As we embrace this colourful new season, it’s time to get the cosy winter woollies out and make the most of the crisp autumn weather and all the activities on offer for families this half term.
We promise there are some seriously good things going on to get you out of the house this holiday and we’ve included them all in this issue! You’ll find ideas for great days out, including fantastic indoor destinations such as science shows and the circus if the weather lets us down, and lots of Halloween events for child-friendly, happy haunting. A great excuse to dig out the kids’ creepy costumes! Check out our diary pages too and you’ll see you could easily fill every day of the half term with fun, affordable (and often free) things to do if you wanted!
We’ll be back again in November with a merry issue full of festive treats to plan your Christmas countdown. In the meantime, we wish you happy times with your children this half term.
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Musicians from Stockport Grammar School headed to London to take part in a series of concerts across the capital. Concert Band, Jazz Band, Wind Orchestra and Junior Chamber Choir kicked off the concerts with performances at St James’ Church, Piccadilly. The musicians wowed audiences on the bandstand at Alexandra Gardens with performances by Concert Band, Jazz Band, Wind Orchestra and Big Band. They also enjoyed a tour of the National Theatre before their final performance at St Paul’s Church in Covent Garden. Lower Sixth student Lily Amet commented: “Being able to show a different community our talent, alongside just having fun and enjoying ourselves, was really memorable. A highlight for me was the tour around the National Theatre as it helped give me an insight into how hard people work behind the stage and the effort that goes into making an amazing show.” W: www.stockportgrammar.co.uk
Young golfers will enjoy the Junior Academy at Trafford Golf Centre at TraffordCity, with lessons priced from £19.50. Whether you are a budding professional or beginner, Trafford Golf Centre has you covered. It’s the busiest driving range in the UK with Toptracer technology on all bays, a licensed Café & Bar serving Starbucks refreshments. Even better, it’s open 7 days a week, 7.00am –10.30pm. Find more information about what’s on offer online. W: www.traffordgolfcentre.co.uk
Thinking of treating the family to a half term break where you can enjoy comfortable accommodation with a huge choice of local attractions on your doorstep? Then look no further than Holiday Inn Express TraffordCity. Their family friendly hotel offers rooms from £89.00 which include a complimentary buffet breakfast for all the family and is the ideal base to start your family adventure. To make a reservation call: 0161 359 5757
Paul White, Senior 11+ Tutor at KSOL is here to guide you through some essential tips for 11+ preparation:
“If your child is now in Year 5, ensure they are getting into a good study routine to confidently grasp the key 11+ concepts. If your child is not on one of our online 11+ programmes, there’s still time to enrol and use the daily tests to build up a personalised course which focuses on improving weaker areas.”
“Now is also a good time to book our online mock exams ready for next year. The sooner a child starts their mock-exam practice, through our renowned online platform, the more time they will have to improve upon their weaker areas and become confident in their exam techniques and time-management skills.” KSOL are award-winning 11+ specialists. Call 0161 327 2003 or visit www.ksol.co.uk to find out more about KSOL’s special offers on 11+ online mock exams in 2023.
PREPARATION –WHAT SHOULD MY CHILD BE DOING NOW?
As the nights draw in, it’s time for some half term fun with spooky events, creative costumes and plenty of tricks and treats! This season, get ready for creepy trails and tales and pumpkins galore! And if friendly-frightening is not for you, there are plenty of destinations, without the scares! Read on for our pick of the best half term entertainment.
From 21st -30th October, highlights at the unmissable Manchester Science Festival include the brand-new exhibition Turn It Up: The power of music. Get hands-on, with your ears and hearts open, and explore music’s mysterious hold over us through weird and wonderful objects and handson activities. Enjoy an out-of-this-world dance experience with a new interactive installation by choreographer Corey Baker. Throw some shapes as you’re transported through the galaxy and see how your movements influence the journeys of stars and space dust. With family friendly activities throughout half-term at the Science and Industry Museum, plus special events at Central Library and Manchester Arndale, Manchester Science Festival is not to be missed. W: www.scienceandindustrymuseum.org.uk/ manchestersciencefestival
Join the Monsters from 1st – 31st October (on weekends and in school holidays) as they take over LEGOLAND Discovery Centre Manchester to celebrate the release of the brand-new Halloween 4D Movie, ‘The Great Monster Chase!’ It’s non-stop Halloween party fun, with spooky Halloween decorations, amazing LEGO® activities, and a screening of the EXCLUSIVE NEW LEGO® 4D Halloween movie. Join in with pumpkin LEGO® building in the Monsters’ Garden, find the LEGO® Monster band mates in MINILAND® and take part in building a giant LEGO® Vampire with awesome Master Model Builders. You can even meet LEGO® characters Scarecrow and Lord Vampyre, bring along your scariest dance moves for a monster dance party!
W: LEGOLANDDiscoveryCentre.com/Manchester
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: www.loadstodo.co.uk. It’s been a tough couple of years for us all but not least for Manchester’s children and young people, who have shown immense resilience in the face of the pandemic. We want to celebrate their courage in 2022 Our Year, and make sure there are plenty of ways for them to stay stimulated and have fun when they’re off school. Whether you’re looking for activities for younger children or older young people, there’s something for everyone on Loads to Do. W: www.loadstodo.co.uk/schoolhols
Head to RHS Garden Bridgewater in Salford and delve into the world of deadliest plants and bugs with fun family activities. Explore the half term trail and discover more about the creepy-crawlies and super-smart plants that fight back. On Saturday 22nd and Sunday 23rd October, babies and toddlers can dive into an autumnal storytelling session, with crunchy leaves and sensory fun. On Monday 24th and Wednesday 26th October see Jo from the Cacti and Succulent Society to discover some amazing plants, and from Saturday 22 to Wednesday 26th October have a go at some creepy crawly crafts. Thursday 27th and Friday 28th October don’t miss Du Iz Tak? a family-friendly theatre performance by Long Nose Puppets. It’s a tiny tale told by tiny critters with BIG ideas. For full timings and to book, visit https://www.rhs.org.uk/gardens/ bridgewater/whats-on/half-term-at-bridgewater
For an action-packed day out this half-term, take your family to Chill Factore at TraffordCity. Experience the adventure of Snow Park, with exhilarating donut slides and sledging. Or, why not learn to Ski or Snowboard or even rediscover your snow legs with a lift pass on their real snow slope?
There’s tons of fun to be had, with something for everyone. There’s even a comfortable viewing gallery for the less active, so you can sit back, enjoy a coffee, and watch the excitement
Head down to Trafford Palazzo at TraffordCity on 28th & 29th October for a breath-taking evening at the theatre. With a showcase of theatre productions and a selection of drama and dance workshops on offer for the kids, this is going to be a celebration of all thing’s theatre. There will also be lots of children’s activities throughout half term, so make sure you check online for more details. W: www.traffordpalazzo.co.uk
A very special (trick or) treat for Halloween, Gandeys Circus returns with a brand-new action-packed Halloween Spooktacular Big Top show for all the family. A specially selected international cast of skeletons, vampires, Jack o’Lanterns and Circus Artistes have been brought together for this sensational extravaganza. From the thrill acts to the big production numbers Gandeys are famous for, you will be on the edge of your seat with excitement, rolling in the aisles with laughter, and hiding under your coats from the spooky thrills. Gandeys is at the Trafford Centre from the 14th–30th October – and it’s advisable to book in advance to avoid disappointment. W: www.gandeyscircus.com
Take on the treetop challenge at an exhilarating high ropes course for a day of unforgettable family fun, all within the Trafford Centre at TraffordCity. Swing, climb, hop and shop all in one place for a fun filled day out, open 7 days a week! Just £14.97 per person with special Halloween themed sessions available to book online now! W: www.traffordcity.co.uk
There’ll be more frightfully fun adventures over at Treetop Manchester this half term with a spooky Halloween hunt on Treetop Nets from 21s–31st October. If you’d like to take part, just book any Treetop Nets session and the hunt is included. Treetop Manchester is also running its 5th LEAF ART competition. The competition is open to individuals, who can win a family ticket to Treetop Nets, and also to schools who can win a class trip to Treetop Nets, along with a workshop with this year’s guest judge, Caroline Daly. To find out more and book, visit their website. W: www.treetoptrek.co.uk
Treat all the family to a Magical Woodland experience at Blakemere, from 7th to 31st October. Set in a 15-acre woodland in the heart of the Cheshire countryside, experience nature in all its autumnal glory lit up by dazzling cathedral canopies of fairy lights, floating umbrellas, clouds of flying lanterns, dancing tunnels of borealis-style lasers, and some family favourites including Dinosaur, Ghostbusters, Under the Sea, Hocus Pocus and more! The trail can be looped as many times as you wish, with plenty of opportunities to refuel with tasty snacks and hot drinks whatever the weather. Tickets from £15.50. W: www.magicalwoodland.com
The Halloween Ghost Trains are back to haunt the East Lancashire Railway from 27th–29th October. There will be tricks and treats galore as the Monster Squad attempts to break an ancient curse. Join Count Brian the Vampire, Veronica the Witch and a Zombie called Bob for the ride of your life on this spooky “scream” train. Why not add on a fun-fair Carn-Evil ticket? Sited at Bury Transport Museum, this theme park features a host of rides that are sure to satisfy your hunger for a haunting. Find out more and book tickets online. W: www.eastlancsrailway.org.uk
TO TREETOP
Come and gather as the story unfolds in the spookiest corners of Tatton Park’s ancient Old Hall. Learn to do the finest spellcasting in the land, not to mention advanced broomstick training for every young wizard, before helping defeat the evil sorcerer Dimitri! So, this Halloween, bring out your magical side, give your wizard some wiz and make your witches wicked on an immersive journey through curious forests and enchanting theatre. Special discounted prices online for groups of 6. Enjoy free parkland entry with your Halloween tickets. Book online: www.tattonpark.org.uk
Family fun is in abundance at The Stoller Hall in Manchester, with interactive workshops, live music and entertainment. Each month their Stoller Story Sounds workshops have a different theme, taking pre-schoolers and their grown-ups on an interactive musical journey. Join Dandylion as he helps a sad flower stem to find its lost petals scattered over Africa’s plains. Led by storyteller Carla Henry and illustrator Lizzie Finlay, this interactive workshop features live music inspired by Soweto’s glorious gospel choir, in honour of the father of their rainbow nation, Nelson Mandela. Attendees are also entitled to one free ticket to the Soweto Gospel Choir concert. W: www.stollerhall.com
Dino Falls Adventure Golf at TraffordCity is Manchester’s biggest, and best, adventure golf course featuring 36 holes of prehistoric fun for all the family! From 23rd – 31st October, kids can get a FREE Slush drink on completion of the round of adventure golf if you book and tee off before 10am during the half term holidays. What a perfect way to start the day!
www.dinofalls.co.uk
It’s the most fantastical time of the year at BeWILDerwood Cheshire this October! Visit the magical woods for a half term full of family fun and WILD adventure. Explore the woods in the daytime for the all-new event, BeWILDerbats Carving Contest, including a new story at the Storytelling Stage, Halloween craft and face paint – all included in your day ticket. Plus, the famous Glorious Glowing Lantern Parade light extravaganza is back! Visit the park after dusk for this special sparkly event from the 15th – 31st October. Tickets are £12.50 and must be booked in advance. T: 01829 830730
W: www.BeWILDerwood.co.uk
The team at Bents are throwing lots of gory ingredients into the mix to stir up a spooktacular spell for the half term holidays. There’ll be gloop galore at Halloween Messy Play on Tuesday 25th October or for a bewitching performance for the whole family, Bents’ spooktacular Afternoon Teas are full of spells, slime, singing and tasty treats for little ones and grown-ups to enjoy together. Visit them online for further details on all half term activities and information on how to book. W: www.bents.co.uk
Get stuck into the new Pitch Gallery exhibition with No Score Draws. Take inspiration from wonky drawings of World Cup heroes, sketch your own stickers and add them to the museum’s massive ‘sticker book’ wall for everyone to see! Ultimate Football Heroes author Matt Oldfield will be dropping in on Tuesday 27th October for another Children’s Football Writing Festival session, putting junior playmakers through their paces, and the ever-popular Make-Your-Own Armband activity returns just in time for the tournament.
Sing, play, make... there are loads of activities for all ages of young people this half term.
There’s loads to do at loads to do. co
uk /schoolhols
TraffordCity is the perfect place for some Autumn half term fun with an amazing choice of indoor and outdoor activities from snow fun and indoor skydiving to golfing fun and high ropes adventure courses.
Get ready for some adventure-filled activities with Trafford Centre bringing a new Pokémon art experience to the centre.
And Trafford Palazzo will be filled with drama at their ‘Night at the Theatre’ event.
And when your little adventurers have worked up a thirst, there’s a free slush drink waiting for them at Dino Falls Adventure Golf!
Calling all artists! You are invited to join us for a very special event; Pokémon: Art Through the Ages. Discover at Trafford Centre from 17th October to 13th November. traffordcity.co.uk/traffordcentre
A Night at the Theatre!
Trafford Palazzo will be hosting ‘A Night at the Theatre’ on 28th/29th October showcasing classic theatre shows alongside family favourite musicals. A selection of drama workshops will also be taking place. traffordcity.co.uk/traffordpalazzo
From 23rd - 31st October, kids can enjoy a FREE Slush drink at Dino Falls Adventure Golf following a round if you book and tee off before 10am. traffordcity.co.uk/dinofalls
Trafford Golf Centre is Europe’s premiere golf practice facility, complete with Junior Academy taught by PGA professionals. 53 bays with Toptracer technology, Starbucks Café and Bar and the best American Golf shop.
traffordcity.co.uk/tgc
For an action-packed day out this half-term, bring your family to Chill Factore. Experience the adventure of Snow Park, with donut slides and sledging. Or, why not learn to Ski or Snowboard or even rediscover your snow legs with a lift pass on our real snow slope.
traffordcity.co.uk/chillfactore
Thinking of planning a half term break? The family friendly Holiday Inn Express, TraffordCity offers rooms from £89 which include a complimentary buffet breakfast for all the family - the ideal base to start your family adventure. To make a reservation call 0161 359 5757. traffordcity.co.uk/holidayinn
Visit the UK’s largest indoor family entertainment arena this half term! 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
Experience an exhilarating treetop adventure like no other for just £14.97pp, with special Halloween sessions available. Take on the challenge at the top of the trees and make lifelong memories. traffordcity.co.uk/trafftreetop
Take on the treetop challenge at the exhilarating high ropes course for a day of unforgettable family fun, all within the Trafford Centre at TraffordCity. Swing, climb, hop and shop all in one place for a fun filled day out. Just £14.97pp with special Halloween themed sessions available to book online now!www.traffordcity.co.uk
The banner exhibition has been carefully curated to include a number of banners which reflect on past and present migration movements, exploring the many challenges and opportunities migration presents. People’s History Museum, Manchester. W: https://phm.org.uk
Family fun at The Stoller Hall in Manchester with 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. W: https://stollerhall.com
Coinciding with the UEFA Women’s Euro 2022 tournament, the new exhibition, Crossing the Line: the story of women’s football chronicles the game’s early growth, the effects of the FA’s de facto 1921 ban, its survival and its resurgence in recent decades. Runs until 31st December 2022. The National Football Museum, Manchester. W: www.nationalfootballmuseum.com
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 IWM North. W: www.iwm.org.uk
Thinking of planning a half term break where you can enjoy comfortable accommodation with a huge choice of local attractions on your doorstep, then look no further than Holiday Inn Express TraffordCity. This family friendly hotel offers rooms from £89 which include a complimentary buffet breakfast for all the family and is the ideal base to start your family adventure. Bookings: 0161 359 5757
BeWILDerwood’s Bouncing Boggle Bonanza is running every day until the 25th September. See the brand new story, Bouncing Boggles Bonanza at the Storytelling Stage, make Curious Crowns in the Big Hat craft tent and head to the Face Painting tent for lovely leaves and fantastic flowers! BeWilderwood, Bickley Moss, Whitchurch, Cheshire. W: BeWILDerwood.co.uk
Get hands on and see science brought to life in the free interactive gallery designed for the whole family to enjoy together. Enjoy new experiments including a thermal image camera, large-scale shadow box, giant buzz wire game and a collaborative ball run wall. Science and Industry Museum, Manchester. W: www.scienceandindustrymuseum. org.uk/whats-on/experiment
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 and see footballing crown jewels. W: www.nationalfootballmuseum.com
Make Manchester’s Corn Exchange a one-stop destination for family fun. Kids will love the excitement of Escape Hunt, where games themed around everything from Doctor Who to Vikings are on offer. There are plenty of restaurants and a resident hotel to make the perfect break. W: www.cornexchangemanchester.co.uk
Young golfers will enjoy the Junior Academy at Trafford Golf Centre at Centre TraffordCity, with lessons priced from £19.50. Trafford Golf Centre is the busiest driving range in the UK with Toptracer technology on all bays, a licensed Café & Bar serving Starbucks - open 7 days a week, 7am – 10.30pm.
W: https://traffordgolfcentre.co.uk
The monsters are taking over LEGOLAND Discovery Centre Manchester to celebrate the release of the brand-new Halloween 4D Movie – ‘The Great Monster Chase.’ Running 1st-31st October. Manchester Legoland.
W: www.legolanddiscoverycentre. com/manchester
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/revolutionmanchester-show
In the heart of the Cheshire Countryside, experience nature in all its Autumnal glory, lit up by dazzling canopies of fairy lights, interactive light features, and dancing tunnels of Borealis-style lasers. The Halloween theme features some family favourites, including: Dinosaurs, Ghostbusters, Under the Sea, Hocus Pocus and more! Cheshire Outdoors, Blakemere Village, Cheshire. Running until 31st October. W: www.magicalwoodland.com
Gandeys Circus returns once again with a brand-new action-packed legendary Halloween Spooktacular Big Top show for all the family. Running 14th-30th October. W: www.gandeyscircus.com
Visit the magical woods for a half term full of family fun and wild adventure. Explore the woods in the daytime for the all-new event, BeWILDerbats Carving Contest. Including a new story at the Storytelling Stage, Halloween craft and face paint – all included in your day ticket. Plus, the famous Glorious Glowing Lantern Parade light extravaganza is back! Visit the park after dusk for this special sparkly event from the 15th – 31st October. Tickets are £12.50 and must be booked in advance. Bickley Moss, Cheshire. W: BeWILDerwood.co.uk
Manchester Science Festival returns from 21st – 30th October with an unmissable programme featuring world premieres, inspiring experiences and entertaining events, all aimed at exploring what makes us human and asking the question,’What does the future hold for humanity?
W: www.scienceandindustrymuseum. org.uk/manchestersciencefestival
Meet people working in STEM and learn about the big ideas and innovations that are changing our world today at this pop-up event featuring activities from Amazon, the BBC’s Research and Development team and Manchester Metropolitan University. Each Get Curious event will take place in an eco-friendly, colourful construction funded by Siemens. Also on 27th/28th October.
W: www.scienceandindustrymuseum. org.uk/whats-on/get-curious
Prepare to get hands-on, with your ears and hearts open, with the new major exhibition exploring the science of music’s mysterious hold over us and how it drives us to create, perform, feel and share. Running until 21st May 2023. Science and Industry Museum, Manchester.
W: www.scienceandindustrymuseum. org.uk/whats-on/families
There’ll be more frightfully fun adventures over at Treetop Manchester this half term with a spooky Halloween hunt on Treetop Nets from 21st-31st October. If you’d like to take part, just book any Treetop Nets session and the hunt is included. Treetop Manchester is also running its 5th LEAF ART competition. The competition is open to individuals, who can win a family ticket to Treetop Nets, and also schools who can win a class trip to Treetop Nets, along with a workshop with this year’s guest judge, Caroline Daly.
W: www.treetoptrek.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!
Manchester Science Festival is taking over the historic 1830 Warehouse with futuristic fun and inspiring experiences for all ages. Science and Industry Museum, Manchester. Running until 30th October. W: www.scienceandindustrymuseum. org.uk/whats-on/families
Spot the spooktacular pumpkins on this fun outdoor trail around Blakemere Village! Running until 8th November. Sandiway, Northwich, CW8 2EB. W: www.blakemerevillage.com
Look out for Festival fun at Manchester Arndale as we make some noise about the start of the programme of inspiring, entertaining and playful experiences. Tune into music making with the team from Noisy Toys, plus, don’t miss a beat as Global Grooves’ rhythmic robots take over with their carnival of sound. Also on 23rd October, Manchester Arndale. W: www.scienceandindustrymuseum.org. uk/manchester-science-festival/2022programme/rhythmic-robots
Get stuck into the new Pitch Gallery exhibition with No Score Draws. Take inspiration from wonky drawings of World Cup heroes, sketch your own stickers and add them to the museum’s massive ‘sticker book’ wall for everyone to see! Ultimate Football Heroes author Matt Oldfield will be dropping in on 27th October for another Children’s Football Writing Festival session, putting junior playmakers through their paces, and the ever-popular Make Your Own Armband activity returns just in time for the tournament. W: www.nationalfootballmuseum. com/whats-on-nfm
Head to RHS Garden Bridgewater in Salford and delve into the world of deadliest plants and bugs with a week of fun family activities. Running until 30th October. www.rhs.org.uk/ gardens/bridgewater
Go down to the Farm at Tatton Park this Autumn to meet all your Farmyard favourites and then it’s off to search for your perfect pumpkin. Tatton Park, Knutsford, Cheshire. Running until 30th October. W: W: www.tattonpark.org.uk
This half term, make your Halloween mystical and give your wizard some wiz and make your witches wicked on a spellbinding journey through curious forests and magic theatre. Old Hall wizards summon you on a quest to help defeat the evil sorcerer Dimitri, who has been banished from the Wizards’ village. Running on selected dates until 30th October. Tatton Park, Knutsford, Cheshire. Running until 30th October. W: www.tattonpark.org.uk
Dino Falls Adventure Golf at TraffordCity is Manchester’s biggest, Adventure Golf and best, adventure golf course featuring 36 holes of prehistoric fun! From 23rd – 31st October, kids can get a free Slush drink on completion of the round of adventure golf if you book and tee off before 10am during the half term holidays. W: www.dinofalls.co.uk
There’s Loads to Do this October half term! 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.
W: Loadstodo.co.uk/schoolhols
Take your family to Chill Factore at TraffordCity this half term for an action packed day out. Experience the adventure of Snow Park, with donut slides and sledging. Or, why not learn to Ski or Snowboard or even rediscover your snow legs with a lift pass on our real snow slope.
W: www.chillfactore.com
Manchester Science Festival is popping up at Central Library for a week of family fun and hands-on activities, as part of Manchester’s Our Year celebrations. Throughout the week they will be joined by different organisations from across the city who’ll be exploring the future of Manchester with you. Running until 30th October.
W: www.scienceandindustrymuseum. org.uk/manchester-sciencefestival/2022-programme/futuremanchester
First Class Learning are based in Swinton. They’re Ofsted registered and their small group of friendly teachers offer maths and English tuition for children age 4 and upwards. Some children join them for a little help in maths, or English, and some study both. Their individual worksheet programmes follow the national curriculum. Little ones visit them weekly and become really familiar and confident with their studies. Call Harriet on 07444 219 704, or email them at swinton@firstclasslearning.co.uk and quote Primary Times for a discount offer. They also accept childcare vouchers.
Meet IWM’s Veterans and eyewitnesses of conflict and gain a unique and first-hand insight into the impact of war on people’s lives. Hear an array of personal stories, recollections and nostalgic tales from those who were part of the war. Also on 27th October. Imperial War Museum, North.
W: www.iwm.org.uk/events
Tap into the musical potential of the everyday things around us. Discover the surprising sounds you can make with recycled objects and explore how technology is transforming the future of music in this fun, hands-on workshop created by Manchester Science Festival Young People’s Panel.
W: www.scienceandindustrymuseum. org.uk/manchester-sciencefestival/2022-programme/everydayinstruments
Drop-in artist-led craft workshop. 11am-3pm. Portland Basin Museum. Runs every Tuesday and Thursday in the school holidays.
W: www.tameside.gov.uk/ museumsgalleries/families
The team at Bents are throwing lots of gory ingredients into the mix to stir up a spooktacular spell for the half term holidays. There’ll be gloop galore at Halloween Messy Play on Tuesday 25th October or for a bewitching performance for the whole family, Bents’ spooktacular Afternoon Teas are full of spells, slime, singing and tasty treats for little ones and grown-ups to enjoy together. Info and bookings
W: www.bents.co.uk
Craft activities for 5-11 year olds in the temporary exhibition galleries of Bury Art Museum. Also on Thursday 27th October. 10.30am-12noon. Tuesdays and Thursdays during school holidays, 10:30 – 12noon.
W: https://buryartmuseum.co.uk/
What-s-On
Climb aboard for tricks, treats and fun for the whole family on this interactive spooky adventure. This year there will also be a “Carn-Evil” fun fair at the Bury Transport Museum, featuring a Haunted Cottage, a Dragon Coaster and more. Running until 29th October. East Lancashire Railway. W: www.eastlancsrailway.org.uk
Head down to Trafford Palazzo at TraffordCity on 28th /29th October for a breath-taking evening at the theatre. With a showcase of theatre productions and a selection of drama and dance workshops on offer for the kids, it will be a celebration of all thing’s theatre. There will be lots of children’s activity throughout half term, check
W: www.traffordpalazzo.co.uk
Paint a spooky pot with one of the spooktacular volunteer ceramicists!
A supervising adult must also attend. Pieces will be fired by our dedicated team and ready to collect 2 to 3 weeks after the session. Arc at Hat Works, Wellington Road South.
W: www.stockport.gov.uk/events
See the skies light up over the Cheshire countryside with a fabulous professional firework display brought to you by Ignite Pyrotechnics Ltd of Northwich. Blakemere Village, Cheshire.
W: www.ticketsource.co.uk/ blakemerefireworkdisplay
Glow returns to the RHS Bridgewater with a new trail full of festive colour and sparkle. New for 2022, weave your way through yew domes festooned with fairy lights, explore the magical family discovery trail inspired by local folklore, take a selfie with giant, colour-changing stars and enjoy colourful light projections and hundreds of lights twinkling across the garden walls and Orchard lawn. Walk through the garden enjoying magnificent trees and shrubs bathed in a spectrum of light, before arriving at Moon Bridge Water to experience a dramatic fountain display, full of colour and music. Until 30th December. Booking essential
W: rhs.org.uk/bridgewaterglow
Primary Times gets some useful insights from Dr Alex George about the importance of encouraging children to take charge of their mental wellness.
Dr Alex George is known and loved by many for his honest and approachable take on how we should all care for our mental health. He’s currently the government-appointed Youth Mental Health Ambassador, which means it’s his job to help shape children’s mental health education and support in schools. Now he has wriמּen his first book for children, A Beמּer Day, which was created to be a positive and practical guide for children to learn how they can care for their mental wellbeing with confidence.
The book covers all kinds of relevant and helpful topics for children aged 9-11, arming them with the skills they’ll need to deal with everything from peer pressure to exam stress, online bullying and anxiety.
Dr Alex shares his thoughts about why he wrote this fantastic book…
“It’s easy to think of mental health in terms of just problems, or something that needs to be fixed. I want us to think differently. It’s not all about people looking sad with a rain cloud looming over their heads. It’s also about feeling happy, relaxed and able to deal with any situation life throws at us. Mental health can mean lots of things, and by learning to connect with what’s going on inside our minds, we can turn it into a force for good.
“As the Youth Mental Health Ambassador appointed by the Prime Minister, I’m determined to make a change for the beמּer. None of us are born with an instruction manual that shows how to keep our minds in good shape. We have to get to grips with it as we grow up, and that can be challenging.
“At the same time, I learned from experience that we don’t have to do this alone. Help and advice is always out there for us all, and not just for those moments when we’re finding life tough.
“I passionately believe that the sooner we make sense of our thoughts and
feelings, the beמּer equipped we’ll be to make the most of our lives, which is why I’ve wriמּen A Beמּer Day. I want to make mental wellness something to celebrate.”
Dr Alex’s book isn’t just about reading good advice, it’s filled with practical exercises too!
A Beמּer Day, Your Positive Mental Health Handbook is available to buy now in paperback for £9.99
Primary Times were lucky to receive a extract from the book to show you one of the many helpful exercises you can try!
‘Some people find that breathing exercises help to ease the symptoms of anxiety. This is because when you breathe deeply, it increases your oxygen levels and sends a message to your brain that tells it to relax. Breathing exercises don’t take very long and even beמּer they can be done anywhere.
Here is one you can try:
With relaxed shoulders and your head upright, breathe
slowly and deeply through the nose.
Feel your lungs filling with air, then breathe out slowly through the mouth.
Purse your lips to be sure the air leaves nice and gently.
Repeat the process for a minute, or until you feel a sense of calm return.’
Genre: Adventure, Family & Friendship Age Range: 8+
Price: £5.99 (Oxford University Press)
Let the breathtaking illustrations draw newly confident readers in to this exciting new series, as they discover Rudy and his unusual set of best friends. When Rudy finds a lost wolf cub at the skatepark, he knows he has to help him. Can a howl in the night change the fate of the liמּle cub? Feel the power of the pack!
Genre: Action, Adventure, Fiction
Age Range: 7+
Price: £12.99 (Penguin Random House)
Superhero adventure fans will love Super Ghost, the madcap tale with a twist from Greg James and Chris Smith. When Dr Ex meets an untimely demise, twelveyear-old Sonny Nelson is devastated. But things take an extraordinary turn when Doctor Ex returns as a ghost and only Sonny can see him . . .
By Valerie Thomas Illustrated by Korky Paul
Genre: Picture Books
Age Range: 2+
Price: £20.00 (Graffeg)
Global phenomenon Winnie the witch and her trusty black cat Wilbur have delighted readers all over the globe for 35 years, and they return this autumn with a brand-new tale The Festival of Witches, celebrating diversity and how magical it is to make new friends. It’s a true all time favourite and a Halloween treat!
Children across England have been safely vaccinated against Measles, Mumps and Rubella (MMR) for generations. Measles, Mumps and Rubella are viruses that spread easily from coughs and sneezes. Vaccination is free through the NHS and helps protect children from becoming seriously ill with one of these highly infectious childhood viruses. Two doses of MMR vaccine provides long-lasting protection through childhood and into later life.
Children receive their first dose of MMR at 1 year and the second dose is given around 3 years 4 months with other pre-school booster vaccinations. Children need both doses of the vaccine to be completely protected from MMR. There has been an increase in cases of Measles across the globe. In England we have seen outbreaks and cases in unvaccinated children, which means thousands of children are at risk of exposure to the virus and becoming unwell. Measles is an unpleasant illness which can have serious and life changing consequences. Complications can include meningitis, pneumonia, asthma, blindness and seizures. While the majority of children receive both MMR vaccinations when called by their GP practice, more than one in ten children in England are not up-to-date, either missing their first or second vaccination to complete the course and ensure lasting protection. The free NHS MMR vaccine is the best way to give children life-long immunity
against these childhood diseases.
Steve Russell, NHS England’s National Director for Vaccinations and Screening, says:
“The MMR vaccine has been used to protect children from Measles, Mumps and Rubella since 1988. Because of the success of vaccination, these childhood diseases are less common, but that doesn’t mean they have gone away. There are still cases across England, so children who are unvaccinated risk catching these unpleasant illnesses, which can be serious and cause long-lasting complications. We would encourage every parent to keep their children up-to-date with their childhood vaccinations and for those that aren’t, you can book a vaccination through your child’s GP practice.”
By the time they start school at 5 years, your child will have been offered vaccinations against all preventable childhood diseases. By the time they leave school, young people will have completed all of their routine vaccinations, helping to protect them from preventable diseases for life.
Parents and guardians can look at their child’s red book or ask their GP practice if their child is up-to-date with routine vaccinations. If a child has missed one or more doses of MMR, or any of the other childhood vaccinations, parents and guardians can make an appointment with their GP practice.
www.alberthalls-bolton.co.uk
Swan Lake is a tale of two young women, Odette and Odilie, who resembles each other so strikingly one can easily be mistaken for the other.
www.bridgewater-hall.co.uk
Relive the magic of E.T. The Extra Terrestrial on the big screen accompanied by a magnificent, live performance from the Hallé.
The perfect Halloween treat, Hocus Pocus in Concert will feature a screening of the complete Disney film with Emmy®-winning composer John Debney’s musical score performed live to the spooky classic film.
The Quays, Salford Box Office: 0343 208 6000 thelowry.com
Join the tea-guzzling tiger in this delightful family show; packed with oodles of magic, sing-a-long songs and clumsy chaos. Don’t miss this stunning stage adaptation of the classic tale of teatime mayhem… expect to be surprised!
Sunday 23rd –
Wednesday 26th October SHARK IN THE PARK
Featuring all 3 of the ‘Shark in the Park’ Series – Shark in the Park, Shark in the Dark and Shark in the Park on a Windy Day – this fin-tastic, family musical follows Timothy Pope (and his telescope!) on 3 exciting adventures.
Join much loved children’s author and illustrator Nick Sharratt for a special Halloween themed drawalong. He’ll be sketching gently spooky characters from a selection of his fun-filled picture books, including the hugely popular You Choose’, Shark in the Park’ series and you can draw along with him!
Sunday 20th November
THE NAUGHTY FOX
Snuggle up in a magical den with comfy creatures – Honk, Splash and TaWit TaWoo – as they teach The Naughty Fox a very important lesson, it’s better to share. Experience a world of puppetry, music, light projection and bubbly energy as the two storytellers bring household objects to life.
themet.org.uk
Wednesday 26th October SUNFLOWERS AND SHEDS
A charming tale about a lonely old man and his unlikely friendship with an Eastern European girl. A gentle mix of humour, music and storytelling. For ages 4+.
Mum and Alfie are going camping. They share stories about Dragons! Scary ones, sulky ones, even angry ones – and discover that emotions, just like Dragons, are tricky beasts. Ages 5+
Saturday 29th October
Something is happening in the woods, and only Granddad can help. But is there enough time? Can they save the wood? A magical tale with an urgent environmental message. Ages 3+
Morgan and West present captivating chemistry, phenomenal physics, and bonkers biology in this fun for all the family science extravaganza! Ages 7 and over.
Join tutti frutti for this enchanting new play by poet and playwright Joseph Coelho with important environmental themes, a touch of wintery fun and original live music. Ages 3+.
Especially made for ages 5 and up, the show is an immersive and interactive performance, involving games and imaginative play, while exploring Roald Dahl’s extraordinary stories, including The BFG and The Twits along the way.
Based on the brand new picture book by Steven Lee (How the Koala Learnt To Hug) and brought to you by the creators of There Was An Old Lady Who Swallowed A Fly, this beautifully interactive musical celebrates everything great about being a kid - and everything great about having one.
Join Ballet Theatre UK with one of the most enchanting love stories of all time.
In this adaptation of Pinocchio expect the classic elements of the story – a poor woodcarver, the tell-tale growing nose, the dream of becoming a real boy – combined with Stuff and Nonsense’s hallmark hilarity, skilled puppetry, original music, fantastic staging, outstanding performers and extraordinary physical tricks. Suitable for all the family (recommended for ages 3-10).
