Llandrindod Wells

All’s well in Wells

This elegant town in the heart of Powys has attracted day trippers and permanent residents for centuries thanks to its spa waters, picture-postcard looks and idyllic setting

DID YOU KNOW? It’s twinned with two other spa towns, Bad Rappenau and Contrexéville

Y Gwalia, which opened as a hotel in 1902, is now a municipal building

Llandrindod Wells – sometimes known locally as simply “Dod” – is the centre of the Powys region and an important spot for the area. It was first established as a spa town in the 19th century when the apparent healing qualities of the local spring waters attracted visitors to the area resulting in an economic boom, leading to the building of Llandrindod Hall luxury hotel.

Its appeal dipped after a while but this was reversed when the Heart of Wales railway made Llandrindod accessible from south Wales, the Midlands and northwest England. Visitors arrived from May to September to take the waters at the Rock Park and Pump House Hotel, while being entertained by orchestras. Hotels, restaurants and shops sprang up, and the economy boomed. In the 1870s, an ornamental lake was formed by draining marshland near the Pump House, and tourists also enjoyed golf, horse racing and air shows beside the river. Strong spirit

Harder times

used as billets, while refugees and wounded soldiers were also accommodated in the town. In the postwar era Llandrindod suffered a similar depression to the rest of the country, losing much of its industry. Becoming the administrative centre for Powys boosted the economy with an influx of new employment in the 1970s and it has seen steady improvement since – in fact, the town was voted the happiest in Wales in 2017.

Perhaps this can be partly attributed to the town’s readiness to embrace the era in which it flourished – its Victorian heyday. Many local landmarks still proudly showcase the Llandrindod Wells of yesteryear: the Metropole and Glen Usk hotels, the Albert Hall theatre, Llandrindod railway station (built in 1865) and the county council building adjacent to it.

The town’s inhabitants also relive its former glories in an annual Victorian Festival that has grown to become one the largest of its kind in the UK. Many locals celebrate by dressing in Victorian, Edwardian or other antique costumes, and many of the town’s shops and businesses dress their windows or otherwise join in the spirit of the event.

Llandrindod Wells continues to thrive despite challenging times thanks to the strength of its community spirit. The town has no fewer than 100 community groups responsible for everything from green spaces to theatrics, and they all pull together to create a packed calendar of local events – festivals, summer carnivals, firework displays, raft races, singalongs and talent nights, as well as all manner of Christmas fun.

Llandrindod is also the location of the National Cycle Museum, which has around 250 cycles of all vintages demonstrating the development of the bicycle through the ages.

At the lake, where there were once deckchairs and Victorian ladies, there is a huge metal dragon sculpture spouting water, model boats and pedalos in the summer. There’s no doubt Llandrindod Wells will continue to draw on its past to create a strong future for many generations to come.

The lake’s impressive dragon sculpture

THINGS TO SEE AND DO

Llandrindod Wells Lake Park

LD1 6BL, 01597 822 600

The National Cycle Museum

The Automobile Palace, Temple Street, Llandrindod Wells LD1 5DL www.cyclemuseum.org.uk, 01597 825531

The Radnorshire Museum

Temple Street, Llandrindod Wells LD1 5DL 01597 824513

SALE Starts Tuesday 4th January

The lanterns at Chester Zoo

DID YOU KNOW? Adopting an animal at the zoo makes a wonderful Christmas gift!

Set off on a great Christmas expedition to discover exotic illuminated wildlife and animal characters at Chester Zoo on selected days between 12th November and 23rd December.

The magical evening event gives you the chance to see the zoo in a whole new light. Let your imagination run wild and discover incredible spaces, each filled with colourful lanterns, spectacular costumed characters and Christmas scenes.

Timed entrance is available between 4pm to 8.15pm. Tickets cost £13 for adults and £11 for children; under-twos are free. www.chesterzoo.org

Firework and laser display at Blakemere

See the sky above Cheshire light up as Blakemere’s firework display takes place on 6th November. Families can also walk through Cheshire Woodlands and enjoy a mini laser light show. The visual experience runs at regular intervals from 5.30pm to 8pm. There is also a fairground, food and drink plus late-night shopping in the Edwardian Courtyard.

Gates open at 5.15pm and the firework display starts at 7pm. Family tickets cost £21, over-16s £7, under-16s £5, under-twos free. Book at www.

ticketsource.co.uk/blakemerefireworkdisplay

Panto fun at Northwich Memorial Court

The Very Hungry Caterpillar

Show, 13th November The timeless classic makes its way off the page and on to the stage with a menagerie of 75 loveable puppets. 1pm & 3pm. Tickets from £11.

Sleeping Beauty, 7th-31st

December Anton Benson Productions returns with another magical pantomime. This year’s show also marks 10 years of everyone’s favourite comic, Ryan Greaves, in Northwich. Show times vary. Tickets from £13. www.brioleisure.org

WHAT’S ON IN BRIEF

6TH-28TH NOVEMBER

•6th November, Neil Howard

Stage Rally and Fireworks,

Oulton Park Rally cars take on several stages and the circuit’s legendary water splash section. As the rally ends, one of Cheshire’s most spectacular fi reworks displays gets under way! From 8am. Adults £19, children £11, under-13s free. www.oultonpark.co.uk

•7th November, Changing

Places walk, Congleton

Museum Using images of Congleton taken over the past 100 years, this walk will show you how the main streets of the town have developed to meet the changing needs of its inhabitants. 2pm. Adults £4, children £1, members £2.50. Booking essential. www.congletonmuseum.co.uk

•Until 14th November,

Nature & Climate Change, Chester Grosvenor Museum

An exhibition exploring how nature is a ected by climate change, and how it’s one of our greatest allies in facing the challenges to come. Tuesday-Saturday, 10.30am5pm; Sunday, 1pm-4pm. Free entry. grosvenormuseum. westcheshiremuseums.co.uk

Visit Santa’s enchanted grotto

Visit Chester city centre’s only enchanted grotto this Christmas, in the Grosvenor Shopping Centre, and immerse yourself in a magical winter wonderland experience. Bookable slots are available from 26th November to 24th December.

Follow the path to discover Santa’s grotto, where you’ll have an unforgettable visit with the big guy himself. Every child gets a gift from Father Christmas, straight from the North Pole via Weasel & The Bug independent toy shop. You’re welcome to snap away during the experience with an optional souvenir photograph available to commemorate your visit. SEN sessions are available for children with additional needs.

Tickets cost £10 per child and £5 per adult. Book your place now at www.experiencechester. co.uk/event/santas-enchanted-grotto.

•19th

November Nantwich Christmas Lights Switch-On Market

Take a stroll around the 35-plus stalls featuring an eclectic array of seasonal produce, bespoke and handcrafted gifts. There are also artisan markets on 20th November and 11th December. 12.30pm-7.30pm.

•27th & 28th November,

Lantern Walk, Norton Priory,

Runcorn See the museum and gardens in a whole new light, as incredible light installations bring the woodlands alive and the medieval remains of the priory play host to a fantastical fi re garden. www.nortonpriory.org

CHRISTMAS AT BOLESWORTH

The beautiful parkland at Bolesworth Castle in Tattenhall will be transformed into a stunning festive scene from 26th November to 24th December. The unforgettable after-dark experience includes a one-mile Christmas light trail, Santa’s grotto, reindeer, fairground, a lights and laser show, a Christmas market and covered ice skating. Visitors can also book the champagne island, which give great views of the castle.

Entrance costs from £19 for adults and £12.50 for children (three to 12 years). Under-threes are free. Extra charges apply for Santa’s grotto, ice skating and the champagne island. www.bolesworth.com

DID YOU KNOW? Bolesworth hosts a major annual international showjumping event

Nostalgic nights at Live Rooms Chester

Martin Kemp’s Back to the 80s, 18th

November The Spandau Ballet star takes to the decks, spinning the best of the hits from the 1980s. 7pm. Tickets £20. Over-18s only.

The Bryan Adams Experience, 10th

December A celebration of the hit songs and enduring popularity of Bryan Adams. Formed in 1997, this four-piece band replicate live performances that can only be surpassed by Adams himself. 7pm. Tickets £10. www.theliverooms.com

Firework spectacular at Gulliver’s

Head to Gulliver’s World Resort in Warrington on 6th November for a special fireworks event. Enjoy hours of theme park rides, attractions and entertainment, followed by a spectacular display in the evening. Themed areas across the park include Safari Kingdom and The Lost World of the Living Dinosaurs. Open noon to 8pm. Entry £24.

www.gulliversworldresort.co.uk

Festive delights at Chester Market

Chester’s Christmas Market takes place from 18th November to 22nd December, featuring more than 70 stalls housed in traditional wooden chalets. With everything from seasonal crafts and decorations to delicious food and beverages, the event is sure to leave you feeling festive. The market opens at 10.30am and closes at 6.30pm Sunday to Wednesday and 8pm Thursday to Saturday. www.facebook.

com/ChesterChristmasMarket

Magic and marathons at Pyramid

James Phelan: Mindblown!, 26th

November Viral sensation James Phelan brings you his new smash-hit magical prank show. 8pm. Tickets from £11.50.

An Evening With Nick Butter, 27th November The first person to run a marathon in every country shares his amazing tales. 7.30pm. Tickets from £19. parrhall.culturewarrington.org

Meet Father Christmas at Quarry Bank

Meet Father Christmas, 4th-19th

December A special half-hour session of festive storytelling and crafts, including a family visit to Father Christmas and a gift. From 10am. £10. Normal admission applies.

Percy The Park Keeper’s Winter Wander Trail, 4th December-

3rd January Join in the fun with Percy and his animal friends and give nature a helping hand around the estate. Open from 10.30am to 3pm. Trail tickets £2, normal admission applies. www.nationaltrust.org.uk/quarry-bank

JOKES APLENTY AT PARR HALL

Rob Brydon: A Night of Songs & Laughter, 8th November With a live band, Rob shares his musical journey from south Wales to the West End. 7.30pm. Tickets £36.

Katherine Ryan, 2nd December Hear the Canadian comedian’s hilarious new perspectives on life, love, and what it means to be Mrs. 8pm. Tickets from £24.50.

Ultra 90s, 17th December Classic chart, dance and club anthems, from Snap to 2 Unlimited. 9pm. Tickets from £26.

parrhall.culturewarrington.org

WHAT’S ON IN BRIEF

27TH NOVEMBER4TH DECEMBER

•27th & 28th November,

Knutsford Christmas Market

Featuring more than 120 traders each day, selling the fi nest foods, drinks, crafts and gifts from the local area, this is the perfect place to start your Christmas shopping. The Saturday market coincides with the Santa Parade at 5pm and the Christmas Light SwitchOn at 6pm. Saturday, noon7pm; Sunday 11am-4pm. www. knutsfordtowncouncil.gov.uk

•28th

November, Wreath Making, Mojo Creative Workshop, Lymm

Make a show-stopping artifi cial wreath for your front door that you’ll be able to use year after year. 2pm-4pm. £45. www.mojo-lymm.co.uk

•3rd & 10th December,

Christmas Wreath Making, Cholmondeley Castle Gardens

Create your own Christmas wreath under the guidance of head gardener Barry Grain, using foliage from the Cholmondeley Gardens. The course takes place in the café, where mince pies, mulled wine and hot drinks will be served. 10.30am-12.30pm. £40. www.cholmondeleycastle.com

•3rd-5th December, A

Christmas Carol, The Harlequin

Theatre, Northwich Suitable for all ages, the quintessential Christmas story has been adapted specifi cally for the Harlequin Theatre. Can Scrooge realise the error of his ways before it’s too late? 2pm & 7.45pm. Adults £11, under-16s £6. www.harlequinplayers.com

•4th December, Christmas

Wreath Making, The Goshawk,

Chester Get into the Christmas spirit and discover the art of making your own festive wreath. 10am-noon. £45, including refreshments.

Spectacular show at Winter Watch Parade

DID YOU KNOW? The parade through Chester is led by the Lord of Misrule

Dating from the 1400s and once held at Christmas, Chester’s Winter Watch Parade now takes place on the first two Thursdays in December, which this year is 2nd and 9th December. Marvel at dance performances and sword fights, as well as the elaborate costumes. The fun starts at 7pm. www.

midsummerwatch.co.uk/winter-watch-parade

Dunham Massey’s magical evening

The illuminated trail through Dunham Massey’s festive gardens returns for its fifth year from 19th November to 2nd January. More than one million lights, lasers and seasonal sounds will fill the air along the trail.

Timed entry is available from 4.30pm. Adults from £21, children £13.50, under-twos free. www.

nationaltrust.org.uk /dunham-massey

Celebrating words in Chester

Chester Literature Festival returns to Storyhouse from 6th

to 20th November,

with fun and thought-provoking events, performances and conversations. This year, the festival – one of the longest-running literature events in the country – has a packed programme of visiting poets, writers, broadcasters, wordsmiths and actors. For show times and ticket prices visit www.storyhouse.com.

RETAIL THERAPY AT ARLEY HALL

Shopping Spectacular, 9th & 10th November

Over 60 handpicked stalls offering delicious food and stunning gifts. All ticket proceeds will support a family affected by childhood cancer. Doors open at 9.30am. Tickets from £8.50.

Watercolour & Sketching Days: Christmas

Sparkle, 29th & 30th November Suitable for everyone from beginners to intermediates, with lots of demonstrations and techniques to view. From 10.30am. Tickets £65 including art materials. www.

arleyhalland gardens.com

Delights at Delamere Forest

Discover sparkling tunnels of light, walk under giant baubles and beneath trees drenched in jewel-like colour in Delamere Forest, Frodsham, from 26th November to 31st December. Pause for a moment of reflection in the fire garden and gaze at the flickering flames. Don’t forget to keep your eyes peeled, especially if you have little ones, because you might even glimpse Father Christmas along the way.

Open from 4.30pm to 8.45pm. Adult trail £19.50, children £13.50, parking £8. To book, visit www.forestryengland.uk/delamere-forest

Explore Roman Chester

Tour Chester with a Roman soldier, who will guide you on a journey through the city’s Roman heritage. Gain a unique insight into life in Roman Britain and see sights including the amphitheatre and remains hidden away in the basements of the high street shops.

Tours depart at noon and 3pm and last 90 minutes. Tickets from £8 for over-12s, £4 for children ve to 11 and £20 for families.

www.roman toursuk.com

Live theatre at Crewe Lyceum

Stick Man, 22nd & 23rd November What starts as a morning jog becomes quite an adventure for Stick Man. How will he ever get back to the family tree? Times vary. Tickets £18.50 adults, £16.50 children. shape our musical Christmas? 7.30pm. Tickets from £32.

DID YOU KNOW? Amelia Lily has been in the stage musicals Joseph and Shrek

WHAT’S ON IN BRIEF

4TH-31ST DECEMBER

•4th, 5th, 11th, 12th & 18th-24th

December, Santa’s Magical Drive-In, Tarvin Sands Reindeer Centre, Tarvin

A 40-minute, fun-packed musical pantomime that is sure to bring you some cheer. You will need to have a working, tuneable radio in your car that can receive an FM signal. Shows from noon. From £20 for a car plus two people to £70 for a car plus seven people. www.tarvinsands.com

Roy Wood and his Rock & Roll Band, 2nd

December What better way to celebrate the holiday season than with a man who has helped

Sleeping Beauty, 10th

December-2nd January Starring Bobby Davro and Amelia Lily. Show times vary. Tickets from £21.75. www.crewelyceum.co.uk

Christmas at Chester Cathedral

Christmas Carols, 4th

& 11th December A concert with a selection of traditional and popular songs for Christmas. 7.30pm Tickets from £10, including mulled wine and a mince pie.

The Snowman, 18th

December Immerse yourself in the irresistible animated tale, accompanied by a live orchestra. Performances at 1.45pm, 4pm and 6.30pm. Tickets from £16 adults and £12 children.

Belle Voci, 20th December The opera stars return for their annual Christmas extravaganza, joined by sublime vocalists and musicians. 7.30pm. Tickets from £14.40.

www.chestercathedral.com

Party time with Chester Boat

Chester Boat sets sail every Saturday. Choose your theme and your date, and sail back in time through your favourite musical era, from 1970s to Motown, 1990s to Mamma Mia!

Cruises depart at 7.30pm and tickets cost £33.50, which includes a glass of wine, a buffet and a disco. www.chesterboat.co.uk

See two firework displays at the Lord Mayor’s Firework Extravaganza at Chester Racecourse on 6th November. A display for toddlers at 6.45pm is followed by the main event at 7.30pm, which is set to music. There will be a wide range of food vendors on site too. Gates open at 5pm and entry costs £5 per person when booked in advance (£7 on the day). www.chester-races.com

Chester’s firework extravaganza

Winter highlights on stage at Chester Little Theatre

The Next Doctor Cosmos, 4th-6th November

Alice is a woman with a secret: once upon a time, she lived a double life as Doctor Cosmos, the most powerful superhero in the known universe.

Murder On The Rerun, 4th-11th December In a dark chalet, friends are playing sardines. Then Jane is found dead at the bottom of the stairs… Tickets from £5. www.chesterlittletheatre.co.uk

•9th December, Tabley Carol

Concert, St Peter’s Chapel,

Tabley House, Knutsford The Border Singers will once again lead the singing of beloved carols and festive songs, interspersed with amusing and seasonal readings for the Christmas season. Followed by mince pies and madeira. 7.30pm. Adults £17, Friends of Tabley and volunteers £15. www.tableyhouse.co.uk

•12th

December, A Christmas Carol Recitation, Capesthorne Hall, nr Macclesfi eld

Get into the Christmas spirit with a recitation of Charles Dickens’ ghostly tale. Not suitable for under-fi ves. 2.30pm. Adults £12.50, children £6. www.capesthorne.com

•Abbeywood Gardens, Delamere Abbeywood Gardens has lots to o er, including six acres of informal and formal gardens. Children can enjoy the 2km wildlife walk, incorporating 27 acres of mature and newly planted woodland. There is also a garden café and an outdoor children’s play area. 9am-5pm, closed Fridays and Saturdays. Adults £6, concessions £5, children free. www.abbeywoodestate.co.uk

•Lyme Park, Stockport The house, parkland and gardens at Lyme are open for you to enjoy a winter day out. 9am-4.30pm (house closed on Wednesdays). Adults £8, children £4, families £20. www.nationaltrust.org.uk/lyme

WHAT’S ON IN BRIEF

NOVEMBER & DECEMBER

•Manley Mere, Frodsham Have a fun day outdoors. Climb along the woodland adventure trail, which is suitable for children and adults alike and takes around two to three hours to complete. 10am-5pm. Trail tickets £12, under-fours free. www.manleymere.co.uk

•Nantwich Museum This quirky gallery has a programme of temporary exhibitions throughout the year for visitors to enjoy. Open TuesdaySunday, 10.30am-4.30pm. Free. www.nantwichmuseum.org.uk

•Brewhouse & Kitchen, Chester Join a beer or gin masterclass or beer and food matching. From £25 per person. www. brewhouseandkitchen.com

•Anderton Boat Lift, Northwich The boat lift is one of the “Seven Wonders of the Waterways” and with its fascinating visitor centre, co ee shop and new play area, it’s an unmissable place to visit. Parking from £2 for three hours. www.canalrivertrust.org.uk

•The Ice Cream Farm, Tattenhall There’s more than ice cream here: from Strawberry Falls Adventure Golf, Daisy’s Garden, Rocky Road and Silvercone racing track to Mini Scoop, Mini Tractors, and Gemstone Cove. 9am-5pm. From £1; additional charges apply for some attractions. Entry must be pre-booked. www.theicecreamfarm.co.uk

•Chester Ghost Tours Take a night-time journey every Thursday, Friday and Saturday, and visit the eerie haunts of Chester’s mysterious and murky past. 7.30pm. Adults £10, concessions £9, families £25. www.chesterghosttour.co.uk

Comedy and dance at Storyhouse

Susie Dent: The Secret Lives of Words, 6th

November A journey into the curious, unexpected, and downright surreal origins of the words we use every day with the lexical star of Countdown and 8 Out 10 Cats Does Countdown. 7.30pm. Tickets £24.

Cupid’s Revenge, 13th November The latest dance theatre comedy show by the groundbreaking performance company New Art Club is a joyful, physical and verbal outburst against the forces that masquerade as love. 8pm. Tickets from £14.85.

DID YOU KNOW? Susie Dent has appeared on over 4,500 episodes of Countdown

Oliver Twist!, 4th

December-16th January A street-savvy production of the Charles Dickens favourite. Big-hearted joy, feelgood songs, pursesnatchers and dogs – all live from the gutter this Christmas. Shows times vary from noon to 7pm. Tickets from £18. www.storyhouse.com

SEASONAL FUN AT TATTON PARK

One Snowy Night: A

Christmas Garden Tale, 27th November-3rd January A feelgood family event based on Nick Butterworth’s much-cherished book. You’ll need a trail sheet, winter woollies and a keen eye.

Father Christmas at the Farm, 27th November-

21st December Not only will you meet the big man himself, but there’s also a live nativity scene to enjoy in the stable. Hop into Santa’s sleigh for a selfie and make reindeer food at the mill.

Northern Chamber Orchestra, 10th December

A festive concert in the Tenants’ Hall, with festive songs sung by the Choir of St Nicholas Catholic High School, Northwich, and carols for everyone to join in with. Concerts at 3.30pm and 7pm.

Christmas Carols in the Stableyard, 19th

December A free event for everyone, with singing accompanied by the King Edward Musical Society Band and Choir. Pop into the gift shop for some last-minute Christmas gifts.

Garden entry costs £8 for adults, £6 for children, plus £8 for parking. www.tattonpark.org.uk

Fun science for all

Visit the Catalyst Science Discovery Centre in Widnes for an interactive experience for all ages. A host of exhibits and multimedia programmes bring a range of subjects to life from science and maths to engineering and technology. For opening times and prices, visit www.catalyst.org.uk.

Close encounters of the shark kind

Walk through an underwater shark tunnel at Blue Planet Aquarium in Cheshire Oaks, and watch as a kaleidoscope of sharks and sh swim over your head. Aquatheatre presentations featuring divers and a sh feed take place daily too. For more information, visit www.blueplanetaquarium.com.

Christmas quest at Beeston Castle

Explore Beeston Castle with the family-friendly Christmas adventure quest from 27th

November to 2nd January.

Find the clues dotted around the castle and discover fun facts and festive folklore. Adults £9.90, children £6.

www.english-heritage.org.uk

WHAT’S ON IN BRIEF

2ND-20TH NOVEMBER

FESTIVE FUN ON THE FARM

New for 2021, the Santa Experience at Church Farm in Thurstaston is an 80-minute journey around the farm by tractor and foot, with colourful characters, real reindeer, special effects, farm animals and a very special visit to Santa. The beautifully lit-up farm will have songs, dancing and audience participation, plus chocolate gifts for children.

There is a refreshment area where you can buy drinks and snacks and photo points too. There are various dates throughout December and tickets cost from £14. www.churchfarmevents.co.uk

DID YOU KNOW? Church Farm’s attractions include an indoor beach!

•2nd-3rd November, Wirral

Bazaar, Thornton Manor

With 70-plus stallholders, you’re bound to fi nd gifts for all the family! There are also refreshments and live music. Proceeds to North West Cancer Research. 2pm-8.30pm on the 2nd and 9.30am-3pm on the 3rd. £5. www.wirralbazaar.com

•3rd & 17th November &

1st & 15th December, Live Traditional Jazz, The Irby

Club, Irby Live jazz from the Original Panama Jazz Band every fi rst and third Wednesday of every month. Includes ra e. 8pm. Free. Call 01829 751815.

GET YOUR KIDS TO ACT UP!

Action Transport Theatre in Ellesmere Port runs Drama Droplets, for ages seven to 11, every Wednesday during term time and Drama Drop-In for ages 12 to 17. All groups are free and there are no auditions.

www.actiontransporttheatre.org

Get hands-on with animals!

Feed the animals at the Tam O’Shanter urban farm in Bidston Hill. The farm is open daily 9.30am to 5pm. For details, visit www. tamoshanterfarm.org.uk.

CINEMA PROMOTES INCLUSIVITY

Silver Screen weekday films at The Light Cinema in New Brighton are aimed at guests aged 60-plus but are open to anyone who wants to catch up with friends or meet new people. Each ticket includes a complimentary tea or coffee, and each screening is socially distanced. Autism-friendly screenings are also returning soon. newbrighton.lightcinemas.co.uk

Artistic licence See the ’Light

Pigmentum in Moreton has creative activities for all ages and abilities, including crochet on Wednesdays and wellness on Thursdays. Search Facebook for @PigmentumWirral. Join the knowledgeable guides in the village of Port Sunlight for a special 90-minute walking tour. Get a real insight into village life, and hear fascinating stories of the past and present. Tickets cost £7. www.portsunlightvillage.com

Curtains up at Gladstone Theatre

Crissy Rock, 4th November The Benidorm star is also one of the most outrageous standups of her generation. 7.30pm. Tickets £18.

Billy Mitchell & Bob Fox, 12th November A warm-hearted show ideal for audiences of all ages and musical persuasions. 7.30pm. Tickets £16.

Father Christmas Comes Up Trumps!, 5th

December This musical adaptation of Nicholas Allan’s book is the perfect combination of witty humour, fantastic music and festive sparkle. 1pm. Tickets from £11.50.

Jack & The Beanstalk, 11th-31st December

Dreamworld Entertainments returns with what promises to be the theatre’s biggest panto ever! Tickets from £14. www.

gladstonetheatre.org.uk

•6th November,

Mr Pratt’s Hybrids, Ness Botanic Gardens,

Neston Steve Lyus and Ness Botanic Garden’s former botanist Tim Baxter take an in-depth look at new developments in hybrid species. 2pm. Members free, non-members £2. www. liverpool.ac.uk/ness-gardens

•6th November, Linocut &

Print Christmas Cards, Chemist

& Co Studio, Hoylake A creative workshop with textile artist Catherine Carmyllie, who will teach you how to make and print a set of 10 festive cards. 12.15pm. £35, including materials such as cards, tools, inks, and lino. www.eventbrite.co.uk

•11th & 14th

November, ForgetMe-Not: A Wartime Concert Experience, Heswall Hall

Featuring vintage performer Lilli Moore. Profi ts to the Royal British Legion Poppy Appeal. Times vary. From £15. www.heswallhall.co.uk

•20th November, Defi brillator

Fundraiser, West Kirby Arts

Centre Like A Hurricane perform to support the appeal for a 24-hour community-access defi brillator. Snacks provided, and a ra e. 7pm. £10. www. westkirbyarts centre.org.uk

WHAT’S ON IN BRIEF

3RD-24TH DECEMBER

•3rd

& 17th December, Cocktails & Candles, The Barn, Heswall

Back by popular demand, this is the long-awaited return of The Barn’s collaboration with Blind Pig and Wirral Candle Co. The format is simple: drink three cocktails while making a beautifully scented candle! Times vary. £35. Email sammy @wirralcandle.company.

•12th

December, Organ Recital Series, Dome of Home, Wallasey

Organist Christian Spence and the canons and sisters of ICKSP perform Bach and Daquin for Advent and Christmas. Free. 4pm. domeofhome.org

•12th, 19th & 24th December,

Festive Family Carvery, Thornton Hall Hotel & Spa

Treat the family and enjoy entertainment by dancers and a DJ playing favourites from The Nutcracker, Frozen and The Grinch, plus a visit from Father Christmas with a selectionbox gift for the children. 12.30pm. £30 adults, £15 fi ve to 12 years, £5 under-fi ves. sales@thorntonhallhotel.com

Wander through the Winter Wonderlight

As darkness falls on the historic gardens of Thornton Manor, the grounds come alive with a glittering sprinkle of Christmas magic in Winter Wonderlight, a visually stunning, multi-sensory walk-through spectacular. The event takes place on Thursdays to Sundays from 26th November to 19th December, with entry from £16.50. Visitors can stroll under the stars beneath magically illuminated tree canopies, transformed by moving light. Look out for sparkling tunnels, flickering flames and mesmerising displays as they cast the stunning landscape in a whole new light – you may even spot Santa and his elves along the way!

A breathtaking light show finale brings the night sky to life. Complete your Christmas treat under the stars with spiced cider, mulled wine, hot chocolate and other traditional winter warmers. Book your place at www.thorntonmanor.co.uk.

DID YOU KNOW? Thornton Manor was the home of industrialist William Lever

•13th

December, Poets Corner: Midwinter, Hillbark Hotel, Frankby

Featured in many poetic works, midwinter is a signifi cant time of year in many cultures, marked by festivals and rituals celebrating the symbolic death and rebirth of the sun, as the nights grow longer and the days grow shorter. 10.30am. £8. www.hillbarkhotel.co.uk

•18th December, Festive Gin

Tasting, Tappers Gin Distillery,

Birkenhead This festive evening will start with a brief tour of the distillery, followed by a tasting led by Dr Steve Tapril bringing everyone good cheer, with the special Figgy Pudding Christmas Gin as part of the line-up. 7pm. £30. www.tappers gin.com

A different market every weekend!

The Christmas Market at Woodside Ferry Village in Birkenhead takes place every weekend from 13th November to 17th December, and is the perfect place to buy gifts that aren’t available on the high street.

Each weekend will see different independent businesses attend. The markets are open 11am to 6pm. For details, visit www.

woodsideferry village.co.uk.

Help needed

Want to make Wirral a more environmentally friendly place? Wirral Environmental Network would like to hear from you, especially if you’re a gardener or furniture repairer or have finance skills. Visit

www.wirralenvironmental

network.org.uk for more.

Buy! Buy! Buy!

West Kirby Farmers’ Market takes place from 9am to midday on the fourth Saturday of every month – with a Christmas market on 18th December – in St Andrew’s Church Hall and its car park. It showcases more than 20 local producers, who bring a huge range of produce including fruit, cheeses, yoghurts, eggs, pies, cakes, pastries, beers, ciders and more. www.

westkirby farmers market.co.uk

FESTIVE FUN AT THE FLORAL PAVILION

That’ll Be The Day, 1st November

A rollercoaster ride through the golden age of rock’n’roll and pop. 7.30pm. Tickets £28.25.

Eclipse: Pink Floyd Experience,

19th November With a complete performance of Pink Floyd’s epochmaking album, The Dark Side Of The Moon, plus music from The Wall, Wish You Were Here and The Division Bell. 8pm. Tickets £20.

Christmas Party Night: Nya King as Whitney, 2nd December

Looking and sounding like the queen of music herself, Nya gives a live performance that will leave you astounded! 7pm. Tickets £46.75 (including a three-course meal).

Christmas Party Night: Take On Take That, 3rd

December With authentic costumes, outstanding vocals and fabulous choreography, Take On Take That will whisk you away on a whirl of nostalgia that you’ll Never Forget. 7pm. Tickets £46.75 (including and a three-course meal).

Beauty & The Beast, 4th December-

2nd January Starring Melanie Walters (Gwen West in Gavin & Stacey) and Sean Jones, known to audiences for his award-winning role as Mickey in Willy Russell’s Blood Brothers, this enchanting panto will delight all the family! Times vary. Tickets from £16.75. www.floralpavilion.com