Primary Times Merseyside - Summer 2023

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FREE MAGAZINE: WHAT’S ON WHERE GUIDE 40,300 COPIES FOR FAMILIES OF PRIMARY SCHOOL CHILDREN SUMMER ISSUE 90 3RD JULY - 3RD SEPTEMBER 2023 www.primarytimes.co.uk DAYS OUT • WHAT’S ON • THEATRE GUIDE • FAMILY FUN Merseyside

HELLO READERS!

Summer break, sunny holidays, six weeks off school… it’s nearly here! Your children will be delighted and, while parents can also enjoy a break from the term time routine, there are a lot of days to be filled in the weeks to come!

In readiness, here’s our sunniest issue filled with local family favourites for guaranteed fun! Life moves at pace and so it’s important to maximise the precious time we have with our young children, away from the grind of work and chores. In these pages you’ll find perfect daily getaways to provide adventure, gorgeous scenery and great family entertainment. Got small culture vultures or budding scientists in the family? Then head to one of our fantastic and free museums - all geared up for pint-sized hands and packed with superb, interactive exhibits and displays to keep curious young minds enthralled.

As well as big days out or even foreign travel, it’s important to have quieter days near home to re-charge too. You’ll find there are plenty of free town and shopping centre activities to enjoy - add in walks to the park and a picnic on the green and you’ll have the perfect recipe for a memorable summer!

Good luck to the Year Six leavers and their parents who are moving on to Secondary School - we hope your next chapter of school life is an exciting one! We’ll be back in September at the start of the new term, but in the meantime, enjoy the warmth, sun and fun that summer brings.

4 LOCAL KNOWLEDGE

6 THINGS TO DO THIS SUMMER

10 WHAT’S ON WHEN 14 FAMILY THEATRE GUIDE

CONTENTS
by Freepik 3 SUMMER HOLIDAY ISSUE 2023 Go to www.primarytimes.co.uk/merseyside for thousands more great days out
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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. Published by Moonscape Media Ltd • T: 0118 972 4980 • E: office@primarytimesmag.com Editor: Michelle Dilger • Production: Nathan Pretlove & Louise Fry • Advertising: Kerry Beardsmore Listings Editor: Suzanne Watson • Features Editor: Helen Chitham This magazine is audited by BPA MEMBER For Advertisers We are the largest free magazine in Merseyside reaching 100,750 family readers. If you’d like to advertise directly to this audience please call 07710 229 189

GREAT DAYS OUT START WITH STAGECOACH BUS

Stagecoach buses not only operate throughout Merseyside, but also further afield, so you and your family can explore more by bus this summer. There are great connections across their buses so you can easily get to popular destinations such as Liverpool, Chester, Southport & West Kirby - calling in at some great attractions along the route and you could even hop on the City Sightseeing Tour Buses in Chester. They have great value tickets (via contactless) so you and your family can make the most of exploring by bus! Find out more online.

W: www.stagecoachbus.com

DO YOU HAVE A CHILD IN YEAR 5 OR 6?

Do you know your child’s current mathematical ability? Is your child’s maths strong enough for their transition to secondary school? Take a FREE online maths test from AE Publications which will help you identify the gaps in your child’s knowledge and the areas requiring further improvement. To take their free maths test, go to aepublications.co.uk

After your child has taken the test, you will be sent a link to view a video of a fully UK-qualified teacher working through the answers and the correct methodology.

Please note there is no requirement to provide an email address to access the free test, but an email address is required should you wish to receive further information, including the explanation video.

LJMU OFFERS QUALIFICATIONS DESIGNED FOR FUTURE TEACHERS WISHING TO ENTER THE PROFESSION

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

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

LOCAL KNOWLEDGE FOR PARENTS & TEACHERS 4 Go to www.primarytimes.co.uk/merseyside for thousands more great days out SUMMER HOLIDAY ISSUE 2023
5 SUMMER HOLIDAY ISSUE 2023 Go to www.primarytimes.co.uk/merseyside for thousands more great days out

If you’ve got lots of days to fill during this long school holiday, we’re here to help! Read on to find out what to do and where to do it! From adventure playgrounds to animal antics, we’re sure you’ll find enough local entertainment to cater for all budgets, interests and British weather conditions, all summer long!

HANDS-ON FUN AND ENTERTAINMENT EVERY SINGLE DAY OF SUMMER!

This summer Eureka! The National Children’s Museum in Halifax is the place to be! They’ll be joined by Eureka! regulars - Ian Douglas storyteller, showman Gacko and the purple-haired Professor Pumpernickel; plus, lots of other very special guest performers and hands-on workshops that you won’t want to miss! Don’t forget when you pay once, you can play as many times as you want for the whole year! The summer holidays are a great time to take advantage of your Eureka! annual pass, go and see what different things they have on offer every single day. Events will run from Saturday 22nd July to Sunday 3rd September. All tickets must be pre-booked online.

W: www.eureka.org.uk

RISE TO THE CHALLENGE AT THE CLIMBING HANGAR

Discover one of the fastest growing participation sports in the UK at The Climbing Hangar. TCH specialises in bouldering, which is climbing a wide variety of fun routes up a 3m wall. It’s a ton of fun, but also helps kids to build strength, agility, balance and co-ordination. Best of all, parents/guardians can climb right alongside them. Book a family session or join a holiday club, where kids climb under the supervision of a friendly and qualified coach. Liverpool boasts TWO Hangar centres, each with a wide variety of climbs, drinks and goodies. Find out more at their website.

W: theclimbinghangar.com/LiverpoolFamily

ALL THE FUN OF THE FAIR, NO MATTER WHAT THE WEATHER!

Located at the Exhibition Centre, Liverpool’s Indoor Funfair is the ultimate family day out which is running from the 15th to 23rd August. You can expect jaw-dropping rides and amazing attractions all under one roof! They have assembled a great mix of children’s rides and large rides for all age groups to enjoy, all at one great price! Rider’s tickets are £12.99 which includes unlimited access to ALL the rides. It truly is the ideal summer treat for all the family. So, what are you waiting for? Get your tickets now online!

W: www.indoorfunfair.org

HEY DUGGEE FAMILY FUN DAY AT THE EAST LANCASHIRE RAILWAY

Enjoy a Family Fun Day on the 24th & 25th August and join Duggee as he explores the Bury Transport Museum! Take your young Squirrels to meet Duggee at intervals on each day and don’t forget your camera! That’s not all, the family fun continues with a selection of fair rides, face painting and craft activities, all included in the ticket price. Complete your day out with a ride on a heritage steam or diesel train on the East Lancashire Railway, ticket price includes a ride on any ELR train services on the day of your visit. General admission tickets must be purchased online.

W: www.eastlancsrailway.org.uk

TO DO 6 Go to www.primarytimes.co.uk/merseyside for thousands more great days out SUMMER HOLIDAY ISSUE 2023
THINGS

FUN, PHARAOHS AND ACTIVITIES - ALL FOR FREE 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!). Their stunning Egyptology museum shows visitors what life was like in ancient Egypt at the time of the Pharaohs. Choose an outfit from the dressing up box and take a selfie; in Ancient Egypt mirrors were treasured and thought to be magical! Throughout the summer holidays take part in a variety of free activities including artist-led craft workshops, LEGO construction club and story & rhyme time. Plan your visit online.

W: theatkinson.co.uk

WHAT NEW DISCOVERIES WILL YOU MAKE THIS HOLIDAY?

RELIVE, SOAK UP THE MAGIC AND EXPERIENCE THE STORY THROUGH THE LIVERPOOL FOOTBALL CLUB STADIUM TOUR

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. Visit the state-of-theart Home Team dressing room and practice your interview technique in the Press Room. Touch the This Is Anfield sign and take a spinetingled walk down the Players’ Tunnel towards the hallowed Anfield turf. Take a photo in the managers’ dugout and enjoy more photo opportunities of the pitch and Main Stand from The Kop.  Tickets include entry to the Club’s interactive museum The Liverpool FC Story, with over 130 years of Club history plus all the silverware including all six European trophies. For the adventurous type, experience Anfield like never before with The Anfield Abseil. Climb to the top of the Main Stand roof and then start your 100ft descent down the side of the stadium, past the huge Club crest, taking in stunning city views as you go.

W: www.liverpoolfc.com/stadium-tours

Eureka! Science + Discovery is a brand-new attraction, housed in the Seacombe Ferry Terminal building, that has been created with and for children and young people aged 0-14. If you’re familiar with their sister site in Halifax, you’ll recognise their unique blend of creative, hands-on learning combined with cutting edge 21st century technology that has resulted in an engaging and fun-filled family day out and discovery experience! Please check their website and social media for opening hours and for what’s on! On site parking is available. Multiple bus stops outside with regular connections to Liverpool, Woodside, New Brighton and Wallasey. W: www.eurekadiscovery.org.uk

BRING HISTORY ALIVE FOR YOUR YOUNG ONES AT WWT MARTIN MERE

Join WWT Martin Mere Wetland Centre through the summer holidays as they journey through time and explore how wetland materials were used for food, textiles, and arts and crafts as part of the ‘Drawn to Water’ partnership with the UK’s most loved illustrator, Quentin Blake. Get creative and take on weaving, clay modelling, and charcoal drawing! During your visit, expect to see over 70 wetland species from around the world, like fabulous flamingos, adorable otters, impressive Inca terns, and wonderful white storks - really immersing yourself in the wetland world! With pond dipping, canoe safaris, and wild walks, it’s a fantastic day out for the family. Visit their website to find out more about what’s on offer this summer.

W: www.wwt.org.uk/wetland-centres/martin-mere

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!

THINGS TO DO 8 Go to www.primarytimes.co.uk/merseyside for thousands more great days out SUMMER HOLIDAY ISSUE 2023

LIVERPOOL ONE HOSTS ANOTHER PACKED SUMMER OF FUN, FREE EVENTS

Liverpool ONE is truly the place to come together this summer. They love packing the summer full of exciting reasons to visit; they’ve now been doing it in the city for 15 years. Look forward to a familyfriendly programme that brings fantastic events to our city for free, with a variety of themes to suit everyone in the family. Spend some time in shops that’ll light up their faces and enjoy a family meal at one of the go-to restaurants on the Terrace.

Check out all the summer plans at Liverpool ONE by visiting www.liverpool-one.com or by downloading the Liverpool ONE MyONE App.

GET READY FOR A FOREST FULL OF FAMILY ADVENTURES AT BEWILDERWOOD

Enjoy a full day of family fun at BeWILDerwood Cheshire this summer! Explore giant slippery slides, extra-long zip wires, muddled mazes, face painting, crafts and more! Plus, everything is included in your ticket which really does make BeWILDerwood a great value day out. As well as all the usual fun, from the 1st July - 5th September visitors can enjoy a brand-new event. Based on the third book in the BeWILDerwood book series, BeWILDermuddle welcomes a new Crocklebog Crown craft, Soopa Scale face paint and story at the Storytelling Stage. Again, all this and more included in your ticket, hooray! Book tickets on the BeWILDerwood website. W: BeWILDerwood.co.uk

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WHAT’S ON WHEN

ONGOING

The Heritage Trail at Liverpool ONE

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.

W: www.liverpool-one.com

Experiment

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

Nature Trail at Liverpool ONE

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.

W: www.liverpool-one.com

The Climbing Hangar

TCH specialises in bouldering, this fun activity helps kids to build strength, agility, balance, and co-ordination. a family session or join a holiday club, where kids climb under the supervision of a friendly and qualified coach. Liverpool has two Hangar centres, each with a wide variety of climbs, drinks and goodies.

W: theclimbinghangar.com

Port Sunlight Experience

Find out the history of the special village at Port Sunlight Museum, experience what life was like over a century ago in the Edwardian Worker’s Cottage and immerse yourself in the story of soap at the interactive SoapWorks.

W: www.portsunlightvillage.com

Return of the Gods

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 at World Museum, Liverpool. Members and under 17 years olds go free. Book online.

W: www.liverpoolmuseums.org.uk

Tickle the Ivories

The much-loved Tickle the Ivories piano festival is back for its twelfth year at Liverpool ONE! Enjoy a backdrop of piano music as you shop, with one of six pianos situated across Liverpool ONE featuring popular returning pianists. Free play pianos are also available if you would like to have a go yourself! Runs until 10th September.

W: www.liverpool-one.com

PING!

For those looking to dust off their forehand skills, Liverpool ONE’s PING! Tennis tables are a fun openair opportunity to get competitive! The tables, which are free to use, are the perfect excuse to get the whole family out for some fresh air and battle it out.

W: www.liverpool-one.com/ping

The Curious Treehouse Adventure

Enter a magical world at BeWILDerWood Cheshire this summer. Book online.

W: www.BeWILDerWood.co.uk

Corn Exchange Manchester

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.cornexchange manchester.co.uk

Cheshire Military Museum

Explore over 300 years of history at the Cheshire Military Museum, Chester. Discover the First World War trench and venture into the tiny WW2 pill box. Learn where the soldiers of Cheshire have served around the world. Open 11am3.30pm (last entry 3pm), Thursday to Sunday. Disabled access to all galleries. Admission charge applies.

W: www.cheshiremilitary museum.co.uk

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!). Their stunning Egyptology Museum shows visitors what life was like in ancient Egypt at the time of the Pharaohs. Throughout the summer holidays take part in a variety of free activities including artist-led craft workshops, LEGO construction club and story & rhyme time.

W: www.theatkinson.co.uk

History Comes Alive at WWT Martin Mere

Join WWT Martin Mere Wetland

Centre this summer holiday and journey through time, exploring how wetland materials were used for food, textiles, and arts and crafts as part of the ‘Drawn to Water’ partnership with the UK’s most loved illustrator, Quentin Blake. Get creative and take on weaving, clay modelling, and charcoal drawing! There are art-inspired activities, an illustrated trail, competitions and more.

W: www.wwt.org.uk

Liverpool FC Stadium Tours

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. Visit the state-of-theart Home Team dressing room and practice your interview technique in the Press Room.

W: www.liverpoolfc.com

Great Days Out Start with Stagecoach Bus

Stagecoach buses operate throughout Merseyside, and further afield, so you and your family can explore more by bus this Summer. There are great connections across buses so you can easily get you to popular destinations such as Liverpool, Chester, Southport & West Kirby - calling in at some great attractions along the route.

W: www.stagecoachbus.com

The Revolution Manchester Show

Enjoy an action-packed show that tells the story of how science met industry in Manchester. Manchester Science and Industry Museum.

W: www.scienceandindustry museum.org.uk

JULY

Friday 7th Foodies Festival

Foodies Festival returns with celebrity chefs and headliners Sophie Ellis-Bextor and Scouting For Girls. Running until 9th July. Tatton Park, Knutsford.

W: www.tattonpark.org.uk

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FAMILY
LIVERPOOL ONE

Professor Pumpernickel Science Show

Running 7th-9th July at Eureka! Science and Discovery.

W: www.eureka.org.uk

Saturday 8th

Sustainability Festival

Fun for all the family, and a great way to learn tips and tricks for living a greener lifestyle. All activities are free and drop-in. 10.30am-5pm. Grosvenor Museum, Chester.

W: www.westcheshiremuseums.co.uk

Friday 14th

The Great Mandavi

Fire juggler, street performer & entertainer extraordinaire. 11am - walkabout plus 25min shows at 1pm, 2pm, 3pm. Eureka! Science and Discovery.

W: www.eureka.org.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!

Sunday 16th

ChessFest

Chess players will come together on Chavasse Park at Liverpool ONE for ChessFest 2023, featuring 50 boards with capacity for 100 players. A match between Liverpool and London players will take place live on the big screen, displays from chess grand masters andmuch more. All activities are free and suitable for children and adults.

W: www.liverpool-one.com

Wednesday 19th

Summer Bug Hunt

Get hunting with for bugs and beasties and discover the incredible world that grows all around us. World Museum, Liverpool.

W: www.liverpoolmuseums.org.uk

Thursday 20th

Bluedot

Cheshire’s multi award-winning carnival of music, science, and cosmic culture. Running 20th-23rd at Jodrell Bank.

W: www.jodrellbank.net

Craft at the Museum

Make and take craft sessions at the World Museum, Liverpool every Thursday during the School holidays. W: www.liverpoolmuseums.org.uk

Saturday 22nd

Eureka! Science + Discovery

This Summer be entertained by Ian Douglas storyteller, showman Gacko and the purple-haired Professor Pumpernickel. Plus other very special guest performers and handson workshops that you won’t want to miss. Events will run from 22nd July-3rd September. All tickets must be pre-booked online.

W: www.eureka.org.uk

Monday 24th

Play Studio

A space for families to explore and test out ways of making and playing together. Tate Liverpool.

W: www.tate.org.uk

Tuesday 25th

Flower Fairies - Craft and Create

Running on Tuesdays and Wednesdays throughout the Summer holidays. Lady Lever Art Gallery, Port Sunlight Village.

W: www.liverpoolmuseums.org.uk

Wednesday 26th

Magical Story Jars®

Magical Story Jars® provide an opportunity to make fun imaginary stories using colourful story prompt cards. Two x 2hour drop-in sessions. Eureka! Science and Discovery.

W: www.eureka.org.uk

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Thursday 27th

Make it!

Arts and Crafts Workshop for the whole family. 11am-3pm. Other dates available. The Atkinson, Southport.

W: www.theatkinson.co.uk

Friday 28th

Merseybay Stockport

Featuring deckchairs for parents to sit back and relax and buckets and spades for kids to play, the beach will be located outside Primark at Merseyway Shopping Centre from Friday 28th July - Sunday 3rd September, along with a variety of fun rides including a Helter Skelter and trampolines. Free to use and open to children of all ages, weekly events each Wednesday on the beach from 11am-3pm where children can dance along with live DJs and take part in themed party games.

W: www.merseyway.com

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!

AUGUST

Wednesday 1st

Billy’s Musical Voyage

Play musical instruments from different countries around the world. This is an interactive music session aimed at families and young children Maritime Museum, Liverpool.

W: www.liverpoolmuseums.org.uk

Colourful Collections

Create your own museum collection by finding mini objects around the museum, and then creating a box or ‘cabinet’ for your curiosities!

10.30am-12.30pm. Grosvenor Museum.

W: www.westcheshiremuseums.co.uk

Thursday 3rd

Return of the Detector Dogs!

Learn all about Detector dogs and how they are specially trained to sniff out smuggled goods. Other dates available. Maritime Museum, Liverpool.

W: www.liverpoolmuseums.org.uk

Saturday 5th

Liverpool Sketching Day

When you visit Liverpool ONE, make sure you go along armed with sketching equipment! Dozens of members of Liver Sketching Club will be taking inspiration from the architecture, people, and city centre spaces across various locations, and they’re inviting you to join in.

W: www.liverpool-one.com

Day Out with Thomas

Take a trip on Sodor’s number one tank engine and meet Sir Topham Hatt on this spectacular day out with Thomas. Also on 6th August. East Lancs Railway.

W: www.eastlancsrailway.co.uk

Up Close with Toys

See childhood favourite toys we have loved and played with through the generations. We have the most fantastic handling collection of toys which you are invited to come and play with! Museum of Liverpool.

W: www.liverpoolmuseums.org.uk

Sunday 13th

Canal Town

Step back in time at this familyfriendly Living Museum event and experience what it was like to live and work in the docks when Ellesmere Port was a canal town. National Waterways Museum, South Pier Road, Ellesmere Port.

W: www.canalrivertrust.org.uk

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LIVERPOOL ONE

Tuesday 15th

Midsummer Magic

Make fantastic masks and fairy wings and show off your creations in front of the special backdrop. 10.30am-12.30pm. Grosvenor Museum, Chester.

W: www.westcheshiremuseums.co.uk

Indoor Funfair

Located at the Exhibition Centre, Liverpool’s Indoor Funfair is the ultimate family day out. You can expect jaw-dropping rides and amazing attractions all under one roof! A great mix of children’s rides and large rides for all age groups to enjoy, all at one great price! Rider’s tickets are £12.99 which includes unlimited access to ALL the rides. Running until 23rd August.

W: www.indoorfunfair.org

Thursday 17th

Stockport Flower Show

A four-day summer festival of all thing’s flora and fauna plus everything you need to immerse yourselves into a relaxing summer atmosphere. There will also be lots of fun activities and very special guests to entertain the children. Children under 16 go free with a paying adult. Victoria Park, Stockport.

W: www.visitsouthport.com

Friday 18th

Craft and Create

Spend time together getting creative, making memories and something amazing! Sessions take place every Thursday and Friday during the holidays. 1-4pm. Walker Art Gallery, Liverpool.

W: www.liverpoolmuseums.org.uk

The Wizard of Oz

Join Immersion Theatre for a familyfriendly musical theatre performance amongst the ruins of Norton Priory.

W: www.nortonpriory.org

Saturday 19th

Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland

Follow the critically acclaimed Pantaloons down the rabbit hole for their own hilarious take on Lewis Carroll’s nonsensical novel. Speke Hall, National Trust, Liverpool. W: www.nationaltrust.org.uk

Tuesday 22nd

Island Paradise

Let your imagination come to life and create your own miniature island all on a paper plate!10.30am-12.30pm. Grosvenor Museum, Chester. W: www.westcheshiremuseums.co.uk

Thursday 24th

Hey Duggee Family Fun Day

Join Duggee as he explores the Bury Transport Museum! The family fun continues with a selection of fun fair rides, face painting and craft activities. Complete your day out with a ride with one of the heritage steam or diesel trains through the Irwell Valley. Also on 25th August. You can book tickets online.

W: www.eastlancsrailway.org.uk

Saturday 26th

Construction Club

Young inventors, creators and builders are invited to dop in and play with the massive supply of LEGO. Other dates are also available. The Atkinson, Stockport. W: www.theatkinson.co.uk

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THE ATKINSON

Southport 01704 533333

Friday 11th August

SARAH AND DUCK’S BIG TOP BIRTHDAY

Join Sarah and her best friend Duck as they plan the ultimate circus soiree to help Scarf Lady celebrate her birthday. With entertainment lined up from a whole host of your favourite friends, including The Ribbon Sisters, The Shallots, Flamingo & John and Umbrella; the party is ready to go!

THE BRIDGEWATER HALL

www.bridgewater-hall.co.uk

Sunday 16th July

GREATER MANCHESTER MUSIC HUB CELEBRATION CONCERT

The Greater Manchester Music Hub returns to The Bridgewater Hall to present the region’s flagship youth ensembles in concert. Presenting a stunning variety of music from traditional brass band sounds through to musical theatre and classical, 600 young musicians will perform a ‘never to forget’ concert celebrating the best in educational music performance.

Tuesday 1st August

ENCANTO IN CONCERT

Walt Disney Animation Studios’ Academy Award®-winning film comes to life at The Bridgewater Hall, featuring the entire featurelength film with a full orchestra performing the score.

FLORAL PAVILION

Marine Parade, New Brighton, Wirral 0151 666 0000

Monday 31st July

HASBRO STARS LIVE ON STAGE!

See your favourite TV Stars perform together live on stage.

LIVERPOOL EMPIRE

www.atgtickets.com/venues/ liverpool-empire

Saturday 22nd July

JURASSIC LIVE

Aimed at the whole family this comedic & thrilling new familyfun stage adventure follows the team of dino rangers on the hunt for an evil man stealing dinosaurs & their eggs.

LIVERPOOL EVERYMAN AND PLAYHOUSE

www.everymanplayhouse.com

Tuesday 4th-Saturday 22nd July

LEWIS CARROLL’S ALICE IN WONDERLAND

A funked-up remix of Lewis Carroll’s classic, where musical streams and digital dreams collide in a riotous adventure for all the family!

THE LOWRY

www.thelowry.com

Saturday 22nd July-Monday 1st January 2024

JULIA AND AXEL - THIRTY YEARS OF FAVOURITE STORIES

A new free family-friendly exhibition celebrating the acclaimed partnership between Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler, who have created some of the world’s best-loved, and best-selling children’s books.

Thursday 3rd-Friday 4th August

CIRQUE THE GREATEST SHOW

An all-star cast performing the big, big numbers from your favourite shows are joined by mesmerising circus stars - making for an enchanting production that is charming and astonishing in equal measure.

Friday 4th August-3rd September

ZOG

The smash-hit stage adaptation from Freckle Productions is back and promises to be bigger, brighter and more roar-some than ever before! With lively songs from Joe Stilgoe and directed by Emma Kilbey; Julia Donaldson, and Axel Scheffler’s much-loved Zog is a magical production for all ages.

31st August-2nd September

HEY DUGGEE

Featuring Duggee, the Squirrels plus many more of your favourite characters!

MANCHESTER OPERA HOUSE

www.manchestertheatres.com

Monday 24th-Wednesday 26th July

WINNIE THE POOH

Disney’s iconic Winnie the Pooh, Christopher Robin and their best friends Piglet, Eeyore, Kanga, Roo, Rabbit and Owl come to life in a beautifully crafted musical stage adaptation.

ST HELEN’S THEATRE ROYAL

www.sthelenstheatreroyal.com

Sunday 13th August

HASBRO LIVE

The stage is set for the greatest talent show ever! For the first time together, we will see amazing musical performances from your favourite TV Stars, LIVE on stage!

Sunday 27th August

MILKSHAKE LIVE

An all-singing, all-dancing live show starring your favourite Milkshake characters.

SHAKESPEARE NORTH PLAYHOUSE

Prescot

www.shakespearenorthplayhouse.co.uk

Saturday 15th-Tuesday 18th July

MIDSUMMER MECHANICALS

Enjoy Shakespeare’s Globe’s Olivier Award-nominated family show; based on A Midsummer Night’s Dream. Suitable for ages 5+. Tickets from just £3.

Friday 1st September

PETER PAN

Let your imagination soar with this timeless tale of hapless pirates, feral children and a particularly punctual reptile. This show will have people of all ages laughing out loud! Suitable for ages 8+.

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!

FAMILY THEATRE GUIDE
14 Go to www.primarytimes.co.uk/merseyside for thousands more great days out SUMMER HOLIDAY ISSUE 2023
SARAH AND DUCK’S BIG TOP BIRTHDAY THE ATKINSON
15 SUMMER HOLIDAY ISSUE 2023 Go to www.primarytimes.co.uk/merseyside for thousands more great days out

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