A brand new Pilates Mat Work for adults class starts on Wednesday 11th January. The new class, which is suitable for beginners, is ideal for anyone wishing to build their core strength and stability.

For parents or carers with young children, there’s Big People Little People Moving Together. This new workshop is for grown-ups and their little ones and will include a variety of movement, dance and creative play. For younger babies and toddlers, Sensory Play Sessions for Babies and Toddlers, which are suitable for ages 8 weeks to 24 months start again on Friday 6th January.

Future stage stars aged 6-9 can take a bow at the Artrix Youth Theatre on Tuesday evenings. There is also a senior section of the Youth Theatre, with sessions on Saturday afternoons for 10-16 year olds would-be actors.

For young singers aged 5-9 there’s a Little Songstars Showchoir and a Songstars Junior Showchoir which caters for ages 10-16. For adults aged 16+ there is a Songstars Adult Showchoir which is a lively and friendly choir which welcomes new members. All choir sessions run on Thursday evenings with a chance to learn great songs and take part in fun performances.

The Adult Ballet Beginners Class is an excellent introduction to ballet for those who have never tried it before and the intermediate class includes some pointe work, floor exercises and barre work. The Belly Dancing class is for all levels and although it is low impact, it helps build core strength and increases flexibility.

TC Peppercorn, Artrix’ Engagement and Learning Co-Ordinator said “These courses and workshops offer a fantastic opportunity to anyone who fancies a new challenge to kick off 2017 in style. We hope that people will come along and try a taster session before booking.”

A true story about a homeless man and his friendship with a cat, the tale of a mysterious space craft and a journey through the British benefits system are amongst the highlights of the film programme at Artrix this January.

In I, Daniel Blake a 59 year old carpenter, recovering from a heart attack befriends a single mum as they navigate their way through the benefits system. Social campaigner and film director Ken Loach won a Palme D’Or at Cannes for this film earlier this year.

Rachel Weisz and Michael Fassbender are amongst the cast for The Light Between Oceans which is the heartbreaking story of an Australian lighthouse keeper and his wife who rescue an abandoned baby from a boat.

January is always a good time for a feel good story and A Street Cat Named Bob is no exception. This film is based on the best-selling book by James Bowen whose life is transformed when he meets a stray ginger cat. It’s worth noting that there is a Parents & Babies (0-12 months) screening of this film on 18th January at 12.30.

Last but by no means least, in the tense thriller Arrival Amy Adams plays the role of a linguistics experts battling against time to interpret the intentions of some visiting aliens.

Tickets for Artrix cinema cost £7.00 (£6.00) or £4.50 before 5 pm.

Rough, tough and always rocking, the legendary King Pleasure and The Biscuit Boys’ zany stage show sometimes belies the fact that theirs is one of the finest, most authentic rhythm & blues band ever to come from outside the USA.

As anyone who has followed their astonishing career knows, the band carries a guarantee of great swinging music and high entertainment value. This year the high-octane jump and jive band have been spreading their message throughout Europe promoting their 11th CD Live at Last.

An ideal post-Christmas treat, this promises to be an unforgettable evening which is bound to banish the January blues. King Pleasure and the Biscuit Boys are performing at Artrix on Saturday 7th January. Tickets cost £17.00 (£15.00 over 60s) (standing with balcony/gallery seating)