JUSTIN GOES FOR GOLD AT OLYMPIC PARK

As an official LolliBop family, this year myself and the kids just can’t wait to this years event! with such a great line up its one not to be missed.

LolliBop, the UK’s biggest day out for kids, has announced CBeebies Superstar Justin Fletcher will be performing at this year’s event.

Taking place in its brand new home, Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, the BAFTA –award winning star of CBeebies will be performing live for LolliBoppers on Saturday August 17 and Sunday August 18.

Justin Live! promises an all singing, all dancing extravaganza guaranteed to bring the house down.

LolliBop’s event manager, Jenny Kane said: “Justin Fletcher is top of the charts when it comes to kids entertainment and our new venue deserves to host the number one superstar of CBeebies. We’re delighted Justin is able to be a part of LolliBop 2013.”

The all-mouse reggae band, Rastamouse and Da Easy Crew, are also confirmed for Friday August 16, as part of a busy summer touring the nation. Last seen at LolliBop 2011, the cool, mystery-solving mouse will be back on stage performing his latest hits for fans throughout the day.

Another new addition to the LolliBop 2013 line up is everyone’s favourite postman, Postman Pat and of course, Britain’s most famous black and white cat, Jess! They will be at the festival over the three days meeting pint sized festival goers.

LolliBop promises all the fun of a festival without the hassle of camping. With an incredible line up, all aimed at children under the age of 10, LolliBop combines the hottest names in kids entertainment, as well of hundreds of activities, workshops and interactive areas.

The 2013 programme also includes Dick and Dom, Skylanders, Science Museum Live, Cloudbabies, The Diary of a Wimpy Kid, Peppa Pig, Poppy Cat, the Wot Wots, Transformers, The Go! Go! Go! Show, the Mr Men and Little Miss Village Green Event and Shaun the Sheep’s Championsheeps. LolliBop’s live theatre tent – The Lollipalladiam – showcases performances from pioneering and internationally renowned companies and artists. There is also a brand new Discovery Zone, Meadows area, Enchanted Woods, Lolli Promenade and much more.

Tickets are on sale now, from £20pp.

www.lollibopfestival.co.uk

Lollibop 2013 – Set To Be Better Than Ever

LOLLIBOP SET TO ROCK QUEEN ELIZABETH OLYMPIC PARK THIS SUMMER

Today I’m here share mine and children’s excitement in becoming an official lollibop family and give you a little taster on what Lollibop has in store this year.

LolliBop, The Big Bash for Little People, is returning for 2013 to Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, London, with an incredible line-up designed to delight mini festivalgoers.

Joining some of the hottest names in kids’ entertainment, as well as hundreds of activities, workshops and interactive demos, are the Mr. Men and Little Miss Village Green Event and Shaun the Sheep’s Championsheeps LIVE!

The ever-popular Mr. Men will be hosting a fun maypole activity area and favourite characters, such as Mr. Bump, Mr. Tickle and Little Miss Sunshine, will be meeting and greeting fans at the Mr. Men and Little Miss reading hubs.

Shaun the Sheep will be personally on hand at the Championsheeps with sheepy shenanigans, including Shirley’s Pie-athalon, the Naughty Pig’s Sack Race and Get Fit with the Flock. Kids and parents are ‘wool-come’ to get involved!

Other big names confirmed so far, include:

– LolliBop favourites Dick and Dom return with their special mix of madcap games, songs, jokes and a foam pie or two…

– Peppa Pig will be at the festival all weekend, meeting and greeting all her little fans

– Sid Sloane and Andy Day will be hosting their very own Big Birthday Bash and everyone is invited! Expect lots of energetic songs and silliness and plenty of audience participation

– Watch and learn how to ‘Copy Poppy’ with Poppy Cat on the Lolli Live stage

– Straight from Nickelodeon to the Lolli Live Stage, The Go! Go! Go! Show are bringing brand new pop songs, catchy, easy-to-learn dance moves and loads of laughs

– Sing and dance along with the adorable Cloudbabies mini show

– Older LolliBoppers will love The Diary of a Wimpy Kid activity, which include exclusive clips of the author Jeff Kinney talking about the books and a master class showing how he draws the characters. There’s also a Wimp Wars quiz

– Experience the life-size Transformer Optimus Prime Truck, along with the Transformers Station; showcasing the new Beast Hunters toys, viewings of the cartoon series Transformers Prime and free green screen pictures

– Witness the amazing wildlife showcase with National Geographic Kids Animal Man

– Laugh along with hilarious antics from the amazing 8ft Titan the Robot

Returning LolliBoppers will also see old favourites mixed with new attractions for 2013, including:

LolliBop Live – Popular CBeebies presenter Alex Winters is comparing the live stage which plays host to some of the biggest names in kids entertainment, with live music and performances from stars of stage and screen.

Lollipalladiam – is a live theatre tent showcasing performances from pioneering and internationally renowned companies and artists. This year it features Spooked, the critically acclaimed Broken Rose Performing Arts first show for children – a hilarious and spectacular blend of dance, theatre and spoken word featuring skeletons Molly, Jinny and Charlie.

Science Zone – Make a rocket, hold a dry ice cube, or get messy with gooey slime in the LolliBop lab – brimming with exploding experiments for pint sized guests to try! London’s Science Museum will also be attending with live demonstrations and interactive activities.

Run wild and have fun in the LolliSports area. With activities including retro favourites like swingball, hula-hoop and frisbee to football tournaments and sports day style races.

3ft and under is also making a comeback but this time is it within the brand new Itsy Bitsy Zone. Activities for babies and toddlers will include soft play, baby massage, storytelling, mini discos and much more

The Lolli Promenade – Situated on the River Lea! We’re very lucky to have a real river running through our new home, so why not relax and enjoy an ice lolly at the Lolli Promenade which also features beach hut crafts and bandstands.

Discovery Zone – will host a number of educational, interactive and hands on activities where kids can learn a new skill like beatboxing in one of the many workshops.

Lolli Stops – Enjoy crafts from puppet making, and customised fashion workshops, to balloon modelling, and graffiti painting, there is a something to make and do around every corner.

The Meadows – A perfect spot to chill out, enjoy your lunch and watch our special street performers.

There is also a wide selection of food and drink stalls at LolliBop. Extensive covered buggy parks, baby changing and breast-feeding areas are also available.

For more tickets and more information: http://www.lollibopfestival.co.uk http://www.lollibopfestival.co.uk

Do you see what I see?

I see a boy sat alone, yet smiling and playing

You see a loner, the strange kid, the odd one!

I see a boy frustrated, confused and distressed

You see a brat with no respect, no decent upbringing!

I see a boy stood talking, trying to make a connection, a possible friend. He gets it wrong because of something he said wasn’t seen as appropriate. His been left rejected and upset.

You see a trouble maker, a boy who is rude and makes it his mission to offend.

I see a boy walk into a busy playground, I then see parents like you shaking your heads as you rush to gather your kids. I now see a boy stood playing in a large empty space alone!

You see “That Kid” from before, the one who swore as he throw himself on the floor, shouting at children like yours for accidentally running into him, pushing him as they chased a ball.

I see a boy stood drawing a tear as he watches the school coach leaving!.

You see the boy who ruins it for others. you see it as a blessing that he isn’t attending the school trip. Beyond this you see nothing.

I see a gathering of mothers stood at the school gate laughing. I see the reaction they give as I’m passing… Silence whispers and staring.

You see that mother, the one who drags up her kids… Failing to install good values, respect and self discipline

I see a sweet boy who has the tendency to become easily distressed

You see a boy who throws a wobbler whenever he fails to get the things that he wants.

I see a boy excitedly speaking to others about his interest. He speaks quickly announcing all he knows on the subject. A boy who hasn’t yet released its his time to quit speaking .

You see a boy who dominates conversation, his rude letting no one get a word in edge ways. You see a bore, a child who is self obsessed and selfish… Spoilt and for that you blame me… The parent.

I see a boy who counts to ten before speaking a child who has learnt that this may stop him from potentially offending.

You see an odd boy, one who can only be described as slow and profoundly stupid.

I see a boy who cares about “The Rules” who therefore reminds his peers that those rules are not to be broken.

You see a boy who is bossy. A child who is likely raised by a control freak!

I see a boy who is actually very bright, he has qualities that others could only hope for. I see a boy who continuously tries to get it right. A boy who gets up every time his knocked down, never giving up, nor giving in. Yes he can be naughty his a boy after all. But should you gather your kids and run when you see him… No! why… what ever for?

You see nothing I see.. How could you ever see what I see if you refuse to look a little closer.

You can’t see autism, it doesn’t get stamped on the head of a baby at birth. But knowing just how autism can present is an education you need. With numbers rising there is a good chance the child who sits next to yours at school or even that work colleague you have drinks with on Friday is on the autism spectrum.

My child like many is capable of just as much as you or I. He is an individual, with interests, talents, weaknesses and at time difficulties… We all are as human beings.

Certain areas of his brain work somewhat differently making some areas of life more challenging… Social communication, sensory processing and black and white thinking are to name but a few! Yet that doesn’t mean he should be judged or discriminated against.

Its not the traits of autism that make my sons life more challenging but the way others perceive them traits. His happy with himself 98% of the time and just wants you to except him but more importantly… Understand him!

After all… Where does being “Average” get you?

So I ask you… One this day aimed at raising awareness for those with autism and Asperger’s syndrome. Do you see what I see?

Or Will you at least try to see it Now?

#Win A Bundle Of Baby Jake Toys

Us mums of pre-schoolers all know and love Baby Jack, that loveable character from Cbeebies… the show with the very catchy theme tune.

Well, this week the toddler has been busy reviewing one of the latest toys in the Baby Jake range brought to us by Vivid.

Musical baby jake is a mini version of the real thing. He is a soft bodied doll that when his tummy is squeezed, plays the Baby Jake theme tune.

Admittedly his somewhat smaller than I first expected but he is a nice size, that’s actually ideal for toddlers little hands.

Musical baby jake is easily operated and the toddler had no issues with knowing how to work the toy.

There was one issue I had with this toy! Although this takes batteries, you are unable to change them. Having looked for where to put the batteries for sometime I finally noticed the very small writing on baby jakes tag explaining that the batteries were non replaceable. I don’t think the packaging does to good a job at letting this fact be known.
Saying that, Baby Jack hasn’t actually ran out of batteries as yet so I really can’t give an indication of just how long these may last.

Harley does like the toy. Its pretty cute and resembles the character well. The theme tune (Yacki Yacki Yoggi song) isn’t overly loud but loud enough for the toddler.

Musical Baby Jake is suitable for children aged 2 years and over and has an RRP of £9.99

My nephew also got the chance to play with the fabulous Baby Jake Musical TV. This is suitable for children aged 12 months +. This super cute toy is easily operated with the press of a button. As the theme tune plays the TV displays cute images of baby Jake on one of his fabulous adventures.

Baby Jake Musical TV has a RRP of £9.99

Other new additions being introduced to the range for 2013 include… The new Push Along Digger (RRP £4.99). Suitable for children 18 months+, this mini marvel comes in a cheerful shade of yellow and features Baby Jake figure at the wheel! As Baby Jake is pushed along in his digger, see the digger arm move up and down as it travels across the floor.

Coming soon…Baby Jake blasts off into space this autumn with Astronaut Baby Jake (RRP £19.99). Sporting blue space suit and essential rocket pack on his back, Baby Jake is all ready for the countdown to blast off! Squeeze Baby Jake’s tummy to hear him talk about space and listen to him respond with additional space statements as he flies through space!

How Would you like to win a fabulous Baby Jake Toy Bundle?

Vivid have offered me the opportunity to offer my readers the chance to win a toy bundle consisting off… A Musical Baby Jake, Musical Baby Jake TV & Baby Jake Push Along Digger.

For the chance to win answer the following question…

Compulsory: What is your child’s favourite Cbeebies show?

For additional chances to win you can gain extra entries by doing any or all of the steps below.

Tweet… “I want to win a baby jake toy bundle with @Clairelouise82 and @VividToyGroup” adding the URL to this post.

Leave a comment with the link to your tweet or your twitter ID.

Subscribe to this blog via feedburner (top sidebar). Comment letting me know the email you have subscribed with.

Follow my sister blog “Mummy of Many Talents” comment to let me know the name or email you subscribe under.

Pin this competition (the image displaying the prize package) on pinterest then comment to let me know how to find your pin.

Competition will closes at 11:59pm on the 30th March 2013.

Please leave an additional comment for each action taken.

You can visit the Vivid official website Here and their twitter feed Here.

T&C: Competition open to those in the UK only. All actions will be checked to verify entry. A valid twitter handle or email address must be left. Entries submitted after the closing time and date will not be valid. Winner drawn at random. Winner will have 72 hours to respond to winners notification or winner maybe redrawn. Prizes will be sent from the PR for Vivid Toys so addresses and email will be passed on in order for prizes to be sent.

ThePrizeFinder – UK Competitions – See more at: http://www.theprizefinder.com/content/bundle-baby-jake-toys#sthash.STD9QL2M.dpuf

Ben and Holly’s Little Kingdom coming to the live stage

My toddler Harley really loves the experience of meeting his favourite pre-school characters in the flesh.

His been pretty lucky to meet many, Bob the Builder, Firemen Sam, Peppa Pig, Scooby Doo, just to name a few.

We have been to live stage productions such as “In the Night Garden” and “Peppa Pig” to a number of meet and Greets while attending children’s events.

So, you can imagine the excitement that will be caused when he discovers that Princess Holly and Ben Elf from “Ben and Holly’s Little Kingdom” has a live production scheduled to hit the big stage later this year.

If you little ones are fans of the Little Kingdom then check out the details below. (Oh and be sure to check out My updates on the event as there will also be the opportunity to try and win yourselves some tickets).

BEN & HOLLY’S LITTLE KINGDOM

LIVE ON STAGE FOR THE VERY FIRST TIME

FROM THE MAKERS OF PEPPA PIG
NEW UK TOUR FOR 2012/2013

TOUR DATES FOR 2012 ANNOUNCED:
OPENS 26 OCTOBER at THE ORCHARD THEATRE, DARTFORD

www.benandhollylive.com

From the makers of Peppa Pig and the producers of the two hugely successful Peppa Pig theatre tours comes the first ever stage version of the BAFTA award-winning TV animation, Ben & Holly’s Little Kingdom. This brand new UK tour opens at The Orchard Theatre, Dartford on 26 October at the start of an extensive UK tour, booking through till summer 2013.

Currently a top favourite show for pre-schoolers, this charmingly magical animation airs on Nick Jr (since April 2009) and on 5’s Milkshake (since April 2010). Ben and Holly’s Little Kingdom is co-owned by animation studio Astley Baker Davies and has been a hit with audiences and critics alike. The series won a BAFTA award for Best Pre-School Animation in 2009 and a British Animation Award for Best Pre-School Series in 2012.

The Little Kingdom – where everyone is very, very small – is home to Princess Holly and her best friend Ben Elf. Holly is a young fairy princess who is still learning how to do magic properly and sometimes her spells don’t work out quite right. Ben is an Elf. Elves don’t do magic but they are very good at making things. Ben doesn’t have wings like Holly but he flies on the back of Gaston the Ladybird.

In this exciting new musical adventure, Ben and Holly have fun and games helping Gaston clean up his messy cave; they go on a trip to The Big World with tooth-fairy Nanny Plum; and still have time to plan a surprise for King Elf’s birthday party, complete with an unplanned jelly flood.

Packed full of games, songs and laughter, this is an enchanting and magical visit to the Little Kingdom, live on stage for the very first time. This beautiful story of elves, princesses and childhood innocence will delight all the family.

Richard Lewis has adapted the TV animation for the stage and also directs. He also adapted and directed the two highly popular Peppa Pig theatre tours (2009 – 2011 and the current tour 2011 – 2012, both of which had sell-out West End Christmas runs at the Criterion Theatre) and the two LazyTown Live! tours (2007 – 2009).
The composer is the highly talented Mani Svavarsson. He was also part of the creative team on the two Peppa Pig stage tours.

Cast and other creative team members to be announced in due course.

Check out www.benandhollylive.com for the Ben & Holly’s Little Kingdom
UK 2012 – 2013 tour dates.