Warner Bros Studio Tour - The Making of Harry Potter Spring Clean

Sarita Allison, who was instrumental in creating Hagrid’s larger-than-life sized animatronic head and the hundreds of prosthetic goblin masks for the Harry Potter films has returned to the studios for an Easter special. Sarita has restored and cleaned some of the weird and wonderful props used in the film and primped and primed them for display. From March 25 to April 17, a new feature - half-giant Hagrid - will be on show as part of the 15th anniversary celebrations. Visitors will be able to see the costumes worn by Harry’s gargantuan guardian and find out how they turned 6ft 1inch Robbie Coltrane into the towering figure of Hagrid.
Warner Bros Studio Tour - The Making of Harry Potter, Warner Drive, Leavesden. Details: wbstudiotour.co.uk, 0845 084 0900.

Makeready

A celebration of the arts in its many forms, from paintings, sculptures, illustration and photography, to music, film and handmade books. The week-long programme kicks off on April 2 and across the week there will be artist-led workshops in photography, letterpress printing and bookbinding.

The Attico Arts Centre, the only contemporary art gallery in Watford, prides itself on being a progressive hub of creativity that seeks to support emerging artists from the local area as well as across the UK.
Attico Arts Centre, 101 Watford High Street, Watford, April 2 and then April 4-9, 9.30am to 5.30pm. Details: 01923 247228, atticoartcentre.com

(Film) Alvin and the Chipmunks: The Road Chip

The cheeky chipmunks are back with a new adventure. Music manager Dave, begins a romance with a beautiful doctor – and through a series of misunderstandings, the chipmunks start to believe there is a marriage proposal on the horizon and dreading having an antagonistic stepbrother, they embark on a cross-country mission to prevent their best friend from ruining their lives.
Watford Palace Theatre, Clarendon Road, Watford, April 3, 11am. Details: 01923 225671, watfordpalacetheatre.co.uk

Disney Day

Children and even adults can enjoy a fun-filled film day at Watersmeet, where three classic Disney films will be screened. Follow a pampered cocker spaniel called Lady, who finds herself out on the street after her owners have a baby in Lady and the Tramp or watch Belle uncover the softer, loving side of a arrogant prince who was turned into a hideous beast in Beauty and the Beast. There’s even Wreck-It Ralph - an arcade game character who is tired of always being the bad guy. Watch one, two or all three.
Watersmeet Theatre, High Street, Rickmansworth, April 7. Details: 01923 711063, watersmeet.org.uk

Watford Observer:

Paradise Wildlife Park

Rocky - an Amur Tiger, who lives at the family run wildlife park, recently celebrated his 18th birthday. The Big Friendly Cat has grown up with the owner Peter Sampson, who had him since he was ten days old and even used to stay at home with him. Now visitors can come and hand feed Rocky as part of the park’s Feed A Big Cat experience and they don’t have to feel so scared of this loving animal.
Paradise Wildlife Park, White Stubbs Lane, Broxbourne. Details: 01992 470490, pwpark.com

The Railway Children

When Father is taken away by two strangers, the lives of Roberta, Peter and Phyllis are shattered. Their mother is forced to take them from their comfortable London home to live in a simple country cottage. Whilst there, they learn about the railway from their new friend Perks and soon fall in love with it. Image Musical Theatre gives the whole audience the chance to join in and up to ten children the opportunity to perform on stage. Learn the songs and actions before you arrive via the website or social media and immerse yourself in rhythm of the Railway. Radlett Centre, Aldenham Avenue, Radlett. Tuesday, April 12, 11am and 2pm. Details: 01923 859291

The Wizard of Oz

Follow the yellow brick road down to the Colosseum this Easter and take a journey with Dorothy (Dani Harmer from CBBC’s Tracy Beaker) and her dog, who find themselves being transported to the magical land of Oz after a tornado hits her town. Sit back and watch as she Dorothy embarks on a new adventure to the Emerald City where the great Wizard of Oz lives and on her way she meets the Scarecrow who wants a brain, the Tin Man who needs a heart and the Lion who needs courage.
Watford Colosseum, Rickmansworth Road, Watford, April 15. Details: 01923 571102, watfordcolosseum.co.uk

100th Anniversary of the First Official Tank Trials

A very significant part of Hatfield House’s history during the First World War was its role in the tank trials. To mark the centenary Hatfield House will be putting on an exhibition about the history of the Tank at Hatfield with a full-sized replica Mark IV Tank as its centrepiece, known as Edwin. This tank is on loan to Hatfield House from Vanguard Holding Limited, a storage company just off the A40. Alongside the Tank will be information boards about the tank trials with an accompanying exhibition in the Library explaining the history of the Tank and its links to Hatfield House.
Hatfield House, Hatfield, until September 30. Details: 01707 287000, hatfield-house.co.uk

Creatures Great and Small

Aimed at children, although adults are of course welcome to come and see the selection paintings, drawings, prints and sculptures of creatures great and small. Each piece on display has been tailored for young visitors and introduces them to the rich art heritage of Bushey. There are clues to solve and interesting facts to learn as well as art materials for you to draw your own animals.
Bushey Museum, Rudlolph Road, Bushey, until June 26. Details: 020 8420 4057, busheymuseum.org