MAC lines up festive fun – and marmalade sandwiches

Paddington

A Birmingham arts centre is gearing up for the festive period with an array of Christmas-themed attractions.

Taking centre stage at MAC is Raymond Briggs’ enchanting Father Christmas, which is a heart-warming production of the festive favourite full of live music, songs and puppetry.

Complementing this will be an array of seasonal comedy, markets, music and film screenings.

With more than 60 stalls, over two floors, MAC’s calendar of Christmas Arts Markets rounds off this weekend. The stalls feature an array of hand-made items including jewellery, stationery, pottery, painting, prints and textiles.

Foodies can also enjoy a festive treat, with artisan food producers offering preserves, sauces, cakes, pies and beverages, alongside vegan and vegetarian fare as part of MAC’s Festive Food Market on December 17.

Comedy fans will be pleased to see the return of Barbara Nice’s annual Christmas Cracker, complete with silly games, belly laughs, dancing in the aisles and the obligatory Christmas raffle, while folk music fans can enjoy an evening of seasonal song, from folk heavyweights the Albion Band, led by their founding member Ashley Hutchings.

Opera buffs can enjoy a live screening performance on Sunday of The Nutcracker, from the Royal Opera House. The production ranks as one of the most enchanting versions of the piece, with its festive period setting, and Tchaikovsky’s most recognisable ballet scores.

The season ends with screenings of the delightful Paddington 2, between December 22 to 31. The fil has already been an outstanding success but for those who have not seen it yet this is an ideal chance to catch up on the star of the M&S Christmas advert and his marmalade sandwiches.

The Cannon Hill Park centre will also be serving up jam sandwiches for those looking for an authentic experience, while youngsters are being invited to bring their favourite bears ith them.

Close