Summer days out

There’s no excuse for boredom this summer holiday, with plenty to keep the children busy

ENGLAND SHOWTIME, LONDON:

AUGUST 1-31 The month of August is a capital time for children to catch a London West End show for free or half-price. Families can choose from more than 40 performances, from the hilarious Comedy About a Bank Robbery to the new feel-good musical Strictly Ballroom, with some theatres offering free events and activities for youngsters such as workshops and backstage tours.

Free for one child under 16 when accompanied by an adult paying full price, with an addi-

TICKETS

BEE’S KNEES tional two children’s tickets at half price, for selected performances. kidsweek.co.uk THRILLER DAYS, LONDON:

AUGUST 13-27 The Michael Jackson On the Wall exhibition at London’s National Portrait Gallery explores the impact the King of Pop had on contemporary art. Young ones can find inspiration at daily art and craft workshops. In the CHUG ALONG Steam fest in Dorset Education Studio they can perfect their moonwalk, decorate a white glove, design a T-shirt or play with clay, while older children can book in for sessions on photography, fashion, film, music and dance.

TICKETS Exhibition tickets from £17.50, under-12s free and on Fridays, special ticket for under-26s is £5. Tickets for the workshop sessions are free and available from the Gallery one hour before entry. All materials are provided. npg.org.uk BEE TRAIL, MANCHESTER: TOMORROW-SEPTEMBER 23 A swarm of bees, Manchester’s famous symbol, will be landing in the northern metropolis with over 100 giant bee sculptures appearing at locations across the city and beyond. In a tribute to Manchester’s legendary music scene, famous figures and industrial heritage, among the artworks will be a rock ’n’ roll bee designed with Liam Gallagher, Hilda Bugden in honour of the Coronation Street character and Bee United, plus Mike Summer-Bee in a nod to the city’s famous football clubs. Alongside the Bee In The City trail will be a hive of themed activities. And you can make a beeline for any of the sculptures in October when they will be auctioned off for local charities. TICKETS beeinthecitymcr.co.uk

Bee In The City Trail is free. STEAM FEST, DORSET:

AUGUST 23-27 Chug along to the Great Dorset Steam Fair, arguably the world’s biggest gathering of steam and vintage paraphernalia, as it celebrates its 50 anniversary in the village of Tarrant Hinton. The fair will also mark the centenary of the end of the First World War with a tribute display featuring a replica Western Front trench system, steam vehicles from the terrible conflict together with a living history group of soldiers and horse demos. Rural