Primary Times Greater Manchester - February Half Term 2024

FREE MAGAZINE: WHAT’S Greater Manchester

36,400 COPIES FOR FAMILIES OF PRIMARY SCHOOL CHILDREN

ON WHE RE GUIDE

FEBRUARY HALF TERM 2024 • ISSUE 187 29TH JANUARY – 10TH MARCH 2024

kumon.co.uk Terms and conditions apply. Fees vary. Participating centres only.

Please refer to your local study centre. Subject to availability. *For research findings on Kumon study, please visit kumon.co.uk.

HALF TERM FUN • LOCAL NEWS • THEATRE GUIDE • WHAT’S ON

WINNER

Blue Peter Book Award 2019

WINNER

Waterstones Children’s Book Prize 2019

A Children’s Theatre Partnership and Rose Theatre production

the at the of the EASTER TREAT!

Based on the novel by

Onjali Q. Raúf

Adapted by

Directed by

Nick Ahad Monique Touko

TUE 26 - SAT 30 MARCH 2024 BOX OFFICE 0161 876 2000 THE LOWRY, SALFORD

THELOWRY.COM

SUITABLE

FOR 7+

THEBOYATTHEBACKOFTHECLASS.CO.UK BOYATBACKPLAY

Hello Readers, Welcome to our first issue of 2024! We hope you’ve had a good start to the New Year and your children have re-settled into daily school life.

Winter is now upon us, offering up its bare trees and frosty weather, but that’s no reason to hunker down at home all season! Instead of waiting for the warmer weather to return, pull on your winter woollies and take advantage of the change of season by creating a list of cold-weather activities and fun things to do.

Kids (and parents) will benefit from a fun and active half term break, so we’ve featured some fabulous places and family entertainment throughout this issue. Don’t worry – lots of options are undercover so you can have a brilliant time and dodge the wind and rain if needed!

We’ll be back again in March, when the warmer days are on the horizon, with lots of exciting Easter news and local events for your calendars.

Until then, we wish you all a very happy half term break with your families.

INSIDE Greater Manchester

04 IN THE NEWS

The latest news from in and around Manchester

06 HALF TERM FUN

A selection of fun activities for February half term

08 WOW

What’s on Where! A variety of places to visit this season

12 BOX OFFICE

An array of theatre, arts and films in the area

February Half Term 2024 PUBLISHED BY Moonscape Media Ltd 07710 229189 kerry@moonscapemedia.net EDITOR Michelle Dilger DEPUTY EDITOR Louise Fry PRODUCTION Tristan Kayes ADVERTISING Kerry Beardsmore LISTINGS EDITOR Suzanne Watson FEATURES EDITOR Helen Chitham

15 FUTURE EVENTS

Looking ahead to some great spring days out

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.

www.primarytimes.co.uk/manchester

FEBRUARY HALF TERM 2024 3

NEWS

LOCAL NEWS FROM THE MANCHESTER AREA

BOOK YOUR FREE TASTER SESSION AT RAZZAMATAZ

Razzamataz Manchester South has only been open three months and has already seen its students perform publicly; they’ve even managed to work on the promotion videos for NERF AX Manchester! In such a short space of time, amazing things have happened and it’s only going to grow. Now it’s about getting more kids involved in these opportunities and helping them exceed their potential. Performing arts is proven to help with confidence and social skills. Principle Ross is inviting all young people of Greater Manchester to a FREE taster session so they can experience it for themselves. Book your taster today! T: 07795 677022 W: manchestersouth.razzamataz.co.uk

STAGECOACH OFFERS MUSICAL THEATRE EXAMS TO BOOST CONFIDENCE AND UCAS POINTS!

Stagecoach Altrincham and Urmston provide quality part-time training in the arts for children aged 4-18 years. Their aim is to nurture and develop young potential through singing, acting and dancing classes in south Manchester. No experience necessary, they cater to each individual child’s needs, and you can trial the classes for two weeks before committing to a full term. They also accept tax free childcare, universal credit, and childcare voucher payments.

Students at Altrincham Stagecoach 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 16 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.”

THE ROLE OF HAPPINESS IN EMPOWERING YOUNG GIRLS

By Mrs Samantha Gibbons (Head of Preparatory Department, Manchester High School for Girls) “Empowering young girls is crucial for creating a more inclusive and equal society. By providing girls with the necessary opportunities and support, we can help them overcome societal barriers and achieve their full potential.

Research demonstrates that happy students perform better cognitively. Happiness leads to improved focus, comprehension, and information retention. It also sparks intrinsic motivation, creativity, and problem-solving skills. At MHSG, we actively build an environment with ‘happiness’ and human flourishing at its core.

Pupils talk positively about the support they receive from teachers and how they benefit when a teacher breaks problems down into smaller parts. This can include creating a more interactive learning environment, helping girls to excel academically, all of which contribute to a feeling of happiness.

Urmston T: 07507 177258 W: www.stagecoach.co.uk/urmston Altrincham T: 07904 451199 W: www.stagecoach.co.uk/altrincham

SCRUMDOWN FOR LIFETIME MEMORIES IN PORTUGAL

Rugby players from Stockport Grammar School enjoyed some winter sun as they headed to Lisbon for a five-day rugby trip. 41 pupils from Year 10 and Year 11 headed to the Costa da Caparica region of the Portuguese capital in November to play against local rugby teams, as well as enjoy the sights of the country. While there, they played against Académica de Coimbra, Rugby Belenenses and even at the Estádio do Sport Lisboa e Benfica, the home of Benfica FC. Sport and PE Teacher Mr Hugo Corbett said: “I believe that the aim of such trips is to provide experiences that the pupils would otherwise not have and to make memories that will last a lifetime. Thank you to sponsors One London Road, DoorCo, Gleave Homes, American Golf and Quantuma Advisory.” W: www.stockportgrammar.co.uk

Achievement and therefore empowerment cannot be realised in their fullest sense without ‘happiness’. That does not mean to imply that a child will not suffer periods of negative emotions, but it is their ability to process these emotions independently and return to the state of being happy that measures their overall well-being. We cannot shield pupils from negativities around them, rather we must prepare them for these times, so that they can enjoy being happy when the period of challenge passes.

Empowering young girls is a collective responsibility, requiring a multifaceted approach. By investing in education and promoting happiness, we can create an environment where girls thrive and reach their full potential.” W: www.manchesterhigh.co.uk 4 FEBRUARY HALF TERM 2024

www.primarytimes.co.uk/manchester

Primary NEWS

BOOST YOUR CHILD’S LEARNING WITH THE KUMON FREE TRIAL Kumon Study Centres across Manchester are dedicated to nurturing children of all ages and abilities into confident, independent learners with advanced study skills using their maths and English study programmes.

To help your children experience the benefits of Kumon, the Manchester Study Centres are offering a one-week Free Trial of the Kumon study programmes to all new students from 1st February-15th March.

In addition to their traditional study materials, students can also complete worksheets digitally with KUMON CONNECT, making studying even more accessible and convenient through a tablet and stylus. Discover your local Kumon centre and book your child’s free trial today at www.kumon.co.uk

BRING DANCE TO YOUR SCHOOL Dance to School is the UK’s leading online platform for teaching dance, providing support for teachers to bring high quality curriculum dance to more children throughout the UK. The recent Ofsted PE Subject report recommended that schools should include “carefully sequenced and taught” dance lessons in primary schools.

Eve Murphy, Founder and CEO of Dance to School, commented: “Whilst teachers believe dance is an important part of the curriculum, a remarkable 83 per cent of teachers lack the confidence, subject knowledge, and resources to deliver it. We can solve this.

Our platform exists to show teachers how to teach dance, whilst providing all the necessary resources that will transform teachers’ confidence and enable them to bring dance into the classroom.”

Dance to School work with teachers and schools, providing the CPD, curriculum themed lesson plans and resources needed to teach dance.

They also advocate across the sector to raise awareness of the value of dance in primary schools, helping them to meet their specified national curriculum, grow in confidence and support its implementation.

Gain pre-prepared lesson plans and resources to teach dance instantly!

T: 07903 857709 E: info@dancetoschool.com W: www.dancetoschool.com

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

Book online for open events Senior School Taster Days for Year 5 children 22nd May, 23rd May and 19th June Junior, Senior and Sixth Form school day tours available

SGS Inspires Tel: 0161 456 9000 www.primarytimes.co.uk/manchester

“Excellent” Highest Inspection Rating

www.stockportgrammar.co.uk FEBRUARY HALF TERM 2024 5

Half Term FUN

Looking for some fun activities to keep young minds entertained? There are lots of family-friendly events and activities taking place this February half term and beyond.

Things to do include arts and crafts, steam train adventures, interactive play and more.

Read on to plan a memorable and happy half term for all, right on your doorstep!

SEE AND HEAR THE STORY OF ROMEO AND JULIET AT THE BRIDGEWATER HALL THIS FEBRUARY Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet is one of the most famous stories ever written and the Hallé, with the help of presenter Tom Redmond, will take you through Prokofiev’s exciting Romeo and Juliet Suite. You might even recognise Dance of the Knights, otherwise known as the theme tune to BBC’s One’s The Apprentice. Enjoy this Musical Story of Romeo and Juliet at The Bridgewater Hall on Sunday 25th February at 12 noon. Get in the mood for the concert by exploring their creative activities in the foyer before the concert starts! W: www.halle.co.uk

ENJOY FUN AND ADVENTURE AT THE EAST LANCASHIRE RAILWAY THIS HOLIDAY Looking for something fun to do with the kids this half term?

Then why not take them on some steam powered adventures at the East Lancashire Railway? Kick things off with a magical madcap tour of the school of sorcery with The Wizard Adventure on 22nd February. If that wasn’t enough, they will be welcoming the excitable sisters, Bluey and Bingo, from Down Under to visit the Bury Transport Museum on 24th February. To find out more, and to book tickets, call or visit them online. T: 0333 320 2830 W: www.eastlancsrailway.co.uk

AN INTERACTIVE WORLD OF PLAY AND STORYTELLING COMES TO Z-ARTS Opening at Z-arts in Manchester for February half term, The 100 Story Hotel will feature a collection of author and illustrator Rob Biddulph’s unique and extraordinary characters, a slightly unusual hotel full of lions, dinosaurs, sausage dogs, penguins and a friendly polar bear, as well as a mysterious mystery for visitors to help solve… The 100 Story Hotel is the first new interactive world at Z-arts in two years after the hugely popular exhibition Fairy Tales, created with Discover Children’s Story Centre, finished at the end of 2023. The 100 Story Hotel has something for everyone aged 1-8 and their families to enjoy.

T: 0161 226 1912 W: www.z-arts.org

FEBRUARY HALF TERM FUN AT BRIDGEWATER: WORLD ON YOUR WINDOWSILL Join the fun this half term from the 10th-25th February at RHS Garden Bridgewater, with activities for all the family to enjoy, no matter what the weather! Have a go at family craft activities, fun planting sessions, interactive storytime, take part in a garden adventure for little explorers and grab your wellies and explore the seasonal garden trail. Advance booking is required, and normal garden admission applies. T: 0161 503 6100 W: www.rhs.org.uk/gardens/bridgewater

ENJOY PEPPA PIG’S FUN DAY OUT LIVE AT OPERA HOUSE MANCHESTER Peppa Pig is back in her oinktastic brand new live show, Fun Day Out on Wednesday 21st and Thursday 22nd February at Opera House Manchester.

Join Peppa, along with her family and friends as they go to the zoo and also the beach for a special party - it’s going to be an exciting and fun packed day.

Prepare to sing and dance with colourful scarecrows, feed the penguins, build big sandcastles, and even swim in the sea! Packed full of songs, dance and muddy puddles, Peppa’s Fun Day Out guarantees giggles and snorts for all Peppa fans, and a perfect introduction to theatre! W: www.atgtickets.com/manchester

6 FEBRUARY HALF TERM 2024

www.primarytimes.co.uk/manchester

Half Term FUN

and

Learn Sing, to Dance Act #TheGiftofConfidence

TH

E RHS T

O

I

D

N

JO

RHS Members X go free AY

X

TH

D

I

World on your windowsill

AY

JO

N

E RHS T

O

Sat 10 – Sun 25 Feb Have fun this half term and enjoy kid friendly activities whatever the weather! Discover the wonderful world of herbs and learn how to grow your own flavour-boosting ingredients to spice up mealtimes. Let’s get growing! rhs.org.uk/bridgewater

RHS Registered Charity No: 222879/SC038262 RHS Registered Charity No: 222879/SC038262

www.primarytimes.co.uk/manchester

FEBRUARY HALF TERM 2024 7

WOW – What’s On Where

HINGS TO DO LOCALLY T N FU

WOW WHAT’S

ON WHERE

in Greater Manchester

Ongoing Razzmataz UTC Media City manchestersouth.razzmataz.co.uk After its successful launch in September, Razzmataz Manchester South, which has been stated as one of Dragon’s Den’s top five success stories, is taking on new students. They are offering a free taster session. Booking essential.

Dance to School www.dancetoschool.com Dance to School is the UK’s leading online platform for teaching dance, providing support for teachers to bring high quality curriculum dance to more children throughout the UK.

Stagecoach www.stagecoach.co.uk/altrincham www.stagecoach.co.uk/urmston Stagecoach Altrincham and Urmston provide quality part-time training in the arts for children aged 4-18 years. Their aim is to nurture and develop young potential through singing, acting, and dancing classes in south Manchester.

Treetop Nets Zip World, Manchester www.zipworld.co.uk Are your kids aged 1-5? Do you want to burn off their morning energy? Do you fancy socialising with a free hot drink?

Then join the Treetop Nets sessions at Zip World Manchester! Available ThursdayMonday during winter, or every day during the school holidays. One-hour morning session: time varies, so check dates on the website beforehand. Tickets £5pp, usual supervision ratios apply.

8 FEBRUARY HALF TERM 2024

Chinese New Year in Manchester

Children Stay FREE

Manchester City Centre www.visitmanchester.com The UK’s brightest celebrations. As the dark streets light up, welcome in the Year of the Dragon. Featuring Manchester’s famous red lanterns, live performances, stalls and funfair, plus the return of the legendary Dragon Parade.

Also on Sunday 11th February.

Tatton Park www.tattonpark.org.uk Visit the gardens and farm this half term for the annual Scarecrow Festival and find your favourite pop stars. Running until 25th February but closed on Mondays.

World on your Windowsill

Science Show – Curious Kids

RHS Garden Bridgewater www.rhs.org.uk Join the fun this February half term.

Have a go at family craft activities, fun planting sessions, interactive storytime, take part in a garden adventure for little explorers and grab your wellies and explore the seasonal garden trail.

Running until 25th February.

Jodrell Bank www.jodrellbank.net Try to keep a cool head as you test your knowledge in the Adults vs Kids Space Quiz, and join the team of Explainers to investigate incredible forces found on Earth and beyond! Suitable for all ages.

19th-23rd February. Included free with entry tickets.

Wednesday 21st February The 100 Story Hotel Z-arts www.z-arts.org An interactive world of play and storytelling with some extraordinary characters. A slightly unusual hotel full of lions, dinosaurs, sausage dogs, penguins and a friendly polar bear!

Plus, there is a mysterious mystery for visitors to help solve! Recommended for ages 1-8 and their families.

Experiment Science and Industry Museum, Manchester www.scienceandindustrymuseum.org.uk Get hands on and see science brought to life in the free interactive gallery designed for the whole family to enjoy together.

Gandey’s Circus www.gandey.com Brace yourselves for a seamless blend of circus magic with the glittering glamour of Hollywood. From crazy comedy to the graceful acrobatics of the flying trapeze, every moment is a spectacle. This is not just a circus – this is blockbuster family entertainment! Touring from 9th February, visit online to see all venues, dates and to book your tickets.

Carden Park Hotel www.cardenpark.co.uk Discover family activities galore, as well as plenty for the adults this season!

Children stay free over February half term. Terms and conditions apply, please check online.

Scarecrow Pop Star Festival

IWM North www.iwm.org.uk What is it like to be caught up in war as a child? Evacuees, refugees, targets, and combatants share their experiences. Part of the Big Picture Show. An immersive 360-degree thought-provoking multimedia experience.

Hollywood Spectacular

Delamere Forest www.forestryengland.uk A year-long celebratory trail, to mark the 25th anniversary of the award-winning book. The Gruffalo’s 25th Birthday Trail is a party in the forest and families are encouraged to work together to search for missing party items whilst enjoying fun and games along the way. For those looking to enhance their experience, an accompanying trail pack is available to buy for just £4.

Monday 19th February

Children and War

Friday 9th February

25 Years of the Gruffalo

Saturday 10th February

BAM Mini Artists

Thursday 22nd February

Bury Art Museum www.buryartmuseum.co.uk Themed workshop sessions for 4-11 year olds. Runs every Saturday, 2-3.30pm, £3 per child.

Wizarding Adventure

Saturday 17th February Pancake Weekend at the Farm Tatton Park www.tattonpark.org.uk Discover more about where your pancake ingredients come from. Learn about the chickens that will have laid your eggs, move into the Mill to learn about the flour you need, and then see the fresh milk straight from the shippon. You will be able to see how pancakes are made and there are taster sessions at 12pm, 1pm and 2pm. Also on 18th February.

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!

East Lancashire Railway www.eastlancsrailway.org.uk Enjoy an interactive magical experience on a steam train! You’ll take lessons in the basics of broomsticks, practice your potion making, be instructed in incantations and learn to tattle and talk with a tawny owl. Also running on several other dates during the year.

Friday 23rd February Dino Adventure East Lancashire Railway www.eastlancsrailway.org.uk Meet a herd of baby dinosaurs and their friends on a time travelling train.

A perfect adventure for dino fans from ages 5-12 but anyone is welcome to join the fun. You’ll get to learn all about these adorable dinosaurs from expert handlers in this fully interactive experience that is both educational and entertaining for all the family. Also on 12th April, 15th & 28th August.

www.primarytimes.co.uk/manchester

WOW – What’s On Where

21 - 22 FEB

www.atgtickets.com/manchester

Romeo Juliet Sunday 25 February, 12pm at �e Bridgewater Ha�, Manchester A HALLÉ FAMILY CONCERT See and hear the story of Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet, as told by a fu� symphony orchestra in the wonderful Bridgewater Ha�!

THE MUSICAL STORY OF

Manchester’s orchestra, the Hallé, conductor Maxime Pascal and presenter Tom Redmond present the story of Romeo and Juliet as told by Prokofiev’s spell-binding music in a fun-filled concert full of drama for all the family.

www.primarytimes.co.uk/manchester

AND

Find out more at

HALLE.CO.UK/ FAMILY-CONCERTS

FEBRUARY HALF TERM 2024 9

WOW – What’s On Where

World on your Windowsill

Meet the Changemakers

RHS Garden Bridgewater www.rhs.org.uk The last few days to enjoy the child friendly activities… whatever the weather! Discover the wonderful world of herbs and learn how to grow your own flavour-boosting ingredients to spice up mealtimes. Get growing!

Running until 25th February.

Manchester Museum www.museum.manchester.ac.uk Drop in between 12-4pm to meet the communities, charities, activists, and artists shaping a more sustainable and fair future for Manchester. Discover new and different ideas and get involved in free creative workshops and activities for all ages.

Saturday 24th February

Saturday 2nd March

Bluey & Bingo Family Fun Day East Lancashire Railway www.eastlancsrailway.org.uk See Bluey and Bingo at intervals throughout the day at Bury Transport Museum. Don’t forget to take your cameras! There will also be a fun fair, face painters, petting zoo and craft activities for you and the family to enjoy, all included in the ticket price. Complete your day out with a ride with one of the heritage steam or diesel trains through the Irwell valley. Ticket price includes a ride on any train service on the day of your visit – just pick the time that suits you! Tickets must be purchased online.

Saturday 4th May

British GT and GB3 Championships Oulton Park www.oultonpark.co.uk Incredible cars from Aston Martin, McLaren, Lamborghini and more will compete in two one-hour sprint races on main raceday Monday, with pit stops and driver changes included. Running 29th March-1st April.

Day Out with Thomas

Saturday 30th March

East Lancashire Railway www.eastlancsrailway.org.uk This popular event is running 4th-6th May over the Bank Holiday. 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.

Lambing Weekends Reseheath Zoo www.reaseheath.ac.uk/lambing A memorable family weekend full of fun and excitement! The event will be held in spacious facilities on the main campus with ticket prices including entrance to both lambing and the Zoo. Prepaid tickets only. Also on 3rd, 9th and 10th March.

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!

10 FEBRUARY HALF TERM 2024

Friday 29th March

Easter Family Fun Day Haydock Park www.thejockeyclub.co.uk Haydock Park Racecourse transforms into a prehistoric paradise for a day of family fun, filled with thrilling racing action alongside activities and entertainment that will leave your little explorers in awe. Under 18’s go FREE!

SAY YO SAW IT U IN

www.primarytimes.co.uk/manchester

WOW – What’s On Where

www.primarytimes.co.uk/manchester

nt

ou

r

ou r pre

se

r past future

ou

FEBRUARY HALF TERM 2024 11

Box OFFICE All the very best theatre, arts and films near you.

GOLDILOCKS AND THE THREE BEARS THE ALBERT HALLS

The Lowry

Wednesday 21st – Thursday 22nd February

www.thelowry.com

Tuesday 20th – Thursday 22nd February

THE ADVENTURES OF THE LITTLE RED HEN An energetic adaptation of this much-loved story, featuring a breath-taking combination of brilliant puppetry, live music and unforgettable comedy.

The Albert Halls Bolton

The Bridgewater Hall

www.alberthalls-bolton.co.uk

Sunday 25th February

Sunday 31st march

DINOSAUR ADVENTURE LIVE – TROUBLE ON VOLCANO ISLAND Join the intrepid Dinosaur Adventurers as you journey to a world of living, breathing, life-like dinosaurs.

Friday 5th April

GOLDILOCKS AND THE THREE BEARS Join Goldilocks as she travels through the forest to the bears’ cottage and finds the porridge that is not too sweet or too salty, sits in a chair that’s not too hard or too soft, and sleeps in a bed that is just right. Starring panto favourites Rebecca Lake as Goldilocks and Andrew Curphey as Ringo.

Aviva Studios Manchester www.factoryinternational.org

Wednesday 27th – Sunday 31st March

JUNGLE BOOK Step into the enchanting world of the Jungle Book. The timeless tale of mancub Mowgli and his friends comes to Manchester in a stage adaptation directed by Robert Wilson with original music from CocoRosie. Perfect for all ages, this retelling of the classic story shines a light on tolerance, friendship and humanity – celebrating childhood and all things wild and wonderful.

12 FEBRUARY HALF TERM 2024

www.bridgewater-hall.co.uk

THE HALLÉ – THE MUSICAL SORY OF ROMEO AND JULIET Step into the seething heat of 14th-century Verona, as Romeo Montague decides to turn up, uninvited, to a ball held by his family’s arch-rivals, the Capulets.

As soon as Romeo sets his eyes on Juliet, the two fall instantly in love, much to their families’ anger.

Their love is too strong to break their bond and the story finishes in tragedy, ending the war between the Montagues and Capulets forever.

Sunday 24th March

HALLÉ YOUTH SHOWCASE This concert will showcase wonderful ensembles, including the Hallé Youth Orchestra and Youth Choir, celebrating their 21st birthday, by demonstrating their ability to perform at the highest level.

Sunday 7th April

PADDINGTON™ IN CONCERT STUDIOCANAL and Raymond Gubbay Limited are pleased to present Paddington™ in Concert.

A heartwarming journey from Peru to London; experience the beloved 2014 film with a live orchestra – unforgettable family entertainment!

Based on Michael Bond’s muchloved books, cherished by families since 1958, the charming story follows the misadventures of a young bear from Peru who travels to London in search of a home.

Thursday 7th – Saturday 9th March

BIRMINGHAM BALLET – THE SLEEPING BEAUTY The Sleeping Beauty has been delighting audiences for well over a hundred years, sprinkling ballet magic on this favourite childhood story and its cast of familiar characters.

PEPPA PIG’S FUN DAY OUT Prepare to sing and dance with colourful scarecrows, feed the penguins, build big sandcastles, and even swim in the sea!

Saturday 2nd March

SING-A-LONGA-MATILDA Find the ‘magic’ inside of you and join the latest film to get the singalong treatment, the Tony and Olivier Award winning Matilda the Musical based on Roald Dahl’s novel.

Z-arts www.z-arts.org

Sunday 10th February

DOGS DON’T DO BALLET

Sunday 17th March

THE (NOT SO) BIG BAD WOLF

The sublime and the ridiculous combine in this hilarious story of a small dog with a big personality and even bigger dreams, brought to life using beautiful puppets, well-loved ballet music and dazzling comedy.

Performed by two actor musicians, featuring original live music and puppetry.

Tuesday 26th – Saturday 30th March

THE BOY AT THE BACK OF THE CLASS Told from a child’s perspective, balancing heart and humour, The Boy at the Back of the Class highlights the power of friendship and kindness in a world that doesn’t always make sense and reminds us that everyone needs a place to call home.

Manchester Palace Theatre and Opera House www.atgtickets.com/manchester

Thursday 8th – Sunday 11th February

MADAGASCAR THE MUSICAL Starring CBBC and Strictly Come Dancing star, Karim Zeroual as King Julien get ready to join Alex, Marty, Melman, Gloria and those hilarious, plotting penguins as they bound onto stage in the musical adventure of a lifetime.

Wednesday 21st February

THE 100 STORY HOTEL An interactive world of play and storytelling featuring a collection of author and illustrator Rob Biddulph’s unique and extraordinary characters.

Friday 29th – Saturday 30th March

THERE’S A MONSTER IN YOUR SHOW Tom Fletcher’s interactive adventures for big imaginations are leaping from page to stage, as the beloved ‘Who’s in Your Book?’ series makes its debut as a brand-new musical show.

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!

www.primarytimes.co.uk/manchester

Box OFFICE

ages 1-8

z-arts.org

Cre at

Dr

#

335 Stretford Road, Hulme, Manchester, M15 5ZA

R with ob Bi ed

ulph dd

Box Office: 0161 226 1912

Scan me to book!

aw

W it h R o

b

Registered charity 1093556

STUDIOCANAL and Raymond Gubbay Ltd present

ORGANISING AN EVENT? WHY NOT GET IT LISTED IN THE UK’S BIGGEST MAGAZINE FOR FAMILIES

Enjoy the award-winning 2014 film on a giant HD screen, accompanied by a live orchestra playing Nick Urata’s calypso-infused score live.

GET IN TOUCH!

The Bridgewater Hall, Manchester

office@primarytimesmag.com

www.primarytimes.co.uk/manchester

Sunday 7 April 3pm

Book tickets at rg.live/paddington

©P&Co. Ltd/ SC 2023

FEBRUARY HALF TERM 2024 13

ONLINE SECURITY

LETTER SCRAMBLE

��

S

E

T

T

I

N

G

S

Q

W

S

R

T

S

O

C

I

A

L

Y

U

T

I

O

P

N

A

K

M

O

S

D

R

P

J

H

L

S

G

I

C

F

S

E

R

K

L

I

Z

X

N

A

C

A

A

I

M

R

N

N

B

G

T

V

F

M

V

Q

W

E

P

Z

I

I

X

E

I

A

Q

P

T

R

E

P

O

R

T

N

C

H

A

T

V

B

N

N

P

Y

G

Y

Z

X

C

M

E

S

S

A

G

E

WORD SEARCH

CAN YOU UNSCRAMBLE THE LETTERS TO CREATE A WORD

MREWAAL

MSAP LMIA

nnnnnnn

nnnn nnnn

(1) CLUE: Malicious Software:

OCKIEO

(2) CLUE: Unwanted Mail:

LFRWAIEL

(3) CLUE: Small piece of website data:

(4) CLUE: Prevents unauthorised access:

nnnnnn

nnnnnnnn

PSWRASOD

(5) CLUE: Required when signing into a computer

nnnnnnnn ANSWERS (1) MALWARE (2) SPAM MAIL (3) COOKIE (4) FIREWALL (5) PASSWORD

SPOT THE ? ? DIFFERENCE THESE PICTURES. CAN YOU SPOT THE 6 DIFFERENCES BETWEEN

CAN YOU FIND THESE WORDS BELOW IN THE WORD SEARCH

n SETTINGS n PRIVACY n GAMING

n MESSAGE n SOCIAL n CHAT

n ONLINE n RISK n LOCATION

n SAFETY n REPORT n STREAMING

COMPUTER JOKES

Why was the computer late What do computers Where do you find boats eat? to work? It had a hard-drive! ks!

Doc gle Goo ?

Micro-chips! ine onl What does a computer How does a tree access ! use -on to buy things? Cache! log y The er? put a com Why was the computer cold?

Because Windows was left open!

SAFE ROUTE

(A)

CAN YOU FIND THE SAFE ROUTE TO THE COMPUTER!

)

(C) (B

THE GOOD STUFF...

ANTI VIRUS - Software Application designed to protect computers from malicious computer code (virus) COOKIE - A small piece of data sent from a website and stored in a user’s web browser while a user is browsing a website.

FILTERING SOFTWARE - Designed to prevent access to inappropriate websites on the internet. It does this by denying or allowing access based on lists of pre-classified addresses, or by examining the web data for keywords or unwanted content.

ANTI SPAM - Computer program that puts into action anti-spam techniques

SECURITY UPDATES - New versions of programs that fix problems that have been found. Often sent out automatically, it is important that security updates are installed as soon as they are released as hackers and malware often try to make use of the errors that haven’t been fixed.

FIREWALL - A system that prevents unauthorised access to a computer over a network, such as the internet.

PASSWORD - A word or series of letters, numbers and punctuation that only you know, which you use to log on to computers, networks or online services.

THE BAD STUFF...

HACKING - Slang term used to describe illegal access of computer systems by unauthorised users.

SPAM MAIL - Unwanted email messages that are sent out to people via their email address.

MALWARE - Malicious software that is designed to infiltrate or damage a computer system without the owner’s informed consent.

It includes computer viruses, worms.

SPYWARE - usually installs itself on the computer and monitors activity in order to send private information to third parties.

TROJAN - A computer program that takes control of the computer it is installed upon without the knowledge of the owner and is designed to access or damage sensitive data VIRUS - A computer program which distributes copies of itself without permission or knowledge of the user. Viruses often hide themselves inside other programs.

WORM - A special type of virus that is self-replicating and can spread across many computers and harm networks, consume bandwidth and shut computers down.

Future EVENTS

Looking ahead over the next few months there are some lovely family events to mark in your diaries. We’ve got your weekends covered!

THE BOY AT THE BACK OF THE CLASS – A SHOW NOT TO BE MISSED!

A Children’s Theatre Partnership and Rose Theatre production, based on the book by Onjali Q. Raúf, adapted for the stage

by Nick Ahad and Directed by Monique Touko. There used to be an empty chair at the back of the class, but now a new boy called Ahmet is sitting in it. He’s nine years old (just like me), but he’s very strange. He never talks and never smiles and doesn’t like sweets – not even lemon sherbets, which are my favourite!

After learning that he has fled his own war-torn country, Ahmet’s classmates have ‘The Greatest Idea in the World’ – a magnificent plan to reunite Ahmet with his family. An unexpected and often hilarious adventure follows, all topped off with a terrific twist.

Told from a child’s perspective, balancing heart and humour, The Boy at the Back of the Class highlights the power of friendship and kindness in a world that doesn’t always make sense and reminds us that everyone needs a place to call home. Running at The Lowry from Tuesday 26th-Saturday 30th March and recommended for children aged 7+. W: www.thelowry.com

JOIN MOWGLI AND FRIENDS FOR AN AMAZING ADVENTURE WITH JUNGLE BOOK

This spring, get ready to roar with laughter and let your imagination run wild with Jungle Book – a spellbinding new adaptation of the timeline classic, created by visionary director Robert Wilson. Join mancub Mowgli and friends for a story of tolerance, friendship and humanity – celebrating all things wild and wonderful through stunning set designs, dazzling costumes and a dreamy original soundtrack. Perfect for all ages, this magical show will delight children and grown-ups alike. Don’t miss Jungle Book at Aviva Studios, Manchester from 27th-31st March. Book now at www.factoryinternational.org

GOLDILOCKS AND THE THREE BEARS COMES TO ALBERT HALLS BOLTON

Roll up, roll up one and all for the Bolton’s Easter pantomime as Ringo the ring boy brings Circus Wonderland to the village of Boltondale on Friday 5th April. Join Goldilocks as she travels through the forest to the bears’ cottage and finds the porridge that is not too sweet or too salty, sits in a chair that’s not too hard or too soft, and sleeps in a bed that is just right.

PLAN YOUR FAMILY’S DAY OUT WITH THOMAS THIS SPRING!

Get the family spring ready by booking a trip on the East Lancashire Railway for spectacular family fun on a Day Out with Thomas on the 4th-6th May! 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 www.eastlancsrailway.co.uk or call 0333 320 2830. Thomas and friends will be waiting for you! www.primarytimes.co.uk/manchester

Watch out for the evil Countess Vippenall who kidnap’s Baby bear and tricks them into performing in her rival circus leaving Goldilocks without her best friend.

Will Goldie and her friends Ringo, Mummy and Daddy bear be able to save baby bear in time? There’s only one way to find out.

Join in the fun with an all-star cast they tell the magical tale of Goldilocks and The Three Bears, packed with songs, dance and lots of comedy. This is a show for all the family you won’t want to miss! W: www.alberthalls-bolton.co.uk

FEBRUARY HALF TERM 2024 15