Something for the littl'uns
There's plenty going on this weekend to keep the littl'uns amused. So much in fact that they'll be exhausted by the end of it. Hooray!
CBBC PROM IN THE PARK This Sunday, the fourth annual BBC children's music fest will be blasting forth from Hyde Park. Hosted by Blue Peter's Matt Baker, CBBC's Angellica Bell and Basil Brush, it's an afternoon where pop, classical and the West End come hurtling together in a musical mish-mash designed to get the kids going. Headline acts include Busted, Mis-Teeq, Big Brovaz and the BBC Philharmonic, plus the cast of Chitty Chitty Bang Bang. And don't forget to smile - the concert goes out on BBC2 on Sun 28 Sep. Hyde Park, W2 (0870 899 8001). Sun 14 Sep, 1pm, £12, child £7.50, under-threes free.
TOTALLY COVENT GARDEN FESTIVAL Covent Garden's always buzzing, but this week's festival brings even more hustle and bustle to the market. Kids In The Market, on Saturday, consists of two special theatre club sessions. With singing, acting and role-playing activities, the kids can go Bollywood crazy in Bombay Dreams or join the African magic that is The Lion King. Carrying on the musical theme is the final of the Best Busking Awards where you decide who is Britain's Best Busker. On Sunday, all things Italian come to the piazza with the Lancia Classic Car Rally, operatic arias and plenty of pizza. Covent Garden Market, WC2 (020-7836 9136). Sat 13 Sep, Kids In The Market Bombay Dreams workshop, 10am-noon, The Lion King workshop 11am-1pm. Booking essential on 020-7943 4806. Best Busker Final, Sun 14 Sep, 2pm-4pm, Lancia Classic Car Rally, free.
THE MAYOR'S THAMES FESTIVAL There's plenty to entertain all the family this weekend down on the river between Blackfriars and Westminster bridges. Explore the historic sailing vessels for a step down memory lane or, for a more hands-on experience, you and the kids can add your own touch to the River Of Life mural. The Riverside Bazaar has funfairs, food stalls and craft markets, and there's music and singing to complete the extravaganza. On Sunday, the finale is the Midnight Menagerie (not actually at midnight), a procession of lanterns, lights and floats along Victoria Embankment. The Mayor's Thames Festival, between Blackfriars and Westminster bridges. Sat 13 & Sun 14 Sep, noon-10pm. Midnight Menagerie, Victoria Embankment, WC2. Sun 14 Sep, 7.30pm-9.30pm, free. Visit www.thamesfestival.org for more details.
LONDON BRIDGES WALK Get your comfy shoes on and join the Children's Society London Bridges Walk this Saturday. It's much more of a carnival event than a competitive walkathon. Bob The Builder, Thomas The Tank Engine, Angelina Ballerina and Pingu are all on hand to entertain the kids on route. If it all sounds a bit like hard work, don't worry, you can chose between the five- or 10-mile route, both are pushchair-friendly and there are lots of scenic places to stop for a picnic along the way. The Children's Society London Bridges Walk, Sat 13 Sep, starts 10am at Tate Modern, Bankside, SE1. Pre-register on 0845 300 1128 or turn up on the day, £5, under-16s £2 (includes a free T-shirt).
