Fantastic half term fun for youngsters

EVERYTHING from blockbuster films and art sessions to Halloween Walks and creepy crafts is on offer for youngsters during the half term holidays.

Stockton Council is hosting a whole series of events from 26 to 31 October at venues across the Borough.

FESTAFALL, running from 29 - 31 October, is a free three day programme of films at three locations - ARC, The Georgian Theatre and a Movie Marquee on Church Road.

Family favourite films include Shrek, The Goonies, Finding Nemo, Swallows and Amazons, The Clone Wars, Who Framed Roger Rabbit, Hocus Pocus, Twilight and Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix.

During the three days of FESTAFALL, as well as taking in a movie, you can head along to The Shambles for children's face painting and arts and craft sessions. Street theatre will be all around the Town Centre so look out for roller skating usherettes, Hollywood film scouts and Paparazzi as well as goblins and other Halloween horrors.

Tickets for all films are available by calling ARC on (01642) 525199 or you can book online at www.arconline.co.uk

Budding filmmakers can come along to ARC where Stockton's Arts Development Team will be running film making and animation workshops for eight to 12 year olds. Booking is essential. Call (01642) 527696 or email arts@stockton.gov.uk for details and booking.

Away from the Town Centre, Billingham Beck Valley Country Park is hosting a fun session called Acorns to Oaks from 1pm to 2pm on Monday, 26 October. You can join Rangers on a guided walk around the site gathering seeds from trees to make an environmentally sound planter to plant the seeds in. To take part, meet at the Ecology Park Visitor Centre.

Preston Hall Museum is hosting a Leaf Art craft session on Tuesday, 27 October from 10.30am until noon and from 1.30pm to 3pm. You can collect autumn leaves and produce seasonal art pieces under the guidance of Preston Park's Ranger. The sessions cost £2 per person. Call (01642) 527562 for more details.

On Wednesday, 28 October, Preston Hall hosts a Halloween Mask Making event from 10.30am until 12.30pm and from 1.30pm to 3.30pm. Join artist Lip Lee for the fun workshop. All children must be accompanied by an adult.

On Friday, 30 October Preston Hall will be holding a lantern making craft session and you can also explore spooky trails from 10.30am until 12.30pm and from 1.30pm to 3.30pm. Goody bags and refreshments will be provided. All children must be accompanied by an adult.

On the same day, Billingham Beck Valley Country Park hosts a Gruesomely Creepy Crafts event from 1.30pm to 3pm. Little wizards, zombies and vampires are invited to head along, dressed up, to create your own Halloween monstrosities!

Finally, on Saturday, 31 October, the Halloween, Fright Night, Walk will test your wits at Preston Hall Museum and Park. Things that go bump in the night will mysteriously appear from the trees and apparitions will stop you in your tracks.

The event is on between 6pm and 9pm and a park and ride 'ghost coach' bus service will operate from the Swallow Hotel, Stockton, Yarm Town Hall and Peter Barratt's Garden Centre on Yarm Road.

Tickets for the Halloween Walk cost £4 per person (under fives free) and are available from The Environment Centre, West Row, Tourist Information Centre in Stockton Central Library and Preston Hall Museum and Park. For more details call (01642) 528130 or 528131.

Councillor Mary Womphrey, Stockton Council's Cabinet Member for Arts, Leisure and Culture, said: "What a fantastic line-up of events for half term!  There is truly something for everyone here so whether you are a film fan, Halloween buff or budding artist, get yourself along to these events."

http://www.stockton.gov.uk

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