Primary Times Greater Manchester - May Half Term 2024

FREE KIDSSCIENCESHOW DURINGSCHOOL

Hello Readers,

May is here and hopefully bringing us brighter, longer days, more consistent weather, and a taste of summer to come! In anticipation, we bring you an issue full of value-added entertainment and places to visit to help liven our mood and plan for the holidays ahead. Organise your May school break with our guide to the best things to do in the local area. The bank holiday weekend means you’ll find an ever-growing number of events and activities for all ages, with a variety of attractions inviting us to join them for music events, festivals, outdoor trails and shows. And if the sun shines, simply head outdoors to the numerous local parks and playgrounds with a picnic! Elsewhere, as ever, you’ll find a round-up of local news and detailed diary pages for day-to-day planning to help keep everyone happy and amused! We’ll be back again in July with our summer edition, bursting with inspirational ways to fill your free time! In the meantime, enjoy the issue and have a wonderful half term break with your families.

INSIDE

FAMILY SHOWS

A round up of some great concerts coming up

HALF TERM FUN

Destinations and activities to fill your half term

WOW

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

COMPETITION TIME

Your chance to win a kids party in the woods

EDUCATION WATCH

Updates from local schools

BOX OFFICE

An array of theatre, arts and films near you

Family SHOWS

Read on to discover four upcoming shows in the area, from music to magic, they are bound to keep all ages entertained.

22ND MAY – 7TH JULY

Disney’s Aladdin flies into the Palace Theatre Manchester!

Already seen by over 14 million people worldwide, the spectacle is filled with unforgettable magic, comedy, breathtaking sets, dazzling costumes and smash-hit songs from the animated film! There’s also new music by Tony, Olivier, Grammy and eight-time Academy award-winner Alan Menken, including A Whole New World, Arabian Nights, and Friend Like Me. Everyone will be enchanted by the timeless story of Disney’s Aladdin, a penniless scoundrel, the courageous and determined Princess Jasmine and the Genie who may be the key to their future. Alongside the much-loved Iago and the fearsome Jafar, audiences will be transported on a wondrous journey of self-belief and friendship, where one lamp and three wishes make the possibilities infinite. See Disney’s Aladdin at the Palace Theatre Manchester from 22nd May-7th July. W: www.atgtickets.com/manchester

SUNDAY 21ST JULY

Magician Cillian O’Connor brings his first ever live stage show to Salford!

Described by Simon Cowell as ‘an incredible talent’, Cillian reached the Britain’s Got Talent final in 2023 where he finished in the top three. His performances online have now been some of the most watched of the entire series, reaching over 500 million views in just a few weeks. The show features special guest Ryland Petty from America’s Got Talent. Cillian promises to enchant and amaze audiences across the UK and Ireland with a show for the entire family, for all ages. See Cillian at The Lowry, Salford on Sunday 21st July. “I’m super excited to go on my first ever tour and meet the audiences who supported me on Britain’s Got Talent!” Buy tickets online at www.thelowry.com or www.cilliansmagic.com

SUNDAY 14TH JULY

Terra Musica – A Musical Adventure at Stoller Hall

Get ready to travel across the world to discover new tales and tunes exploring who we are, and where we come from. Perfect for children aged 5-7 and their families, Terra Musica weaves together different musical cultures, celebrating our different backgrounds through fun and engaging performances. Bringing the festival feel to Stoller Hall, this summer’s Terra Musica will feature new music and a story written by Samba musician Tony Watt, played by a group of talented young musicians from around Manchester. There are two shows on Sunday 14th July and it’s just £5 per child, with one accompanying adult free. W: www.stollerhall.com

23RD JULY – 4TH AUGUST

A wonderful musical adaptation of Charlie Cook’s Favourite Book

Charlie loves reading. Especially books about pirates. But his sister hates it - it’s boring! Can Charlie convince her that reading is fun? Perhaps if she read a book about a pirate, who is reading a book about Goldilocks, who is reading a book about a knight… Go and delve into a range of books with Charlie Cook at The Lowry this summer, brought to life with puppetry and enchanting songs, and perhaps you will be able to help his sister discover the wonderful world inside a book… Based on the original book Charlie Cook’s Favourite Book - written by Julia Donaldson and illustrated by Axel Scheffler. T: 0161 876 2000 W: www.thelowry.com

Photo © Ellie Kurttz

A NEW WAY TO ENTERTAIN THE KIDS

Local NEWS

Read on for the latest news from in and around the Manchester area, including a free registration offer from Kumon.

Supercharge your child’s 11+ test prep with Bond Online Premium, powered by CENTURY

Grammar school test prep with thousands of test prep questions and mock exams from Bond, the leading brand in 11+ preparation. Featuring cutting-edge online learning for the 11+ exam created by Bond and CENTURY:

• Advanced learning personalisation powered by CENTURY’s award-winning AI

• Thousands of practice questions from Bond, the leading brand for 11+ preparation

Impact studies have shown that Bond gives children the best chance of 11+ and entrance exam success. Personalise your child’s learning with the only AI-powered test prep platform. As your child learns, they receive tailored feedback to help them improve their exam performance. The platform adapts to the pace of your child’s learning, keeping them challenged, engaged and motivated. Unparalleled 11+ content, brought to you by Oxford University Press, the world’s leading educational and academic publisher. Start your free trial at www.century.tech/bond

Get started with Kumon this summer term and save with their Free Registration offer

Kumon is proud to be recognised as an education provider that delivers proven academic results. They’re offering Free Registration on the Kumon Maths and English Programmes between 1st May and 30th June 2024 to help you get started before the end of the summer term.

Students can also study digitally with KUMON CONNECT, making Kumon’s tried and tested worksheets even more accessible and convenient to study using a tablet and stylus. Join the over 3.5 million Kumon students worldwide by contacting your local Instructor and book a Free Assessment and Kumon Registration to save with the Free Registration offer via www.kumon.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.”

Urmston T: 07507 177258 W: www.stagecoach.co.uk/urmston

Altrincham T: 07904 451199 W: www.stagecoach.co.uk/altrincham

“His teacher said he is light-years ahead of his peers because of Kumon!”

-Olivia, Kumon Parent

Kumon’s maths and English study programmes deliver proven academic success.*

Your local Instructor will conduct an individualised maths and English assessment explaining how Kumon can develop your child’s confidence, skills and abilities.

Book a free assessment today and save with our free registration offer!

Altrincham 07951 078744

Altrincham North 07784 385806

Bramhall 07596 290427

Cheadle Hulme 07471 958866

Eastland 0161 696 2301

Levenshulme 0161 248 4899

Prestwich 07554 059594

Sale 07802 835616

Old Trafford 07860 209208

Timperley 07979 981491

Half Term FUN

Discover thrilling theme parks, sparkling science shows, climbing adventures and family fun days out this half term and beyond. Great destinations for young ones with boundless energy who need some great alternatives to screen time!

Gulliver’s Theme Parks guarantees you one of the best value family days out in the UK

There’s a great selection of rides and attractions available alongside play areas that are perfect for younger children at each of Gulliver’s four UK resorts in Matlock Bath, Warrington, Milton Keynes and Rother Valley. You can extend the adventure with an Eat, Sleep, Play! package, which includes a charming one night’s stay in a choice of themed rooms and lodges. An evening meal is included too, alongside entertainment, a breakfast bite, and lots of cherished family memories. And don’t forget parking is completely FREE every time you visit. W: www.gulliversfun.co.uk

See the voucher in this magazine for ‘5 for the price of 2’ at all Gulliver’s Theme Parks!

Fuel their thinking with Curious Kids: The Explosive Science Show at Jodrell Bank

Spark their curiosity and ignite their imagination with the return of Curious Kids: The EXPLOSIVE Science Show at Jodrell Bank this half term from 24th May to 10th June! A live science show to blow your socks off, Curious Kids explores the forces of the Universe and invites audience members to get involved and test their science smarts with a Kids vs Adults quiz! Curious Kids is offered on a first come, first served basis so arrive early to avoid disappointment! Plus, catch their newest temporary exhibition in the Space Pavilion Gallery, ‘Time is Running Out’ exploring important questions being asked by climate scientists in the fight to look after our planet and perfect for kids 8+, giving them the tools to ask their own questions and think creatively about the world around them. W: www.jodrellbank.net

Can ‘ewe’ find the flock at Tatton Park?

Head to Tatton Park’s 50-acre gardens this spring, and you’ll find 12, super-sized Shaun the Sheep sculptures grazing in new pastures. In collaboration with Wild in Art and Aardman, some of the sculptures have been inspired by the flora and fauna you’ll find in Tatton’s gardens from around the world. The ewe-nique arts trail is great for families who are looking for a colourful outdoor adventure! Stay and play this half term from 25th May-9th June; pack a garden picnic, find the flock, and challenge friends and family to take part in Shaun the Sheep’s baa-rilliant garden games! For more details visit their website. W: www.tattonpark.org.uk

Reach Exhilarating New Heights at Rock Up!

Rock Up is the perfect destination to experience adventure and mountains of fun for the whole family! Try the incredible 8m climbing walls with over 70+ vertical challenges to test yourself, build confidence & have mountains of fun. They welcome all ages and abilities, novice to expert! Explore the delightful & sensory soft play full of activities to get the little ones burning off their energy and having fun with friends. You can celebrate in style with memory-making birthday parties & group events perfect for community clubs, Scouts, Guides or event corporate teams. Plus, you’ll find delicious food, refreshing drinks & snacks to fuel your adventure. W: www.rock-up.co.uk

Photo

Get behind your team as T20 Cricket returns to Emirates Old Trafford

Brace yourself for the return of T20 Cricket at Emirates Old Trafford! Get behind your local team and support Lancashire Lightning and Lancashire Thunder where sport and entertainment meet. Experience the free activities in the fan village where kids can get involved with interactive games, enjoy roaming entertainers and stilt cricketers delivering unforgettable photo opportunities! A perfect day out for you and your family and an action-packed experience that has something for everyone.

Find out more online and get ready to be swept away by cricket’s ultimate celebration, with all kids’ tickets just £5! Starting from Sunday 19th May, there are many fixtures over the half term week and beyond. Check online for details. W: www.lancashirecricket.co.uk/T20

Showcase

your talents and hone your skills at NERF AX this half term!

Based at Trafford Palazzo, NERF Action Xperience is the only legit place to play NERF in the UK - with challenges and activities to get the whole family active! You have 60 minutes to navigate five zones for yourself, spending as much time in each zone as you like, including their newly opened PROJECT STEALTH - be the first to test out a high-energy, dodgeball-inspired NERF game! With a huge atrium dedicated solely to NERF Sports, two epic-themed battlegrounds and an arcade-style target range you have all you need for a fun-fuelled, thrilling experience just off the M60 in Trafford! W: www.nerfax.co.uk

RHS Garden Bridgewater, Salford promises plenty of fun this half term with a family trail, hands-on planting sessions, seasonal crafts and interactive story sessions across over 150 acres of beautiful garden, a stone’s throw away from central Manchester. For horticultural inspiration, families can travel throughout the seasons to explore a year in gardening with the Family Trail, and growing gardeners can get hands-on with seed planting workshops. The festival will also include plenty of fun crafting activities where little ones can make their own sunflower seed packets and there will be a host of interactive storytelling sessions to inspire young imaginations. Little gardeners aged 3-6 can also participate in an exciting garden adventure where they will discover all of the garden’s best secrets with an RHS expert. Dates, times and activities vary - for more information, prices and to book tickets, please check online. W: www.rhs.org.uk/gardens/bridgewater

WA5 9YZ

Experience the Crown Jewels of bowling at King Pins this half term!

Enjoy state-of-the-art Ten Pin and Duck Pin bowling, as well as ice-free curling, shuffleboard, batting cage, huge arcades, private karaoke party rooms and more when you head off to King Pins this school holiday. And the fun doesn’t stop at the games! Tuck into delicious food from Ply Pizza and Wings of Power, as well as a sweet treat from their very own dessert emporium, Royal Treats. Find them at Trafford Palazzo now, as well as their brand-new Manchester Arndale venue –opening on the 17th May! W: www.kingpins.co.uk

FUN THINGS TO DO LOCALLYWOW WHAT’S ON WHERE

in Greater Manchester

Ongoing

What Will You Discover?

Eureka Science and Discovery www.eurekadiscovery.org.uk

From the ‘what’s’ of the world around us to the ‘why’s’ of the human body, Eureka! Science + Discovery challenges visitors to look at the ordinary every day and see the extraordinary.

Plan Your Visit

Chester Zoo www.chesterzoo.org

Discover over 37,000 incredible animals at the UK’s most visited zoo! This year, get closer than ever to some of the UK’s most iconic species in an unforgettable 360° immersive experience, brought to you by the filmmakers behind BBC and ITV documentaries.

Free Registration

Kumon, Various Locations

www.kumon.co.uk

Free registration on the Kumon Maths and English Programmes until 30th June to help you get started before the end of the summer term. Students can also study digitally with Kumon Connect.

Family Fun

The Stoller Hall, Manchester www.stollerhall.com

Interactive workshops, live music, and family entertainment. Each month their Stoller Story Sounds workshops have a different theme, taking pre-schoolers and their grown-ups on an interactive musical journey.

Children and War

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

Say you saw it in Primary Times

Reach New Heights

Rock Up Manchester www.rock-up.co.uk

The perfect destination to experience adventure! Try the incredible 8m climbing walls with over 70+ vertical challenges to test yourself, build confidence & have mountains of fun. Explore the delightful & sensory soft play full of activities to get the little ones burning off their energy and having fun with friends.

Use code MAN10 for 10% off your climbing adventure!

Shaun the Sheep

– Find the Flock

Tatton Park www.tattonpark.org.uk

A colourful arts trail in the gardens where you’ll find 12, super-size Shaun the Sheep sculptures. Perfect for families. Running until 23rd June.

Thursday 16th May

Time is Running Out

Jodrell Bank www.jodrellbank.net

The newest temporary exhibition in the Space Pavilion Gallery, ‘Time is Running Out’ explores some of the most important questions currently being asked by climate scientists in the fight to look after our planet. Perfect for kids 8+, giving them the tools to ask their own questions and think creatively about the world around them. Included free with entry. Runs until 7th July.

Saturday 18th May

Foodbank Weekend

Gulliver’s Theme Parks www.gulliversfun.co.uk

Book discounted theme park tickets from £14pp in support of local foodbank charities. Simply take a non-perishable food item to donate on the day to help support people in crisis across the UK. Also on 19th May.

Sunday 19th May

T20 Cricket

Emirates Old Trafford www.lancashirecricket.co.uk

Get behind your local team! Experience the free activities in the fan village where kids can get involved with interactive games, enjoy roaming entertainers and stilt cricketers delivering unforgettable photo opportunities! T20 kicks off from today, check website for dates of fixtures. All kids’ tickets £5.

Friday 24th May

Curious Kids: The Explosive Science Show

Jodrell Bank www.jodrellbank.net

A live science show to blow your socks off, Curious Kids explores the forces of the Universe and invites audience members to get involved and test their science smarts with a Kids vs Adults quiz! Runs until 10th June.

Saturday 25th May

AJ Bell Junior and Mini

Great Manchester Run Manchester Regional Arena www.greatrun.org

An exciting new route for 2024 starting and finishing in the Manchester Regional Arena where you’ll receive an exclusive finisher medal to add to your collection and a sense of pride like no other. Minis aged 3-8 take on a daring 1.6km dash, while Juniors aged 9-15 tackle a 2.5km supercharged sprint.

RHS Family Gardening Festival

RHS Garden Bridgewater www.rhs.org.uk

Budding gardeners can get hands-on with the RHS Family Garden Festival from 25th May to 2nd June. Gardeners of all ages can participate in interactive planting activities, creative crafts, inspirational storytelling and fun garden trails to explore. Almost all activities are free and included with ticket prices, with free entry for under-5s and RHS members; some tickets need to be booked.

Family Garden trail

RHS Bridgewater www.rhs.org.uk

Explore a year of family gardening, handy tips on what to do and when, allowing everyone to get gardening together this half term. All ages. Runs until 2nd June.

Stay

and Play

Tatton Park

www.tattonpark.org.uk

Stay and play this half term; pack a garden picnic, complete the trail to find the flock, and challenge friends and family to take part in Shaun the Sheep’s baa-rilliant garden games! Running until 9th June.

Sunday 26th May

Half Term Bowling

King Pins, Trafford Palazzo www.kingpinsbowling.co.uk

The ultimate bowling experience for all the family. You’ll find state-of-the-art Ten Pin bowling, as well as Duck Pin lanes, ice-free curling, shuffleboard, pool, ping pong, a huge arcade and more.

Monday 27th May

Nerf AX

Trafford Palazzo www.nerfax.co.uk

NERF AX is the only legitimate place to play NERF in the UK – with challenges and activities to get the whole family active! You have 60-minutes to navigate five zones for yourself. With a huge atrium dedicated solely to NERF Sports, two epic-themed battlegrounds and an arcade-style target range you have all you need for a fun-fuelled, and somewhat competitive experience.

Tuesday 28th May

Junior Farmers Tatton Park www.tattonpark.org.uk

Become a member of the team and explore the important work that goes into the running of the farm and caring for the animals.

Half Term Fun

BeWILDerwood, Cheshire www.bewilderwood.co.uk

Leave the real world behind and enter the magical world of BeWILDerwood Cheshire this half term! Relive the magic from the BeWILDerwood books as you follow in the footsteps of the curious characters that live in the woods. Enjoy a full day of family fun exploring giant slippery slides, extra-long zip wires, muddled mazes, crafts, stories at the Storytelling Stage and more.

Thursday 30th May

The Wizarding Adventure East Lancashire Railway www.eastlancsrailway.org.uk

Become a wonderful wizard and learn everything you need to know to carry out a secret mission of the utmost importance and graduate with prestigious honours of hocus-pocusry. It’s an enchanting experience for all the family. Ages 5-12.

Friday 31st May

Villain Academy

East Lancashire Railway www.eastlancsrailway.org.uk

Your adventure includes a steam train ride from Bury to Rawtenstall and back, a roughly two-hour Villain experience with colourful characters, themed activities and plenty of photo opportunities, It’s the perfect adventure for the whole family.

Imaginative Storytelling

RHS Bridgewater www.rhs.org.uk

Join Magical StoryJars to create your own adventure based on their story ideas. All ages.

Saturday 1st June

Garden Adventure

RHS Bridgewater www.rhs.org.uk

An adventure for little explorers aged 3-6. £2.50 per child. 11am, 12.15pm and 1.30pm.

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!

Saturday 8th June

Dinosaurs Unleashed

Gulliver’s Theme Parks

www.gulliversfun.co.uk

Say hello to baby dinosaurs, accompanied by expert rangers, look out for fearsome velociraptors and beware of an eight-foot tall herbivore. Look forward to a day out that’s full of dino surprises and fabulous theme park experiences! Also on 9th June.

We are Stars

Jodrell Bank www.jodrellbank.net

Blast off on a journey to the centre of the Universe! ‘We Are Stars’ uses immersive animations to go all the way back to the Big Bang, with stop-offs throughout the stars which astro-enthusiasts of all ages are sure to love! Tickets £5. Runs weekends and school holidays.

Saturday 15th June

Father’s Day Weekend

Gulliver’s Theme Parks

www.gulliversfun.co.uk

Adults go free when accompanied by one full paying child throughout Father’s Day weekend! This special offer is available at all Gulliver’s Theme Parks on both Saturday and the Sunday.

DogFest

Tatton Park

www.tattonpark.org.uk

DogFest is back and bursting with wonderful activities for you to enjoy with the whole family, four-legged included!

Saturday 22nd June

Pretty Mudder Kids

Tatton Park

www.tattonpark.org.uk

Race for Life Pretty Muddy Kids is a brilliant muddy obstacle course just for the little ones.

Jamboree Weekend

Gulliver’s Theme Parks

www.gulliversfun.co.uk

Get ready for a huge Jamboree Weekend in partnership with The Scouts Association. Perfect for Uniformed Youth Groups, enjoy bushcraft sessions, cookery school, jamboree discovery trail and all the regular rides and attractions. Running until 23rd June.

Sunday 14th July

Terra Musica

Stoller Hall at Chetham’s, Manchester www.stollerhall.com

Perfect for children aged 5-7 and their families, Terra Musica weaves together different musical cultures, celebrating our different backgrounds through fun and engaging performances. Bringing the festival feel to Stoller Hall, this summer’s Terra Musica will feature new music and a story written by Samba musician Tony Watt, played by a group of talented young musicians from around Manchester.

(Suitable from age 5 upwards)

If you go down to the woods today… you’ll find outdoor birthday parties packed with new experiences to make an extra special birthday, delivered by We Are Adventurers.

We Are Adventurers birthday parties are great for larger groups and mixed age ranges, and they can be adapted to suit your child – from pirates and superheroes to archery and survival skills! They have a sheltered base camp area with a campfire, surrounded by wooden log benches where the safety briefing is started. Then it’s some woodland familiarity games before heading into the main activity. Every party concludes with the birthday child lighting the campfire, gathering around to sing happy birthday and then time to toast a marshmallow before heading home.

Included in the prize is a two-hour party set in private woodlands in Chorlton or Trafford Ecology Park (minutes from the Trafford Centre) … for up to 30 children.

All you need to supply is your party food, cake and party bags! Scan the QR code to enter! Good Luck!

To find out more or to read the full terms and conditions, visit www.weareadventurers.co.uk/primarytimes

Education WATCH

Latest updates from some of Manchester’s brilliant schools, offering an insight of what is on offer for local children.

Sporting success in Spain for students at Stockport Grammar

During the Easter break, 49 girls and boys from Stockport Grammar School headed to Barcelona to enjoy an action-packed sports tour. They began with the cultural sights of Barcelona, including the Arc de Triomf and the busy Marina, followed by a funfilled day on the rollercoasters at PortAventura World theme park.

The U15 Hockey and Football sides played the first fixtures - the footballers were victorious against Mont-Roig del Camp while the hockey players narrowly lost to Illuro Club. The U14 Hockey Team made the journey to CD Terrassa Hockey Club, nestled in the hillside, for a training session in the sunshine. Their fixture against San Andreu ended 3-3 with a fantastic hat trick from Ella Hales. The U14 footballers also drew in their match against Le Salva. There was just enough time left for a final day of training and matches against local sides, before celebrating the trip’s success at the end of tour disco. W: www.stockportgrammar.co.uk

Rayyan’s Gymnastic Success with GB Foundation Squad Selection

Year 8 pupil Rayyan at The Manchester Grammar School has earned a spot among the Men’s Artistic National Squad in 2024, as part of the prestigious GB Foundation Squad for Gymnastics. He is one of only 17 selected nationwide, showcasing his dedication and hard work over the past 18 months. Reflecting on his journey, Rayyan shared, “My gymnastics journey began in reception when I joined the school gymnastics club. I enjoyed it, and eventually joined South Manchester Gymnastics Club before moving to another club with elite gymnasts and top-notch facilities.”

He added, “Balancing gymnastics and academics is challenging, but crucial. I arrive at school at 8am every morning to complete homework and study for exams. As long as I enjoy gymnastics, I’ll continue pursuing it, regardless of the level.”

Coach Will Trood commended Rayyan’s journey, stating, “Rayyan has worked really hard to develop into a high-level young gymnast, and his recent selection onto the GB Foundation Squad is recognition of his improvement and potential.” Rayyan aims to excel in the U14 age bracket and represent nationally among the top five in his age group. W: www.mgs.org

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

Book online for:

Senior School Taster Days for Year 5 children

22nd May, 23rd May and 19th June

Junior, Senior and Sixth Form school day tours

Box OFFICE

All the very best theatre, arts and films near you. Book a spectacular show for your family this season.

CHARLIE COOK’S FAVOURITE BOOK – THE LOWRY

Albert Halls, Bolton www.alberthalls-bolton.co.uk

Tuesday 28th May

HIGH JINX

A show jam packed with amazing tricks, grand illusions and crazy circus thrills, presented by Michael Jordan and the fantastic High Jinx dancers.

Thursday 30th May

PRINCESS LIVE

The ultimate hour-long princess pop party, featuring your favourite fairytale royalty. With pop and musical theatre songs that will get the whole family singing and dancing along. Imagine your favourite princesses but as you’ve never seen them before! Tickets also include a meet and greet after the show with all of the characters.

The Bridgewater Hall www.bridgewater-hall.co.uk

Sunday 19th May

THE HALLÉ –THE MUSICAL STORY OF ENIGMA

Tom Redmond and the Hallé, conducted by Sir Mark Elder, will take you on a tour of the Enigma Variations as you learn about the stories behind the music. Perfect family concert for Key Stage 2 upwards.

The Lowry www.thelowry.com

Tuesday 7th –Saturday 11th May

THE KITE RUNNER

Based on Khaled Hosseini’s international bestselling novel, this haunting tale of friendship spans cultures and continents and follows one man’s journey to confront his past and find redemption.

Sunday 26th May

RUDE SCIENCE!

Brace yourselves for BBC Gastronaut Stefan Gates’ revolutionary, high-tech, highly explosive new show, packed with outrageous science stunts.

Tuesday 28th May –Saturday 1st June

THE VERY HUNGRY CATERPILLAR SHOW

The critically acclaimed production of The Very Hungry Caterpillar Show created by Jonathan Rockefeller features a menagerie of 75 lovable puppets. The production faithfully adapts four stories by author/illustrator Eric Carle: Brown Bear, Brown Bear, 10 Little Rubber Ducks, The Very Busy Spider and of course, the star of the show –The Very Hungry Caterpillar.

Saturday 22nd June

TRASH TEST DUMMIES

This award winning, side-splitting, slapstick comedy, circus routine takes the household wheelie bin to new heights and delivers a dump-truck full of hilarity!

Sunday 21st July

CILLIAN

O’CONNOR

– MY MAGIC WORLD

Magician Cillian O’Connor finished in the top three of Britain’s Got Talent last year. His show promises to enchant and amaze audiences of all ages with a show for the entire family. Featuring special guest Ryland Petty from America’s Got Talent.

Tuesday 23rd July –Sunday 4th August

CHARLIE COOK’S FAVOURITE BOOK

Charlie loves reading. Especially books about pirates. But his sister hates it – it’s boring! Can Charlie convince her that reading is fun? A musical adaptation of the bestselling book by Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler, with puppetry too!

Manchester HOME www.homemcr.org

Saturday 25th May –

Saturday June 1st

I WISH

Join award-winning theatre artist and singer, Le Gateau Chocolat, as they transform into The Wish Giver for an unforgettable theatrical and musical extravaganza the whole family will cherish.

Saturday 13th –Sunday 14th July

ZOG AND THE FLYING DOCTORS

Based on Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler’s bestselling sequel, Freckle Productions (Zog, Stick Man, Tiddler & Other Terrific Tales) are back, with music and lyrics by Joe Stilgoe (Zog), for this truly modern take on the classic fairy tale.

Manchester Palace Theatre and Opera House

www.atgtickets.com/manchester

Wednesday 22nd May – Sunday 7th July

DISNEY’S ALADDIN

Based on the timeless Disney movie, Aladdin the musical follows the adventurous Aladdin as he embarks on a journey to win the heart of Princess Jasmine and defeat the wicked Jafar. With the help of his genie, Aladdin navigates the streets of Agrabah and discovers that there’s more to life than just material wealth.

M&S Bank Arena www.mandsbankarena.com

Friday 12th –Sunday 14th July

BLUEY’S BIG PLAY

A new theatrical adaptation of the Emmy award-winning children’s television series.

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!

DISNEY’S ALADDIN PALACE THEATRE

Photo © Ellie Kurttz