News & Views

  • Events, News
    23 January, 2012

    Concerts Planned for Top That! Author and Illustrator

    Hilary James and Simon Mayor, author and illustrator of Top That!'s Sing and Read Books, I'm a Parrot and Gobble! Gobble! Gobble! plan a jam-packed schedule of concerts for the upcoming months. Starting with the 'Musical Mystery Tour' specifically for children, Hilary and Simon will then embark on a tour of 'grown-up' concerts (see list below), in which children are always welcome.

    'Musical Mystery Tour' children's concert:

    http://www.childrensmusic.co.uk/concertstheatres.html

    Hilary and Simon with Special 4-piece band fiddle/mandolins/banjo percussion/guitars/voices

    SOUTHAMPTON. Turner Sims Concert Hall, The University, University Road, Southampton SO17 1BJ.
    Matinee performance 3.00pm    02380 592223

    Read more »

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  • Events
    19 August, 2011

    Top That’s Top Tips for the Weekend

    Looking for something to do this weekend? Here are our top tips this week.

    Local: Thorpeness Regatta and Fireworks
    Tonight is the annual Thorpeness Regatta and Fireworks, held on the village's meare. You can enjoy the passing floats, all relating to a particular theme, and spectacular fireworks for free!

    National: Edinburgh International Book Festival
    The festival, running until the 29th August, is held every year in Charlotte Square. The festival includes talks, events, signings, readings and much more from a wide range of authors. Events for adults and children run everyday on all manner of topics.

    For more information about the festival, or to book tickets, visit:
    http://www.edbookfest.co.uk/

    International: Gràcia Festa Major
    The Barcelona area of Gràcia is the scene for a week long celebration for the Feast of the Assumption. The streets are filled with rainbow-coloured decorations, art, live music, dance and street entertainment.

    Photo of Sagrada Familia licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 3.0 Unported license.

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  • Events
    22 July, 2011

    Top That’s Top Tips for the Weekend

    Looking for something to do this weekend? Here are our top tips this week.

    Local: be-dom at Jerwood DanceHouse, Ipswich

    be-dom is a group from Portugal who integrate music, dance, comedy and theatre using alternative instruments which can include barrels, bottle and the audience! The show aims to use music as a platform to bring the whole audience together. Part music concert and part humour, this show is perfect for everyone.

    For more information, visit:
    http://www.danceeast.co.uk/whats-on/552/bedom-Live-shows-at-the-Jerwood-DanceHouse-this-summer/

    National: Ben & Jerry's Double Scoop Sundae 2011

    This weekend Ben & Jerry's are holding a two-day event of family-friendly fun and fete-style entertainment. The events are being held at Clapham Common, London and Heaton Park, Manchester, and include music, activities and best of all, free ice cream!

    For more information and to buy tickets, visit:
    http://www.benjerry.co.uk/sundae/

    International: The Biggest Funfair on the Rhine

    Huge state-of-the-art rides plus hundreds of stalls and attractions transform Düsseldorf's riverside, Rheinwiesen, into the Biggest Funfair on the Rhine. The event culminates in a huge firework display over the river. With stalls, rides, food and drink, the funfair holds something for all members of the family.

    For more information, visit:
    http://www.duesseldorf-tourismus.de/en/our-top-events/biggest-fun-fair-on-the-rhine/

    Photo of Common Quay, Ipswich is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 2.0 Generic license.

    Photo of Heaton Park, Manchester is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 2.5 Generic license.

    Photo of Dusseldorf fair is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 3.0 Unported license.

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  • Events
    8 July, 2011

    Top That’s Top Tips for the Weekend

    Looking for something to do this weekend? Here are our top tips this week.

    Local: Kentwell Hall's Great Annual Tudor Recreation in Long Melford, Suffolk. From the 8–10th July at Kentwell Hall, schools and the general public can see how the family in a great 16th century Tudor house might have lived, and how the community in and about the manor supported them.

    For more information, visit http://www.kentwell.co.uk/Re-Creations/Tudor/GreatAnnual

    National: Pop-up Festival of Stories. From 9th–11th July children can join in with the Pop-up Festival of Stories at Coram's Fields & The Brunswick in London. There is a fantastic programme of events, ranging from tea with the Moomins to meeting former children's laureate, Michael Rosen.

    For more information, visit http://pop-up.org.uk/

    International: Capital Fringe Festival, Washington DC. From 7–24th July, the Capital Fringe Festival is an annual performing arts event in Washington, DC featuring more than 100 performances in a variety of venues. Performances include theatre, dance, music, poetry, puppetry and more.

    For more information, visit http://www.capfringe.org/

    Photo of the street performer is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 3.0 Unported license.

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  • Events
    24 June, 2011

    Top That’s Top Tips for the Weekend

    Looking for something to do this weekend? Here are our top tips this week.

    Local: Ip-art Festival
    Between Friday 24th June and Sunday 10th July is the annual Ip-art festival in Ipswich. This year's programme features music from Peter Andre to Katherine Jenkins, comedy, dance, theatre and open air screenings of films, including Toy Story 3 and Dirty Dancing. Ipswich Music Day, marking its 20th anniversary this year in Christchurch Park, also features music from every genre, with something to suit everyone.

    For more information and the full schedule, please visit:
    http://www.ip-art.com/

    National: North Devon Festival
    The North Devon Festival includes over 120 different events that are taking place in 30 different towns and villages across north Devon. The events include live entertainment, visual arts, history and sport with the festival aiming to celebrate the diverse cultural life of the area.

    International: International Fireworks Competition
    Hanover's Grosser Garten is the venue for a spectacular combination of classical music and fireworks from five nations. Alongside the fireworks there are also stalls offering food and drink and concerts, theatre and cabaret performances throughout the gardens.

    Photo of Christchurch Mansion by Rowland Shaw and licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 2.5 Generic license.

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  • Events, News
    10 June, 2011

    Top That’s Top Tips for the Weekend

    Looking for something to do this weekend? Here are our top tips this week.

    Local: Pulse – Ipswich Fringe Festival
    The New Wolsey Theatre in Ipswich has been the venue for the 2011 Pulse Ipswich Fringe Festival that began on 26th May. This Saturday is it's final weekend so there's just enough time to go and see one of the shows that has been on offer this year.
    For more information about Pulse and what's on, visit:
    http://www.pulsefringe.com/173/pulse/pulse-2011-26th-may-11th-june.html

    National: Bristol Festival of Nature
    Throughout June in Bristol is the annual Festival of Nature, held every summer along the picturesque harbourside. With events ranging from a local food market to 3D cinema screenings, the whole family is invited to come and explore the natural world.
    For more information, visit:
    http://www.bnhc.org.uk/home/festival.html

    International: Féria de Pentecôte
    The Féria de Pentecôte is one of southern France's biggest celebrations. Nîmes is transformed into one giant party zone, with live street music, markets, bull-fights in the Roman arena, and giant vats of paella for the crowds to tuck into.

    Photo of Neptune Quay Marina, Ipswich taken by Steve Arnold and attributed under the Creative Commons Attribution 2.0 Generic license.

    Photo of Nîmes Amphitheatre taken by Andim and is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 3.0 Unported license.

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  • Events, News
    27 May, 2011

    Top That’s Top Tips for the Weekend

    Looking for something to do over half term? Here are our top picks this week.

    Local: Suffolk Show

    The Suffolk Show at Trinity Park, Ipswich is being held on Wednesday 1st and Thursday 2nd June, during half term week. With animals and a children's farm, food and drink stalls, flower displays, a sports zone and a military display featuring Apache helicopters, abseiling stunts and a rescue mission, there really is something for everyone!

    For more information visit:
    http://www.suffolkshow.co.uk/

    National: The Tiger Who Came to Tea

    Visit the V&A Museum of Childhood this half term to see an exhibit inspired by Judith Kerr and her picture book 'The Tiger Who Came to Tea'. The exhibit will feature original artwork, notes and sketches relating to Kerr's work. Children will also be able to step into Sophie's kitchen to have tea with a life-size 'tiger', enjoy a re-telling of the story, journey through a Tiger Trail and visit the arts & crafts table.

    For more information visit:
    http://www.vam.ac.uk/moc/

    International: Ice Cream Festival

    If you're heading to Florence for half term, make sure you sample some of the treats on offer at the Florence Gelato Festival. A wide variety of flavours made by Italy's top ice cream makers can be sampled and there are also games and activities for children. Two 'villages' also separate the local and industrial ice cream makers so you can compare the different styles, and best of all it's all free!

    Photo of Neptune Quay Marina, Ipswich taken by Steve Arnold and attributed under the Creative Commons Attribution 2.0 Generic license.

    Photo of Victoria and Albert Museum licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 3.0 Unported license.

    Photo of Italian Ice Cream taken by Alessio Damato and licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 3.0 Unported license.

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  • Events, News
    20 May, 2011

    Top That’s Top Tips for the Weekend

    Looking for something to do this weekend? Here are our top tips this week:

    Local: Vest-ival at Jimmy's Farm

    This weekend is Vest-ival, a weekend of music, comedy and sport at Jimmy's Farm, near Ipswich. The event features DJs, live bands, stand up comedy and football activities which include 5-a-side games and free coaching sessions. You can also see the real FA cup on site! Join in with the raffle and you might win the opportunity to play in a celebrity 5-a-side match! The event is to raise money for Football Action and Hanna's Orphanage.

    For more information and to book tickets visit:
    http://footballaction.org.uk/vestival

    National: Age of the Dinosaur, Natural History Museum

    Travel back in time to 65 million years ago when dinosaurs ruled the Earth. Visit prehistoric jungles and deserts and come face-to-face with life-size animatronic dinosaurs! The exhibit also includes fossils, replicas, photos, films, interactive challenges and much more.

    For more information and to book tickets visit:
    http://www.nhm.ac.uk/visit-us/whats-on/temporary-exhibitions/age-of-the-dinosaur/index.html

    International: Calgary International Children's Festival

    The Calgary International Children's Festival features theatre, puppetry, music, dance, mime and comedy throughout the weekend. The festival includes a number of free events at the outdoor Olympic Plaza, including face painting, art and crafts and dressing up. There will also be street performers and storytelling on The Plaza. The Children's Festival is at the EPCOR Centre for the Performing Arts and the Olympic Plaza, Calgary.

    Photo of Neptune Quay Marina, Ipswich taken by Steve Arnold and attributed under the Creative Commons Attribution 2.0 Generic license.

    Photo of Natural History Museum attributed to Tuuraan78 under the Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 Unported license. 

    Photo of Olympic Plaza, Calgary courtesy of the Calgary Downtown Association, http://www.downtowncalgary.com/index.html

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  • Events, News
    13 May, 2011

    Top That’s Top Tips for the Weekend

    Looking for ideas for something to do this weekend? Here are our top tips this week:

    Local: Family Fright Night!

    Celebrate Friday 13th with a Family Fright Night at Moyse's Hall Museum, Bury St Edmunds. Discover macabre tales of crime and punishment, witchcraft and murder while going around the 12th Century building. Remember to bring your torch!

    National: Southside Festival

    The Southside Festival is designed to bring together the local community in Glasgow's Queens Park area for a fun day which includes music, culture and fun activities. The day-long festival is full of events and also features a parade, funfair and park gala alongside art exhibitions and musical performances.

    For more information about the festival visit:
    http://southsidefestival.org.uk/

    International: Seattle International Children's Festival

    The International Children's Festival is the largest performing arts festival for children in North America and is held at the Seattle Center. It features top entertainers from all over the world, with over 100 performances every year. The festival features music, dance, acrobatics, puppetry and storytelling to entertain children of all ages.

    Photo of Seattle Center licensed under the terms of the GNU Free Documentation License Version 1.2

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  • Events, News
    6 May, 2011

    Top That’s Top Tips for the Weekend

    Here are our top tips of events happening this weekend:

    Local: Suffolk Owl Sanctuary
    Visit the Suffolk Owl Sanctuary at Stonham Barns  on Saturday and, alongside the usual activities, there will also be Jenny's Ark Pet Zoo visiting. Visiting animals include rabbits, goats, snakes, guinea pigs, lizards, tortoises, sheep, giant snails and giant millipedes amongst others. This time of year is also perfect for seeing the young owls and other birds of prey.

    National: Drive In Movie Experience
    This Friday is the start of a Drive In Movie Experience being held at North Weald Airfield, North Weald Bassett, Essex. The season will be showing a mix of classic films, blockbusters and family favourites. When you arrive you are given a frequency to tune in to which allows you to here the sound through your car radio. There is also space for you to sit out, either on the lawn or on deck chairs, and a bar.  Today they are showing Toy Story 3, and Saturday night is Mamma Mia!

    For more information see:
    http://www.timeout.com/london/around-town/event/224510/drive-in-movie-experience

    International: Cinco de Mayo
    If you're in San Diego this weekend make sure you have a look around at San Diego's Old Town Fiesta Cinco de Mayo. It's a huge celebration commemorating the Mexican defeat of the French at the Battle of Puebla.  The two-day festival is free to attend and is made up of a colourful market with live music, crafts and food. There are also plenty of hands-on activities for younger visitors to get involved in at the Pueblo de los Niños (Kid's Village).

    Photo attributions:

    The photo of the young snowy owl is attributed to Floyd Davidson under the Creative Commons Attribution-Share Like 3.0 Unported license.

    The photo of the drive in movie is attributed to Assistant08 under the Creative Commons Attribution-Share Like 3.0 Unported license.

    The photo of Casa de Balboa is attributed to Stephane D'Alu under the Creative Commons Attribution-Share Like 3.0 Unported license.

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  • Events, News
    18 March, 2011

    Top That’s Top Tips for the Weekend

    If you have some time to fill this weekend, check out our top tips!

    Local: Out of the Box - The Natural World and Science

    Bring the family to Ipswich Art School to see beautiful scientific illustrations and find out about the natural origins of paint. Then, make paintings with the family or visit Ipswich Museum next door, which will have even more activities available.

    National: The Steadfast Tin Soldier at Norwich Puppet Theatre

    The classic tale of the tin soldier who falls from a window and into the unknown. This will be a great show pairing puppets with storytelling and music in Norwich's amazing puppet theatre.

    International: Cape Town Carnival

    This Saturday evening marks the Cape Town Carnival. A rollicking parade event, this year's theme is 'Dream the Future'. It inspires a look forward into the Cape Town community's future and a celebration of cultural expression in South Africa.

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  • Events, News
    11 March, 2011

    Top That’s Top Tips for the Weekend

    Out of ideas for some weekend entertainment? Check out Top That's top tips!

    Local: Jimmy's Farm Kid's Cookery Club

    For any child who loves to cook, Jimmy's Cookery Club on Saturday mornings in Ipswich will give them fun new skills and a chance to learn some cooking secrets from the chef! To book, or for more information, visit http://www.jimmysfarm.com/shop/index.cfm/fa/shopdetails/Product_ID/372/Category_ID/7

    National: London St. Patrick's Day Parade

    Beginning at Hyde Park Corner at noon and continuing towards Piccadilly Circus, the annual St. Patrick's Day Parade in London brings people from all over together to join in the Irish celebration of St. Patrick! Pipe bands, dancers, and more will be a part of this festive parade.

    International: Melbourne Food and Wine Festival

    Join visitors and chefs from across the world as they meet in Australia this weekend for the Melbourne Food and Wine festival. For anyone who appreciates fine dining, has a sense of gastronomical adventure, or simply loves to eat, vendors and chefs from London to New York to Sydney will take part for a tasty time.

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