37,800 COPIES FOR FAMILIES OF PRIMARY SCHOOL CHILDREN
Greater Manchester
Easter Issue 175 14th March – 15th May 2022
www.primarytimes.co.uk
15 – 16 APRIL 2022 • THE ALBERT HALLS, BOLTON BOX OFFICE: 0343 2080 500 | WWW.ALBERTHALLS-BOLTON.CO.UK
Manchester’s favourite family guide
l be u’l o y
glad you went t oB
en ts
Egg-cellent ideas to make your Easter special
An Oldham Coliseum Theatre production Presented in arrangement with Children’s Theatre Partnership / Fiery Angel (London)
Find out more about our Spring events or shop online visit bents.co.uk
r
The perfect Easter treat fo the whole family
FAM OF F ILY OU £60 R
Thursday 7 - Sunday 24 April Box Office 0161 624 2829 coliseum.org.uk Oldham Coliseum Theatre gratefully receives funding from:
oldhamcoliseumtheatre oldhamcoliseum Oldham Coliseum Theatre is a Registered Charity, no: 508829. Oldham Coliseum Theatre Ltd Reg no. 1415547. VAT no: 223 7213-39
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Bents Primary Times 88x269mm March22.indd 1
Go to www.primarytimes.co.uk/manchester for thousands more great days out 02/03/2022 14:44:07
oldhamcoliseum
Greater Manchester
Published by Moonscape Media Ltd Tel: 07710 229189 Email: kerry@moonscapemedia.net Editor: Michelle Dilger Production: Tristan Kayes Advertising: Kerry Beardsmore Listings Editor: Suzanne Watson Features Editor: Helen Chitham
With daffodils popping up, we can bid farewell to the gloomy skies of winter and look forward to longer, warmer days for sunnier times ahead – in more ways than one! This issue is packed with unmissable family activities right on your doorstep, ripe for some Easter exploration and guaranteed to put a spring in your step! Entertaining children needn’t be expensive either as there are so many brilliant places to visit which are low cost, or even free. It’s wonderful to see that the events calendar is back – check out the huge variety of things to do on our days out and diary pages, catering for toddlers through to teens – with the best museums, family attractions and play areas to explore. It’s time to make the most of our freedom and let your children enjoy being sociable once more! So, whether you keep the kids sweet by relaxing at home, or head out for outdoor adventures, we wish you all fun and happy break. We’ll see you all again before the May Half Term.
N issueext 16th out May
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Pinboard
6
Spring Events
10 Spring Activities 13
What’s on When – discover our listings!
15 Box Office – Family theatre guide
For Advertisers
We are the largest free magazine in Greater Manchester reaching over 95,000 family readers, in this issue. If you’d like to advertise directly to this audience please call 07710 229189
FOOTBALL. ONE. EVERYTHING ELSE. NIL. One ticket gives 12 months of admission. City of Manchester residents go FREE! Scan the QR code to book online or visit nationalfootballmuseum.com/admission.
National Football Museum is a registered charity (no. 1050792)
Go to www.primarytimes.co.uk/manchester for thousands more great days out
@FootballMuseum
nationalfootballmuseum.com
What’s Inside
National Football Museum
For the Game of our Lives
Primary Times is independently published and distributed free through primary schools in Greater Manchester. It aims to inform families and children about current educational issues, forthcoming events, courses, attractions and to give teachers, pupils and parents the opportunity to participate in the magazine by adding to its contents or by joining in the competitions. It is NOT our intention to publish any racist, sexist or politically based material whatsoever. We also undertake not to carry any advertising which we would consider to be offensive to young families or harmful to the best interests of young children. Primary Times would like to thank all the schools in Greater Manchester for their assistance in distributing the magazine and for their contributions to its contents. We would also like to thank all the advertisers who have supported this publication and therefore made it possible. Please support their endeavours when and where you can. The copyright on all written material, logos and advertising artwork produced by our studio remains with Primary Times or with the relevant contributor. Primary Times is currently publishing over 2 million copies per issue under franchise licences throughout the UK. Primary Times Greater Manchester is operated under franchise licence.
Welcome readers!
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Pinboard
Notices and News updates for parents and teachers
What should you look for in an 11+ tutor? Places at Grammar and Independent schools are highly sought after in Trafford and every year the competition continues to rise. It has never been more important to take the right steps to secure your child’s future. Paul White, Senior Tutor at KSOL says: “In such a competitive environment, personalisation is key. An 11+ tutor should identify a child’s weaker areas and tackle them head on. They should also specialise in 11+ tuition to ensure that children receive up-todate and thoroughly researched material.”
Stockport Grammar celebrates their five budding poets Budding poets from Stockport Grammar School had their work published as part of a landmark initiative to help celebrate the Declaration of Human Rights. The first Greater Manchester Poetic Declaration of Human Rights was created by students from across the area in a bid to highlight the importance of the original document – which was created in 1948. Of the 30 poems that appeared in the book, five of those were written by SGS English and Drama pupils; George Hammond, Jess Wiggetts, Alex Powrie, Mia Forvargue, and Emma Griffiths – which was the most from any contributor. Head of Drama, Mr Matt King-Sayce and English teacher, Mrs Rebecca Walsh supported the pupils in the project. Mrs Walsh said: “It was a pleasure to work with pupils from First, Second and Third Year as they explored and discussed their ideas about Human Rights. “The pupils worked hard to create thought-provoking, imaginative poems inspired by the Human Right that mattered the most to them.” W: www.stockportgrammar.co.uk
KSOL’s award-winning online programmes and 11+ CEM & GL Assessment mock exams are guaranteed to provide your child with the best 11+ education. Give yourself the peace of mind that your child is on the right track! T: 0161 327 2003 W: www.ksol.co.uk
News from Stagecoach Altrincham Students at Stagecoach Altrincham are busy preparing for their Musical Theatre Exams this term. Altrincham follow the LCM London College of Music Board of Exams and have been offering their students the opportunity to take the exams for the past 12 years with an excellent success rate. Principal Marion Hankin spoke about the exams “Many of our students use the UCAS points from these exams for their University applications as they can increase their points considerably and as teachers we really do see the benefit the students get from taking their exams. Boosting their confidence, performance skills and stage presence. I just love to see them perform.” For more information call Stagecoach Altrincham on 07904 451199
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11+ Tuition
®
18 years of 11+ experience
Award-Winning Online 11+ Courses For children in Years 3, 4 & 5 Direct support from qualified teachers Personalised courses for CEM Format & GL Assessment exams EXCLUSIVE interactive video lessons Over 98% parent approval rating!
Start your child’s 11+ journey... Book your FREE trial now!
Call our team on 0161 327 2003 For more details about our online 11+ courses & mock exams:
Visit www.ksol.co.uk
Singing, dancing and acting classes for 4 – 18 year-olds
Stagecoach Altrincham
www.stagecoach.co.uk/altrincham 07904 451199 Bowden Preparatory WA14 2LT
Stagecoach Salford
www.stagecoach.co.uk/salford 01706 601072 Bridgewater School M28 2WQ
Stagecoach Performing Arts is the trading name of Stagecoach Theatre Arts Limited. Stagecoach Theatre Arts schools are operated under franchise and are independently owned by their Principals. Stagecoach and Creative Courage For Life are registered trademarks of Stagecoach Theatre Arts Limited.
STOCKPORT GRAMMAR SCHOOL An independent school for children ages 3-18 years
Assistance with fees available at 11+ and 16+ (means tested), academic and music scholarships FOUNDED IN 1487
Nursery and Reception Open Morning Saturday 7th May Book online Come and spend a day in the Senior School - Year 5 Taster Days 26th May, 27th May and 14th June Book online Senior and Junior School day tours available Extensive school bus routes including Sale, Altrincham and Hale
SGS Inspires Tel: 0161 456 9000
Highest Inspection Rating of “Excellent”
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Events Watch
Spring Events It’s here – the prospect of longer days and warmer weather – so make sure you have some top family entertainment
in the diary! There are some excellent events back on the cards this year, so celebrate the start of the new, more hopeful season ahead and plan an action-packed spring.
1st - 24th April
PREPARE FOR THRILLS, EXCITEMENT AND LAUGHTER AS GANDEY’S CIRCUS RETURNS Trafford Centre’s popular outdoor event hub reopens on the 1st April, and it’s the perfect way to entertain all the family this Easter. Experience a fun-filled day with exhilarating rides, scrumptious street food and a sensational new production from Gandey’s Circus “ROAR!”, where an international cast of over 30 artistes and live musicians will come together to offer world class entertainment from the 1st – 24th April. See more information and book online. W: www.traffordcentre.co.uk
2nd - 18th April
THE GIANT EASTER EGG HUNT AT RHS GARDEN BRIDGEWATER
2nd - 18th April
HOP ALONG TO THE FUN EASTER BUNNY TRAIL AT BLAKEMERE The Easter bunny and his friends are hiding around Blakemere Village, and they need you to help round them up! Hop along to their Easter bunny trail that will take you through Mr Gerrard’s garden before collecting a prize at the end. The trail will run daily from 10am-4pm on the 2nd – 18th April. Entry is £5 per trail booklet. Blakemere also has a free, small play area and great woodland walks, so take along your furry friends as they’re a dog friendly site too! There are lots of other onsite activities including the Cheshire Craft Workshop and Miniature Railway. W: www.blakemerevillage.com
9th - 24th April
GET READY FOR TRADITIONAL FAMILY FUN AT DAISY NOOK FAIR When you think of Easter, what springs to mind? Chocolate eggs, the Easter bunny and gathering with your family for a lamb roast dinner? But when you ask the people of Oldham, Failsworth and Ashton under Lyne, it’s Daisy Nook Fair that can be added to the celebrations. The Silcock family have presented this fair for many generations and have kept the tradition alive for local families by bringing some of Europe’s top attractions to Daisy Nook Country Park each year. This year, the fair returns on Saturday 9th to Sunday 24th April, open from 1pm to 6pm. Expect lots of thrilling, high energy rides, traditional family attractions, children’s rides, games, plus food and candy floss! W: www.silcocksfunfairs.com
For a fun Easter day out with all the family, head to RHS Garden Bridgewater and discover their exciting Easter trail. The Easter bunny has hidden giant painted eggs all around the garden. Find them all to win chocolate prizes and have a go at fun planting and craft activities the whole family can enjoy. From Saturday 2nd – Monday 18th April. You can book your garden ticket at rhs.org.uk/Bridgewater
30th April, 1st & 2nd May Saturday 21st May
LET YOUR BUDDING ATHLETE EXPERIENCE THE START LINE BUZZ AND EPIC FINISH LINE FEELING! One of the UK’s biggest running events returns to Manchester on 21st & 22nd May 2022, but it’s not all about the grown-ups! The Junior and Mini Great Manchester Run kicks off the weekend’s running action in Sports City, with the kids taking centre stage. Expect high fives and encouragement, a buzzing atmosphere and a medal and goodies after crossing the finishing line. If you’d like to join them, entries for the Junior (9-15 years) and Mini (3-8 years) events are open – they’d love to see you on the start line on Saturday 21st May and it could inspire a lifelong love of being active for your children! W: www.greatrun.org
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BOOK A DAY OUT WITH THOMAS AT THE EAST LANCASHIRE RAILWAY Join the East Lancashire Railway for spectacular family fun on a Day Out with Thomas! Meet Sir Topham Hatt and cheeky station sweepers Rusty and Dusty in Bury before taking a ride with Thomas the Tank Engine himself. Complete your day with Thomas themed games and activities, fun fair rides, balloon modellers, singing, dancing and much more. Tickets must be purchased in advance. To find out more, and to book tickets, visit their website or call for details. Thomas and friends will be waiting for you! T: 0333 320 2830 W: www.eastlancsrailway.co.uk
Go to www.primarytimes.co.uk/manchester for thousands more great days out
Help the Easter Bunny find his friends hiding around Blakemere in this fun children’s trail. Complete the task and collect your prize!
Easter Bunny Trail 2nd - 18th April Purchase your trail forms daily 10am - 4pm from our
Visitor Information Centre
Great for ages 3-11yrs
Chester Road, Sandiway, Northwich, Cheshire CW8 2EB T: 01606 883261 E: info@visitblakemere.co.uk blakemerevillage.com @BlakemereVillage
U Pr wit nde e- h p r bo ay 16 ok in s fr ing g a ee es dul se t. nt ial
Easter Holiday Crafts at Elizabeth Gaskell’s House Be inspired by weird and wonderful Victorian Greetings cards and make your own card to take away. Explore this fascinating Victorian House, Garden and Tea Room every Wednesday, Thursday and Sunday, 11am-4.30pm. elizabethgaskellhouse.co.uk 84 Plymouth Grove, Manchester, M13 9LW, 0161 273 2215 This activity is being run in partnership with Manchester Metropolitan University Special Collections Museum as part of a project to promote the Laura Seddon Collection of Victorian and Edwardian Greetings Cards.
Go to www.primarytimes.co.uk/manchester for thousands more great days out
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Time for Easter eggcitement! Easter holidays are just around the corner and TraffordCity is the ultimate place to bring your little bunnies. Where else can you bring the family to let off steam with some ball-whacking golf fun, putt a round on a dino-themed adventure course, take to the slopes in real snow, skydive indoors or swing through the treetops?
The Trafford Centre From 1st – 24th April GANDEYS CIRCUS returns with their sensational new production ‘ROAR!’. An international cast of 30+ artistes and live musicians provide world-class entertainment for the entire family. traffordcity.co.uk/traffordcentre
How about a trip to the circus, an Easter garden, discovering an undersea world, getting creative in a LEGO® wonderland, or catching the latest family film? And when they’ve worked up an appetite, fill those rumbling tums with delicious food.
Hop to it!
Trafford Palazzo You’ll find fun at Trafford Palazzo’s Easter Garden! From easter egg card making classes through to celebrating The Masters at their custom golf course, there’s something for all the family to enjoy.
traffordcity.co.uk/traffordpalazzo
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Trafford Golf Centre If the weather isn’t great, why not stay dry and whack some balls on our covered golf driving range. Kids get a free chocolate treat with every basket of 120 balls.
traffordcity.co.uk/tgc
Dino Falls Adventure Golf
Holiday Inn Express Don’t miss out on our fantastic deals at our family friendly hotel. The Holiday Inn Express TraffordCity is ideally located to enable all the family to experience all the area has to offer. Rooms start from £89 including a buffet breakfast.
From 4 - 22 April enjoy an Easter egg hunt whilst out on Dino Falls Adventure Golf. Find the eggs to egg-spose the hidden word and claim a FREE chocolate treat! Open 7 days a week, 7am - 10.30pm - family ticket priced £28.
Trafford Golf Centre traffordcity.co.uk/holidayinn
traffordcity.co.uk/dinofalls
Chill Factore Looking for the perfect place for a family day out? Chill Factore is the ideal destination with a selection of activities from skiing and snowboarding to sledging and sliding. Let Chill Factore add the WOW factor to your day out.
traffordcity.co.uk/chillfactore
Trafford Treetop Adventures Swing, climb and zip line for under £15. If you are looking for a family Easter adventure, visit our high ropes experience at the Trafford Centre!
traffordcity.co.uk/trafftreetop
Play Factore Visit the UK’s largest indoor family entertainment arena this Easter! With the biggest play frame & slide in the UK, laser tag, zip wire, gaming trampolines, coffee shop and restaurant – there’s something for all the family to enjoy!
traffordcity.co.uk/playfactore Go to www.primarytimes.co.uk/manchester for thousands more great days out
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Spring Watch
Spring Activities Egg hunts, science shows, spring crafts and outdoor activities – Easter is just around the corner, and everyone deserves some fun this holiday! We’ve rounded up the best of the action and family-friendly destinations to keep the young, and the young-at-heart, happily occupied all season long!
A great day out at the National
Football Museum Whether you’re a footy veteran or a young hotshot, the National Football Museum is the place to be this Easter! You can get involved in a full range of activities, story sessions and football games. Get stuck in during our arts and crafts days, learn more about our favourite stories and objects, and sharpen those skills on our fun Play Gallery interactives, including Shot Stopper and the dreaded Penalty Shootout. Admission is valid for a full twelve months, so keen players can visit multiple times throughout the season! W: www.nationalfootballmuseum.com
There’s Loads to Do this Easter!
Manchester City Council has teamed up with communities and activity leaders across the area to bring all school holiday activities and events on one website. Visit Loads to Do to see ready-to-go guides created by their specialist Youth and Play Team. If you’d rather find your own activities, you can explore by category or local area. There’s something for everyone on Loads to Do and promises to be a great Easter and 2022 – a year of activities, opportunities and experiences for our children and young people. Let them make new friends, learn new skills and most importantly, have fun! W: www.loadstodo.co.uk/schoolhols
Golfing adventures for
all ages at Trafford Golf Whether you are an expert or a beginner, Trafford Golf Centre offers something for everyone, and all abilities are welcome. And should the British weather let us down this Easter holiday, why not stay warm and dry and whack some balls on their covered golf driving range? Even better, to keep the kids sweet, they will get a free chocolate treat with every basket of 120 balls! W: www.traffordgolfcentre.co.uk
A stunning Easter Garden comes to Trafford Palazzo
Trafford Palazzo welcomes a stunning Easter Garden as part of an action-packed programme of events this Easter. Take part in making your own Easter cards and bonnets as well as a selection of other activities, perfect for families. The Masters will also arrive at Trafford Palazzo with a ‘pitch and putt’ to the sounds of a resident DJ. Visit their website for further events listings. W: www.traffordpalazzo.co.uk
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Go to www.primarytimes.co.uk/manchester for thousands more great days out
Adventure and excitement for all the family at BeWILDerwood!
Have you run WILD at BeWILDerwood Cheshire yet? Opening daily from 2nd April, there will be plenty of Hoppy Easter fun to be had, including a brand-new Easter themed story, craft, Puzzling Park Trail, and even face painting! Plan your Easter adventure in the magical woods and swoosh down slippery slides, whizz down extralong zip wires, and get lost in muddled mazes! Plus, everything is included in the ticket price! BeWILDerwood is a full day out for the whole family to enjoy together. Visit the website to book tickets. W: www.BeWILDerwood.co.uk
Break free at Chill Factore For an action-packed, memorable day out, take your family to Chill Factore, a real snow centre that’s located in TraffordCity, Manchester. Suitable for children aged 4+, experience the adventure of Snow Park, complete with thrilling donut slides and sledging, or it’s the perfect place to learn to ski or snowboard. W: www.chillfactore.com
A warm family welcome awaits you at Holiday Inn Express
Holiday Inn Express TraffordCity offers you the perfect excuse to celebrate the holiday to come and treat the whole family to a well-deserved break! Don’t miss out on the fantastic deals available at this family friendly hotel. The Holiday Inn Express TraffordCity is ideally located to enable all the family to experience all the great things that the area has to offer. Rooms start from £89 including a complimentary buffet breakfast so you’ll feel right at home, even when you’re away! T: 0161 359 5757 W: www.hiexpress.com
Spring Watch
Swing through the trees at Trafford
Treetop Adventures Swing, climb, hop and shop for under £15 with Trafford Treetop Adventures! If you are looking for something fun and adventurous to do this Easter, then get outdoors and into the treetops for an exhilarating experience! With over 30 exciting obstacles, it is the ultimate test of coordination, balance and determination! Trafford Treetop Adventures is based at the Trafford Centre. W: https://booking.peak.co.uk/trafford-treetop-adventures
Get crafty over
Easter when you visit Elizabeth
Gaskell’s House Hands-on fun and
inspiring innovations to stimulate young minds!
Don’t miss marvellous machines and inspiring innovations at the Science and Industry Museum this Spring holiday, from the 2nd -18th April. Manchester is a city of firsts and world changing ideas. Explore the city’s revolutionary heritage and the cutting-edge science happening today with hands-on activities and science shows. Marvel as the incredible moving sculpture, A Quiet Afternoon in the Cloud Cuckoo Valley, springs to life at one of their daily demonstrations. Unravel science secrets and see it brought to life with their expert Explainers, and enjoy brand-new interactives in the family friendly gallery, Experiment. Plan your visit and book your free museum admission tickets online. W: www.scienceandindustrymuseum.org.uk/visit
Join the team at Elizabeth Gaskell’s House for family craft activities themed around Victorian greetings card and make your own seasonal card to take home. The popular cat trail is also still available to follow around the house, included in admission to the House, and under 16s are free with a paying adult. This activity is being run in partnership with Manchester Metropolitan University Special Collections Museum as part of a project to promote their Laura Seddon Collection of Victorian and Edwardian Greetings Card. House Open Wednesday, Thursday and Sunday 11am-4.30pm (last entry 3pm). Booking is essential via the website. W: www.Elizabethgaskellhouse.co.uk
rhs.org.uk/bridgewater
The giant Easter egg hunt Sat 2 – Mon 18 Apr
RHS T O
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AY
JO
RHS members go free
JO
Your visit supports our work as a charity
THE
IN
AY
Hunt for giant eggs and enjoy Easter activities in the garden
IN
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O E RHS T
D
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Spring Watch
10 Years of Play! Play Factore at TraffordCity is celebrating 10 years of fun this year! Carefully designed to provide families with a state-of-the-art, active indoor play arena to enjoy together, go along this Easter and experience all their fantastic activities from the gigantic play frame, 40m long slide, gaming trampolines, laser tag, zip wire and more at the UK’s largest indoor family entertainment arena! It’s the full play package for all ages! Book now online. W: www.playfactore.com
Dino Falls Adventure
Bents puts a spring in
Golf- a fun day out with
your step with a basketful
extra bite this Easter!
A favourite destination for families, Dino Falls adds an extra ‘sweetener’ this holiday! From 4th April to 22nd April, you can also enjoy an Easter egg hunt whilst out having fun on the Dino Falls Adventure Golf course. Find the eggs to egg-spose the hidden word and then you can claim a FREE chocolate treat! It’s open 7 days a week, from 7am-10.30pm and a family ticket is priced £28. W: www.dinofalls.co.uk
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of cracking activities!
A great day out has just got even better as a busy events calendar returns to Bents with something for everyone to enjoy. The Big Bents Bunny Hop returns on Saturday 23rd April, when people of all ages are encouraged to sign up, dress up, shake their bunny tails and take part in the 5K charity challenge. And there’s lots going on during the school holidays with Millie the Easter Bunny hosting story times and a most ‘eggcellent’ egg hunt. Add to that Bents’ outdoor play area, Jurassic Cove Adventure Golf Course, a choice of delicious dining destinations and your visit is complete. T: 01942 266 300 W: www.bents.co.uk
Go to www.primarytimes.co.uk/manchester for thousands more great days out
A Quiet Afternoon in the Cloud Cuckoo Valley
what’s on when Ongoing Early Years Construction Packs For ages 5 and under, they contain everything you need to ‘work’ around the museum. Borrow a rucksack from the Information Desk which includes wooden tools, a high-vis jacket and hard hat and get ready to explore the museum and construction work happening on site. Science and Industry Museum, Manchester. W: www.scienceandindustrymuseum. org.uk/whats-on/construction-packs
Bents Garden Bents Garden and Home in Glazebury, Warrington has plenty of activities for the family. Featuring an 18-hole Jurassic Cove adventure golf course, outdoor play area and a 5k nature trail located to the rear of the centre is a great choice for a family walk and provides the perfect excuse for a tasty reward at one of Bents new-look dining destinations. T: 01942 266300 W: bents.co.uk We take great care to ensure this information is correct at the time of going to press. However, we would advise parents to phone and check details prior to making a long trip …or promise!
£1 OFF ANY RIDE
This beautiful moving sculpture is the charming final work of artist, cartoonist and engineer Rowland Emett, the creator of the ‘Caractacus Potts’ inventions in the classic film Chitty Bang. Telling the story of a train journey through the whimsical Cloud Cuckoo Valley, this impressive and imaginative machine is sure to inspire mini mechanics and inventors of the future. Watch as the characters spring to life at one of the daily demonstrations. Running until 8th May. Science and Industry Museum, Manchester. W: www.scienceandindustrymuseum. org.uk/whats-on/cloud-cuckoo-valley
Science Stops Unravel science secrets with the expert Explainers at the Science Stops. Look out for them as you explore the Science and Industry Museum. W: www.scienceandindustrymuseum. org.uk/whats-on/science-stops
After the Storm in Dairy Wood Way Percy the Park Keeper Autumn trail at Tatton Park. Help Percy and friends build a new home after the storm leaves them homeless. Parkland entry applies and Percy trail sheets £1 each available to buy from the Welcome Building (located close to the main car park). Runs until 25th March 2022. W: www.tattonpark.org.uk
10 Years of Play! Play Factore at TraffordCity is celebrating 10 years of fun this year! Experience all the state-of-the-art activities from their gigantic play frame, 40m long slide, gaming trampolines, laser tag, zip wire and more at the UK’s largest indoor family entertainment arena this Easter! Book Now at W: www.playfactore.com
SEA LIFE Manchester
Trafford Treetop Adventures: Swing, climb, hop and shop for under £15 with Trafford Treetop Adventures! If you are looking for something fun and adventurous to do this Easter then get outdoors and into the treetops Trafford Treetop Adventures based at the Trafford Centre. W: https://booking.peak.co.uk/ trafford-treetop-adventures/
Enter an amazing underwater world over 2,000 creatures including sharks, seahorses, sea turtles and rays. Journey through the ocean tunnel as sharks swim overhead and visit the lair of the Japanese Spider Crabs, measuring 3 meters claw to claw! W: www.visitsealife.com/manchester
IT’S FUN TO RUN 2,5K Junior (9-15yrs) | 1.5K (3-8yrs) Sportcity | Saturday 21 May 2022
GREATRUN.ORG
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Easter at Trafford Palazzo
Trafford Golf Centre
Trafford Palazzo welcomes a stunning Easter Garden as part of an actionpacked programme of events this Easter. Take part in making your own Easter cards and bonnets as well as a selection of other activities. The Masters will also arrive at Trafford Palazzo with a ‘pitch and put’ to the sounds of a resident DJ. W: http://traffordpalazzo.co.uk
If the weather isn’t great this Easter Holiday, why not stay dry and whack some balls on the covered golf driving range at Trafford Golf Centre. Kids get a free chocolate treat with every basket of 120 balls. W: https://traffordgolfcentre.co.uk
Dino Falls Adventure Golf Enjoy an Easter egg hunt whilst out on Dino Falls Adventure Golf. Find the eggs to egg-spose the hidden word and claim a free chocolate treat! Open 7 days a week, 7am-10.30pm. Family ticket priced £28. W: https://www.dinofalls.co.uk
National Football Museum The National Football Museum is the perfect day out for footie-mad families. Step up to interactive challenges and games designed to sharpen your football skills. Find out more about the beginnings of football, relive FA Cup fairy tales, see footballing crown jewels from the 1966 World Cup Final ball to Diego Maradona’s incredible ‘Hand of God’ Argentina shirt. W: www.nationalfootballmuseum.com
The Revolution Manchester Show Enjoy an action-packed show that tells the story of how science met industry in Manchester. Head to the website or pick up a Today’s Event sheet when you arrive to check show times for the day. Manchester Science and Industry Museum. W: www.scienceandindustrymuseum.org. uk/whats-on/revolution-manchester-show
There’s Loads to Do this Easter! Manchester City Council has teamed up with communities and activity leaders across the area to bring all school holiday activities and events on one website. Visit Loads to Do to see readyto-go guides created by our specialist Youth and Play Team. If you’d rather find your own activities, you can explore by category or local area. There’s something for everyone on Loads to Do. W: loadstodo.co.uk/schoolhols
Break free at Chill Factor
e
For an action-packed day out, take your family to Chill Factore, a real snow centre located in TraffordCity, Manchester. Experience the adventure of Snow Park, with donut slides and sledging, or learn to ski or snowboard. Suitable for ages 4+ W: www.chillfactore.com We take great care to ensure this information is correct at the time of going to press. However, we would advise parents to phone and check details prior to making a long trip …or promise!
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March Saturday 26th
The Big Seed Sow This summer Sadler’s Yard will be creating an annual display grown by city kids. This week will be the very beginning of this journey, as seeds will be planted, annuals, perennials, wall flowers, sunflowers and vegetables! Sadler’s Yard, Hanover Street, Manchester, M60 0AB. W: www.visitmanchester.com
April Friday 1st
The Trafford Centre Outdoor Hub Trafford Centre’s popular outdoor event hub reopens 1st April, the perfect way to entertain all the family this Easter. Experience a fun-filled day with exhilarating rides, scrumptious street food and a sensational new production from Gandey’s Circus “ROAR!”, where an international cast of 30+ artistes and live musicians will come together to offer world class entertainment. W: www.traffordcity.co.uk
Gandeys Circus presents ROAR! An international cast of over 30 artistes, come together to wow audiences in a production staged in Gandeys Big Top of Dreams equipped with the latest theatre-standard lighting and sound effects! Running until 24th April. Trafford Centre, Manchester. W: www.visitmanchester.com
Giant Egg Hunt at RHS Garden Bridgewater For a fun Easter day out with all the family, head to RHS Garden Bridgewater and discover the exciting Easter trail where you can hunt for the enormous painted eggs hidden around the garden. Until Monday 18th. For more information visit W: www.rhs.org.uk/Gardens/RHSGarden-Bridgewater
Manchester Firsts Explore Manchester’s revolutionary heritage and the cutting-edge science happening in the city today through hands-on activities and science shows for all the family. Find out about the people, place and skills behind Manchester’s innovations and make your own discoveries along the way. Running until 18th April. Science and Industry Museum, Manchester. W: www.scienceandindustrymuseum.org.uk
Easter Bunny Trail Hop along to the Easter bunny trail that will take you through Mr Gerrard’s garden before collecting a prize at the end. The trail will run daily from 10am - 4pm from 2nd-18th April. Entry is £5 per trail booklet. Blakemere Village. W: blakemerevillage.com
Small Street Market Family day out at Blakemere Village. W: blakemerevillage.com
Wednesday 6th
Easter Holiday Crafts Get crafty over Easter when you visit Elizabeth Gaskell’s House, Manchester. Card making and cat trail for families. Included in admission. Adults £6.50. under 16s free. Also on April 7th, 13th/14th, 17th. 11am-4.30pm. Booking essential. W: elizabethgaskellhouse.co.uk
Saturday 9th
Diggle Scarecrow Trail Saturday 2nd
Rapunzel – Easter Family Pantomime Get ready to let your hair down as Easter Pantomime comes to The Victoria Hall, Bolton! Running April 2nd-4th, 8th, 10th-12th. W: www.visitmanchester.com
BeWilderwood Cheshire Have you run WILD at BeWILDerwood Cheshire yet? Opening daily from 2nd April, there will be plenty of Hoppy Easter fun to be had, including a brand-new Easter themed story, craft, Puzzling Park Trail, face painting and extra long zip wires! To book tickets W: www.BeWILDerwood.co.uk
A self- led trail around the village looking for scarecrows, most of which are situated in private gardens but can be seen from the pavement. This year the theme is FILMS. How many can you spot? £3 a sheet sold by several local businesses in the village including The Gate Inn, Diggle Chippy, Diggle Lock and Grandpa Greenes. Running until 24th April. Huddersfield Road, Diggle, OLDHAM, Lancashire, OL3 5PQ. W: www.visitmanchester.com
Inflatable Fun at Royton Park Inflatable Activities for 2 to 10 year olds with your favourite inflatable fun. Go along this Easter break for a big bounce in Royton Park with some mega new inflatables !! Running until 18th April. W: www.visitmanchester.com
Go to www.primarytimes.co.uk/manchester for thousands more great days out
Silock’s Funfairs The Silcock family have presented Daisy Nook Fair for many generations and have kept this tradition alive for local families by bringing some of Europe’s top attractions. Running 9th-24th April. 1-6pm. W: www.silocksfunfairs.com
Thursday 14th
Free Easter Family Activities at Dunwood Park Easter Holiday Activities in Dunwood Park, 11am-1pm. Free. Arts and crafts, circus skills equipment, outdoor games. W: www.visitmanchester.com
Friday 15th
Jurassic Live Show A Roar-some new experience millions of years in the making and the closest you will ever come to real living dinosaurs. Jurassic Live is heading to Manchester the Forum in Wythenshawe on the 15th /16th April. W: www.visitmanchester.com
Saturday 16th
Easter Family Fun at the Races An afternoon of Jump racing action with family entertainments. Haydock Park. W: www.thejockeyclub.co.uk/ haydock/events
Saturday 23rd
Celebrate Spring at Bents The Big Bents Bunny Hop returns today, when people of all ages are encouraged to sign up, dress up, shake their bunny tails and take part in the 5K charity challenge. During the Easter School holidays Millie the Easter Bunny will be hosting story times and a most eggcellent egg hunt. Plus that Bents’ outdoor play area, Jurassic Cove Adventure Golf Course a choice of delicious dining destinations and your visit is complete. To find out more about these and Bents’ regular activities visit W: bents.co.uk or T: 01942 266 300
Sunday 24th
Car Boot Sale Blakemere Village. W: blakemerevillage.com
Saturday 30th
Day Out with Thomas at the East Lancashire Railway Join the East Lancashire Railway for spectacular family fun on a Day Out with Thomas! Complete your day with Thomas themed games and activities, fun fair rides, balloon modellers, singing, dancing and much more. Running April 30th and May 1st-2nd. T: 0333 320 2830 W: www.eastlancsrailway.co.uk
Box Office Your family theatre guide Albert Halls Bolton Quay Tickets: 0343 2080 500 www.quaytickets.com/ boltonalberthalls Friday 15th – Saturday 16th April
THE WIZARD OF OZ Join Dorothy Gale as she befriends a brainless Scarecrow, a loveable Tin Man and the cowardly Lion on their quest to thwart the evil powers of the Wicked Witch of the West. With a little help from Glinda the Good Fairy and the almighty and powerful Wizard of Oz, good is sure to conquer evil.
HOME Manchester homemcr.org Box Office: 0161 200 1500 Tuesday 29th March – Saturday 23rd April
THE HOUSE WITH CHICKEN LEGS Based on the best-selling novel by Sophie Anderson, Marinka and her unusual house are brought to life in this brand new production by award-winning theatre company, Les Enfants Terribles.
The Lowry The Quays, Salford Box Office: 0343 208 6000 thelowry.com Sunday 20th March
THE GRIMM SISTERS Award winning Scratchworks Theatre Company takes you by the hand and leads you on a joyful & mischievous adventure in this interactive & family friendly show. Suitable for ages 6+. Saturday 26th March
THE TIN MAN Joss Arnott Dance presents a magical new retelling of a classic story, seen through the rusty eyes of the TIN MAN and his journey to finding his heart and happiness. This beautiful new dance production for families with children aged 7+. Tuesday 5th – Saturday 9th April
FANTASTICALLY GREAT WOMEN WHO CHANGES THE WORLD The world premiere of a brand new pop musical bursts to life on stage as the Fantastically Great Women take to the stage to tell their stories. An empowering new stage show which will be celebrated by anyone who is prepared to move and be moved, with characters and songs that pack a popstar punch! Tuesday 12th – Saturday 16th April
THE SMEDS AND THE SMOOS We take great care to ensure this information is correct at the time of going to press. However, we would advise parents to phone and check details prior to making a long trip …or promise!
Soar into space with this exciting adaptation of the award-winning book by Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler.
Sunday 17th April
OH NO GEORGE Oh No, George! is the delightfully playful tale of a dog who wants to be good but just can’t resist temptation. Adapted from the award-winning picture book by Chris Haughton, this brand new show for children aged 3+. Sunday 22nd May
PLASTIC DRASTIC FANTASTIC Akademi presents Plastic Drastic Fantastic a new dance show exploring our complex relationship – from the molecular to the planetary – with all things plastic. Ages 7+.
Manchester Palace Theatre www.atgtickets.com/venues/ palace-theatre-manchester Thursday 31st March – Saturday 4th June
DISNEY’S BEAUTY AND THE BEAST Disney first debuted Beauty and the Beast on Broadway 26 years ago. Members of the original creative team have reunited on this new production that features all of the spellbinding music and lyrics of Alan Menken, Howard Ashman and Tim Rice.
Oldham Coliseum www.coliseum.org.uk Thursday 7th-Sunday 24th April
THE JUNGLE BOOK Packed with memorable characters, original songs, humour and brilliant storytelling, this modern musical reworking of Rudyard Kipling’s famous story is the perfect Easter treat for the whole family.
Waterside Arts Centre Sale, Trafford watersidearts.org Sunday 20th March
PARTY Afonso wants to go to his best friend’s birthday party, but where is his invitation – has it been lost in the post, or maybe he wasn’t even invited? When it finally arrives the excitement and nerves become too much to handle. What should he wear? Will they have balloons? Will anyone play with him? And what about the cake? Sunday 10th April
LITTLE GRIMM TALES Head into the woods with Hansel & Gretel, help the little elves to make beautiful shoes, watch a slimy frog become a prince, and meet the princess who’s champion of hide-and-seek! Join award winning Box Tale Soup on an adventure for children aged 3+. Saturday 16th April
MARK THOMPSON’S SPECTACULAR SCIENCE SHOW You think science is boring, think again; this is science like you have never seen it before. Designed for children and adults alike, Mark’s Spectacular Science Show explores the strange and magical properties of matter with exploding elephant’s toothpaste, vortex-generating dustbins and even howling jelly babies! Saturday 23rd April
RAPUNZEL Scott Ritchie Productions proudly presents this exciting and fun adventure. Featuring a witty script and lots of familiar songs. Get tangled up with a host of loveable characters from this magical fairy tale.
Go to www.primarytimes.co.uk/manchester for thousands more great days out
SPRING ISSUE 2022
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LOADS TO DO Sing, play, make... there are loads of activities for all ages of young people this Easter. There’s loads to do at loadstodo.co.uk /schoolhols
A year of activities, opportunities and experiences for our children and young people. #2022OurYear www.ouryear.uk
