With the school holidays drawing closer, I imagine some parents are worrying what on earth they are going to do with their beloved youngsters for six whole weeks. The answer is simple: encourage them and their friends to start their own band! Not only is it cheaper than going swimming, paint-balling or double bills at the movies, it's also more fun. You don't need to spend a fortune on instruments either. Right now, the Early Learning Centre has kazoos, maracas, jingle bells, flutes, wrist bells, triangles and glockenspiels from £2-£6. They also have acoustic guitars for £20, mini-drums for around £10 and xylopianos with multi-coloured keys for £15. My only tip is - hide the cymbals or suffer serious ear-ache! read more