Yes, nobody – apart from possibly children – looks forward to the February half-term, but at least it’s invariably blessed with the Southbank Centre’s Imagine Children’s Festival, a mix of family-oriented shows and workshops, play experiences and exhibitions, music, art and literature that’ll keep youngsters diverted February 8-18.
There are events for all ages (from babies to teens) with many of them free, ranging from adventure trails around the Southbank to a daytime rave with Guinness Record-holdingly youthful DJ Archie.
As ever, the festival is studded with children’s literature stars like ‘How To Train Your Dragon’ author Cressida Cowell and ubiquitous ‘We’re Going On a Bear Hunt’ legend Michael Rosen
And you fancy watching a show, you’re spoilt for choice, with productions ranging from Carol Ann Duffy’s dance-theatre retelling of Rapunzel to a new stage version of Michael Foreman’s eco-yarn ‘Dinosaurs and All That Rubbish’.
For those adults who want to get in on the action, face off against your family in the ‘Intergenerational Game’ or wind down with some wellness yoga at the ‘Wellbeing Wind Down’.
You'll find the full schedule on the Southbank Centre website.