Kate Hodges

By Kate Hodges

31st January 2019

Celebrate Imbolc with candles and magic, see some of the most beautiful dresses ever made, the most tempting veggie recipes for kids, Chinese New Year crafts, Clowns' church service!

Kate Hodges

By Kate Hodges

31st January 2019

Kate Hodges

By Kate Hodges

31st January 2019

LEARN, RECIPE and MAKE Candle-Doodle-Do
In pre-Christian times, Imbolc or Candlemas – celebrated this Friday – was known as the ‘feast of lights’ and marked the half-way point between the shortest day and the Spring equinox (we have some ideas for celebrating it here). Candles would be lit in order to give reassurance to others that they were not alone, and that the sun would return. It’s still a chance to celebrate the life-giving power of the sun, as its rays start to gain in strength. Crepes were traditionally eaten on this day – there’s a recipe for them here, alongside other Candlemas treats, including Honey Cakes and Gingerly Baked Custard. Or why not do some Candlemas-themed crafts? Try this hand-cranked storyteller, bend reeds to make a Brigid Cross, pour candles or carve them.

EVENT King of the Catwalk
Junior designers and budding fashionistas will relish a chance to see some of the most gorgeous dresses ever made, up-close at Christian Dior: Designer of Dreams, on from February 2 at the V&A. This exhibition charts the history and impact of one of the most influential couturiers of the 20th century, exploring the enduring resonance and Dior’s relationship with Britain. See sketches, stunning frocks, original, jewel-like perfume bottles and memorabilia. Indulgent, but lovely. This Saturday, join a fashion illustration workshop (£20, 13–15 years) or celebrate Chinese New Year with a drop-in design

session on Sunday (free)

RECIPE Easy Veg
Last Saturday’s Guardian featured some veg-packed recipes for kids by Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall so delicious we just had to share. Try Beetroot and Walnut Hummus, Macaroni Peas, Rosemary Polenta and Roast Roots Frittata. All hearty, healthy and packed with vitamins. Simple! Yum!

MAKE and RECIPE Chinesey Peasy
Chinese New Year falls on February 5 – Tuesday. Celebrate with a crafting session. Perhaps you could make this cheering lantern-shaped sun catcher, these sweet and easy origami fish, a Chinese rattle drum, or splash out on this incredible, downloadable Wintercroft dragon mask. Why not steam your own Vegan Dim Sum Buns as you’re making for a house full of spicy, New Year smells?

EVENT Holy Jokers
Put aside your coulrophobia and head to Hackney in London for Sunday’s yearly Clowns Annual church service. Over 60 clowns from around the world, all in full red-nose-and-big-shoe regalia descend on the All Saints church in Hackney. The service is in memory of legendary clown Joseph Grimaldi, and is so popular that the church is usually filled to overflowing. Get there early for a seat (there’s usually a show for children after the churchy bit), or wait outside to see the clowns arriving.

EXTRA! Our FREE family holiday guide is now online! Get ready for summer! Discover secret beaches, the most fun museums in the UK, exhilarating adventures, and the most beautiful, eco-friendly places to stay! Download your copy for free here

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