30 things to do in Norfolk this half term week

ROOM ON THE BROOM

Norwich Theatre Royal, October 26, 1pm/October 27, 10.30am/1.30pm, �10-�5, 01603 63000, www.theatreroyalnorwich.co.uk

The witch and her cat are flying happily along on their broomstick when a stormy wind blows the witch's hat, bow and wand away into the night in this acclaimed musical adaptation of the best-selling book by Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler. Suitable for ages 3+

BEAUTY AND THE BEAST ON ICE

Marina Theatre, Lowestoft, October 27, 2.30pm/7.30pm, �28.50 (�27.50 cons), 01502 533200, www.marinatheatre.co.uk

Romance, tragedy, drama and magic as Beauty Belle falls in love with the Beast and breaks the spell on the cursed Prince... The Russian Ice Stars deliver a glitzy interpretation of this enchanting story with extraordinary skating beautifully staged.

NORWICH ORIGINAL FLEAMARKET

St Andrew's Hall, Norwich, October 27, 9am-4pm, �1, under-18s free, 01603 630763, www.cloistersfair.com

Held at St. Andrew's Halls for 37 years, this giant fleamarket is now bigger and better than ever having expanded into Blackfriars Hall. Eighty dealers from all over East Anglia offer a huge selection of antiques, collectables, vintage and retro.

CYBERMEN AND DALEKS

Moyse's Hall, Bury St Edmunds, October 27-28, 10am-5pm daily, 01284 757160, www.moyseshall.org

October half term sees Dr Who and a variety of related characters return to Moyse's Hall. This weekend Peter Purves, one of the original assistants, will be talking about his part in the long-running series, but you can visit costumes and memorabilia throughout the week.

LITTLE SUNSHINE, LITTLE RAINFALL

Norwich Arts Centre, October 27, 2pm, �8 (�6 cons) 01603 660352, www.norwichartscentre.co.uk

A Thousand Cranes theatre company invite you to their magic garden. But trouble is afoot for the gardeners when naughty Storm Fox comes to visit. Blending Japanese folklore with traditional music and dance, and inspired by haiku and origami, this beautiful show is suitable for ages 3-7.

EAST COAST TRUCKERS

Millennium Plain, Forum, Norwich, October 27, 10am-5pm, free admission, www.eastcoasttruckers.org

We've all seen the East Coast Truckers, famous for their annual August Bank Holiday convoy to Great Yarmouth, but how about the chance to help them make a real difference? Meet the team behind the trucks, have a peek on-board, touch the tractors and help raise funds to treat disadvantaged children.

FLY ME TO THE MOON!

Binham Memorial Hall, near Holt, October 27, 6.30pm, �8, �4 children, 01328 830770

An imaginative event that will celebrate in words, musicand images our shining, influential and ever-romantic near-neighbour through readings, poetry and prose, song and dance, and (weather permitting) a chance to gaze at the moon through telescopes provided by the North Norfolk Astronomy Society.

DARK NIGHTS

Norwich Castle, October 27-28, 11am-12.30pm/1.30pm-3.30pm, �6.80 (�5.80 cons), �4.90 family, 01603 495897, www.museums.norfolk.gov.uk

Find out about the return of heroic medieval knights and learn about food preparation for the dark winter month at this unusual exploration of autumn. Meet costumed characters, handle real museum objects and join in craft activities. Activities vary from day to day.

HOW LION BECAME KING OF TINGA TINGA LAND

Norwich Playhouse, October 27, 1.30pm/3.30pm/October 28, 11am/1.30pm, 01603 598598, www.norwichplayhouse.co.uk

An interactive show for the whole family, combining famous nursery rhymes with tales from the animals of the Masaii Mara, and with a traditional East African welcome. Expect to join in with the Cheeky Monkey, Kindly Giraffe, Groovy Zebra, and Proud Lion, in an all singing, all dancing and all drawing production suitable for ages 3+

LUMINOUS TALES

Norwich Puppet Theatre, October 27, 2.30pm, �7.50 (�6 cons), �5.50 children, �22 family, 01603 629921, www.puppettheatre.co.uk

There was once an old lady who wouldn't go to bed. Try as she might, she couldn't get rid of the night. She tells stories of a time when there was no light until the crow stole some from the land of daylight. An animated mix of shadow play and storytelling, with talking crows and boxing hares.

BBC TOUR

The Forum, Norwich, October 28, �7.50 (�6.45 cons), �6.15 children (7-15 years), pre-book on 0370 9011227

A fantastic chance to gain access to the rarely seen world behind the TV and radio including a visit to the Look East studio and production gallery, a peek into the presenters' dressing-rooms, a wander through the Radio Norfolk studios.

CREATURES OF THE NIGHT

Ranworth Broad, October 30, 6pm-9pm, �6.50 children, �4.50 adults, pre-book on 01603 270479, www.norfolkwildlifetrust.org.uk

Back by popular demand another chance to brave Ranworth after dark. Look for nocturnal wildlife on a nature trail, bat detecting and finding out what owls eat for dinner. Wrap up warm as you will need to brave the cold before hot chocolate.

HOLIDAY OBJECT IN FOCUS

Sainsbury Centre, October 30-November 4, 11am–4pm, free admission, 01603 593199, www.scva.org.uk

Enjoy treasure hunts and creative activities inspired by objects in the Sainsbury Centre collections, and a booklet packed with fun facts, drawing and trails for you to do in the galleries and when you get home.

JITTERBUGS & GAS MASKS

Time and Tide Museum, Great Yarmouth, October 30, 10.30am-3.30pm, �4.90 (�4.20 cons), �3.60 children, 01493 743930, www.museums.norfolk.gov.uk

A day of wartime frolics as we turn back the clock to the days when Great Yarmouth was a front line town. Take cover in the Morrison shelter, try on gas masks, learn to jitterbug and get thrifty tips from a 'wartime' housewife.

RETROSKATE

Marine Parade, Great Yarmouth, Wed 4pm-7pm/Sat 11am-4pm/Sun 11am-2pm, �4.50, �2.50 children (2-4), under-2s free, �14 family, 01493 854349, www.retroskate.net

Yarmouth has a long and proud history of roller skating and has apparently produced more national champions per head of population than anywhere else in the country. Get your skates on at Retroskate and if you really want to strut your stuff roller discos on Fridays and Saturday 7pm-10pm.

JACK AND THE BEANSTALK

Norwich Puppet Theatre, October 30-31, 11am/2.30pm, �7.50 (�6 cons), �5.50 children, �22 family, 01603 629921, www.puppettheatre.co.uk

Based on the popular English fable, the story of Jack is told through toys, music boxes, automata and dolls; including a cow that squirts real milk, an ogre that towers over tiny Jack and a clockwork chicken.Jack sells his cow for some beans that grow into the clouds where a giant lives and there he finds music and gold ...

FAIRY TALES OF THE UNEXPECTED

Great Yarmouth Community Library, October 31, �8 (�6 cons), �22 family, 12pm-3pm, 01493 331484

The audience is taken on a magical trip into a fairytale land like no other as a host of children's favourites are given a bit of a twist in this popular production. Little Red Riding Hoody, the forlorn Rapunzel and the naughty Gingerbread Man star in lots of adventures with singing, cheering and booing and a custard pie or two!

VICTORIAN KITCHEN

Elizabethan House, South Quay, Great Yarmouth, October 31, 11am-4pm, normal admission prices, www.museums.norfolk.gov.uk

Great Yarmouth Museums have a busy line-up for the holiday week. At the Elizabethan House you can see the Victorian Kitchen in action offering the sights, smells and tastes of years gone by.

LOTUS FACTORY TOUR

Lotus, Hethel, October 31, 2pm, �39, 01953 608547, www.lotusdrivingacademy.com

We'd all like to get behind the wheel of a Lotus but how about behind-the-scenes of how they are made? The company's hi-tech manufacturing facility at Hethel hosts their latest regular factory tours that shed light on the history and heritage of Lotus.

PARKOUR WORKSHOP

Drill Hall, Great Yarmouth, October 31, free admission, 01493 745458, www.seachangearts.org.uk

Sea Change Arts run these free regular parkour sessions. Professional tutors from the Parkour Alliance will help you to develop your skills in a safe environment and work at a level that's right for you. Wear trainers and comfortable clothes.

SEA LIFE CENTRE

Marine Parade, Yarmouth, Mon-Fri 10am-4pm/Sat-Sun 10am-5pm, online family saver tickets from �25.80, 01493 330631, www.sealifeeurope.com

Life aquatic including rays, seahorses, the Finding Nemo tank and the octopus who enjoys playing with an oversized hamster ball. Staff enthuse about the incredible displays and encourage children to learn fun facts like where a starfish's bum is.

CHILDREN'S HOLIDAY STUDIO

Sainsbury Centre, November 2, 10.30am–12.30pm, �8 (�6 cons) includes materials, pre-book on 01603 593199, www.scva.org.uk

Explore the gigantic sculptures by Thomas Houseago in the Where the Wild Things Are exhibition, then get your hands into gooey and squidgy materials and help build a giant person or creature. Children aged 5-8 will have a chance to take home a photograph of their creation.

BIRD DAY

Fairhaven Woodland & Water Garden, November 2, 11am-3pm, �5.50 (�5 cons), �3 children, 01603 270449, www.fairhavengarden.co.uk

Prepare your garden for birds this winter with make your own bird feeders and bird boxes. The Bird Day is a free drop-in activity. There will be a charge of �3 for each bird box made.

CREATION STATION

Forum, Norwich, November 4, 11am-4pm, free admission, 0844 8747346, www.creationstation.co.uk

The Creation Station provides exciting, inspiring and safe creativity experiences for children from three months to 11. To celebrate bonfire night, they will be at the Forum and children can have a go at making some themed crafts to take home.

STOCK CAR RACING

Yarmouth Stadium, November 4, �12 (�10 cons), �6 children, under-4s free, �35 family, 01493 720343, yarmouthstadium.co.uk

Thrills, spills, crashes and smashes mean a trip to Yarmouth Stadium is a must for all young petrolheads. This special Bonfire Night event includes Bangers Track Championship Grand Final, 1,300 Stock Cars, plus a firework finale.