FREE MAGAZINE: WHAT’S ON WHERE GUIDE 40,550 COPIES FOR FAMILIES OF PRIMARY SCHOOL CHILDREN OCTOBER HALF TERM ISSUE 92 9TH OCTOBER - 12TH NOVEMBER 2023 www.primarytimes.co.uk AUTUMN FUN • LOCAL NEWS • DAYS OUT • THEATRE Merseyside
2 OCTOBER HALF TERM 2023 primarytimes.co.uk/merseyside
Hello Readers,
With the summer holidays now a distant memory, we hope you’ve all happily settled into a new school routine and are looking forward to the half term break to relax and re-charge the batteries!
This is such a glorious, colourful season with stunning autumn leaves, hearty stews, cosy layers and exciting firework displays to look forward to! Before the cold weather starts to bite, use this break to get the family out of the house to enjoy the great outdoors. Strolling through leafy woods, countryside parks or play areas can be both fun and free! Add to that some fabulous child-friendly attractions - we’ve highlighted all the best events, shows and destinations throughout our pages - and you’ll have autumn sorted! Make sure you include some child-friendly Halloween haunts and pumpkin fun - you’ll find a whole cauldron of events for families, so get those creepy costumes at the ready!
For those of you looking even further ahead, you’ll see a few festive ideas popping up too - spectacular shows and family-favourite pantos - all designed to help you plan happy times ahead in the run up to Christmas!
We’ll be back again in November with a sparkling edition full of jolly good cheer, but in the meantime, we wish you all a wonderful half term break!
Michelle
Primary Times is independently published and distributed free through primary schools in Merseyside. It aims to inform families and children about current educational issues, forthcoming events, courses, attractions and to give teachers, pupils and parents the opportunity to participate in the magazine by adding to its contents or by joining in the competitions. It is NOT our intention to publish any racist, sexist or politically based material whatsoever. We also undertake not to carry any advertising which we would consider to be offensive to young families or harmful to the best interests of young children. Primary Times would like to thank all the schools in Merseyside for their assistance in distributing the magazine and for their contributions to its contents. We would also like to thank all the advertisers who have supported this publication and therefore made it possible. Please support their endeavours when and where you can. The copyright on all written material, logos and advertising artwork produced by our studio remains with Primary Times or with the relevant contributor. Primary Times is currently publishing over 2 million copies per issue under franchise licences throughout the UK. Primary Times Merseyside is operated under franchise licence. primarytimes.co.uk/merseyside OCTOBER HALF TERM 2023 3 04 The latest news from in and around Merseyside. What’s on Where! A variety of fun family ideas taking place near you. Theatre, arts and films in the area. Our pick of the best for this glorious colourful season.
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AUTUMN FUN WOW BOX OFFICE
THE NEWS
Merseyside FREE PUBLISHED BY Moonscape Media Ltd 0118 972 4980 office@primarytimesmag.com EDITOR Michelle Dilger PRODUCTION Nathan Pretlove & Louise Fry ADVERTISING Kerry Beardsmore LISTINGS EDITOR Suzanne Watson FEATURES EDITOR Helen Chitham Total Average Qualified Circulation: 40,550 BPA March Statement 2019 INSIDE October Half Term 2023
LOCAL NEWS FROM MERSEYSIDE
STUDY FOR AN INNOVATIVE TEACHING QUALIFICATION WHILE WORKING WITH LJMU
Liverpool John Moores University’s Learning Development and Support degree provides professionals, such as teaching assistants, nursery staff and mentors who work in an educational setting, an opportunity to study for a part-time qualification while working. This course can be studied flexibly, with teaching sessions on Saturdays enabling you to work and study to a timetable that suits you. Graduate, Dawn commented: “The course opened my eyes to a variety of educational topics relevant to my job role, providing me with the knowledge and skills required to do it more effectively. I now feel equipped and empowered to explore a career which involves supporting ‘vulnerable’ children.” Find out more by visiting the LJMU website and book yourself on to an open day in Liverpool. W: www.ljmu.ac.uk
CHRISTMAS MAGIC AND MUSIC BROUGHT TO FAMILIES BY THE ROYAL LIVERPOOL PHILHARMONIC ORCHESTRA
The Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra brings you and your family an enchanting musical extravaganza this Christmas. On the 16th & 17th December, at 11.30am & 2.30pm, they will whisk you away into the enchanting world of The Snowman, accompanying a screening of the film live on stage, before Santa himself drops by to deliver a sparkling selection of festive, musical treats (the 2.30pm performance will be BSL interpreted). You can also dream of a green Christmas, joining Kermit and friends for The Muppet Christmas Carol on 24th December, then enjoying some wintry wizardry in Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone™ in Concert - reliving the film on the big screen as the Orchestra performs its bewitching score on 30th December. Box Office T: 0151 709 3789 W: www.liverpoolphil.com
SEE TALES FROM ACORN WOOD LIVE ON STAGE AT LIVERPOOL PLAYHOUSE!
Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler’s beloved Tales from Acorn Wood stories are brought to life on stage for the first time in an enchanting lift-the-flap experience.
Poor old Fox has lost his socks! Are they in the kitchen or inside the clock? And Rat-a-tat-tat! Who’s that keeping tired Rabbit awake? You can also join in with Pig and Hen’s game of hide-and-seek and discover the special surprise Postman Bear is planning for his friends.
The perfect treat for children of all ages arrives in Liverpool from 31st October to 4th November. Tickets priced £11 to £15 are available online now!
Box Office T: 0151 709 4776 W: www.everymanplayhouse.com
CREATE UNITY AT HOME AND BRIGHTER FUTURES WITH THE FAMILIES IN HARMONY PROGRAMME
Do you believe in the power of a peaceful and happy home for your family? We do too! Introducing the “Families in Harmony” Programme - your bridge to smoother family relationships and a brighter future for your children. Why This Matters: Home is where our children learn and grow. Constant disagreements and conflicts in relationships can leave a lasting impact on their well-being and development. That’s why the programme developers are excited to introduce a solution that fosters understanding, communication, and unity within families. What they offer: The programme is designed to provide personalized support, tailored to your unique situation. Their experts offer guidance and the renowned Triple P Positive Parenting Programmes, all aimed at restoring harmony for parents and carers that are in a relationship or separated. The Programme Includes: ✔ Personalized Professional Support ✔ Triple P - Positive Parenting Tools ✔ Enhanced Triple P and Family Transitions ✔ free online resources (self-learning). Visit the website www.sthelens.gov.uk/familiesinharmony to learn more. Don’t let conflicts affect your children’s well-being. Join them in creating a home where love, understanding and joy prevail. Need help now?
Contact Querida Villiers at Sutton Family Hub on: 01744 673420 or email ParentingTeam@sthelens.gov.uk
4 OCTOBER HALF TERM 2023 primarytimes.co.uk/merseyside
NEWS
THINKING OF ADOPTING? SPEAK TO AN EXPERIENCED TEAM AND START YOUR JOURNEY
Adoption in Merseyside is the regional adoption agency for Liverpool, Knowsley, Sefton and Wirral. Natalia and Steve always wanted a family, but after some fertility tests, they realised it might not happen naturally. They decided to research adoption and attended an online information session. They knew adoption was the route for them and they started the process. A social worker supported them to understand the needs of an adopted child. They now have two children and create memories by attending family festivals and doing kitchen karaoke.
If you want more information about adopting a child, please visit www.adoptioninmerseyside.co.uk
CHILDREN AND FAMILIES IN ST HELENS SET TO BENEFIT FROM NEW FAMILY HUB
St Helens Borough Council will receive over £3 million in funding for Family Hub development. This funding is part of a larger £302 million Government scheme to support 75 councils in creating Family Hubs. The first hub will be located at Sutton Children’s Centre and aims to provide comprehensive support to families with children up to 19 years old (or 25 for those with special educational needs and disabilities). Further Family Hubs to be developed will be announced shortly.
The Family Hub will offer a wide range of services, including midwifery and health visiting, child development, parenting programmes, youth and adult support groups; all under one roof. The funding will also prioritise parent-infant relationship and perinatal mental health support, infant feeding, home learning, parenting, engaging families in the development of the Family Hub, focusing on the first five years of a child’s life. The goal is to provide long-term support and resources for families, helping them nurture their children and achieve their full potential.
W: sthelensfamilyhub.sthelens.gov.uk
primarytimes.co.uk/merseyside OCTOBER HALF TERM 2023 5 Merseyside
Autumn FUN
The nights are drawing in, there are spider webs galore, and pumpkins are making an appearance… yes, autumn and Halloween celebrations are nearly upon us! Make the most of this glorious, colourful season - head to destinations with ghoulish goings-on for youngsters or simply wrap up warm and head off for a great family day out - read on for our pick of the best.
EEK-SPERIENCE A WEIRDLY WILD DAY OUT AT MARTIN MERE WETLAND CENTRE
Brave visitors can put their courage to the test this October half term, eek-sploring the spooky trail and the wildlife lurking at the Lancashire-based wetland centre. There’s also an all-new interactive trail to get your senses tingling! In the run up to Halloween, eek! week takes place from Saturday 21st to Sunday 29th October - encouraging youngsters to delve into the wonderful world of wetland nature. As you make your way around the wetlands, there’s a whole host of engaging activities to discover along the interactive trail, including mystery boxes, creepy sounds, pumpkin carving and a canoe ‘scare-fari’. See online to find out more.
W: wwt.org.uk/wetland-centres/martin-mere
HEAD TO AINTREE RACECOURSE FOR AN UNFORGETTABLE HALLOWEEN FAMILY FUN DAY!
Get ready for a spook-tacular experience filled with thrills and excitement for all ages at Aintree Racecourse on Sunday 29th October. With FREE entry and entertainment for children, it will be a fabulous day to remember! The talented face painters will transform little ones into their favourite spooky creatures, while eerie characters roam the racecourse, adding an extra dose of excitement plus many more spooky surprises! Dress up in your best Halloween costumes and prepare for a day of magic and enchantment. Get your best price tickets online now!
W: www.thejockeyclub.co.uk/aintree
LIGHT UP YOUR SPOOKY SPIRIT AT BEWILDERWOOD’S HALLOWEEN EXTRAVAGANZA
W:
A PICK ‘N’ MIX DAY OF FUN, ART AND CREATIVITY 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!). Be inspired in the galleries and discover an impressive variety of artworks on display: painting, sculpture, digital art and more. You can get creative too, there are always activities in the gallery ‘Art Box’ including artist led craft sessions for children. In the theatre, families can enjoy seasonal pantomimes, magic shows, music and dance, as well as adaptations from best-selling authors. Every seat in the auditorium has a great view of the stage and booster seats are available for littl’uns! Plan your visit online.
W: theatkinson.co.uk
BeWILDerwood Cheshire after dusk this October and see the woods in a whole new light for the Glorious Glowing Lantern Parade. Help the Twiggles light up the woods with your very own Glowing Lantern as you embark on a magical extravaganza filled with sparkly lights and enchanting sights. It’s spooky, not scary, making it the perfect event for all the family and at only £12.50 per person, it’s a must this Halloween! As with all BeWILDerwood events, it’s expected to sell out very quickly, so be sure to secure your tickets in advance.
Visit
www.bewilderwood.co.uk
6 OCTOBER HALF TERM 2023 primarytimes.co.uk/merseyside
WHAT WILL YOU DISCOVER? LEARN AND PLAY FOR A WHOLE YEAR AT EUREKA!
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! Explore the ginormous digestive system in Bodies, investigate the Amazing Inventions shed in Nature and marvel at their supersize cat ‘Luna’ in Homes; there’s plenty to keep the whole family busy for hours! If you don’t manage to see everything in just one day - fear not! A standard entry ticket is automatically an Annual Pass, meaning that you can book a re-visit for free, any number of times for a full year.
W: www.eureka.org.uk
THRILLS AND CHILLS ABOUND ON THE HALLOWEEN GHOST TRAINS
Creeps, candy and costumes! Are you brave enough to board the East Lancashire Railway’s spooky Halloween Ghost Train? From the 26th-28th October, join the freaky family fun aboard the “Scream Train” and help the monster squad vanquish the ghouls and ghosts. There will be tricks and treats galore, and your new monstrous friends will include a fang-tastically friendly vampire, a chatty zombie, mad Dr Frankenburger, a snappy plant creature and more oddballs. Be sure not to miss the all-singing, all-dancing “Skeletonettes” on the platform, and to show off your best fancy dress! Book now online. W: www.eastlancsrailway.org.uk
GET READY FOR FREAKY FESTIVITIES THIS HALLOWEEN AT GULLIVER’S WORLD
WARRINGTON
Fright Fiesta is a festival-style celebration that’s bursting with colour, costumes and music, full of fabulous family activities, frights and theme park fun. Showcase your fancy dress costume or delve deep into the theme park and discover our spooktacular rides. Enjoy daily shows including Gilly’s Halloween Dance Party, Haunted Mansion Experience and individual scare attractions taking place throughout the day at selected times. All from just £17pp!
And you can extend your giant adventure with a spine-tingling short break choosing from a range of themed accommodation. W: www.gulliversworldresort.co.uk/ fright-fiesta
primarytimes.co.uk/merseyside OCTOBER HALF TERM 2023 7
Autumn FUN
Friday 20th October
Spooky Make It
The Atkinson, Southport www.theatkinson.co.uk
ON
FUN THINGS TO DO LOCALLYWOW WHAT’S
WHERE
in Merseyside
Ongoing
What will you discover?
Eureka! Science + Discovery, Wallasey
www.eurekadiscovery.org.uk
From the ‘what’s’ of the world around us to the ‘why’s’ of the human body, visitors are challenged to look at the ordinary every day and see the extraordinary!
Return of the Gods
World Museum, Liverpool
www.liverpoolmuseums.org.uk
Discover the stories of the original influencers, the Olympian gods, and a world where they were a part of everyday life. Enter their mythical world and explore the lives, loves and legacies of the Ancient Greek and Roman gods, in the epic exhibition Return of the Gods. Book online. Members and under 17 year olds go free.
Tracs Shop and Hire
Delamere Forest
www.delamerebikes.co.uk
Tracs (UK) Ltd is based in the heart of Delamere Forest and offers 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. Children’s parties, guided rides and even learn to ride days are available to book.
The Heritage Trail
Liverpool ONE
www.liverpool-one.com
The Heritage Trail invites visitors on a journey to explore more than 300 years of Liverpool’s history. Discovering the events, places and people that shaped the maritime powerhouse that is Liverpool. To follow The Heritage Trail, download the Liverpool ONE MyONE app or collect the printed map from the Information Centre on Wall Street.
Nature Trail
Liverpool ONE
www.liverpool-one.com
For all the mini explorers amongst us, Liverpool ONE’s Nature Trail is the perfect excuse to get outdoors and tour Chavasse Park learning about the vast array of resident plants and wildlife. The free trail is self-guided by a map available online or at the Tourist Information Centre on Wall Street and it takes around 60 minutes to complete.
Stadium Tours
Liverpool Football Club
www.liverpoolfc.com
Go behind the scenes on the unmissable and immersive LFC Stadium Tour and enjoy epic views of the Anfield pitch and city landscape from the top level of the Main Stand. Tickets include entry to the Club’s interactive museum The Liverpool FC Story.
Monday 9th October
Fright Fiesta
Gulliver’s World, Warrington
www.gulliversworldresort.co.uk
Join the festival-style Halloween that’s bursting with colour, costumes and music! Showcase your fancy dress costume or delve deep into the theme park and discover the spooktacular rides. Daily shows include Gilly’s Halloween Dance Party, plus there is a Haunted Mansion Experience. Save money by booking your tickets at least two days in advance. Running until 3rd November.
Saturday 14th October
Scarecrow Festival
Rufford Old Hall
www.nationaltrust.org.uk
Rufford’s annual Scarecrow Festival where you can enjoy this year’s theme of Myths, Legends and Fairy Tales.
Saturday 21st October
Apple Day
Speke Hall
www.nationaltrust.org.uk
Go along and get involved, pick and press apples from the Orchard, enjoy sampling the juice and learn from experts about the history and varieties of the apples at Speke Hall. Surplus apples will be donated to a range of different organisations, including food banks in Liverpool, Manchester and Lancaster.
The Pumpkin Patch at the Farm
Tatton Park, Knutsford
www.tattonpark.org.uk
Meet all your farmyard favourites and then it’s off to search for your perfect pumpkin. You’ll choose your own pumpkin from the field, so prepare to get your hands dirty! £4 per pumpkin and standard farm and parkland entry. Running until 29th October.
Spooky Welly Walk
Sefton Park
www.roycastle.org/spooky
Roy Castle Lung Cancer Foundation are casting spells all over Sefton Park at Merseyside’s favourite Halloween event. With over 25 exciting Trick or Treat Stations for children to explore, letting their imaginations run wild. Pick your best costumes and join us to kickstart your Halloween! Tickets: £6 per person or £20 for a family of four.
Liverpool Irish Festival
Family Day
Museum of Liverpool
www.liverpoolmuseums.org.uk
Co-hosted with Liverpool Irish Festival and held at the Museum of Liverpool there will be plenty of family activities to entertain and engage visitors of all ages.
Be inspired by the museum, gallery and theatre programme in an arts and crafts workshop suitable for all the family. There’s something for all ages, with all materials supplied and all for FREE!
Halloween Ghost Trains
East Lancashire Railway
www.eastlancsrailway.org.uk
Creeps, candy and costumes! Are you brave enough to board the East Lancashire Railway’s spooky Halloween Ghost Train? Join the freaky family fun aboard the ‘Scream Train’ and help the monster squad vanquish the ghouls and ghosts. Running 26th-28th October.
Spooky Puppets
Grosvenor Museum, Chester. www.westcheshiremuseums.co.uk
Get yourself ready for Halloween by making your own spooky puppets! 10.30am-12.30pm.
Friday 27th October
Spooky Stories
Norton Priory Museum and Gardens www.nortonpriory.org
Family-friendly spooky fun and frights running from 27th-30th October. Includes a craft activity to take home, potion making, an animal handling session with Naomi of Animal Teach and a daring story walk into the dark, dark woods. Suitable for ages 5+. Adults £7.50, children £9.50, discounts for members available. Booking essential.
The Wizarding Adventure
East Lancashire Railway www.eastlancsrailway.org.uk
The Glorious Glowing
Lantern Parade
BeWILDerwood, Cheshire
www.bewilderwood.co.uk
The highly anticipated Glorious Glowing Lantern event is back. Visit after dusk and see the woods in a whole new light. Help light up the woods with your very own Glowing Lantern as you embark on a magical extravaganza filled with sparkly lights and enchanting sights. Selected dates from 14th-31st October. Arrival timeslots from 6-7pm.
Mog and Bunny at the Mansion
Tatton Park, Knutsford
www.tattonpark.org.uk
It’s Halloween and Mog’s special bunny has vanished! Little ones can help find her precious toy on a mansion trail. Running until 29th October.
Eek Week!
WWT Martin Mere www.wwt.org.uk/wetland-centres/ martin-mere
Brave visitors can put their courage to the test this October half term, eek-sploring the spooky trail and the wildlife lurking at the Lancashire-based wetland centre. Also with an all-new interactive trail to get your senses tingling. A fantastic learning experience for all the family at WWT Martin Mere. Running until 29th October.
Thursday 26th October
Secrets of the Titanic Maritime Museum, Liverpool www.liverpoolmuseums.org.uk
Discover the unusual stories, myths and legends of the infamous Titanic.
During this magical interactive experience, you’ll take lessons in the basics of broomsticks, practice your potion making, be instructed in incantations and learn to tattle and talk with a tawny owl. A perfect adventure for students aged 5-12.
Saturday 28th October
Construction Club
The Atkinson, Southport www.theatkinson.co.uk
Young inventors, creators and builders are invited to drop in and play with the massive supply of LEGO.
Sunday 29th October
Halloween Family Fun Day Aintree Racecourse www.thejockeyclub.co.uk/aintree
Get ready for a spook-tacular experience filled with thrills and excitement for all ages. With free entry and entertainment for children, make it a day to remember!
8 OCTOBER HALF TERM 2023 primarytimes.co.uk/merseyside
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Halloween Liverpool ONE www.liverpool-one.com
Liverpool ONE will be hosting a special spooky event with Radio City from 12-5pm. This will include a spooky fancy dress competition, Liverpool ONE being taken over by scary visitors including a giant spider, walk about acts and more!
Tuesday 31st October
Museum After Dark Grosvenor Museum, Chester. www.westcheshiremuseums.co.uk
Do you dare enter the museum after dark? A torch-led tour of the Roman stones gallery, and meet the people who called Chester home 2,000 years ago.
Saturday 4th November
Gruffalo Family Fun Day
East Lancashire Railway www.eastlancsrailway.org.uk
Meet the Gruffalo at intervals on each day at Bury Transport Museum. There will also be a host of other family fun activities including fun fair rides, face painters, craft activities and more, all included in the ticket price.
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!
Fireworks Spectacular
Gulliver’s World Warrington
www.gulliversworldresort.co.uk
Enjoy hours of theme park rides, attractions and entertainment, complete with a spectacular fireworks display in the evening. Explore the fantastic themed areas across Gulliver’s World such as Safari Kingdom and The Lost World of the Living Dinosaurs. The fireworks display will be taking place at approximately 7.30pm.
Thursday 9th November
Stargazing Events
World Museum, Liverpool www.liverpoolmuseums.org.uk
Friday 17th November
Launch the festive season!
Liverpool ONE www.liverpool-one.com
SAY YOU SAW IT IN
For the first time ever, Liverpool ONE has teamed up with local schools to help launch the festive season. Hundreds of talented youngsters from across Liverpool City Region are set to officially kick-off Christmas at Liverpool ONE as part of a brand new festive extravaganza. Jaw-dropping aerial performances, magical pop-up pantos, as well as the chance to grab those all-important selfies in front of a series of festive light installations will complete the line-up.
Sunday 10th December
Festive Lunch with Santa
The Village Hotel Liverpool
www.villagehotels.com/christmas
This Christmas be sure to enjoy a Festive Lunch with Santa at The Village Hotel Liverpool! This festive experience will include a two course lunch, family disco & entertainment with a Christmas mascot, plus a visit from Santa himself! Children will receive a present from the man in red! Available dates include 10th, 17th and 23rd December. You can also book to celebrate Christmas Day at Village Hotel with their delicious three course Christmas Dinner!
A special night of space exploration, special planetarium shows and practical demonstrations. 5.30pm.
Saturday 11th November
Land of Lights Lantern
Festival
Gulliver’s World, WA5 9Y warrington.landoflights.co.uk
See Gulliver’s World Resort in a whole new light! Land of Lights Warrington will be lighting up the Cheshire sky from November 2023. Discover gigantic lanterns, mesmerizing light installations and festival vibes. Running on selected dates until 25th February 2024. Running until 28th January 2024.
Sunday 19th November
Elf Dash
Gulliver’s World, WA5 9YZ
www.gulliversworldresort.co.uk
Start the Christmas season in style and support a fantastic charity along the way. It’s just £15 per person to join the Elf Dash at Gulliver’s World and £5 from every ticket will be donated to Warrington & Halton Teaching Hospitals Charity. Plus, Gulliver’s begins today and packages include a visit to Santa’s Grotto with the opportunity for children to choose their own gift.
Friday 22nd December
The Snowman Featuring Wallace and Gromit
Liverpool Cathedral
www.carrotproductions.com
Make it a Christmas to remember with a very special performance featuring two of the UK’s best-loved and iconic animated films, The Snowman and Wallace & Gromit: The Wrong Trousers, with live orchestral accompaniment. After the performance, meet the musicians.
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BOX OFFICE
All the very best theatre, arts and films near you, there’s loads
more on www.primarytimes.co.uk/merseyside
The Atkinson Southport 01704 533333
Tuesday 24th-Wednesday 25th October
THE LITTLE MERMAID
It’s time to make a splash and join Ariel; her father, King of the Seven Seas; Ursula, the evil sea witch, and a whole host of fabulous characters in this brandnew adaptation.
Thursday 9th-Saturday 11th November
SONG: NATIVITY THE MUSICAL
Nativity The Musical follows a primary school, St Bernadette’s, where teacher, Mr Maddens, and his assistant, Mr Poppy mount a musical version of the Nativity with the students, promising it will be adapted into a movie. There is just one problem… It’s all a lie. Will Mr Maddens and Mr Poppy succeed in their efforts?
Friday 17th November
THERE’S A MONSTER IN YOUR SHOW
Friday 17th November-
Saturday 20th January
THE ROCK ‘N’ROLL PANTO CINDERELLA
The iconic Everyman Rock ‘n’ Roll panto is back, and this year they’re telling the story of Cinderella.
The Lowry www.thelowry.com
Sunday 22nd October
WILL TELL AND THE BIG BAD BARON
SAY YOU SAW IT IN
This original show for families introduces a new legendary figure to British drama: the ‘Swiss Robin Hood’ Wilhelm Tell, who refused to bow to a tyrant and famously had to shoot an apple off his child’s head with a crossbow as a punishment.
Tuesday 24th-Sunday
29th October
THE SMEDS AND THE SMOOS Soar into space with this exciting adaptation of the award-winning book by Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler.
Thursday 7th December-
Tom Fletcher’s interactive adventures for big imaginations are leaping from page to stage, as the beloved ‘Who’s in Your Book?’ series makes its debut as a brand-new musical show.
Liverpool Empire www.atgtickets.com
Tuesday 17th-Saturday 21st October
PETER PAN GOES WRONG
The members of the Cornley Drama Society are back on stage, battling technical hitches, flying mishaps and cast disputes as they attempt to present J.M Barrie’s much-loved tale. But will they ever make it to Neverland?
Liverpool Everyman and Playhouse www.everymanplayhouse.com
Tuesday 31st October-
Saturday 4th November
TALES FROM ACORN WOOD
Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler’s beloved Tales from Acorn Wood stories are brought to life on stage for the first time in an enchanting lift-the-flap experience.
Sunday 7th January
WE’RE GOING ON A BEAR HUNT
Join the intrepid family of adventurers and their musical dog on a quest to find a bear; as they wade through the gigantic swishy swashy grass, the splishy splashy river and the thick oozy, squelchy mud! Expect catchy songs, interactive scenes, plenty of adventure and a few surprises along the way.
M and S Bank Arena
www.mandsbankarena.com
Sunday 29th October
JURASSIC PARK 30th ANNIVERSARY CONCERT
In celebration of the triple Oscar winning Jurassic Park’s 30th anniversary. Giving audiences the chance to see the sci-fi classic like never before, the 1993 Stephen Spielberg hit will be shown in HD on big screens, accompanied by the Hallé Orchestra, one of the UK’s top symphonic ensembles, performing John Williams’ iconic score live on stage.
Saturday 2nd-Sunday 3rd December
PETER PAN
A big budget extravaganza adaptation of J.M Barrie’s muchloved tale Peter Pan, promising a spectacular spin on the timeless classic adventure. Fabulous animated digital sets redefine the genre with an immersive experience of magic and wonderment that even the most cynical audiences will be blown away by. Karma Chameleon Boy George Debuts as Captain Hook.
Saturday 16th-Saturday 30th December
SLEEPING BEAUTY
Starring Reality TV Star & Model Katie Price as Carabosse, Comedy Star Bippo as The Castle Clown, Britain’s Got Talent Finalist Lucy Kay as The Fairy and The Hilarious Andy Brennan as Queen FiFi of Fazakerley.
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!
Royal Liverpool
Philharmonic
www.liverpoolphil.com
Sunday 22nd October
FAMILY FILM FAVOURITES
Lights, camera, action… Alasdair Malloy and the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra perform music from family favourites such as Frozen and Encanto.
Tuesday 31st October
BLAST OFF!
Claire Henry and Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra musicians lead everyone on a musical journey into space.
Saturday 16th-Sunday 17th December
THE SNOWMAN
The Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra will whisk you away into the enchanting world of The Snowman, accompanying a screening of the film live on stage, before Santa himself drops by to deliver a sparkling selection of festive, musical treats.
Sunday 24th December
THE MUPPET CHRISTMAS CAROL
You’ll be dreaming of a green Christmas, joining Kermit and friends for The Muppet Christmas Carol, a family classic.
Saturday 30th December
HARRY POTTER AND THE PHILOSOPHER’S STONE IN CONCERT
Relive the film on the big screen as the Orchestra perform its bewitching score.
St Helen’s Theatre Royal www.sthelenstheatreroyal.com
Friday 27th October-Sunday 5th November
JACK AND THE BEANSTALK
Enjoy this GIANT Autumn Panto! Jack and the Beanstalk tells the rags to riches story of a boy who sells the family’s cow for a handful of beans, getting him into a lot of trouble with his poor mother. But the story takes a magical twist when the beans sprout into a magnificent beanstalk that reaches up to a mystical land high in the sky. Perfect family entertainment while the kids are off school.
12 OCTOBER HALF TERM 2023 primarytimes.co.uk/merseyside
Tales from Acorn Wood Liverpool Everyman and Playhouse
primarytimes.co.uk/merseyside OCTOBER HALF TERM 2023 13