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The small historic Essex town of Harwich is home to the U.K’s Premier Shanty Festival, attracting artists and audience from all over the world.  Now in its 18th year, the second weekend in October sees this ancient seaport town fill with a colourful array of singers, musicians, pirates, street theatre actors, maritime craftspeople and more. Rousing sea shanties can be heard emanating from the many real ale pubs in town and the entertainment continues along the quayside, onboard historic ships and at some of the historic sites within the old town, including the fabulous Redoubt Fort. There are shanty trains, workshops, demonstrations, concerts, barge trips and historical reenactment to add to the mix, suitable for all ages and much of it free of charge. For further details subscribe to the monthly newsletter on www.harwichshantyfestival.co.uk or follow on Facebook, @harwichshanty or Instagram. Dates for 2023 are 13-15th October with a full three day programme of events.

11am – 11.45pm  

A series of five talks Friday October 6 – Adrian Wright By Train to the Seaside (Pt 1) Friday October 13 – Adrian Wright By Train to the Seaside (Pt 2) Friday October 20 – Charlie Haylock The History of Surnames Friday October 27 – Mark Roberts St. Osyth Church Friday November 3 – Andrew Watson Vintage Bicycles All talks start at 11am and finish at noon Talks are £2 each Book all in advance and receive the finally talk free Refreshments provided

An annual Exhibition showcasing the work of local Artists in the theme of heritage ,community and environment.

Opening times Thursday -Sunday 10am-4pm until end of September
From October Saturday -Sunday 10am-4pm

Proceeds going to Plough Corner Community
Centre

Children’s Author Event! – Clacton Library Tuesday 24 October 11am- 12 noon Meet author and illustrator Kate Read and listen to her read her book ‘One Fox’. A hungry fox is on the prowl in the moonlit farmyard, but will he get all the chickens? With something to count on each page, numbers have never been so fun! There will be a counting and art activity afterwards. This event is free but booking is necessary. Please only book a place for your child – accompanying adults do not need a ticket. book a space using the QR code or by following the link

Free soft play and inflatable event. Uniform bank Carnival raffle and games Craft stalls Childrens activities and face painting entertainment by local groups Costume competition and safe trick or treating

10am – 5pm

Families. Children must be supervised at all times by a responsible adult. 

Are you 7 to 18 and want to get a taste of performing? Are you a huge fan of Les Mis and want to have a chance performing it? Or maybe you want to start doing musical theatre? Well this is for you! After performing ’High School Musical’ and ‘100 Years Of Disney’ The Award Winning Clacton Musical Theatre Society Youth Performers next production will be Les Miserables School Edition, performed entirely by students! Pre auditions dates are: 17th and 24th November 2023 @ 6:30pm until 9pm. Audition Date: 26th November 2023 @ 10am until 4pm. Pre audition and audition location: CMTS HQ, 14 Brunel Road, Clacton On Sea, CO15 4QW Show Dates: 5th and 6th April 2024 We hope to see some of you there!! For any questions or to register interest, please contact cmtsyouthperformers@gmail.com! TO AUDITION YOU MUST BE EIGHTEEN OR UNDER ON THE SHOW DAY! DUE TO INSURNACE THE YOUNGEST YOU CAN BE TO AUDITION IS 7!

On arrival at 3.30pm, you will be guided to your table by Santa’s Helpers and presented with your choice of a festive two course dinner – main and dessert (pre-ordering is required upon booking). At approximately 5pm Santa will arrive and make his way around all guests, talking to everyone and giving each (paying) child a gift, he will even stop for a few photos! Ticket prices: £18 per child – this includes a two course meal (main course and dessert), unlimited squash and a personalised gift from Santa £18 per adult – this a two course meal (main and dessert). Drinks are not included and can be purchased separately. To get tickets for one of our Santa events, either give us a call on 01255 688655 or pop in and speak to a member of the team. Please note when purchasing tickets we will require the names and ages of children attending. Please also make us aware of any dietary requirements when booking. For more details, including the set menu choices and T&Cs – https://charnallies.co.uk/christmas/santa-at-charnallies/ S