Visitors will be able to experience the wonders and delights of a traditional Christmas at Southchurch Hall this Saturday 27 November.  Browse the festive stalls for that special Christmas gift from mulled wine, ales and meads to homemade cakes, felt craft, preserves, Christmas decorations and delightful needlecraft.  There will be a little something for everyone; the Hall will be decked out for Christmas with a stunning tree and throughout the day there will be musical entertainment and carol singing at noon.

A truly magical day will conclude at 3pm with glad tidings and the Christmas shopping well on its way to completion.

Admission to the Christmas open day is free and further details are available by calling 01702 434449 or on www.southendmuseums.co.uk

Here are some tips for art, theatre and literature children’s workshops this half term in Southend:

TUE 26 October 10am-4pm @ TAP – FREE HALF TERM FAMILY WORKSHOP – 3D paintings with mod roc – suitable for all ages. Let your imagination go free. To book a place please email: tap [at] coexist.org.uk

TUE 26 October 10am – 12 noon - at Palace Theatre Foyer-  FAMILY ARTS & CRAFTS – Themed on the Palace Theatre Christmas Show. Suitable for children 5+ and their families. (Parents/carers must stay with children at all times).  £5 per child / can be booked through the Box Office on 01702 351135.

ALL WEEK – 26 -30 October   10.00am to 3.00pm @ Central Museum – Making Myths and Legends – Great half term fun at Central Museum. Tuesday to Friday from 10.00am – 3.00pm you can explore the Myths and Legends exhibition.  For just a £1 have your face painted with mythological tattoos, make stick puppets, create your own dream catcher, build our totem pole and listen to dragon stories. Take on our warrior quest.  + Special Mythological Planetarium shows throughout half term Tuesday – Saturday- £3.95 adults £2.95 children suitable for the over 7’s.

SAT 30 October 11 & 2pm – Southend Central Library – PAINT A STORY – Performance poet Justin Coe wraps up the children book festival with 2 acclaimed workshops – The Ringmaster of Rhymes and the Jumble Book. Programme and tickets available at Southend Central Library or phone the ticket hotline on 01702 215011 Ext. 4147

SAT 30 October 10-3pm -  at Soutchurch Hall – HALLOWEEN - Meet the ‘Wise Women’ - Pumpkin carving and spooky stories.

Easter Egg Hunt & Craft  – Follow the Easter Trail and claim your prize +  make a beautiful Easter themed sun catcher ideal for spring sunshine and a lovely Easter gift.

Cost: £2.50

Southchurch Hall / Southchurch Hall Gardens, Park Lane – Southend on Sea

More information on 01702 434449 or on the Southend Museum website

Previous event at Southchurch Hall

A Southchurch Christmas @ Southchurch Hall Museum
Saturday 28th November – 10am to 4pm, FREE ADMISSION

A special event looking at how Christmas was celebrated during Tudor and Victorian times.

To help create that special Christmas atmosphere there be carol singing from 12.00pm and Tudor madrigal singing from 2.00pm. Throughout the day there will be other things to see and do including traditional ghost stories…

Refreshments are available, and there will also be some opportunities to buy a limited range of hand crafted gifts.

More info – HERE.

The Southchurch Hall is hosting a number of free events this week until Saturday. Every day, you can learn about the food of our ancestors through the talks and demonstrations of the objects from the Hall. On Thursday, the focus is on Victorians, whilst on Friday, you can find out more about the Tudor times.

Most popular among the kids will probably be the spooky storytelling which is on the Halloween – Saturday, 31 October, between 12-3pm.

Additionally you can take part in The Big Draw national event by sketching the Southchurch Hall’s mysterious cooking objects or colour in food for the grand Victorian table. Staff will be on hand to give tips on sketching and there will be free badges for all.

Southchurch Hall Museum / Southchurch Hall Close, T: 01702 467671