Is it half-term where you are this weekend? Well, aren’t you lucky to be here then, because I’ve scooped up some of the best bits happening around the country just for you to enjoy – with or without your little beasts.

Of course, there’s also my  Weekend Directory to visit for extra weekend inspiration. Have a great weekend – I’ll be back next week.

Light Up Cheltenham | Cheltenham High Street

Until Sat 24th Feb | Daily, from 4:30pm – 11:30pm

Cheltenham is an undeniably beautiful town. And this February its iconic architecture is being transformed into something even more remarkable thanks to Light Up Cheltenham. Over 40 of the town’s buildings will be illuminated from around dusk each day (circa. 4.30pm) and stay on until 11.30pm each evening.

Further entertainment will be provided by the Photon Juggling LED Glow Show on Saturday February 16 at the start of the half-term holiday.

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Norman Cornish and Creative Arts | Beamish Museum

Sat 16th – 24th Feb | 10am – 4pm

Beamish, The Living Museum of the North is simply incredible. If you’ve never been, go! Whether it’s half-term or not it’s a thrill. And this February you can go and be inspired by North East artist Norman Cornish.

You’re invited to take part in the Norman Cornish and the Creative Arts event, where you can follow Norman’s approach of “painting the world you know” – and discover how people in the 1820s, 1900s, 1940s and 1950s created art inspired by life around them, from mining and folk art to fairground paintings.

The event coincides with the centenary year of Norman’s birth and Beamish will soon be starting work on a house that is based on his former home, from Bishop’s Close Street, Spennymoor. The house, which will be part of a 1950s Town at Beamish, will tell a story inspired by Norman and mining artists from the North East.

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Star is Born Valentine’s Special | West Acre Theatre, Norfolk

Frid 15th Feb | 7pm

If you’re obsessed with this love story, too, then get yourself along to this special Valentine’s screening. Expect fizz, nibbles, and a lot of drooling over Bradley Cooper – or is that just me? 

Tickets cost £12.

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Exmoor Food Festival| Exmoor Devon

Until 28th Feb | Various times

Exmoor Food festival is back! This culinary extravaganza extends throughout Exmoor, from the eastern Dunster to western Ilfracombe, from northern Porlock to southern Dulverton. Those restaurants taking part will all be offering a choice of either 2 courses for £10 or 3 courses for £15 – hello! There’s a full list of participating restaurants on the official website.

There’ll also be special events held in the region during the festival such as food tastings and tours, pop-up restaurants and food markets. It’s a great way to explore the area and the delicious tastes that make it special.

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Circus of Screams |Forbury Gardens Reading

Sat 16th Feb | 12pm & 3pm

Get ready for a live three-hour Murder Mystery treasure hunt throughout Reading. Your goal: find hidden evidence and catch a circus killer against the clock! 

It’s a real-life whodunnit where the whole town gets involved. Crack cryptic clues using your smartphones, converse with characters and find hidden evidence before the time runs out. It’s sure to be a real scream!

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