Primary Times Merseyside - May Half Term 2024

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 WOW LOCAL NEWS HALF TERM FUN

BOX OFFICE

An array of theatre, arts and films near you

Local NEWS

Read on for the latest news from in and around the Merseyside area, including some updates from local schools.

Students feel supported, safe and happy at St Julie ’s

St Julie’s Catholic High school is a popular and vibrant learning community where academic excellence is standard and traditional values shape the delivery of a curriculum that is innovative and exciting. Students reach prestigious destinations using transferable skills developed with them, like their award-winning drama performances. Their last Ofsted inspection in 2023 judged the school to be good, and the Catholic Schools Inspectorate noted in 2024 “Students truly understand and embrace the charism and mission of St. Julie’s. They speak with pride about how they live out the Notre Dame values in their daily lives. Students feel valued, supported, safe, happy and confident.”

To find out more about a place for your daughter, please visit www.stjulies.org.uk or go and meet their new Headteacher, staff and students at their open event on Thursday 27th June from 4-6pm.

Make lasting memories on a family break to Essex this May half term

Visit a castle or museum, feed the giraffes and elephants at an award-winning zoo, discover amazing wildlife at a nature reserve or reconnect with the great outdoors at a country park. Take to the water and go seal watching or enjoy the thrills of white-water rafting. Test your nerves on the high ropes or spend a day at the beach.

All before settling into a family-friendly hotel, quirky glamping pod, or one of the many self-catered holiday parks dotted along the Essex coastline.

So, why not make it Essex this half term - there truly is something for all the family to enjoy. Be inspired at www.visitessex.com

Discover what makes Belvedere special at an Open Evening!

Belvedere Academy is holding their Open Evening on Thursday 27th June from 4-6.30pm. There will be three talks given by Mrs Taylor, Principal, explaining how Belvedere plans to support students in their transition to secondary school. You will hear from pupils who will give their firsthand experience. Tours are available and will show their Year 7 base, the Forget Me Not building. They look forward to seeing you and hope that the evening gives you a taste of what makes Belvedere so special.

W: www.belvedereacademy.net

Education and Social Justice

How does education play a role in creating a socially-just society? The education sector is continually changing; a dynamic ecosystem intrinsically linked to the policies of governments, social and economic challenges, movements of demographics and communities.

Future leaders need to be socially aware practitioners, cognisant of the challenges educationalists face in the 21st century; such as sustainability, racial inequalities, global and local communities, critical issues in gender and disabilities, and how all these factors should be understood, addressed and planned for in contemporary education.

The MA Education and Social Justice at Liverpool John Moores University starting in September aims to explore and address these challenges and they’re seeking policy makers, graduates in relevant disciplines, community organisers, educators and researchers from a variety of backgrounds to join their first cohort. If this appeals to you, visit www.ljmu.ac.uk or scan the QR code on page two to find out more and to apply.

Half Term FUN

Discover thrilling theme parks, craft activities and family fun days out this half term and beyond. Great destinations for young ones with boundless energy.

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

Theme Parks!

Hands-on fun and discovery for all ages at The Atkinson

The Atkinson in Southport offers a fun, creative and varied day out, with lots to do under one roof (and for free too!). Families can enjoy free activities over May half term including a Lego Construction Club on the 25th May and a comic-themed Make It! craft workshop on the 30th May. Entry into their Egyptology Museum, Local History Museum and Art Gallery is free, and a range of interactive displays have been designed to help visitors of all ages have fun whilst exploring. The Atkinson is also home to Southport Library who house an extensive children’s section. Plan your visit online and get half term fun sorted!

W: www.theatkinson.co.uk

Get ready to go WILD this May half term!

Leave the real world behind and enter the magical world of BeWILDerwood Cheshire this May 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! Plus, everything is included in your ticket which really does make BeWILDerwood a great value day out. It’s the perfect place to create lasting memories this half term! Book tickets on the BeWILDerwood website.

W: wwwbewilderwood.co.uk

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

Gulliver’s

Family SHOWS

Read on to discover three upcoming shows in the area, from Roald Dahl to Bluey, they are bound to keep all ages entertained.

Disney’s Aladdin flies into the Palace Theatre Manchester!

22ND MAY-7TH JULY

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

Slapstick, singing and masses of fun with The Twits this May half term!

SATURDAY 25TH MAY & SATURDAY 1ST JUNE

Want first class entertainment this half term? Then join the gang at Wayfarers Arcade in Southport for performances of ROALD DAHL’S THE TWITS! The performances will take place on Saturday 25th May & Saturday 1st June with three 40-minute performances each day at 11am, 1pm, and 3pm. Singing, dancing, slapstick and audience participation will be the order of the day, so lots of fun for all ages. It is completely FREE and it is not necessary to book, all you need to do is turn up and enjoy!

W: www.wayfarersarcade.co.uk

FRIDAY 12TH-SUNDAY 14TH JULY

Bluey’s Big Play is a brand-new theatrical adaptation of the Emmy® award-winning children’s television series. When Dad feels like a little bit of Sunday afternoon time out, Bluey and Bingo have other plans! Join them as they pull out all of the games and cleverness at their disposal to get Dad off that bean bag. Join the Heelers in their first live theatre show made just for you, featuring brilliantly created puppets! This is Bluey as you’ve never seen it before, brought to real life at M&S Bank Arena in July. Visit online for more information and tickets.

W: www.mandsbankarena.com

FUN THINGS TO DO LOCALLYWOW WHAT’S ON WHERE

in Merseyside

Ongoing

Shaun the Sheep - Find

The Flock Tatton Park www.tattonpark.org.uk

A colourful arts trail in the gardens. Running until 23rd June. Pick up a trail sheet (£1) and explore Tatton’s 50 acres of glorious spring gardens. If you can solve Shaun’s puzzle along the way, you can collect your reward sticker at the end of the trail.

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.

Bees: A Story of Survival

World Museum, Liverpool www.liverpoolmuseums.org.uk

Bees are vital to our survival, but changes to the environment and climate mean their existence is under threat. Journey into the fascinating world of bees in ways that have never been experienced before. Immerse yourself in a soundscape that connects you to a live beehive, and discover through sculpture, projection and sound the wonder of these tiny creatures, and how we can support their survival. Running until May 2025.

What Will You Discover?

Eureka Science + 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.

Tracs Shop and Hire

Delamere Forest

www.delamerebikes.co.uk

Based in the heart of Delamere Forest offering individuals of all ages and ability the opportunity to experience cycling through the scenic forest either on wide open family friendly forest roads or for the more skilled there are miles of uninterrupted single-tracks to discover.

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 to Jodrell Bank. 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.

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

Adventures in Wonderland Croxteth Park www.trybooking.com/uk/DDDC

The event boasts over 25 exciting activities for children to enjoy and explore, letting their imaginations run wild! Whether it’s Caterpillar Crafts, Fantasy Fun Fair, Slime Making or taking your chance in the Lucky Dip, there’s plenty of fun to be had. Choose your wonderland attire and take a trip down the rabbit hole. £7.50 per person or £30 for a family of four. A fundraiser for the Roy Castle Lung Cancer Foundation.

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.

Roman Day

Chester Racecourse www.chester-races.com

Roman Day is back at Chester Racecourse. Perfect for families, this race day will see a whole host of free activities on the Open Course.

Robots on the Run

Eureka Science + Discovery www.eurekadiscovery.org.uk

A whirlwind adventure through the wonders of robotics, technology and even augmented reality! Running until 2nd June.

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. All ages. Runs until 2nd June.

Lego Construction Club

The Atkinson, Southport www.theatkinson.co.uk

Enjoy this free family activity! Entry into their Entry Egyptology Museum, Local History Museum and Art Gallery is free, and a range of interactive displays have been designed to help visitors of all ages have fun whilst exploring. The Atkinson is also home to Southport Library who house an extensive Children section.

Grand Parade of the Bees World Museum, Liverpool www.liverpoolmuseums.org.uk

Join this family workshop and create your own bee costume, before joining the grand parade of the bees along William Brown Street. Make your own headdress and wings along with a giant tissue paper flower to add to the spectacle of flowers and pollinators in the parade at 3pm. Ages 3+. £2 per child. Timed sessions at 10am, 11am, 1pm and 2pm.

Roald Dahl’s The Twits Wayfarers Arcade, Southport www.wayfarersarcade.co.uk

Performances will take place on 25th May and 1st June. There will be three 40 minute performances each day at 11am, 1pm and 3pm. Singing, dancing, slapstick and audience participation will be the order of the day, so lots of fun for all ages! Free, no need to book.

Tuesday 28th May

Junior Rangers Holiday Club Chester Zoo www.chesterzoo.org

A three-day holiday club for children in years 4-6, perfect for young animal lovers and conservationists of the future. £120.

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.

Dinosaurs Unleashed Gulliver’s Theme Parks

Half Term Fun

BeWILDerwood, Cheshire www.bewilderwood.co.uk

Leave the real world behind and enter the magical world of BeWILDerwood Cheshire this May 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.

Craft and Create

Lady lever Art Gallery www.liverpoolmuseums.org.uk

Craft and create takes place at the Lady Lever each Tuesday and Wednesday of the school holidays. The creative family sessions are very popular and operate on a drop-in basis between 1-4pm

Thursday 30th May

Craft and Create Walker Art Gallery www.liverpoolmuseums.org.uk

Using the wonderful collections for inspiration, spend time together getting creative and making memories this half term. Sessions on 30th and 31st May.

Comic Themed Craft

The Atkinson, Southport www.theatkinson.co.uk

Enjoy this free themed workshop! Entry into their Entry Egyptology Museum, Local History Museum and Art Gallery is free, and a range of interactive displays have been designed to help visitors of all ages have fun whilst exploring. The Atkinson is also home to Southport Library who house an extensive Children section.

Friday 31st May

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

Walker Art Party

Walker Art Gallery, Liverpool www.liverpoolmuseums.org.uk

A quirky, interactive day with a variety of creative activities taking over the galleries, which visitors of all ages can get involved with. Entry will be free, however some activities will be charged for.

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.

The Twits

Wayfarers Arcade, Southport www.wayfarersarcade.co.uk

Another change to see Roald Dahl’s The Twits at Wayfarers this half term! There will be three 40 minute performances each day at 11am, 1pm and 3pm. Singing, dancing, slapstick and audience participation will be the order of the day, so lots of fun for all ages! Free, no need to book, just turn up.

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 astroenthusiasts of all ages are sure to love! Tickets £5. Runs weekends and 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

Dog lovers and anyone who just loves a fantastic day out, it’s time! DogFest is back and bursting with wonderful activities for you to enjoy with the whole family, four-legged included!

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 22nd June

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.

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.

Friday 28th June

Toddler Day

Eureka Science + Discovery

www.eurekadiscovery.org.uk

A day specifically for younger visitors to explore the main attraction as well as The Burrow without the chaos of bigger kids running around! So there are no schools booked in. Special Toddler Day activities include: toddler disco, arts and crafts, storytelling, musical instruments and sensory play. Book online.

Jamboree Weekend Gulliver’s Theme Parks

Box OFFICE

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

The Atkinson Southport www.theatkinson.co.uk

Saturday 18th May

TREASURE ISLAND

With dazzling costumes, colourful sets and plenty of laughter for the whole family, this pantomime promises to be an unforgettable experience for everyone.

Tuesday 9th July

ZOG AND THE FLYING DOCTORS

Zog, super keen student turned air-ambulance, still lands with a bang-crash-thump. Together with his Flying Doctor crew, Princess Pearl and Sir Gadabout, they tend to a sunburnt mermaid, a unicorn with one too many horns and a lion with the flu. However, Pearl’s uncle, the King, has other ideas about whether princesses should be doctors, and she’s soon locked up in the castle back in a crown and a silly frilly dress!

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.

Liverpool Empire www.atgtickets.com

Monday 10th June

DISNEY IN CONCERT: THE SOUND OF MAGIC

A celebration of over 100 years of Disney experience through its music, will tour the UK for the first time in 2024.

Thursday 20th JuneSunday 14th July

WICKED

Wicked imagines a beguiling backstory to the lives of L. Frank Baum’s beloved characters and reveals the magic that shaped the destinies of two unlikely friends on their remarkable journey to becoming Glinda The Good and the Wicked Witch of the West.

Liverpool Everyman and Playhouse www.everymanplayhouse.com

Tuesday 28th MaySaturday 1st June

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 brandnew 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!

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 MaySaturday 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!

Tuesday 23rd JulySunday 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!

M&S Bank Arena

Liverpool 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. Join the Heelers in their first live theatre show made just for you, featuring brilliantly created puppets, this is Bluey as you’ve never seen it before.

Theatre Royal St Helen’s www.sthelenstheatreroyal.com

Monday 27th May

DINOSAUR ADVENTURE

LIVE

Join the brave Rangers for another action-packed Dinosaur Adventure in this all new and exciting show: Trouble On Volcano Island. When the island’s ancient volcano becomes active, it spells danger for everyone - including the dinosaurs!

ZOG AND THE FLYING DOCTORS | THE ATKINSON

BLUEY’S BIG PLAY | M&S BANK ARENA