Get ready for BIGFest - bringing BIG talent to a high street near you

BIGFest, an annual celebration of music and arts, returns to Hillingdon this week.

The event features six main areas on a route snaking from the bottom of Windsor Street to the Civic Centre, in High Street, Uxbridge. Highlights include arts workshops and a dance zone; weird and wonderful street performances; Hillingdon Amp, a new music project in partnership with Point Blank Music School, which trained and worked with Leona Lewis and The Rolling Stones; and the popular Hillingdon's Hidden Talent competition.

what? Hillingdon BIGFest

where? High Street, Uxbridge

when? Sunday, from noon-4.30pm

cost? Free

see: www.hillingdon.gov.uk/bigfest

(Not) Dire Straits back

FOLLOWING the success of their last show in June, Dire Fakes return to Ruislip to perform another superb set of Straits classics. Formed in 2002, the tribute band often use identical equipment, to achieve a more authentic sound. Expect to hear extended versions featuring more complex musical arrangements normally found only in live songs.

what? Dire Fakes

where? Tropic At Ruislip, Ruislip Social Club, Grosvenor Vale, Ruislip, HA4 6JQ

when? Friday (doors 8.30pm)

cost? £10 (£8 in advance)

see: www.tropicatruislip.co.uk

The Sorcerer'sApprentice

THE Sorcerer's Apprentice, a bewitching tale of mystery and entertainment, is brought to life by the acclaimed Garlic Theatre.

When a boy finds himself alone with a book of spells, he can't resist the urge to try one, but after causing a broom to fetch more and more water, a flood starts to rise. Can he undo the spell before the sorcerer returns?

The show is part of a special programme of children's theatre during half term and the build-up to Halloween.

Enchanting for children aged four to eight, their parents and grandparents.

what? The Sorcerer's Apprentice

where? The Hall, St John's Chuch, Hallowell Road, Northwood

when? Saturday at 2.30pm

cost? £5 (£16 for a family ticket) email: www.becktheatre.org.uk  box office: 01628 675 800

Pep up the children's half-term

BAFTA award-winning children's favourite Peppa Pig is recreated live on stage by the producers of Roald Dahl's The BFG.

Peppa is a playful little piggy who, through everyday adventures, makes new friends and enjoys her favourite activity - jumping up and down in muddy puddles! This is the perfect way to entertain your children during the half-term break.

what? Peppa Pig's Party

where? Beck Theatre, Grange Road, Hayes

when? Wednesday, October 28 and Thursday, October 29, at 10am, 1pm and 4pm

cost? £12.50, £14.50 (family ticket £50)

see: www.becktheatre.org.uk or www.peppapiglive.com

Twinkle, twinkle little far-off galaxy

BE PREPARED to be blown away by the spectacular sights of the skies, with the guidance of expert local amateur astronomers.

The West of London Astronomical Society hosts its annual public sky-watching event, where, weather permitting, you can catch a glimpse of a whole host of celestial objects through a telescope, including the dramatic, crater-filled surface of the moon, and the planet Jupiter. It may even be possible to view Andromeda, the nearest galaxy to our Milky Way. Wear warm clothing.

what? Autumn moon watch

where? Ruislip Lido, Reservoir Road, HA4 7TY

when? Friday, Saturday and Sunday, from 7.30pm to 10pm

cost? Free

call: David Arditti on 020 8204 3999