HAVE a look at some of the half-term events taking place in and around Taunton this half-term.

Saturday, October 22 

  • The Big Draw Festival kicks off today at the Brewhouse Theatre and is open to anyone who loves to draw, as well as those who think they can’t. It begins with a free taster session on the Saturday between noon and 4pm. This is open to all ages but children must be accompanied. The theme for the Saturday is “Pop-Up Paper Steam”. A chance to make paper creatures and crazy contraptions with paper engineer and illustrator, Paul Stickland.This is a pop-in session and no pre- booking is required.Last recommended arrival time is 3.30pm.
  • As the days get shorter and the nights get darker, all sorts of things come out of the woodwork for a spine-tingling Hallowe’en half-term week at Forde Abbey. Dare to explore the haunted trail, try your hand at pumpkin rolling and take part in all manner of spooky happenings that are sure to get your pulse racing. There’ll be lots of hands-on craft for younger visitors and ghoulish bites to fuel you. Just be prepared for a few unexpected guests.The spooktacular fun takes place from October 22-30, between 10am and 4pm.Normal admission prices apply, £10 adults, and free for children under 15.
  •  Enjoy plenty of Dino Fun at the Museum of Somerset throughout half- term. There will be a Dragon Trail around the museum every day.
  •  Follow the Hallowe’en trail and create your own magical concoction as you wander through the whispering woods and step inside the Witch’s Hut at Hestercombe House from October 22-30.

Sunday, October 23

  • Dino Day takes place at the Museum of Somerset from 10am to 5pm.Families can explore the museum’s amazing collection of real fossils, take a dino trail around the museum and enjoy some dino crafts. The day includes a chance to dress up like a dinosaur, dino disco dancing and storytelling. It costs £3 per person (£10 for a family ticket) and no booking is required.

Monday, October 24

  • The Big Draw continues at the Brewhouse from 10.30am and 2pm. The sessions last for two hours and are suitable for children aged eight and up. Pre-booking is not essential but as numbers are limited it is recommended. During this time the children are fully supervised, providing a great opportunity for parents and carers to pop off for a spot of shopping or a quick cup of coffee. The cost is £5.

Tuesday, October 25

  • A witch's hat and cobwebs event will take place at the Willows and Wetlands Visitor Centre. There are two two-hour sessions, starting at 10am and 2pm and booking is essential.

Wednesday, October 26

  • High Jinx at 7pm at the Brewhouse Theatre. Prepare to be amazed and amused by this fast-paced traditional family show as master magician, Michael Jordan, returns with the High Jinx magic and illusion show. This will be a show filled with grand illusions, amazing tricks and crazy circus thrills that will leave you amazed, puzzled and entertained.
  • A pumpkin painting workshop will take place at the Willows and Wetlands Visitor Centre. Booking is essential as there is limited availability. Sessions start at 11am, 1pm and 3pm.

Thursday, October 27

  • The Vienna Festival Ballet will be holding workshops at the Brewhouse Theatre at 4pm and 6pm. They are inviting young ballerinas to come and take part in a professional workshop run by the dancers. There is a “My first Ballet” class at 4pm which is most suitable for children aged fine-plus. Costing £10, the 90-minute session focuses on the fun and enjoyment of performance and the joy of dance. For older and more experienced children aged eight-plu the workshop begins at 6pm with a short ballet class focusing on technical elements of flexibility, strength and alignment. They are then taught extracts from the production of Snow White, where the artistry and expressive qualities that make ballet so magical are brought to life. All children are then offered the chance to watch an open company rehearsal with dancers in costume. A great opportunity to witness first hand all the hard work that brings sparkle to performance.