For the first time since, well, ever, the UK is holding a Family Arts Festival. It has been specifically scheduled over the autumn half term holidays (18th October - 3rd November), so everyone can enjoy a fortnight of fun, culture, and performance. There will be everything from dance and music to circus and theatre, plus a little bit more.
The Campaign for Drawing is an independent charity, aiming to get everyone - you guessed it - drawing.
The Big Draw will be holding events around the country, including free workshops in museums and theatres.
There will be lots of storytelling, such as
The Adventures of Pinocchio, which will include an exhibit of modern Italian artwork, and a chance to make your own puppet. You can listen to
Spooky Spooky Spooky Halloween stories, take part in
Storymaker events, or meet a
Dragon Who Hates Poetry.
There will also be festivals within the main festival itself. For example,
Manchester's Literature Festival has special activities for young readers, while London's
Bloomsbury Festival will include extraordinary moments in Russell's Square.
Experience the
Complete Works of William Shakespeare at Richmond Theatre or see an spectacular open air performance of
The Tempest in the Greenman Maze, where there will be a combination of fire, circus, Afro-Celtic dance, and live music. There will also be a comical opera of
A Midsummer Night's Dream, composed by Benjamin Britten.
Look forward to film screenings such as Disney's
Alice in Wonderland, Pixar's
Brave, and their latest animation,
Planes, in 3D.
Doctor Who fans will also be in for a treat with a fiftieth anniversary special, featuring five of the Doctors.
Other activities will include behind the scenes tours, art exhibitions, and concerts. Check the calendar to find out what is happening in your area.