Sage Gateshead has announced a whole range of half-term and early years entertainment for families

CALLING all little monsters! Monstersaurus (Friday, February 24, 11am & 2pm) is a monster-ously good new show at Sage Gateshead for under sevens based on Claire Freedman’s (author of Aliens Love Underpants) bestselling book.

The energetic family show is full of thrills, spills, magic and mayhem with original music and plenty of audience participation for a half term treat. Ticket-buyers can combine it with free Half Term Arts and Crafts on the Concourse (Saturday, February 18 to Sunday, February 26, 11am-2pm) to keep little fingers busy.

To introduce children to classical music the Sage’s new series of 45-minute concerts, Classics 4 Kids, continues with Julian Rachlin and Royal Northern Sinfonia playing Beethoven classics on Saturday, February 11 (2pm), and Thomas Zehetmair picking up the baton on Saturday, April 22 (2pm). It's a wonderful opportunity for youngsters age 5+ to hear shorter, bite-sized sections of classical music in the right environment for them – and grown-ups should love it too. Not to be left out, for babies under 12 months Baby Sinfonia (Tuesday March 28, 11am and 1.30pm) returns – to let you sway, rock and bounce with your baby or just sit back and enjoy the music in soothing surroundings.

Gateshead International Jazz Festival (GIJF) is back for the weekend of Friday, March 31 to Sunday, April 2, with concerts for families. Family Show with the Instant Composers Pool (Saturday, April 1, 2pm) is open to all ages and provides a whistle-stop tour of this Dutch jazz orchestra’s many styles with a chance for audience members to become "instant composers" too. Family Jazz All Stars with Zoe Gilby (Sunday, April 2, 11am) is an unmissable family show including songs from jazz down the years and distinctive takes on popular classics. Perfect for all the family – from children to grandparents.

The Easter holidays are filled with budget-friendly activities for families. Under sevens can sing, dance and hop along with Sage Gateshead’s Early Years musicians (bunny ears and Easter bonnets encouraged) in the Big Family Hop! (Tuesday, April 11, 11am, 1pm and 2.30pm). There's also a journey involving The Owl and the Pussycat (Saturday, April 8, 11am and 2pm) in a joyful retelling of the Edward Lear classic for little explorers using puppets and live music; and follow clues around the building that leads to a chocolate surprise in the Easter Trail (Saturday, April 1 to Saturday, April 15, 11am-4pm).

Sage Gateshead’s ever-popular early years classes for under fives, Babies Babble & Play (suitable for 0-12 months) and Under Fives Sing, Play & Dance (suitable for 0 to 4 years) has begun its spring term. These fun, interactive sessions are designed to support children in developing musical and social skills through singing, movement and music-making. Customers can book for one-off sessions or special deals are available for whole term bookings.

Alongside the huge selection of performances and family events, Sage Gateshead will be offering special family breakfast and lunch platter menus alongside Monstersaurus (Friday, February 24. 11am and 2pm). Customers can book a table in the Brasserie when purchasing a ticket to round off the Sage Gateshead experience and make it extra special.

The For Families guide ip to April is out now. To find out more about these family activities download the guide online, or, to book tickets go to sagegateshead.com, or Sage Gateshead’s Ticket Office either in person (open from noon) or by calling 0191-443-4661. Family tickets are available for many performances.