If you’re based in London or there with the kids over the next couple of weeks, you could do worse than check out the Imagine Festival at the Southbank Centre. Many of the events (eg. author talks) are (sensibly) for over-fives only, but a couple of things sound great for little ones. Firstly, the fantastic Long Nose Puppets have produced their version of Polly Dunbar’s award-winning toddler favourite Penguin. It’s guaranteed to be an utter delight – check out the pic above if you’re in any doubt.
Second, Brooklynites Dan Zanes & Friends, above, will be appearing for four dates, with an 11am and 2pm show each day – loving the nap-friendly scheduling! Using electric guitar, fiddle, drums, trumpet, upright bass, harmonica, spoons, mandolin, voices and orchestra,  and described by The Times as ‘the Pied Piper of the music scene’, this has got to be worth checking out. For the under-twos, DJ and poet Charlie Dark’s Bookworm Babies sounds amazing – the tale of Dr Octopus and the Wheels of Steel features a beatboxing blow fish, a clumsy octopus and a non-swimming mermaid set to an old skool hip hop soundtrack. And it’s free! As is Strictly Family Ballroom, which does exactly what it says on the tin, and a host of musical, poetic and literary goings-on. Book now as tickets are selling fast.
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