There's plenty to do and see in and around south Essex this Easter weekend, from baby animals and sport to musicals and circuses, says SALLY KING

Easter holidays are a great time for getting out with the family and enjoying the spring sunshine.

All over south Essex this long holiday weekend there is a huge variety of entertainment, days out, fun and excitement for everyone, from the youngest in the family to the oldest.

Where could be better than a farm where the chicks and other small creatures can be enjoyed by your own little lambs?

At Marsh Farm, South Woodham Ferrers, youngsters can meet chicks and baby rabbits on Easter Sunday and bank holiday Monday.

There will also be an Easter egg hunt and craft fair as well as a magic show extravaganza by Michael J Fitch at 1pm each day.

Barleylands Farm, on the A129 between Wickford and Billericay is holding an Easter Steam-Up, on Easter Sunday and Monday, where parents can enjoy the sight of steam engines and their children can enjoy the baby animals.

There will also be a craft display, fairground organs, demonstrations by a glass blower and a blacksmith, face painting, donkey rides and a Punch and Judy show.

If the spring sunshine should give way to April showers, do not despair.

On Monday, April 24, the whole family can enjoy a day at the circus, but without having to sit in a muddy field. The stars from the Moscow Circus are coming to the Cliffs Pavilion for a special Easter Monday show.

On Tuesday, April 25, there will be a panto-style show at the Queen's Theatre, Hornchurch, the Story of the Three Little Pigs.

This is suitable for children aged from three to nine ad includes plenty of comedy, music and audience participation.

Football-mad children have the chance to join in with footie fun at Waterside Leisure Centre, Canvey.

There are five half-day session for children to learn more about the game and enjoy themselves under the tutelage of qualified FA coach Wayne Curtis.

Classes for five to eights and eight to 15s will run from Tuesday to Friday. Both groups will learn new skills, ball control and enjoy games and an introduction to the basic rules.

The course is open to boys and girls and costs £15. For further information contact Wayne on 01268 694342. Places are limited.

Suitable for older children and adults is John Gay's Beggar's Opera, at the Queen's Theatre, Hornchurch. This story about an 18th century highwayman has been brought up to date and as it turns up on every schools music syllabus it could well be one to watch.

At the Palace Theatre, Westcliff, Sense and Sensibility, Jane Austen's tale of the Dashwood sisters finishes its run on Saturday. It's another story that crops up on school lists - this time from the English department.

In the Dixon Studio EastEnders fans can enjoy another sighting of Tony Hills. Actor Mark Homer, who played Tony until last year. He is in Boxed a play he co-wrote, though it does contain strong language.

Further afield, Essex Wildlife trust centres at Fingringhoe Wick Nature Reserve and Abberton Reservoir hostlots of activities, from pond dipping and an Easter egg hunt to arts and crafts and even the odd mystery day. Call the Abberton Reservoir on 01206 738172 and the Fingringhoe Reserve on 01206 729678 for more details

Guided walks will be among the activities taking place at Thrift Wood, Bicknacre on Bluebell Day.

The event, organised by Essex Wildlife Trust, is on Easter Monday from 2pm until 5pm.

A storyteller and 17th century chemist will be visiting Colchester Castle Museum throughout the holidays to entertain children. For more information telephone 01206 292931.

Pets of all sorts - From little lambs at South Woodham Ferrers' Marsh Farm (right) to steam engines at Barleylands, Billericay, (left) there's plenty going on this Easter holiday to entertain all members of the family

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