Community group Eltham Arts is set to host its first Winter Festival, beginning at the end of the month, and stuffed to the rafters with amazing events to entertain everyone.
The three-week programme from October 31 to November 22 features more than 100 fixtures from quiz nights to bell ringing, Halloween celebrations, parades, music, theatre, art, a beer festival and competitions.
Here’s just 12 great things we’ve picked out.
Opening bell ringing at 11am on October 31
The festival is officially kick-started by Eltham Bell Ringers from the bell tower at St John’s Church in the centre of town.
Festival Opening Day in Passey Place from 11am to 3pm on October 31
The festivities get under way with music, kids activities and the cast of the Wizard of Oz. It’s free.
Halloween Tours at Severndroog Castle from 6.30pm to 9pm on October 31
Take a tour of the castle with ghostly tales and haunting music by Mdx Phonic Phantasm. The tea room will be open until 8.30pm serving pumpkin soup, Halloween cakes and treats, plus hot and cold drinks. It costs £5. Go to severndroogcastle.org.uk
Murder Mystery Night at Eltham GPO from 5pm to 8.30pm on October 31
During the day, the pub hosts children’s dress-up and themed food and drink while the evening means a terrifying whodunit murder mystery, with prizes for the evening. Following that is the Monster Mash Ball, with prizes for the best outfits. Free.
Festival Quiz Night and Carvery at The White Hart from 6.30pm on November 4
Take part in a quiz to raise money for Eltham Arts and tuck into a roast. The quiz starts at 8pm. The evening costs £10. Call 020 8850 1562.
Foraging Walk in Eltham Park South from 10.30am on November 4
Let expert Kevin Godby take you on a stroll around the park and nearby streets letting you know what wild stuff you can and can’t eat. Meet at the park café. Free.
Beer Festival at The Long Pond from November 5 to 8
The town’s micropub celebrates south London beers with 10 drinks on each day from breweries in south London.
Literary Walk from 2.30pm to 4pm on November 8
Greenwich Get Walking will take you on a walk that explores the Eltham of The Railway Children writer Edith Nesbit. Meet at the gate of Well Hall Pleasaunce opposite Co-op. Call 07972 668687.
Ghost Hunt with Spooksavers at Severndroog Castle from 8pm to 4am on November 14
Delve into a paranormal investigation at the castle. Tickets cost £45 and there are only 30 available. Go to severndroogcastle.org.uk
Eltham Lights Up Lantern Parade and Christmas Lights in Eltham High Street from 4pm to 7pm on November 19
Eltham’s annual parade and light switch-on becomes part of the Winter Festival this year. Go to royalgreenwich.gov.uk. It’s free.
The Wizard of Oz at Bob Hope Theatre from November 19 to 21
Follow the yellow brick road and find out what lies over the rainbow as the classic tale is brought to life on stage. Tickets cost from £12. Go to bobhopetheatre.co.uk or call 020 8850 3702.
Festival Finale Day at The White Hart from 10am to late on November 22
The Winter Festival draws to a close with children’s events – including face painting and Punch and Judy – til noon, a family lunch, open mic and roving poets. It’s all free.
For the full guide and info, go to elthamarts.org
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