Its Easter the kids will have far too many chocolate eggs so you had the idea to do something a bit different. We love going to watch these shows and we cant wait to go and see Cbeebies Live in Manchester on 13th April. We went to see the Cbeebies Live tour on Easter Sunday in 2012 and loved it but unfortunately Elizabeth was too ill to go last year so we missed it. This years show looks better than ever and it is brilliant to see some of our favourite characters all come together on stage again.
Whenever we go to these big arena things we always plan carefully and with a few tips you could save yourself some time, some money and some hassle.
The first thing to do is think about your stomach. When you go to see any arena show, food and drink costs a small fortune, to get around this we always eat before we go and then pack some sweets and some cartons of drink to have during the show. This keeps the kids happy and your wallet happy too.
The next pitfall is the souvenirs and merchandise. Now if you want to spend a fortune on something to remember the day by then go ahead but half the time the kids have left it forgotten in their room by the next morning. Believe me we have been there and done that. My biggest tip is to plan ahead. If we are going to watch an arena show we know there will be lots of light up toys available so we always take ones that we already own. If you don’t have any light up toys then grab some glowsticks from somewhere like wilkinsons, you will be surprised how much the kids will love them. You can also get glowstick necklaces and bracelets which always make the kids happy.
To keep the kids occupied during the interval or before the show starts pick up a magazine at the supermarket to give to them when you arrive. The Cbeebies magazine would be perfect for this as it usually contains a toy, some stickers and some stories as well as pictures of some of the characters your kids will be watching on stage. This prevents you from buying a programme at a ridiculous cost that only has photos and some boring facts about the actors and maybe a page to colour in. Your kids will definitely prefer the magazine.
Whenever we go to these big arena things we always plan carefully and with a few tips you could save yourself some time, some money and some hassle.
The first thing to do is think about your stomach. When you go to see any arena show, food and drink costs a small fortune, to get around this we always eat before we go and then pack some sweets and some cartons of drink to have during the show. This keeps the kids happy and your wallet happy too.
The next pitfall is the souvenirs and merchandise. Now if you want to spend a fortune on something to remember the day by then go ahead but half the time the kids have left it forgotten in their room by the next morning. Believe me we have been there and done that. My biggest tip is to plan ahead. If we are going to watch an arena show we know there will be lots of light up toys available so we always take ones that we already own. If you don’t have any light up toys then grab some glowsticks from somewhere like wilkinsons, you will be surprised how much the kids will love them. You can also get glowstick necklaces and bracelets which always make the kids happy.
To keep the kids occupied during the interval or before the show starts pick up a magazine at the supermarket to give to them when you arrive. The Cbeebies magazine would be perfect for this as it usually contains a toy, some stickers and some stories as well as pictures of some of the characters your kids will be watching on stage. This prevents you from buying a programme at a ridiculous cost that only has photos and some boring facts about the actors and maybe a page to colour in. Your kids will definitely prefer the magazine.
If you don’t live close to one of the Arena tours I would definitely recommend finding a family friendly hotel but one that is not in the city centre. Find a hotel along a good transport route so you can get back in your car at the end of the show and drive a short distance before relaxing in comfort. The Crowne Plaza hotel at Manchester Airport would be perfect for that.
One of the most stressful parts of going to one of these shows is actually getting there, getting lost in a cities one way system, not knowing where you are going or not being able to find a parking space can really add pressure onto a parent especially when you have a child in the back asking if you are nearly there yet. Make sure you plan your route, check traffic information before you set off and know at least two car parks close by so if one is full you have a back up solution.
Once you have arrived and followed all my tips above it is time to sit back, relax and enjoy the show!
The Cbeebies live tour always has a special theme and this year it is the Big Band Tour. Mr Tumble, Mister Maker and Mr Bloom will be seeking out everyones special musical talent and putting together a fabulous big band which will be playing for all to hear. I expect to see some minute makes, maybe some growing and an awful lot of laughing.
Once you have arrived and followed all my tips above it is time to sit back, relax and enjoy the show!
The Cbeebies live tour always has a special theme and this year it is the Big Band Tour. Mr Tumble, Mister Maker and Mr Bloom will be seeking out everyones special musical talent and putting together a fabulous big band which will be playing for all to hear. I expect to see some minute makes, maybe some growing and an awful lot of laughing.
Its not just those three in the show though and we really look forward to seeing Katy, Andy and Nina as well as the Zingzillas and Rastamouse. I think the kids will be blown away by the creativity and energy that all these fabulous entertainers will be bringing to the stage.
We especially look forward to seeing Mr Bloom again after meeting him at Little Fun Fest last year. The girls loved meeting him and I think seeing him on a stage this big will be fantastic.
Are you planning on taking your kids to the Cbeebies tour? leave me a comment and let me know what you are looking forward to seeing.
Do you have any other hints and tips on what parents can do to save stress or money at an Arena event with their kids?
Do you have any other hints and tips on what parents can do to save stress or money at an Arena event with their kids?