in Barry combines live theatre, party games and cake baking and is best suited to under-fives.Superhero DayAugust 1Children sporting superhero attire will be in with a chance of scooping a prize after displaying their costume in a fancy-dress parade

.Knitwear was also a key trend with slippers, cardigans and hats to keep your tots cosy this winter! Each year M&S launch Christmas costumes for the children’s range and this year they didn’t fail!.....from Christmas puddings to Santa’s elf’s all you need to get you

.piccadillymanchester.comDANCECaribbean Carnival of ManchesterWhat: This colourful procession brings a tropical vibe to the heart of Manchester, with singing, dancing and elaborate costumes.Why: Because there’s more to the Caribbean than pirates. When: August 14, 15.Where: Alexandra Park; www.manchestercarnival.co.uk

and bestow upon them a special festive gift as they explore the yuletide treasure trove of props and costumes on offer.The Doctor Who Christmas Grotto is open at Olympia until December 21.For more details and tickets visit www.doctorwhoexperience.com

helpless  damsel into a feisty fighter. Cue some love interest from a dashing – and slightly dopey – Prince Charming and the evil Queen is due to get her comeuppance. Sumptuous settings  and lavish costumes add to the fairytale fantasy feel of this vibrant

Reverse the rolesFear of masks, or anyone in a costume – when someone is not what they seem – is common and unpredictable. So, if daddy in a Hallowe’en mask produces a scream, have him take it off, touch it, explore it then put it on to spook you

1 Set reasonable rulesLet children know when and where superhero play is allowed. Give safe limits, such as “Only in the garden” and “No jumping off the shed”.2 Encourage the creative aspectsHelp your child make her own superhero costumes rather

effects, using a pressure sensitive floor and amazing projections to conjure a fantastical world, where trolls and elves lurk and the Northern Lights magnificiently blaze across the sky. And there’s not a homemade cotton wool costume in sight. Kindur

treats, from cool costumes to creepy cakes...EntertainmentA spooky children's app for Hallowe’enFive spooky books for Hallowe'enFilm Reviews 2012: ParanormanHotel Transylvania: A Monster Hit for Hallowe'enHalf-term family films: Frankenweenie

Have you been watching ITV’s latest lavish costume drama Mr Selfridge? Dubbed Downton with tills, the tale of the grandiose American who founded Oxford Street’s most impressive department store has been adding a touch of much-needed glamour to our