformation of cream into luscious butter is simple magic.
EVENT Hay Fever
The Hay Festival Winter Weekend is the frostier, scaled-down version of the main summer literary festival. Join Woodland Trust walks to discover the trees of the town, make lanterns for a grand parade, watch live paintings and spells, join in creative dance workshops, learn how to make Mexican quesadillas, and enjoy writer talks and music performances. Some events ticketed, some free. Full programme here
What we’ve been reading this week:
Children should spend an hour a day in wild, says Wildlife Trusts. By Patrick Greenfield.
“Primary schoolchildren should spend at least one hour a day learning and playing in wild places to help improve their wellbeing and confidence, a leading conservation organisation has said.” Read more here
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