The Cheapest Place to go Ice Skating in North East England 2024


This post shares the various options for ice skating across the North East this winter. Please always contact venues direct for up-to-date information before making plans and heading out as the info in this post may have changed.

Prices are based on a family of 4 (2 adults, 2 kids) booking a standard session including skate hire and exclude any one-off/temporary discounts.

The Cheapest Place to go Ice Skating in North East England

Scroll to the bottom of this post to discover the cheapest (and most expensive) options for ice skating this year plus venues which do not require pre-booking too. 
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6 Circular National Trust Walks for Autumn (with playgrounds and cafes)

This is an advert for October 2024. As always, please double check information with venues direct before heading out for the most up to date info (some walking routes may close in particularly bad weather). 

6 Circular National Trust Walks for Autumn (with playgrounds and cafes)

Autumn is my favourite time of year for heading out for a walk. You just can't beat those crisp days where you wrap up, grab a hot drink and go for a stroll and some fresh air. I love the crunch of the leaves underfoot and the beautiful autumn colours. It's the best! 
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The Ultimate Guide to Christmas Markets in North East England 2024


I can't believe how quickly Christmas Market season has come around. As usual, I'm sharing my guide to the region's best Christmas Markets.

If you know of any other Christmas Markets in our region, please email the details to sam@northeastfamilyfun.co.uk You must include a website / FB event link to be considered for this post. 


The Ultimate Guide to Christmas Markets in North East England 2022



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What's On for Kids - October (+ Half Term) | North East England



This post contains adverts and affiliate links. Always check t&cs direct with venue when booking events and deals and check details with attractions direct before heading out as info can change. You can do this by clicking the blue links in the post. 





If you're looking for more ideas for days out, why not join our FREE days out Facebook group here. 

Please note, Half Term dates do vary depending on your county/school so make sure you double check before booking or planning everything. 
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Where to Celebrate New Year's Eve in the North East with Kids (2024)


It's always tricky when you have kids and are trying to organise something the whole family will enjoy for New Year's Eve.

We normally have a family party at home but as the children are growing older, I would like to plan something special in the next few years. Here are a few ways to celebrate New Year's Eve in the North East that are child-friendly this year:


Where to Celebrate New Year's Eve in the North East with Kids (2024)



It is super important that you check details with organisers direct both when making plans and before heading out as information can change and as we all know, cancellations and event changes are very possible. 

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Pick Your Own Pumpkins within a 90 Minute Drive of Newcastle Upon Tyne

This post has been updated to include pumpkin patches in 2024. 
 

Pick Your Own Pumpkins within a 90 Minute Drive of Newcastle Upon Tyne



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Where to Watch a Fireworks Display in North East England (2024)

Where to watch a Fireworks Display in North East England in 2024

Please remember times and events can change (especially as the weather does). Always double-check event details with venues direct before heading out.

Many of these events may be cancelled or postponed due to the current storm so definitely check with them direct.

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The Cheapest North East Light Trails 2024

This post is currently being updated for 2024. 


The Cheapest North East Light Trails 2024




Just to let you know, the light trail at Gibside has now ended and they will be sharing a more traditional Christmas experience this year. 
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5 Reasons to Stay at Hiba Lodge, Cayton Bay Holiday Park

 This is an advert for September 2024 and based on a visit in September 2024. Some photos in this post were taken on previous visits. As always, please do check with venues direct for the most up-to-date information as this can change. 

5 Reasons to Stay at Hiba Lodge, Cayton Bay Holiday Park
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20+ Halloween Events in North East England

This post contains adverts and is in the process of being updated for 2024. Please always double check info with venues direct when booking and heading out as details can change. 

20+ Halloween Events in North East England 2021

Please also check out the following posts: 

 
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What's On in the North East for Kids & Teens | September 2024

 AD - This post includes adverts. Always check information with venues direct when booking and before heading out as information can change. You can do this by clicking the event links in the post. 


What's On in the North East for Kids & Teens | September 2024


I hope you enjoy your guide to what's on in September. There's quite a bit going on this month including Heritage Open Days, the last performances for 2024 of Kynren and Happy Rooms is drawing to a close. 

Towards the end of the month, Pumpkin Patches are starting to open too. 
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10 Things to do in Belfast City

This post is based on a visit in August 2024 and everything mentioned was paid for by myself. Please check with venues direct for the most up-to-date info as it can change. 


10 Things to do in Belfast City


Belfast is somewhere Harry is considering applying to for Uni next year. Joining a University in Northern Ireland has lots of pros and cons which we have gone through however nothing beats actually visiting a city to get a feel for it. 

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A Day Trip to Verona

This is based on a visit in June 2024 by myself and Steve. We paid for our own activities. Please check with venues direct for the most up-to-date information. 

During our trip to Lake Garda in June 2024, we decided to take two train trips. One to Venice (90 mins by train direct) and another to Verona (13 mins by train direct). 

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Venice, I Love You

This post is based on a visit (just myself and Steve) in June 2024 paid for by ourselves. Always check with venues direct for the most op to date info. 



I absolutely love Italy and have previously enjoyed trips to Genoa, Tuscany and Florence (plus we are off to Rome in the Autumn). Venice has never really been a bucket list destination for me though. 

However when we were planning our trip to Lake Garda, lots of people mentioned that we must visit Venice as it's only 90 minutes on the train direct. It felt like we had to. I debated for ages about actually staying over and in the end, I did book a hotel and I'm so pleased we did as Venice at night was just magical. 
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The Coastal Cruiser Walk from Whitley Bay to South Shields

Ad - this is an advert for August 2024. Any shares / edits beyond this date have not been asked or paid for. Always check with venues direct for the most up to date info, especially regarding public transport and road/path closures. 


The Coastal Cruiser Walk from Whitley Bay to South Shields


Go Smarter, Go Active is a campaign dedicated to getting more people across the North East walking & cycling whether this be for a day out or everyday journey. 

Their website is packed with lots of FREE handy resources to help with walking and cycling across the region. 

We recently tried one of their Travel Itineraries which was FREE to download to our phone.
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High Force Waterfall Walk and Lunch

 AD - This is an advert for August 2024. Any edits / shares beyond this date have not been asked or paid for. It's really important you check with the venue direct for the most up-to-date info as this can change (especially opening hours). You can do that here: https://www.raby.co.uk/high-force/waterfall/

This post is based on a visit in August 2024 but does contain a few photos from previous visits too. 



High Force Waterfall is one of the most spectacular waterfalls in England. Located at Forest-in-Teesdale in the Durham Dales, it's a stunning part of North East England and certainly worth a visit. 

The waterfall falls an impressive 21 metres and the surrounding rocks date back over 300 million years! You can physically see the changes in the rock formation and there are information boards where you can learn more. 
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A Guide to North East National Trust Playgrounds

 AD - This is an advert for July 2024. Any edits / shares beyond this date have not been asked or paid for. Always check with venues direct for the most up-to-date information, especially regarding opening hours. When I talk about dogs in this post I am referring to pet dogs rather than assistance dogs who are of course, permitted everywhere. 

A Guide to North East National Trust Playgrounds


We are blessed with some absolutely fantastic playgrounds at National Trust sites across North East England. These playgrounds are excellent places to visit all year round, are very well maintained with seating nearby and usually somewhere to grab a drink too. 
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Happy Rooms Review

AD - This is an advert for August 2024. All thoughts are our own. Any shares / edits beyond this date have not been asked or paid for. As always, please check with venue direct for the most up-to-date information as info can change. You can do that here: https://stellarcreates.co.uk/product/happy-rooms/


Happy Rooms Review



Happy Rooms is a fun, inclusive and colourful self-led indoor trail designed to bring joy and happiness to all. Located in Middlesbrough Town Centre, it's £5 per child and £7 per adult (under 2s are free but still require a ticket) and needs to be booked in advance.

You visit 12 'Happy Rooms' in your own time and order and can stay as long/little as you like (well, until closing). We spent 90 minutes there but think with younger children, a visit will probably last around 2 hours. 
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Warwick Castle Hotel Short Break Review

 AD - this post is based on a press stay in July 2024 and includes affiliate links. Any shares / edits beyond this have not been asked or paid for. Always check with venue direct for the most up to date info. Evening entertainment will change depending on the time of year.

You can check for the most up-to-date info here: Warwick Castle Website 


Warwick Castle Hotel Short Break Review



We recently enjoyed a fantastic weekend at Warwick Castle. We stayed in the recently opened Warwick Castle Hotel, dined in the Knight's Kingdom restaurant, enjoyed free evening entertainment including Archery, Knight School and Face Painting and had the best day at Warwick Castle. 
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Raby Castle, Park & Gardens Review

AD - This is an advert for July 2024. Any edits / shares beyond this date have not been asked or paid for. This post is based on a visit in July 2024.

Raby Castle, Park & Gardens Review

 
It is really important you check with the venue direct for the most up-to-date information before visiting, especially regarding current opening hours & pricing as info can change over time. You can do that here: https://www.raby.co.uk/raby-castle/

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A Day of Adventures at Cragside

AD. This is an advert for July 2024. Any edits / reshares beyond this date have not been asked or paid for. This post is based on a visit in July 2024 (where we travelled by bus) but does also include a few photos and info from previous visits too.


A Day of Adventures at Cragside 


Always check with venues direct for the most up to date information before heading out. Especially regarding opening hours, timetables, current offers and prices.

You can do that here:
https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/north-east/cragside/useful-information-for-your-visit-at-cragside

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The Viking Village & Kynren 2024 : All You Need To Know

 AD - This is an advert for July 2024 and based on a visit to Kynren's Press Performance in July 2024. Always check with venue direct for the most up-to-date info as it can change over time. You can do that here: https://www.11arches.com/kynren


The Viking Village & Kynren 2024 : All You Need To Know

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7 Reasons to Visit the Grainger Market

 AD - This is an advert for July 2024. Any edits / shares beyond this date have not been asked or paid for. Always check information with venues direct when making plans as information can change over time. 

You can check their website here:
https://ourgraingermarket.co.uk/welcome-grainger-market

7 Reasons to Visit the Grainger Market


The Grainger Market! A place to wander and wonder since 1835. For me, it's a place that holds so many special memories.

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The Ultimate Guide to What's On in the North East for Kids | Summer Holidays 2024



The Ultimate Guide to What's On in the North East for Kids | Summer Holidays 2024


Disclosure : AD This post contains advertisements and affiliate links. The information in this post is for guidance only and it is super important you check with venues direct for the most accurate and up-to-date information when making plans or before heading out.

I am in the process of updating this post for Summer 2024. In the meantime, please check out my Instagram which has LOADS of ideas for things to do: Follow North East Family Fun on Instagram Here


A few people have also asked for my 'buy me a coffee' link to say thanks so here it is: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/NEFamilyFun


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New Playground at Danby Lodge National Park Centre

 AD - This is an advert for July 2024 and based on a visit in that month. Any shares / edits beyond this date have not been paid for. 

The information in this post was last checked in July 2024 - it's important to always check info with venue direct before heading out as info can change.

You can do that here: https://www.northyorkmoors.org.uk/things-to-do/attractions/Danby-Lodge-National-Park-Centre

New Playground at Danby Lodge National Park Centre

A brand new playground has opened at Danby Lodge National Park Centre this summer and it's definitely worth adding to your summer plans. 

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What's On in North East England for Kids & Teens | July 2024

 This is a short what's on guide covering the first two weeks in July. My main 'Summer Holiday What's On' guide will cover from 19 July - start of Seot and will be published w/c 15 July so look out for that one.





 If you'd like a list of events and ideas for things to do for the coming weekend send straight to your inbox every Thursday, please sign up to my mailing list here. It's FREE. 

Recent posts you may have missed: 


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The Story Durham | A Free Day Out in Durham

AD - This is an advert for June 2024 and is based on a visit in June 2024. Any edits / shares after this date have not been asked or paid for. Please always check info with venue direct before heading out, especially regarding opening hours and events as these can change at the last minute. 


The Story Durham | A Free Day Out in Durham


  • The Story Durham is a brand new visitor attraction in Durham 

  • Free to visit and open daily (closed Bank Holidays)
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Pegswood Park Review

This post is based on a visit in May 2024. Always check with venue direct for the most up to date info as information and facilities can change over time. 

Pegswood Park Review


This is one of the best playgrounds I've visited recently. I had no idea it was here until one of the design team messaged me on TikTok to let me know about it and suggested I pop in if I was passing. I was intrigued so decided to make a special trip. I'm so pleased I did. 

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Del Garda Village and Camping : Lake Garda Eurocamp Review

 This post is based on a stay in June 2024. As always, it's important to check details with venues direct when planning your own trip as facilities and info can change. 

Our accommodation was provided via a competition win. We paid for our own flights and activities. 

Del Garda Village and Camping : Lake Garda Eurocamp Review


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What's On in the North East for Kids & Teens - June 2024

This post contains adverts. There are loads of events planned for June and it certainly feels like a bumper month. This post is scheduled in advance and information can change - always check with venues direct for the most up-to-date information before setting off. 

What's On in the North East for Kids & Teens - June 2023


If you visit anywhere and would like to recommend to others this month, please share your photos and a mini review in our Facebook group here. You can do this at any time. 

If you're an event organiser, you can share upcoming events in our Days Out Facebook Group every Friday (one event per business per week). The group has almost 60k members and this is a FREE service. 

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Wylam Jubilee Field and Playground

This post is based on a visit in May 2024. As always, please check with venue direct for any changes before heading out. 

A small (ish) playground which is very accessible by car and public transport with a good range of equipment for under 10s in good condition. River walks and cafes nearby. 


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Souter Lighthouse to Marsden Grotto | A Short Pushchair Friendly Walk

 This post is based on a visit in May 2024. Please check with venues for the most up-to-date info, especially regarding car parking, costs and opening hours as these regularly change. 

Souter Lighthouse to Marsden Grotto | A Short Pushchair Friendly Walk


This is a lovely short walk to enjoy along the South Tyneside Coast. 

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National Museum of the Royal Navy, Hartlepool | Review

 This review is based on a visit in May 2024 with three adults, one 8 year old (Evan) and one 13 year old (Jack). This is not an ad/collaboration.  Please check with venue direct for the most up to date information as opening times, prices and other info can change over time. 


National Museum of the Royal Navy, Hartlepool | Review

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Is Ad Gefrin Child Friendly?

 This post is based on a visit which we paid for ourselves in April 2024. As always, please check with venues direct for the most up-to-date info, especially regarding opening times and costs. 





Ad Gefrin is a visitor attraction in Wooler, Northumberland. There are three main parts to Ad Gefrin and you can visit just one aspect, two areas or go all out and enjoy the full experience as we did. The main areas are: 

  • Anglo-Saxon Museum 
  • Distillery (Tours & Tastings) 
  • Bistro 
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May 2024 : What's On for Kids & Teens across North East England (+ Half Term)

ADVERT. This post contains adverts & affiliate links. Please always check with venues direct for the most up-to-date information before setting off, especially regarding dates/times, age guidance and whether booking is required. This info is subject to change. 

What's On for Kids & Teens across North East England : May 2024 (+ Half Term)



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Thrunton Woods Crag Top Circular Walk

 This post is based on a visit in April 2024. Please check with venue direct for the most up to date info, especially regarding areas of the woods which are closed, before setting out. You can do that here: https://www.forestryengland.uk/thrunton-wood


AD. - I have worked with Breamish Valley Cottages and Copper Beech Cottages in the past, however they have not asked or paid to be included in this post. 


Thrunton Woods Crag Top Circular Walk

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25 FREE Days Out for Rainy Days in North East England

This post will share 25 FREE days out across North East England and was published in April 2024.

Please always check with venues direct for the most up to date information and opening hours before heading out. 





Public transport info was checked in April 2024 but timetables do change. Please either check a venue's website for current travel info or use Rome2Rio to plan your route before checking timetables direct with providers. 
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Alnwick Castle 2024 Review

This post was published in April 2024. Please check with venue direct for the most up-to-date info, especially regarding opening hours and admission costs. Our most recent visit was in April 2024 however some of the photos/info in this post is from previous visits.

Alnwick Castle 2024 Review


We love visiting Alnwick Castle and have visited a few times over the years, especially back in the day when you could buy a combo annual pass for both the castle and gardens (no longer available).
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Drop In Play Areas in Newcastle City Centre

This post was published in April 2024. Please check with venues direct for the most up-to-date info as details can change over time. ALWAYS check opening hours direct before heading out. 


Drop In Play Areas in Newcastle City Centre


Now that Jungle Jack's has closed in Eldon Square, it kind of feels like there is a bit of a lack of play areas in Newcastle City Centre so I thought I would put together a few ideas. 

Not all of these suggestions are traditional play areas, but they all should provide entertainment / something to do for kids. 

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5 Car-Free Eurocamp Holidays from Newcastle

This post was published in April 2024. Please check with venues direct for the most up-to-date pricing and travel info. 





We love a Eurocamp (or similar) holiday. They're generally nice and relaxed with good facilities on site and relatively inexpensive when compared to other holiday types. 
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The Best Places to Stay in Seahouses

This post was published in April 2024. Prices last checked April 2024. Please check with venues direct for the most up-to-date-info.  

AD - Post includes previous press stays however nobody has asked / paid to be included in this article. The link for Bamburgh Castle Inn is an affiliate link. 



The Best Places to Stay in Seahouses



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What's On for Kids in North East England | Easter & April 2024

what's on for kids in north east england - Easter 2023


AD. - This post contains adverts & affiliate links. Please always double check informtion with venues direct before setting off as things can change.


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Middleton Lodge Forest Spa Review

 This post is based on a visit in March 2024 which was paid for by myself. Please check with venue direct for the most up-to-date info and pricing. 

Middleton Lodge Forest Spa Review


Middleton Lodge Forst Spa had been on my friend's bucket list for ages and when she asked if I'd like to join her for the day as part of her birthday celebrations, my arm was easily twisted.

It's fairly expensive though so we decided to wait for their Black Friday deals which I'm glad we did. We managed to purchase discounted vouchers and booked as part of their Christmas sale so what should have been an (out of budget for me) £300pp spa day ended up costing us around £160pp which although still expensive, was exceptional value when you consider what was included. 
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Explore Alnwick with the Visit Northumberland App

 AD - This is an advert for March 2024. Any shares / edits beyond this date have not been asked or paid for. Always check with venues direct for the most up to date info. Step into Alnwick is funded by North of Tyne Combined Authority. 

Explore Alnwick with the Visit Northumberland App


The Visit Northumberland app is FREE to download for both Apple and Android users. Now I was born and bred in Northumberland and raised my children here. Plus thanks to my job, I reckon I have probably enjoyed more days out in the region than the average person.

 

So you can imagine my surprise when the Visit Northumberland app presented some options for a day out which I'd never even heard of! 

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Athens with a Teenager - Itinerary & Tips

This post is based on a visit in April 2024. We have chosen and paid for everything mentioned in this post ourselves however most of the links are (ad) affiliate. Information last checked and correct March 2024. Always check with venues direct for the most up to date information as it can change. 



Athens with a Teenager - Our Itinerary & Planning Tips

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What's On in the North East | March 2024

AD - This post contains adverts and affiliate links. This post was published in February 2024 and full opening hours may not have been announced. It's SUPER important you check up-to-date opening hours & info with venues direct before heading out, especially over Bank Holidays. 


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16 Things to Do in Sunderland with Kids

This post was published in February 2024. Always check with venues direct for the most-up-to-date info before heading out, especially regarding opening hours. 

16 Things to Do in Sunderland with Kids

Most of the places mentioned in this post are in the City Centre and easy to walk to on foot however a few are located on the outskirts and a quick bus/Metro ride may be easier with little legs. 

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Thompson Park Sunderland Guide

This post is based on a visit in February 2024 and information/facilities can change over time. Please check with venues direct for the most up-to-date info. 

Thompson Park Sunderland Guide


Thompson Park in Sunderland has recently received a substantial £740,000 investment and is a fantastic place to spend the day. 
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North Shields Fish Quay to Tynemouth Market Weekend Walk Idea

 
North Shields Fish Quay to Tynemouth Market Weekend Walk Idea

This is such a lovey weekend walk idea to try as a couple, with friends or kids. It's dog friendly too. We park at Low Lights Car Park on North Shields Fish Quay which is free and walk up to the market then back again.

It's around 3k in total so not a big walk but it is up hill on the way there (although there are seats and I've managed to push a buggy up here a few times). 
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