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  •  Sat 7 Dec 16:30 -18:15 FREE

The Carnival of the Animals - Lantern Parade

The Lantern Parade returns to illuminate Maidenhead on Saturday 7 December 2024.

This year's theme is Our Animal Neighbours!

The Lantern Parade is free to attend and open to all. You don't need a lantern to take part - just head down and celebrate with the community! The Parade encourages local people to get together, create fantastic artworks, dance and parade their fabulous creations through Maidenhead town centre.

**Parade Day Schedule - Saturday 7 December

4.30pm Entertainment starts outside Maidenhead Town Hall

5pm Parade departs from the Town Hall

5.45pm – 6.15pm The entertainment continues!

Norden Farm are once again working with Same Sky to bring you the Parade and Workshops, an award-winning community arts charity who have been creating fantastic lanterns, costumes and community events since 1987.

Rio Deli at Maidenhead library will be staying open late on the evening of the parade to supply warm drinks and snacks to parade goers.


Lantern Parade Entertainment

Ronak Mela Baja are the UK's premier Bollywood Dhol and Brass Band! Hailing from London, Ronak Mela Baja brings the vibrant sounds of Bollywood and Bhangra to life through their unique blend of brass and dhol.

Mark Burford will join the parade as the Spirit of Norden Farm, Nordenia, walking the route on stilts as our huge, friendly puppet interacts with the crowd.

Babel Brass Band is a diverse group of musicians with a shared appreciation for the vibrant rhythms of contemporary New Orleans brass bands. They are united in this singular love for a more eclectic contemporary brass band sound. They are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive community through their music.


Autism Friendly Viewing Space

There will be a peaceful Autism Friendly viewing space in Maidenhead Library managed by The Autism Group. If you would like to make use of this please contact Jess Thompson at [email protected]


Get Parade ready and make a Lantern!

Get involved at one of our Lantern Making Workshops. Our expert lantern makers will guide you through the process to create your own lantern to illuminate at the parade.

Join a Drop In Lantern Making Workshop in the town centre or at our Festive Market on Fri 6 Dec. Get parade ready in 20 minutes – drop in any time during the session to make and decorate a simple willow and tissue lantern.

Festive Market Drop In Workshop

Fri 6 Dec 6pm - 8pm

Maidenhead Library Drop In Workshop

Sat 7 Dec 10.30am - 2pm

Book your workshop place online here.


Lantern Parade Photography / Videography

Disclaimer: Please note that a photographer will be present at The Lantern Parade. Images will be used for Norden Farm marketing purposes, including, but not limited to: use in printed material such as brochures, on the website and social media, and in local publications.


With special thanks to our supporters: Spoore Merry Rixman and The Cyril Taylor Charitable Foundation

other events you may be interested in

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Beginners/Gentle Yoga

Led by Julie Potter

This class is particularly suited to beginners, those returning to yoga having had a break, those with specific injuries or conditions or even those that consider themselves to be of a ‘certain age’ that might need a less challenging approach. We will cover general breathing practises, the basic and gentler postures, together with general information and possible discussion around movement and the potential difficulties we might come up against.

The aim will be to relax and enjoy.

The yoga I teach is an evolution of nearly 30 years of practice and study, with a broad experience of many styles and teachers. In recent years I have been moving away from ‘external’ evaluation of the postures and moving towards an ‘internal’ sense of the postures, moving away from the more used traditional approach of systemised yoga to a more experiential and ‘felt’ approach, influenced by teachers who have been inspired by the teachings of Vanda Scaravelli.

Please bring a blanket, a yoga / Pilates mat, and wear loose comfortable clothing

Autumn
Wed 11 Sept - 9 Oct (5 weeks)
Wed 16 Oct - 13 Nov (5 weeks)
Wed 20 Nov - 18 Dec (5 weeks)

11am - 12.15pm
£12 per session | £50 per 5 week course

This class will take place both in person and online via Zoom.

You will find the link to access the session in your booking confirmation email

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Norden Farm Youth Theatre (Junior)

Led by Emma Duncan.

In each session children take part in a series of drama games and activities that develop their confidence as well as teaching them drama skills. These include focus, communication, developing a character and voice projection.

As the weeks go on the group will each have a part with some lines to learn in a small-scale show. They will rehearse as a team and share what they have learnt during the last session, more details to follow on this after half term.

Suitable for school years 2 - 6.

'Norden Farm is my favourite after school club, it always keeps me moving and relaxed. It is a great place to go for drama and within a short time, I have become far more confident and expressive' Timothy, age 7

'We have sent both of our children to Youth Theatre at Norden Farm and have seen dramatic improvements in there ability, confidence, social awareness and expressiveness generally and specifically. The environment is safe and developmental in a broad and exciting sense' Alex - parent


Autumn - Improvisation Term
Wed 11 Sept - 18 Dec, exc 30 Oct (14 weeks)
5pm - 6pm
£145


Junior Youth Theatre Booking Form

'The youth theatre is a nice place and I’ve only been here a short time and I Love it!' Junior Youth Theatre Student

'It is cool and welcoming' Junior Youth Theatre Student

'The youth theatre is one of the most professional classes I’ve enrolled in' Junior Youth Theatre Student

'The youth theatre is one of the best drama clubs, everyone is so friendly and we do amazing games' Junior Youth Theatre Student

'We have absolutely loved the drama classes, we have seen a tremendous improvement with our daughter's confidence, she enjoys the sessions as there is a mixture of techniques and games and has made friends along the way! Emma is great at adapting the lessons and I have only seen improvements, we Look forward to the end of summer show combined with the senior class!!! Love Norden Farm as the venue!' Junior Youth Theatre Parent

'This is my daughter’s first experience of a drama club - and it has been such a positive, confidence-boosting, creative experience for her. I particularly love that there is no pressure on the children - there is plenty of time and practice to get ready for the end of season Sharing Session, and the level of performance is just enough to stretch them, without making them worry. It’s pure joy and excitement! You can see how far the group has progressed from term to term - they are becoming a very confident and capable group of Thespians!' Junior Youth Theatre Parent

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Norden Farm Youth Theatre (Senior)

Led by Emma Duncan.

Each term we will be focusing on developing the participants confidence and well-being through a series of drama games and activities.

This term the Senior Youth Theatre group are focusing on developing drama skills. They’ll learn a deeper understanding of performance and managing their nerves as well as some more specialised techniques including comedy and physical theatre.

Suitable for school years 7 - 12.

'Drama has upped my confidence remarkably and I’m getting better every time, it’s my favourite club and I look forward to it each week' Youth Theatre Seniors Student

'The youth theatre is one of the best dramas clubs ever, we can express ourselves' Youth Theatre Seniors Student

'The instructor is very supportive and everyone is very respectful' Youth Theatre Seniors Student

'Norden Farm is my favourite after school club, it always keeps me moving and relaxed. It is a great place to go for drama and within a short time, I have become far more confident and expressive' Youth Theatre Student

'We have sent both of our children to Youth Theatre at Norden Farm and have seen dramatic improvements in there ability, confidence, social awareness and expressiveness generally and specifically. The environment is safe and developmental in a broad and exciting sense' Alex - parent

Autumn - Improvisation Term
Wed 11 Sept - 18 Dec, exc 30 Oct (14 weeks)
6.05pm - 7.30pm
£180

Senior Youth Theatre Booking Form

'Drama has upped my confidence remarkably and I’m getting better every time, it’s my favourite club and I look forward to it each week' Senior Youth Theatre Student

'The youth theatre is one of the best dramas clubs ever, we can express ourselves' Senior Youth Theatre Student

'The instructor is very supportive and everyone is very respectful' Senior Youth Theatre Student

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Acoustic Guitar - Beginners (A)

Led by Jim Maving

For novice guitarists who can string chords together, strum confidently and move between chords with some ease, to take the next steps. You will learn some classic songs, interesting chords, light music theory and the 12-bar blues.

These classes are split by skills level:

Beginners A - Recently completed the Absolute Beginners course but still some way to go. Yet to tackle bar chords and complicated rhythms.

Beginners B - Well on the way and able to do bar chords.

Beginners C - Almost Intermediate but not quite yet.

If you've never played guitar you need to book on the Absolute Beginners course!

Autumn
Wed 11 Sept – 9 Oct (5 weeks)
Wed 16 Oct – 20 Nov, exc 23 Oct (5 weeks)
Wed 4 Dec – 18 Dec (3 weeks)

7pm - 8pm

£50 per 5 week course | £30 per 3 week course

This class will take place both in person and online via Zoom.

You will find the link to access the session in your booking confirmation email

Suitable for ages 18+ years.

LIMITED AVAILABILITY
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Ed Byrne - Tragedy Plus Time

Attributed to Mark Twain, humour is defined as Tragedy Plus Time. Join Ed as he tests that formula by mining the most tragic event in his life for laughs.

Proudly presented by Phil McIntyre Live Ltd.

'Hilarious, extremely dark, profoundly touching and resolutely unsentimental. Ed Byrne has plumbed the very depths of his soul and found something verging on greatness' ★★★★★ Rolling Stone

'A delicate, sensitive high-wire act of a show, yet Byrne never once stumbles' ★★★★★ Mail on Sunday

'This is no misery memoir, Byrne is too talented a comic for that' ★★★★★ The Arts Desk

'Poignant, touching, spiky and laugh-out-loud funny… beautifully written and flawlessly performed' ★★★★★ Edinburgh Reviews

'He has delivered a fantastically funny and moving monologue where there is no doubt that we are seeing the authentic Ed… Byrne has hit new heights' ★★★★★ London Evening Standard

'A full range of human emotions, from rage to dark humour to poignancy and back again, is felt during this magnificent comedy hour' ★★★★★ London Theatre 1

'Side-splitting... Byrne is comedy gold' ★★★★★ Theatre & Arts Reviews

'A fierce tribute... tremendously funny, thoughtful and fond' Fest Mag

Courtyard Theatre
£32.50

Age guidance: 14+ years
Content warning - discussions of death.

Ed's Website

X Ed Byrne
Insta MrEdByrne
Fb Ed Bryne

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Acoustic Guitar - Beginners (B)

Led by Jim Maving

For novice guitarists who can string chords together, strum confidently and move between chords with some ease, to take the next steps. You will learn some classic songs, interesting chords, light music theory and the 12-bar blues.

These classes are split by skills level:

Beginners A - Recently completed the Absolute Beginners course but still some way to go. Yet to tackle bar chords and complicated rhythms.

Beginners B - Well on the way and able to do bar chords.

Beginners C - Almost Intermediate but not quite yet.

If you've never played guitar you need to book on the Absolute Beginners course!

Autumn
Wed 11 Sept – 9 Oct (5 weeks)
Wed 16 Oct – 20 Nov, exc 23 Oct (5 weeks)
Wed 4 Dec – 18 Dec (3 weeks)

8.30pm - 9.30pm

£50 per 5 week course | £30 per 3 week course

This class will take place both in person and online via Zoom.

You will find the link to access the session in your booking confirmation email

Suitable for ages 18+ years.

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Acoustic Guitar - Beginners (C)

Led by Jim Maving

For novice guitarists who can string chords together, strum confidently and move between chords with some ease, to take the next steps. You will learn some classic songs, interesting chords, light music theory and the 12-bar blues.

These classes are split by skills level:

Beginners A - Recently completed the Absolute Beginners course but still some way to go. Yet to tackle bar chords and complicated rhythms.

Beginners B - Well on the way and able to do bar chords.

Beginners C - Almost Intermediate but not quite yet.

If you've never played guitar you need to book on the Absolute Beginners course!

Autumn
Thur 12 Sept – 10 Oct (5 weeks)
Thur 17 Oct – 21 Nov, exc 24 Oct (5 weeks)
Thur 5 Dec – 19 Dec (3 weeks)

7pm - 8pm

£50 per 5 week course | £30 per 3 week course

This class will take place both in person and online via Zoom.

You will find the link to access the session in your booking confirmation email

Suitable for ages 18+ years.

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Robin Morgan - The Spark

The comedian is back on the road with a hilarious brand new show - his biggest tour to date.

Robin has been seen on BBC2’s Mock The Week and BBC Radio 4’s The News Quiz. His previous shows have dealt with a proposal, marriage, kids and a vasectomy. So what’s next on the list? Divorce? No, not divorce. It’s about how to keep the spark alive. Not just in a marriage, but also in yourself?

Robin’s been a busy bee since the last tour. He created and hosts topical comedy panel show What Just Happened? for BBC Radio Wales; he’s supported Adam Kay and Sophie McCartney on their nationwide tours; and has written for shows such as Have I Got News For You, The Weakest Link and Bake Off: The Professionals.

He's also become somewhat of a favourite on BBC Radio 4's The News Quiz, in an episode so popular that even the government complained about it.

Robin’s shows have always been about others. Now it’s time to focus on himself.

'Bloody funny, well-written, hard-working stand-up from a massively likeable performer who must surely be on the verge of nationwide fame' Chortle

'An hour of belly-hurting chortles' ★★★★★ Mumble Comedy

Age Guidance: 14+ years.

Presented by Little Wander in association with Sophie Chapman Talent.
Photo credit: Michelle Huggleston

Studio
£16

Robin's website

X Robin Morgan
Insta robinjmorgan
Fb Robin Morgan
Tiktok Robin Morgan

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