It’s storytime in Chester

Sara Pascoe, 10th September Join Sara Pascoe ‘In Conversation’ with broadcaster and presenter Simon Savidge as she discusses her brand-new novel, Weirdo. It promises to be a hilarious and unmissable evening. 7pm. Tickets £33.30, which includes a signed copy of the book.

David Mitchell – Unruly, 8th October The hugely popular actor, comedian, TV personality and author delivers a side-splitting yet highly informative history of England’s most powerful rulers. 7pm. Tickets £38 (includes a signed hardback copy).

Stick Man, 27th-29th October Touching, funny and utterly original, Freckle Productions’ delightful adaptation of Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler’s children’s classic is back! This award-winning production from the team behind Zog and Zog and

Get set, go!

the Flying Doctors is packed with puppetry, songs, live music and funky moves.

4.30pm (Friday), 10.30am, 1.30pm & 4.30pm (Saturday & Sunday).

Tickets £16 (child £14).

www.storyhouse.com

DID YOU KNOW?

Sara Pascoe has a dog called Mouse. He’s half Jack Russell, half Springer

Under starter’s orders…

Chester Autumn Festival returns to the world’s oldest racecourse on 15th-16th September Racegoers can enjoy the golden glow cast over the immaculate grounds each afternoon. It’s also one of the most popular fixtures for corporate bookings, a perfect place to entertain clients and reward staff. www.chester-races.com

•From 4th October, Mario Loprete – ‘In Cemento Veritas, Nantwich Museum The artist uses plaster, resin and cement to transform his own clothing into artwork. In this exhibition he revisits the vulnerability of 2020 and the pandemic. TuesSat 10.30am-4.30pm. Free.

There’s a medal for everyone who takes part in the North West UK Kids Fun Duathlon at Barony Park, Nantwich on 16th September. The cycle and running courses are all on grass and a fun, relaxed atmostphere is guaranteed. It’s open to 7-16 year olds and there are achievable distances for all abilities – and a team event too. Registration is £15 at www.uktriathlon.co.uk

Dressed to kill…

At Bridge Cottage, Port Sunlight until 10th September is an exhibition of costumes from TV’s Peaky Blinders, which was partly filmed here, including a dress worn by Helen McCrory as Polly Gray, and a suit worn by Tom Hardy as Alfie Solomons.

Visit the pop-up shop and wander locations where Tommy Shelby and his friends stood.

Happy days

Fearne Cotton’s Happy Place Festival offers something for everyone, with one clear aim – to help you clear your mind, find simple joy and unlock that inner happiness!

•5th October, GLOK (Andy Bell), The Hive, Winsford A rare chance to see Andy Bell of pioneering shoegazers Ride and Oasis perform live as his electronic alter ego. 7pm. £13.50.

Open Wed-Sun 10am-4pm. Tickets £5 (under-12s free).

www.portsunlight village.com

At Tatton Park on 2nd- 3rd September you can try breath and sleep workshops, tote bag printing, mindful embroidery, a crystal alchemy sound bath and much more. Special guests and contributors include Nick Grimshaw, Adele Roberts and Kate Holderness, with hosts Cel Spellman, Sophie Morgan and Aaron Roach Bridgeman. Tickets £38.50 (ages 5-16 £18.70), from www.happyplaceofficial.co.uk

An exemplar worker village created by industrialist William Lever between 1888 and 1938 to support the well-being and productivity of the Lever Brothers soap works employees and their families.

Wild!

WHAT’S ON IN BRIEF 7TH–21ST OCTOBER

DID YOU KNOW?

Tatton Park bungee is the highest in the UK at a terrifying 300 feet!

Magnificent Tatton Park with its house, farm and expansive grounds is hosting some amazing events this autumn.

UK Bungee Club 300ft Jump, 16th & 17th

September Whether you’ve bungeed before and want a bigger kick, or just want to challenge yourself to do something completely wild, this experience is for you. 10am-6pm. From £120.

Have a gander…

Based in and around the village of Goostrey, Goosfest Arts & Music Festival promises something for everyone – from theatre and stand-up comedy to classical, reggae, folk, jazz and contemporary music, poetry, painting and craft. This year’s festival runs from 29th September – 15th October and offers the usual combination of professional and amateur acts and practical workshops at a variety of venues. For a full programme and to book, see www. goosfest.com

Walk this way

Since medieval times, Congleton’s success has been dependent upon its ability to trade. In the Sunday Walk: Retail Therapy on 1st October, leader Ian Doughty will look at how the town’s main streets have reflected changing attitudes to the way we shop since 1880.

The two-hour walk starts at 2pm, and costs £6.50 (child £4.50), which includes an illustrated booklet and a cream tea afterwards! www. congletonmuseum.co.uk

Apple Fest, 30th September & 1st October

A scrumptious weekend celebrating the wonderful fruit. Taste varieties from Tatton’s historic orchards in its gardens, shops and restaurants, and there are games and activities for the children. 10am-4pm.

Deer Rut Walk, 18th October Get up close and personal to Tatton’s ancient deer herd, with private access to the spectacular autumn parkland on your bespoke guided tour. 4pm. Ages 8 and over only, please. Tickets £20 per person (includes car entry). www.tattonpark.org.uk

Full Voice

Did you know Chester has a long-established, award-winning Male Voice Choir? Formed in 1941, it has existed continuously to today and now has around 50 members, led by charismatic director Joseph Mann. If you’d like to join them, singing experience and ability to read music are not essential – you just need to be keen and able to sing in tune. To nd out more, visit www. chestermalevoice.com or call 07531 629 300. You can hear the choir in action on 30th September at their Autumn Festival Concert in Chester Town Hall. Tickets are £12 – all welcome!

Keys to success

There’s a treat in store for chamber music fans at Clonter Theatre, Congleton on 28th October when the Cann Twins’ present a duo-piano rectital. Claire and Antoinette’s career has taken them to every major concert venue in the UK and around the world. Performance starts 3pm, tickets from £10.50. www.clonter.org

Abbey life

Set amongst 1,000 acres of gardens, parkland and woodland, there’s a lot to discover at Combermere Abbey. From 5th-19th October a series of small-group guided tours will be offering a fascinating insight into the Abbey’s history from 1133 to the present day. Hear about its famous residents and visitors, and its restoration from ruin by the current owners. Tickets £12.50 (ages 10-16 £6, under-10s free) in advance at www.combermereabbey.co.uk

•7th October, 750 Motor Club Car Championships, Oulton Park, Tarporley A day’s grassroots action, featuring a mixture of tin tops, singleseaters and sports cars, o ering visitors plenty of variety. 9am. £15 (13-15 year olds £9).

•14th October, Season Finale 2023, Chester Racecourse Season finales have a unique atmosphere and have become favourites with the fans. Take part in a once-in-a-season celebration of an iconic year’s racing at the world’s oldest racecourse. 11.30am. Prices vary depending on enclosure.

•20th October, Cheshire Hospitality Halloween Ball, The Courthouse, Knutsford In partnership with Hospitality Action, Flat Cap Hotels are raising money for this incredible charity. Ticket price includes canapes and drinks, threecourse dinner, live music and charity auction. 7pm. £65.

•20th October, Bye Bye Baby LIVE, Alsager Civic Over 30 of Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons’ hits performed by The Feel-Good Frankie Valli Show. All singing, all dancing, not to be missed! 7.30pm. £27.

•21st October, Halloween Trail, Tegg’s Nose Country Park, Macclesfield Some spooky visitors are at the park this halfterm! Can you explore and find them all? Buy a map and get searching. Please bring a pen or pencil with you! From 9am. Entry free, 50p for the map.

WHAT’S ON IN BRIEF

•21st October, Halloween(ish) Family Rave, Rosie’s, Northgate Street, Chester Big Fish Little Fish o er family fun for the postrave generation! Get ready to bust some moves on a bubble-filled, family-only dancefloor! 2pm. £11 (child £8).

Talk of the town

Nantwich Words & Music Festival offers some unmissable performances at venues throughout the town. Highlights include:

•21st-29th October, Halloween Half-Term, Beeston Castle Gather your little monsters for a ghoulishly good day out. Follow the trail to solve creepy clues and gather round to listen to spooky stories. From 10am. £11 (child £6.50, under-5s free).

27th & 28th October, Halloween Hell Fire Club, St Mary’s Creative Space, St Mary’s Hill, Chester Travel through the graveyard and past the gothic arch into a midnight world of ghosts, ghouls, drag and burlesque. Overnighter from 7.30pm-10am. From £27.75.

Sunbirds, 9th October Dave Hemingway (The Housemartins, The Beautiful South) and band play intelligent pop, tinged with Americana. Nantwich Town FC Swansway Stadium, 7.30pm. Tickets £15.

PP Arnold, 11th October The soul legend

Rewind on the river

POET’S CORNER

Carol Ann Du y and musician John Sampson are at the Civic Hall, 12.30pm on Sunday 15th, tickets £20 and ‘Respect Yourself’ singer has just released her autobiography. An amazing career has seen her perform on the original Jesus Christ Superstar album, tour with Eric Clapton and feature on hits by Beatmasters and KLF. St Mary’s Church, 7pm. Tickets £25. www.wordsandmusicfestival.com

Rosie Holt, 14th October. A stunningly original satirist whose parodies of top politicians have gone viral. Nantwich Civic Hall, 1pm. Tickets £20.

Fly-past

•28th October, Day Of The Dead, Rudheath Social Club, Northwich An evening of music and fun based around the Mexican celebration of Día de los Muertos. Featuring the Harley’n’Dutch Band, it’s an explosion of sound and colour. 7.30pm. £12.

Like a lovely big box of chocs, there’s something for everyone on a ’60s, ’70s & ’80s Rewind night on the River Dee. On 7th October enjoy floor-fillers from Motown to Funky Town, with plenty of glam, disco, soul and pop along the way. Dance yourself dizzy to the professional DJ – you know you want to! Tickets are £36.50, which includes a buffet supper and a glass of house wine on arrival. Book in advance at www.chesterboat.co.uk

Incredible journey

Halloween Owls by Moonlight on 27th October is a great opportunity to see Gauntlet Birds of Prey’s owls fly after dark. Starting indoors at 7pm, you’ll meet some of the park’s smaller owls, then be guided to the night-time arena where you’ll experience a flying display like no other. Tickets £30 (under-16s £20). Near Knutsford. www.gauntletbirdsofprey.co.uk

Water world

•29th October, Fireworks at Bolesworth, Bolesworth Castle, Tattenhall Thousands of fireworks choreographed to spine-tingling music, plus a huge bonfire, warming fire pits, marshmallow toasting and food and drink options to keep all appetites satisfied! 7.30pm. £13.45 (ages 12 and under £9).

Take a seat, look up and stare into space as you’re guided through the night sky during a traditional Dome Show led by Jodrell Bank’s team of experienced presenters, using software that simulates the universe. Journey Through the Night Sky runs from 11th September and is suitable for astronauts aged 10-plus. Entry to Jodrell Bank is £12 (child £8), show tickets are an additional £6 (child £4). www.jodrellbank.net

Canal Town at the National Waterways Museum, Ellesmere Port on 10th & 17th September is a wonderful opportunity to explore authentic sights and sounds of the 1900s. Walk through recreated historical spaces, with period buildings and artefacts, and watch costumed actors going about their daily tasks loading cargo and repairing boats. It’s an immersive experience for all ages that is not to be missed! There are lock and engine demonstrations, and guided tours too. Open 10am-4pm. www.canalrivertrust.org.uk

WHAT’S ON IN BRIEF

2ND-9TH SEPTEMBER

•2nd September, Whitchurch Photographic Society

Exhibition, MOOand BOOM, Green End, Whitchurch Visit this free exhibition and chat to members about photography and the club. 10am-3.30pm.

•8th September, World Championship Coracle Race, Pengwern Boat Club, Shrewsbury

Take part or just enjoy watching the craziest, quirkiest boat race in the country, raising funds for Macmillan Cancer Support. Teams compete in relays across the river, with refreshments and hot food available. From 2pm, teams must register in advance.

•9th September, Family Fun Dog Show, Dale End Park, Ironbridge The Rotary Club of Ironbridge is hosting this family fun dog show as part of the Ironbridge Gorge World Heritage Festival. Enter on the day from noon. £3 per entry, discounts for multiple entries.

BANG(ER)ING SOUNDS!

Telford Sausage & Cider Festival o ers top tribute acts along with the best of UK craft cider and all manner of sausages to keep you going. Gates at the QEII Arena open at 2pm on 9th September, with the line-up including Queen, Abba and Madness tributes, plus the Kopycat Killers and Scam Fender.

Inspirational

Let your creativity ow in the beautiful setting of the Dorothy Clive Garden during Arts Week from 18th-22nd September. e Bryn Mayer Pavilion will be set up as a work base, with a sink and water. Reduced entry for artists is £8.50. www. dorothyclivegarden.co.uk

•9th September, Alderford Swim, Alderford Lake Alderford’s annual open swimming competition o ers three separate classes, catering for groups of di erent abilities, with staggered starts. Swim caps are compulsory and will be provided. All places must be booked in advance, minimum age 13. Entry from £32-£44.

•9th September, Newport

Food Frenzy Artisan food producers from across the region will descend on Newport for this foodie festival. Expect local meats, woodfired pizza, beers and gins, as well as local eateries joining in with their own events throughout the day. 10am-4.30pm. Free entry.

Happy talk

Spend an evening with TV’s Julia Bradbury as she talks about her new book with Louise Minchin at the Holroyd eatre, Oswestry on 19th September. Walk Yourself Happy explains the link between our physical and mental health and the natural world. 7.30pm. Tickets £20 including a signed copy. www.bookabookshop.co.uk

DID YOU KNOW?

Talking of world-beatingsausages, Leah Shutkever ate 10 in 25 seconds!

For added fun join in one of the food-eating contests, including Fastest Sausage Eating or Most Chillis. Tickets £30 (under5s free, under-18s £10 – must be accompanied by adult over 21). www.sausageandciderfest.co.uk

Scary stuff

Take a spooky guided tour around the avenues and alleyways of ancient Bridgnorth on 25th-26th October, where lurking in the shadows are 10 ghosts who tell the eerie tale of how they met their grisly ends. is walking tour starts at the Town Hall and ends with a spooktacular stage show at eatre on the Steps. Group size is limited to 20, early booking is essential for this popular event. Tickets £15 (child £10). www.theatreonthe steps.co.uk

Dance Til You Drop

Experience the euphoria of Ibiza at home in Telford at the QEII Arena on 8th September, as the Ibiza Orchestra Experience performs some of the most iconic dance tunes made famous by the White Isle. e 26-piece orchestra will perform classic tracks accompanied by singer Nikki Ambers. Special guest Marvin Humes, formerly of boyband JLS and now with Capital FM, will present a DJ set. Gates 6pm, nish 11pm. Tickets from £35 (early release) to £49.95. www. ibizaorchestraexperience.co.uk

Top Of The Tributes

e Buttermarket, Shrewsbury has a great line-up of professional tribute acts this autumn, including:

Could UB Loved? All-day Reggae Party featuring e Marley Experience and e UB40 Experience, 2nd September Jive to ‘One Love’, ‘Red Red Wine and more. 4pm. Tickets £22.50.

Noasis, 15th September e de nitive tribute to Manchester’s ve-piece supergroup is packing out venues up and down the UK. Make a night of it and stay for the indie rock party. 6pm. Tickets £19.

Food glorious food

Ludlow Food Festival – the original festival for food and drink lovers –takes over the town and Castle on 8th-10th September.

With more than 100 exhibitors and a thrilling line-up of chefs, producers and food writers, you’re sure to nd entertainment, inspiration and maybe even a new favourite dish! ere are various ticket options including evening-only, with a day pass from £15. www.ludlowfoodfestival.co.uk

Free for all

Enjoy free entry to Coalbrookdale Museum of Iron, Enginuity, Darby Houses, e Old Furnace and Coalbrookdale Gallery on the weekend of 9th-10th September for Heritage Open Days (see right). In the Covered Bays adjacent to Enginuity there’ll be demonstrations and activities irelating to the industries of the world-famous Gorge, including china ower-making and clay tobacco pipe-making, while the Gallery’s current exhibition ‘ e Daily Grind’ celebrates its workers. www.ironbridge.co.uk e Rolling Clones, 29th September Get ready to rock to the greatest hits of the Rolling Stones, performed by this worldfamous live tribute band. From ‘Satisfaction’ to ‘Paint It Black’, ‘Start Me Up’ to ‘Sympathy for the Devil’, prepare for an unforgettable night of classic rock songs that have crossed the generations. 6pm. Tickets £24.50. www.thebuttermarket.co.uk

Spice up your life

e award-winning Ginger and Spice Festival returns to Market Drayton on 30th September to champion the local food and drink scene. Explore the culinary heritage of the town celebrated as the Home of Gingerbread. ere’s a particular focus on promoting seasonal and locally produced food, often with a ginger twist, along with an eclectic mix of fringe events including a food theatre, oating market and enticingly named Tipple Trail. www.gingerandspicefest.co.uk

Welcome Inside

Explore local history throughout September for low or no cost as part of the national Heritage Open Days England. More Shropshire locations than ever are getting involved, including churches, historic railways, manor houses and art galleries, and a series of talks is on o er as well. Browse the full programme at www.heritageopendays.co.uk

WHAT’S ON IN BRIEF

8TH-16TH SEPTEMBER

•8th-10th September, Sausage & Cider Festival, Ellesmere Cricket Club, Birch Road Cricket matches, live music, face painting, a bouncy castle – and a massive selection of ciders! Fri 6-10pm, Sat noon-10pm, Sun noon-6pm. £3 (kids free). See Facebook for details.

•9th September, Bridgnorth Green Festival A showcase for local environmental and ecological groups and retailers working towards a greener community. Advice on composting, wildlife and birds, recycling and repurposing, along with live music and children’s activities. 11am-4pm.

•9th September, Harvest and Heritage Day, The Cut Visitor Centre, Shrewsbury Celebrate harvest time by buying produce grown by the garden team at The Cut. Information about the history and buildings of the site forms part of Open Heritage week, and the Wild Child garden will be open. 10am-3pm. £3.

•16th September Shropshire WI Open Day, Shrewsbury Abbey Britain’s first Women’s Institute meeting took place on this day in 1915, at Llanfair PG. More than 100 Shropshire branches will showcase their work, with refreshments and entertainment. 10am-4pm.

•16th September, Shrewsbury Savoury, St Marys Church A foodie event with a di erence! Expect all things salty, cheesy and meaty, and drinks to complement the flavours. 10am-4pm.

•16th September, Bishop’s Castle Michelmas Fair There’s entertainment all day at this large fair, traditionally held to coincide with the end of harvest. Full programme at www.michaelmasfair.org.uk

WHAT’S ON IN BRIEF 16TH SEPTEMBER -