THE packed summer programme at Basingstoke Discovery Centre has plenty in store for children. 

In addition to the annual reading challenge, there is lots coming up for all ages, including films, a Disney day and craft workshops. 

During Disney Day on Monday, August 12, three of the company’s most popular films will be screened from 9.30am and there will be free activities going on all day too.

Pop in to the Festival Place library to match the sounds of creatures to their pictures for Scary Sounds, which runs all week from August 12-16. 

Author Nick Arnold is coming along to present outrageous hair-raising highlights from the multi-million selling Horrible Science series next week.

He’ll be in Basingstoke Discovery Centre on Wednesday, August 14 for lots of fun including Really Rotten Experiments, Measly Medicine and Savage Surgery.

Tickets are now sold out. Join the waiting list for returns on 01256 478670.

And there will be more high profile free film screenings on August 16, 18, 19, 22, 25, 30 and on September 1. Call BDC to find out exactly what’s being screened on what day.

One of the undoubted highlights of the summer calendar is the Woodland Stories and Willow Toys event on Friday, August 23.

This exciting event will be hosted by visitors from Winchester’s Spinney Hollow, the woodland project on the edge of the South Downs.

Make a willow head dress with flowers and ivy - complete with willow wands - and enjoy magical storytelling. Take home your summery new toys and the fun will carry on for weeks after the event.

Steven Hunt from BDC said: "Spinney Hollow were incredibly popular last time they visited us and I can't wait to see what wonderful stories they have in store this summer.

"Seeing children make their own toys is fabulous - families are in for a real treat when Spinney Hollow bring their wood-crafting skills here.”

Suitable for ages four to 10, this event costs £5 and advance booking is essential.

Finally, pop in during the week of August 26 until September 2 to participate in the Creepy House Junk Workshop, which is suitable for kids of all ages.

Call the library on 01256 478670 or log on to hants.gov.uk/bsdc to find out more about any of these events.

*The Summer Reading Challenge is currently on offer at Chineham Library, South Ham Library and in Basingstoke Discovery Centre. Read any six books across the holidays and collect stickers, a medal and certificate along the way.