Blue Lights Photography: 2018

Looking or things to do when you have children to entertain during the school holidays can be a little bit of a nightmare – especially if its something that you wish to do that is free, or low cost also.

Here we have compiled a list of events, week by week during the 6 week holidays for you and your kids to enjoy!

22^ndHead to Thornton Hall Farm for an alternative day out for their Thornton Woodland Explorers open day from bug finding to exploration, bushcraft and den building sounds a fab day out! This is a ticketed event. 10am-4:30pm
23^{rd &}24^thHead to the Rainbow Factory for The Big Gruffalo Hunt. A 2 Hour event which includes a picnic style lunch. Great for children aged 1+ who love the Gruffalo! Two sessions per day over the two days at 10am & 1pm. This is a ticketed event.
25^th Why not stay a little bit more local and visit Wombwell Picnic in the Park with picnics available, donkey rides and lots more! 11-3pm
25^th, 26^th, 27^th Head back to the Rainbow Factory for Willy Wonka’s Chocolate Adventure. Where we will search for Wonka bars, make your own chocolate lollies and lots more over 2 hours! Activities aimed at 2-10 Years old. 3 Sessions per day at 10am, 12pm and 2pm, This is a ticketed event.
26^th Want to learn more about the Vikings and Anglo Saxons then head over to Doncaster Museum to learn about their Traders and Raiders event where you can handle artefacts and make paper themed crafts. Pay on the door event.
27^th Who doesn’t love Peter Pan? Well, now you can join the Outdoor Theatre at RHS Garden Harlow Carr, for a magical open-air musical! Doors open at 5pm. This is a ticketed event.
28^th Let’s go fly a kite over at Castle Howard for their Kite festival. Whether you have your own, want to see the displays or even make one whilst you are there! Have a lovely day out whilst this event is on! All activities during the kite festival are included in a standard Gardens admission ticket
28^thStay close to home for this event in Barnsley. To launch the Barnsley Brick Project Exhibition you can join in this 2-hour lego fun. Help build Barnsley landmark in lego! Sessions 10:30am and 1:30pm. This is a ticketed event.
28^th Fancy something a bit more adventurous then what about the Big Wild Sleepout at Fairburn Ings. It's an exciting chance to camp out on the reserve with your whole family and join in a nocturnal adventure. Booking essential.

29th Celebrate Minden Day and explore the military history of Doncaster and the King’s Own Yorkshire Light Infantry at Doncaster Museum.
30th Head down to Hardcastle Crags for Den Building 12-3pm. This is a drop-in event.
30th Fancy running away to the circus? Well, you might be one step closer to doing so after learning some circus skills at this event at Weston Park Musem. This is on 1pm-4pm and is a ticketed event.
30th-3rd Head to the Rainbow Factory for the Factory of Magic. 10am-3pm every day this event is on. Suitable for ages 2-10 with lots of wonderful magical activities. This is a ticketed event.
31st Children's Summer Cookery Club starts at Cannon Hall today. Where kids can learn a new skill every week 1pm-3pm. Suitable for ages 7-11. This is a ticketed event.
1st Stay a little closer to home with Darfield Summer Gala, Darfield Park 11-2pm
1st Head to RHS Garden Harlow Carr between 10am-3pm for Yorkshire Day where you’ll find lots of fun activities from 1pm including flat cap throwing! Bring a picnic and have lots of fun! Normal Garden fee charges apply.
1st Who doesn’t love Eureka! You can join Eureka and Calderdale Play development Service for National Playday 2018! This includes FREE playday activities outside for you to enjoy with your families. These activities will take place in the Eureka Park but if you wish to go into Eureka normal admission applies.
1st Fancy go at printmaking then you’ll love this workshop held in Barnsley. Explore textures and make your own printing blocks. 1pm-3pm. Booking essential.
3rd Head to Morley Town Hall for their 1st Mini Fairy & Unicorn Festival raising money for Charity. 10am-2pm there will be crafts, stalls and a face painter. Each ticket includes the craft activities and has 1hour slots so they can fulfil them all.

5th Enjoy an interactive exploration of Hope Pit at the National Coal Mining Museum. 40 Minute duration. £2 per person. At 12:30 and 2pm. Also available on 12^th, 19^th and 26^th August.
6th & 7th Do your kids love Disney? Then they’ll love the Rainbow Factory’s Disney Summer Party. 3 Sessions at 10am, 12pm and 2pm each day this2-hour event is great for kids aged 2+. Ticketed event, including picnic style lunch.
6th-10th You’ll find lots of indoor inflatable fun at the Magna Summer Mayhem adventure zone. Let the kids bounce, jump, slide and boogie for 75 minutes of high adrenaline fun. Standard sessions are open for all ages 0-15. Toddler sessions are available.
7th Head down to Hardcastle Crags for Den Building 12-3pm. This is a drop-in event and is also held on 7th & 21st August.
7th The Pirates and Princess’ family picnic event heads back to Cusworth Hall this year. Dust off the eye patches and tiaras and head over to celebrate summer.
8th-12th
Head to Lightwater Valley between these dates and also see the National Festival Circus Event! Funny clowns, juggling, magic and lots of fun. Limited slots so pre-book in advance when purchasing tickets online. Shows run at 11:30am, 1pm and 2:30pm and last approximately 30 minutes.
11th Head to Tapton Hall for a fabulous Superhero Party to raise money for Bluebwell Wood. Make sure you go as your favourite superhero. 1pm-3pm. This is a ticketed event.

12th Enjoy an interactive exploration of Hope Pit at the National Coal Mining Museum. 40 Minute duration. £2 per person. At 12:30 and 2pm. Also available on 19^th and 26^th August.
13th, 14th, 15th Everyone is crazy for Slime so your kids will love the Rainbow Factors Mad Scientists Slime School. Aimed for children aged 3+ with sessions at 10am, 12pm and 2pm each day. This is going to be up a slime lovers street. This is a ticketed event.
13th-17th You’ll find lots of indoor inflatable fun at the Magna Summer Mayhem adventure zone. Let the kids bounce, jump, slide and boogie for 75 minutes of high adrenaline fun. Standard sessions are open for all ages 0-15. Toddler sessions are available.
14th Join the cook at Cannon Hall where you will learn how to decorate some delicious biscuits to take home. Suitable for ages 5-11. Booking is essential. 1pm-2pm
15th Head to Audrey’s Coffee House for their MadHatters Tea Party with Alice and the Mad Hatter. Ticket prices include afternoon tea, disco and party games. 12-2pm. Don’t miss out!
16th & 17th Do you love the Tiger who came to Tea? Well, come and meet the Tiger who came to the Tea Party at Rainbow Factory! Your little ones will also help create some of the dishes on the menu. Fun, games, baking and storytelling! 10am, 12pm and 2pm Each day. This is a ticketed event and includes tea party lunch.
18th Head to Kirklees Light Railway for a Day out with Thomas. Only the first train of the day is pulled by Thomas but you’ll be able to meet lots of other stars of Thomas too. Only the booked time is permitted with your ticket.
18th Want a trip to the seaside? Well, you don’t have to go far as it’s coming to Castleford. The fun of the seaside for everyone to enjoy.
18th Do you have a spare pair of wellies? Well bring them along to the Cooper Gallery and pop in a plant. “Pot a Wellie for Paddington” will make sure of those wellies that you’ve outgrown. Morning session 10:30-11:30 and afternoon session 1pm-2pm. Booking essential.

19th Enjoy an interactive exploration of Hope Pit at the National Coal Mining Museum. 40 Minute duration. £2 per person. At 12:30 and 2pm. Also available on 26^th August.
19th Head to Kirklees Light Railway for a Day out with Thomas. Only the first train of the day is pulled by Thomas but you’ll be able to meet lots of other stars of Thomas too. Only the booked time is permitted with your ticket.
20th & 21st Moana is holding a beach party at the Rainbow Factory! A 2-Hour event including lots of craft and fun and singing with Moana herself! The event is held at 10am and 1pm and includes a picnic style lunch. This is a ticketed event.
21st Head down to Hardcastle Crags for Den Building 12-3pm. This is a drop-in event.
22nd Head over to the Coal Mining Museum for their Wacky Wednesday Seaside Special. Enjoy a train ride with a morning of songs, stories and crafts to take home. 10:15-11:30am.This is a ticketed event.
23rd, 24th & 25th Batman needs you! The Rainbow Factory is holding Hero & Villian Training with Batman and his friends. Which one will you be? This is a ticketed 1.5-hour Event held on the days at 10am, 12pm and 2pm.
24th-27th Head to Cannon Hall Farm’s Food Festival for an event packed with cookery demo’s, live music, plus a selection of traders. Funfair rides and a pop up beach will make it a fabulous summer event.

26th Enjoy an interactive exploration of Hope Pit at the National Coal Mining Museum. 40 Minute duration. £2 per person. At 12:30 and 2pm.
26th Head to Harewood House for a fabulous outdoor theatre event of Princess and the Giant. Doors open at 4pm with the performance starting from 5pm. This is a ticketed event.
30th & 31st Does your little one love, Ben and Holly? Then head over to the Rainbow Factory for this 2-Hour event including picnic style lunch for your little one. 10am and 1pm each day. This is a ticketed event.
31st-2nd None does a fair quite like Chatsworth Country Fair. With so much to see and do, make sure it's on your to-do list this summer. Gates open 9am. This is a ticketed event.
1st & 2nd Stay close to home on the weekend before the kids go back to school by visiting Elsecar Heritage Centre for their Elsecar by the Sea. 10am-4pm with lots of fun for all the family.

Seaside @ Pit at National Coal Mining Museum is on every day from Saturday 21^st July to Sunday 2^nd September. With loads more events happening during the time the seaside is there I’m sure you can find something for you and your family there.
Robin Hood is at Mother Shipton's Cave from July 21s to August 31^st
Enjoy summer fun at Harewood House with a range of lawn games in the Walled Garden. 10am-5pm 30^th June to 2^nd September. Weather Permitting. There is no additional charge to use these games.
Jurassic Discovery at RHS Garden Harlow Carr from 21^st July to 2^nd September. Take a step back in time and embark on a Jurassic journey. 10am-4pm. Normal garden admission applies.
Every Tuesday during the school holidays you can take part in Outdoor Sculpture Building at Yorkshire Sculpture Park. This is a ticketed event.
Eureka is holding their Big Summer Festival from 21st July to 2nd September. With extra activities throughout summer.
Head to Tree Top Nets for 2 Hours of fun along the trees. Suitable aged 3 upwards. Booking is essential.
Drop into the Garden Studio at Yorkshire Sculpture Park between 11am and 3:30pm to explore ideas and be your own artist. Sun-Tuesday from 29^th July to 4^th September. No booking required.
Head to Experience Barnsley on Monday to Wednesdays during the School Holidays (not Bank Holidays) for their Lego Challenge. This is a free drop-in event.
Leeds City beach is back. Saturday 12^th until Sunday 3^rd September. Around the beach will be payable on admission rides and activities plus traditional sweet and refreshment stalls. Entry onto the beach is free and seating and deck chairs on a first come first served basis.
Hidden Forest at Yorkshire Sculpture Park is a free event on Saturdays between 28^th July to 25^th August. This event is free and is suitable for families under 5. At this event they can jump, make, laugh, sign and explore.

I hope you manage to find something to do this summer and have a wonderful time creating memories. Please let us know if you attend any of the activities suggested.

On Saturday I had the absolute pleasure of photographing Jessica & Aaron's Wedding at Waterton Park Hotel.

I started with Jess and her mum whilst hair and make-up was being done before little bridesmaids, family and maid of honour joined in.

I loved the personalised Converse that Jess and her little bridesmaids had!

There was definitely no way that anyone was going to have achy feet at the end of the night because of their shoes!

Jess' dress was so elegant with beautiful beaded straps down the back, teamed with a veil she looked absolutely beautiful.

A walk over the bridge at Waterton Park hotel took her to meet her groom! Exciting Times!

Aaron was waiting at the bottom of the aisle with his Best Man awaiting for Jess to arrive. Their little page boy walked down the aisle followed by the bridesmaids and Maid of Honour before the bride and her dad walked down.

For anyone of us who had kept checking the weather, it looked like it could rain and it was forecast in points during the day - so after the ceremony, we started group photographs after a little bit of mingling with the guests.

The weather was definitely on our side!

We took some time to get some photographs of the new Mr & Mrs! How beautiful and in love do they look? I do love a fab Wedding!

Afterwards we headed inside for the speeches before dinner delivered by Jess' Dad, Aaron and Aaron's Best Man. There were tears but also lots of laughs!

But not only that how amazing is their unicorn wedding cake! Not only are they my first couple to have personalised converse, their the first to have a unicorn wedding cake too!

During dinner, the heavens opened and rain poured down, and then it all cleared up and turned beautiful for the rest of the evening! Lots of dancing an chatting and everyone thoroughly enjoyed themselves!

Thank you so much for allowing me to be part of your Wedding!