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Enjoy an action-packed half-term across South Oxfordshire and the Vale 

From theatre shows and craft workshops to outdoor adventure challenges and family fun days – there’s something for everyone this October half-term! 

Families across South Oxfordshire and the Vale of White Horse can look forward to an exciting week of free and low-cost activities from 25 October to 1 November. 

Free and low-cost outdoor activities, creativity and theatrical fun 

The week includes: 

  • Saturday 25 and Sunday 26 October – ‘Spot’s Birthday Party‘ at Cornerstone, Didcot – a lively show full of songs, dancing, party hats and a meet-and-greet with Spot after the performance.   
  • Monday 27 October – take part and enjoy a variety of free activities at the Thame Leisure Centre Fun Day, run in partnership with Better Leisure.   
  • Tuesday 28 and Wednesday 29 October – join the Xplorer navigation challenge. Explore a local park to find the markers, it’s educational and gives children a sense of adventure! 
  • Thursday 30 October – come along to Cornerstone in Didcot to meet the cast of this year’s pantomime ‘Beauty and the Beast‘.  At The Beacon in Wantage, young children can enjoy ‘Playtime with The Last Baguette Theatre Company‘, with free sessions as part of the Wantage Literary Festival, and also get hands-on and crafty at the Halloween Hand Puppet Workshop with local artist Eden Fay. 
  • Saturday 1 November – illustrator Nick Sharratt’s Picture Book Drawalong wraps the week up at Cornerstone when children can learn to draw favourite characters from his books and discover new tips, games and techniques. 

For more information, including details on how to reserve your place or book tickets, visit southandvale.gov.uk/holidayactivities  

Cllr Georgina Heritage, Cabinet Member for Communities at South Oxfordshire District Council, said: “This half-term we’re thrilled to offer such a wide variety of activities – from creative workshops and theatre at Cornerstone to outdoor challenges and a free family fun day. It’s a fantastic chance for families to play, learn, and spend quality time together.” 

Cllr Helen Pighills, Cabinet Member for Community Health and Wellbeing at Vale of White Horse District Council, said: “It’s wonderful to see so many different opportunities for families this half-term, whether that’s playful theatre at The Beacon, getting creative with crafts, or enjoying fresh air and adventure with our Xplorer events. There’s something for everyone to enjoy.” 

Editors’ Notes: 
The attached promotional collage features the following images: 

  • Portrait of Nick Sharratt and illustration by Nick Sharratt (used with permission) 
  • Stock image of Halloween hand puppets (licensed for use) 
  • Promotional graphic for The Last Baguette Theatre Company (courtesy of the company) 
  • Spot’s Birthday Party – The Eric and Gillian Hill Family Trust / Salspot Ltd, 2023. Fun With Spot is a trademark of Salspot Ltd. Used under license from Salspot Ltd. All rights reserved. 

High-resolution images are available on request by emailing marketing@southandvale.gov.uk.