Manchester

In this issue:

Christmas Special - the definitive guide to all things magical!

Issue 66 Nov/Dec 2017 familiesonline.co.uk News News

Parents eligible for childcare For the love of Sci-Fi Christmas Foodies Festival compensation £13.20 for children (family group April, affecting parents’ deals available) you can also ability to register for Tax-Free enjoy a Cosplay competition, Childcare and 30 hours magic and illusion shows, live childcare. music, giant funfair, merchandise In order to receive 30 hours traders, set re-creations, free childcare in September, celebrity Q&A’s, lightsabre eligible parents needed to Boldly going where no other training, droid displays, gaming have received a code from convention has gone before! zones and an artist’s corner. HMRC by 31 August and Get up front and close with The convention is being held Foodies Festival is bringing the Drinks Theatre, discover taken it to their childcare the world’s biggest actors on Sat 2 & Sun 3 December at the Christmas spirit to Tatton your new favourite tipple at provider to secure a place. including William Shatner, Bowlers Exhibition Centre, Park in Cheshire from Fri 17 Gin Alley and browse for WIN a Family Ticket to New guidance published on David Hasselhof and Dolph Trafford Park. For a full list of – Sun 19 November for the first Christmas gifts in the artisan the gov.uk website under the Lundgren, and experience jaw what’s available, go to time with a 3 day festive feast. market. Bring the kids along Dinosaurs in the Wild at Thousands of parents who heading ‘Childcare Service dropping life size prop and set www.fortheloveofsci-fi.com Take home recipes and top to the Elf’s Cookery School, Event City, Manchester! have missed out on Tax-Free Compensation’ states that: ‘If builds along with so much more. and www.facebook.com/ tips from MasterChef winners taste flavours of the world at Childcare due to technical you’ve been unable to access For just £22 for adults and FTLOSF and top local chefs who will Street Food Avenue, indulge Dinosaurs in the Wild gives you the opportunity to go on problems with the Childcare Tax-Free Childcare through be cooking up their festive in award-winning treats at the voyage of a lifetime. Board the time machine and your Service website may be able your childcare account for Digital Kids Show is back! favourites in the Chef’s Theatre Pudding Hall, or enjoy adventure begins – in seconds, pioneering technology will to claim compensation from technical reasons, you may or fantastic bakers and top Christmas carols and music transport you back 67 million years to see living dinosaurs the Government. be able to claim compensation.’ gaming, the latest tech toys patisserie chefs who will be from Cheshire’s most exciting with your very own eyes. The Childcare Service website, For more information call plus family games and activities baking up show-stopping cakes unsigned bands on the Live Ride across the jaw-dropping Cretaceous plains, where you which is run by HMRC, has HMRC on 0300 123 4097 or including an ice skating rink! and treats in the Cakes and Music Stage. With a luxury come face to face with the most awesome creatures ever to been plagued with technical visit www.gov.uk/guidance/ And you can meet your Desserts Theatre. VIP area, a vintage tea room live. Then visit an incredible research station where scientists glitches since it went live in childcare-service-compensation favourite You Tubers too. Learn all the skills to become and a Champagne Ski Bar, are studying dinosaurs in the past. See prehistoric animals in Tickets cost £25 (family options the ultimate host this Christmas Foodies Festival is the only cages, watch babies hatching, and witness an autopsy on a available) and are all-inclusive at the 12 Top Tip festive place to kick off the festive giant dinosaur. Learn amazing facts about dinosaurs – even A Georgian Christmas at Event City in Trafford Park for the full day (10am – 5pm). masterclasses, get merry with season. Enjoy 30% off tickets plunge your hands into piles of poo to discover more about their Quarry Bank plays host to this year’s Digital Under 2s go free. Craft Beer, Wine and with the code FOODIES30 at diet! Be astonished by panoramic views of prehistoric life all might just get to try a piece, Kids show from Sat 18 – Mon 10% discount on tickets for Champagne masterclasses in www.foodiesfestival.com. around you, and witness mighty creatures like Tyrannosaurus and before you settle down for 20 November. Families readers when you Triceratops roaming free in their natural environment. festive storytelling. Then you There’s something for use the code FAMMANC10 Get closer to dinosaurs than you ever imagined possible – can head over to Quarry everyone including live shows, online. right at the heart of the action! Prepare to be amazed! Bank House to join in with the Minecraft competitions, family www.digitalkidsshow.co.uk Enter our competition now – your seat on our time machine sophisticated celebrations in awaits! The prize is a family ticket (2 adults, 2 children under 16 the Greg family home. – not recommended for under 3s) for any performances until 19 And don’t miss seeing Father ‘All Different, All Equal’ December (closed on Mondays). Simply send an email with the Christmas on your visit. Book Anti-Bullying Week runs will be supporting schools word DINOSAUR in the title to [email protected]. Rich and poor celebrated the onto ‘Meet Father Christmas’ to from 13 to 17 November this with a range of free activities Competition closes Sunday 19 November, and the winner will festive season in very different play festive games and have a year and the theme, ‘All to help them take action to be drawn on Monday 20 November. Good luck! ways in Georgian times; even go at Christmas crafts, then Different, All Equal’ aims prevent bullying and create safe www.dinosaursinthewild.com their mince pies had different visit Father Christmas to tell to promote difference and environments for their pupils. ingredients! At Quarry Bank, him all about your wishlist. On equality in schools. Anti-Bullying Week will also you can discover these past Fridays, little ones aged 6 The idea is to help children see the ‘Power for Good’ WIN a Family traditions as you celebrate months to 5 years are invited to and young people celebrate award made to teachers, school with the wealthy cotton mill meet Father Christmas in what makes them, and support staff and youth workers Go Wild in the Woods Ticket to Winter owning Greg family, and join in special baby and toddler sessions. others, unique and help them who go beyond the call of duty Get outdoors this autumn and the Woods and have fun! Wonderland! with the humble festivities of ‘A Georgian Christmas’ is understand why it’s to help children with issues help celebrate National Tree And, if you take a picture the child apprentice workers. included in the Quarry Bank important that every child such as bullying, relationships, Week, (5 November to 3 whilst you are out and about Yes it’s back! The UK’s biggest In the Apprentice House, it’s admission price. ‘Meet Father feels included at school and family life and mental health. December), with City of Trees’ exploring– and share it on indoor Christmas Theme Park beginning to look a lot like Christmas’ has a separate charge able to be themselves To get involved visit downloadable guides. The Twitter or Instagram using returns to Event City from 9 Christmas as the apprentices and must be booked in advance without fear of bullying. www.anti-bullyingalliance. Go Wild in the Woods activity #gowildinthewoods – City of December to 1 January and we’ve got a Family Ticket up for grabs! set about making traditional at www.nationaltrust.org.uk/ The Anti-Bullying Alliance org.uk pack includes ideas for creating Trees will pick two winners who With rides and attractions galore, the family can have four cakes. If you’re really good you quarry-bank forest art, making bird feeders will each receive a family pass hours of nonstop fun and entertainment. out of pinecones, building to the Treetop Trek at Heaton You can visit Santa’s house, transported from the North Pole to Next issue: January/February 2018 Advertising/artwork: Families Manchester is part of Families care is taken in the preparation of this [email protected] Print Ltd, a franchise company. All magazine, but Families Manchester, its bug hotels and making Park. The runner up will receive the city, see real reindeer, and have a s-elfie taken with elves and Circulation: 25,000 copies of Families franchised magazines in the group are distributors, the franchise company, Manchester are available through nurseries, Events, diary dates, what’s on: journey sticks. a goody bag filled with a mini fairies. Enjoy the Christmas Circus and try out your own circus independently owned and operated Families Print Ltd and LCMB Ltd cannot schools, libraries, selectedshops and other [email protected] Research has shown that beast explorer kit, skills, or build models in the interactive building block zone. under licence. Families is a registered be held responsible for the claims of points throughout Greater Manchester. Cover Photography: trademark of LCMB Ltd, Remenham advertisers nor for the accuracy of the engaging with nature is good Temperament of Trees book, a All you have to do to win this fabulous prize is to send an If you would like free copies for your Bury Grammar Schools House, Regatta Place, Marlow Road, contents, or any consequence thereof. organisation, please let us know. for children’s health and hedgehog mini buddy and email with the word WONDERLAND in the title to www.burygrammar.co.uk Bourne End, Bucks SL8 5TD. The contents Editors: Jayne Keep & Caryl Hall of Families Manchester are fully wellbeing, as well as their wildflower seeds. [email protected]. The competition closes on Design: WITH Creative, Congleton. protected by copyright and none of the Contact details: Families Manchester, www.withcreative.co.uk education – helping them to Download your free activity Thursday 30 November, and we’ll draw the winner on Friday editorial or photographic matter may be @FamiliesMancMag 3 Hall Hill, Bollington SK10 5ED Print: Bishops Printers, Walton Road, reproduced in any form without prior develop language around sheet and ‘Where to go’ guide at 1 December. Tel: 01625 801 801 www.familiesonline.co.uk Portsmouth, Hampshire PO6 1TR consent of Families Manchester Every www.facebook.com/FamiliesManchester nature… so let’s all Go Wild in www.cityoftrees.org/families Editorial: [email protected] Tel: 023 9233 4900 www.bishops.co.uk

2 Families Manchester familiesonline.co.uk familiesonline.co.uk Families Manchester 3 Where’s Santa? Where’s Santa?

Bolton Hospice transformed into an enchanting world Holy Rood Church, Swinton Quarry Bank Mill, Father Christmas at the Farm Intu Trafford Centre Christmas Fair full of illumination and spellbinding Christmas Fair Styal St Mark’s Church, Worsley Weekends from Sat 25 Nov – Sat 23 Santa’s Grotto Sat 25 Nov, 11am – 2pm. Visit Santa in theatrical adventure. The lantern Sat 18 Nov / 11am – 2pm / 50p. Father Meet Father Christmas Fair Dec / Adult £7, Child £6.50 (includes Tues 7 Nov - Sun 24 Dec his grotto and get a special Christmas route will be filled to the brim with Christmas makes an early Christmas Christmas Sat 25 Nov / 10am – 2pm / Adult £1, gift from Father Christmas) A magical, breath-taking adventure gift. Also loads of stalls, games, family sacks of lantern toys and boxes of visit. Enjoy a variety of festive stalls, Sat 2 & Sun 3 Dec, Sat children free. Festive stalls, games, See your favourite farmyard friends in an augmented-reality grotto. entertainment and a special guest lantern presents piled high. Father games, music and Christmas cheer! 9 & Sun 10 Dec, Sat 16 music, a visit by Father Christmas, and when you visit Father Christmas and Follow Santa’s baby reindeer Norbert appearance. www.boltonhospice.org.uk Christmas and his helpers will be hard Everyone welcome. & Sun 17 Dec. A special half-hour session plenty of Christmas gift ideas. his reindeer, Prancer and Dancer. Live through an arctic wonderland to the at work ensuring that all of the of festive activities, including a private Refreshments and lunches served in music from carol singers, brass bands, Northern Lights before you meet Brookside Garden Centre, Poynton Christmas wishes can come true. Hamleys, Trafford Centre family visit to Father Christmas and a Church Hall. Everyone welcome. children’s entertainers, face painting, Santa and his polar friends. Booking Breakfast with Santa Booking essential. Meet Father Christmas gift. £9 per child, suitable for up to age www.stmarksworsley.org.uk meet Aunty Mary in her Christmas essential. Sat 9, 16 & 23 Dec, 9.30am / Sun 24 01244 380280 / www.chesterzoo.org Tues 21 & Wed 22 Nov, Weekends 10, booking essential. Baby and Toddler Cottage who will be making www.intu.co.uk/traffordcentre Dec, 10am, £9.95 per child. from Sat 25 Nov – Sun 16 Dec, Daily sessions Fri 1, 8 & 15 Dec (ages 6 Stockley Farm, Northwich traditional salt dough decorations Supper with Santa from Mon 11 Dec – Sun 24 Dec (excl months – 5 years) include a storytelling Exciting Elf Adventure (take one home to decorate!) and Woodford Park Garden Centre, Thurs 21 Dec, 5pm, £10.95 per child. Stockport Santa’s a busy man but there Chill Factore, Trafford Wed 20) / Ages 2 – 8, booking and play session with the visit to Weekends throughout December meet all your farmyard favourites Enjoy a freshly cooked meal, as well as Santa’s Grotto Quays essential. Join Father Christmas Father Christmas. 0344 2491895 / including a visit to Father Christmas in around the nativity including donkeys are plenty of opportunities an enchanted story. Write your very own Sun 19 Nov – Sun 24 Dec / £9.50 per Santa’s Grotto and his loveable elves for fun, magic www.nationatrust.org.uk/quarry-bank his grotto for a special Christmas Gift. Frosty and Huw. 01625 374400 / for you to get up close and letter to Santa and colour in a Christmas child, booking essential. A personal visit Weekends from Sat 11 Nov and theatre. Take part in seasonal Booking essential. 01565 777323 / www.tattonpark.org.uk picture. Children who have been extra to Santa in his own winter wonderland, personal with him and make and daily from Sat 2 Dec games and activities, spend time Ribble Steam Railway www.stockleyfarm.co.uk good this year will get a gift from including a special gift. sure he’s got your letter! – Sun 24 Dec with Father Christmas and receive Santa Steam Torkington Park, Hazel Grove Santa to take home! Booking essential. Breakfast or Tea with Santa Visit Santa in his grotto surrounded by an extra special gift bag to take A perfect family get together, sprinkled Tatton Park, Knutsford Winter Wonderland www.klondyke.co.uk Breakfast: Weekends in Dec until Sun Arndale Centre, Manchester real snow, sparkling trees, glistening home. www.hamleys.com with some festive fun. Father Christmas Lantern Parade Sat 9 Dec, 11am – 5pm. Market 24 Dec as well as Mon 18, Thurs 21, Fri Santa’s Grotto lights and chattering elves. All visits will bring you your personal Christmas Fri 24 Nov, Parade 6pm stalls, festive food court, bar, Santa’s Cheshire Reindeer Lodge & 22 Dec Thurs 16 Nov – Sun 24 Dec. £5.50. (includes will be combined with some play time High Legh Garden Centre, Knutsford present while you take a trip on this Light Father Christmas’ route at the grotto, bands and much more! Christmas Tree Farm, Cheshire Oaks Tea: Mon 4 – Sat 23 Dec (excl Sun 10 Dec) a festive Teddy Bear). Booking essential. in the Snow Park (Age 4+) or Mini Santa’s Grotto steam heated train. Enjoy light stableyard for his special arrival. Bring www.facebook.com/ Santa’s Grotto & Reindeer Lodge A fun-filled mealtime including a www.manchesterarndale.com Moose Land (Under 4s. Weekends from Sat 25 Nov – Sun 24 Dec seasonal refreshments and then visit your own lantern (instructions on hazelgrovecarnival Weekends from Sat 25 Nov, weekdays lovely present, and a story or game www.chillfactore.com Child: £7.95, Adult £1.50. Travel on the the museum and take a ride on the website) or buy your own on the night from Thurs 21 Dec with the man himself. Booking Bents Garden Centre, Glazebury magical train to visit Santa in his miniature indoor railway. Booking to light his way as he and his elves Touchstones Rochdale Meet and feed the reindeer, reindeer essential. Santa’s Arrival Grotto and choose a present from his essential. www.ribblesteam.org.uk glide in on his sleigh. Christmas- Santa’s Grotto talks, donkey and fairground rides, Elf 0161 439 0745 / www.notcutts.co.uk Sat 11 Nov, 10am. See Santa arrive in Toy Store. www.klondyke.co.uk themed glitter tattoos & Christmas Fri 22 & Sat 23 Dec / stage show and visit to the grotto for Dunham Massey, Altrincham style to kick off the Christmas season. Christmas at Dunham Massey St Ann’s Hospice, Little Hulton balloons available (additional charge). 10.15 – 4pm / £8 a gift. 01244 646045 / Wyvale Garden Centres, Altrincham, www.bents.co.uk Adult £16, Child £10, Under 5s free, Lightoaks Park, Salford Christmas Fair Free workshops from 4pm in the (includes gift and www.cheshirereindeer.co.uk Bolton and Marple booking advised. Follow the mile long Christmas Cracker Sun 19 Nov, 12 – 3pm / Adults £1, stableyard barn rooms such as activity). Meet the elves Breakfast or Tea with Father Christmas Bolholt Hotel, Bury sparkling path that winds its way 1 – 4pm / Free. Visit Santa in his children free. Bursting with festive fun, decorating your own paper lantern who will help you Chester Zoo Sat 18 Nov – Sun 24 Dec Annabelle’s Challenge Lunch With Santa through the historic woodland in a grotto, sing along to carols with a this fair includes visit by Father and writing a letter to Father have some creative The Lanterns at Chester Zoo 18th November - 24th December* Sun 17 Dec, 1 – 4pm / £10. Bring the little magical after dark experience. Father brass band, indulge on delicious Christmas, children’s Christmas crafts, Christmas (to post in the post box on fun before meeting Fri 24 – Sun 26 Nov, Fri 1 – Sun 3 Dec, Enjoy a delicious, freshly-prepared ones along to enjoy lunch with Santa. Christmas sees you on your way through mince pies and mulled wine, and be cakes, raffle and music. the night!). Christmas Mansion (Entry Santa in his magical Fri 8 – Sun 10 Dec, Fri 17 – Sun 17 Dec, breakfast or tea, the whole family A Christmas themed room with a hot and twinkling tunnels, over a swaying lawn in the chance of winning exciting £10 Adult, £6 child) open late. All grotto to get your gift. Wed 20 – Sat 23 Dec, Wed 27 – Sat 30 Dec meets Santa, children decorate a cold buffet, children’s activities, disco, party of fibre optic colour and beside glowing prizes in a festive raffle. If you can, St Margaret’s Church, Prestwich shops and restaurants open until Booking essential As twilight falls across Chester Zoo a festive biscuit and then choose their games, special guests and party bags. waterside reflections. bring along non perishable food Christmas Fair 7.30pm and Christmas Gift fair (free 01706 924928 / magical Christmas sorting office very own present to take home! 0871 230 1553 / www.nationaltrust. items which can be donated to Sat 18 Nov, 10am. A grotto and a visit entry to the Tenants’ Hall) open till www.link4life.org comes to life. The zoo will be www.wyevalegardencentres.co.uk org.uk/dunham-massey Salford Central food bank. from the big man, along with all your 6.30pm. favourite stalls, raffle and café. East Lancashire Railway, Bury Littleborough Square Santa Specials Christmas Lights Switch On Weekends from 25 Nov – 17 Dec, and Sat 2 Dec, 2 – 6pm. Santa and his Thurs 21 – Sun 24 Dec elves will be there as well as music, Take a special steam ride with dance and a fun fair. Santa, his happy helpers and an www.rochdaleonline.co.uk onboard magician as they make their way through the carriages Little Lever Village with a gift for each child. Biscuit Christmas Fair and juice for children and a mince Sun 3 Dec, 11am – 3pm. A FREE pie and festive tipple for adults! Santa, along with music, raffles, Hunt for hidden treasure in Bury shopping stalls and face painting. Transport Museum with the Great Plus you can post your letters to Christmas Treasure Hunt. The ride Santa in the special mailbox. takes you from Bury to Rawtenstall www.facebook.com/ and back through the beautiful llcommunityevents Irwell Valley. Booking essential. www.eastlancsrailway.org.uk Lyme Park, Disley An Audience with Father Christmas Event City, Trafford Park Every Fri – Sun from Fri 24 Nov – Sun Winter Wonderland - Santa meet and greet 24 Dec / £9 per child, booking Sat 9 Dec – Mon 1 Jan essential. Meet Father Christmas, The UK’s largest indoor Winter Wonderland Mother Christmas and their helpers with loads of rides, entertainment and in the Chapel. Listen to a story and shows, and a chance to meet Santa receive a special present too! (not a full grotto experience, but an Normal park admission also applies. efficient meet and greet system). 0344 249 1895 / www.winterwonderlandmanchester.com www.nationaltrust.org.uk/ lyme-park Greater Manchester Fire Service Museum, Rochdale Philips Park, Manchester Christmas Open Day Santa’s Grotto Sun 3 Dec. A special visit expected from Fri 24 Nov – Mon 1 Jan / £10 per child, Santa. www.gmfsmuseum.org.uk booking advised. A magical, fully decorated, timber grotto experience. The Grove, Hazel Grove SK7 6AA Meet the man from Lapland as he Xmas Disney Party takes a break from flying around the Sat 16 Dec, 1pm & 5pm / Adult. £5, globe delivering Xmas gifts. Every Child £10 (includes snack box), early child will be given a present to take booking essential. With all your away with them as a souvenir of their favourite Disney characters performing experience. all your favourite songs, as well as a www.magicallantern.uk Santa’s Grotto (including free gift). In aid of MIND. www.wegottickets.com

4 Families Manchester familiesonline.co.uk familiesonline.co.uk Families Manchester 5 Christmas shopping Christmas shopping

Thurs 16 Nov – Wed 20 Dec Sat 25 Nov Countdown to Christmas with Giddy Goat Toys Chester Town Hall Square Market Place Shopping Centre, Bolton Gift & craft fairs Chester Christmas Markets Bolton Handmade Market character who gets up to all they can. Their helpful staff, a 10am – 6pm daily (open till 8pm 10am – 5pm. Fabulous Maker’s Market manner of fun antics after gift-wrapping service, online Thurs and 7pm Fri & Sat). Over 70 with lots of stalls and great gifts to be traditional wooden chalets situated purchased. www.mwlevents.co.uk dark, again helping to get shopping, click and collect and in the heart of Chester, all wrapped children, and parents, into the surprisingly budget friendly around a sparkling Christmas tree. Fri 1 Dec Christmas spirit as well as prices, mean Giddy Goat Toys have Festive treats and gifts, including Bradshaw Community Primary quality local and regional products, encouraging good behaviour! got your back this Christmas! School, Grappenhall crafts, clothing, accessories, jewellery, Bradshaw’s Christmas Wonderland Writing a letter to Father What’s more, they’re just a unique gifts and stocking fillers, as Fair Christmas is an essential part few minutes’ walk from well as delicious hot food and drink. 5 – 7.30pm / Adults 50p, children free of the Christmas countdown. Didsbury village tram station www.christmasinchester.com Christmas music from the Choir & the fabulous group Vocal Infinity, mulled As the dark nights draw in our Playmobil Advent Calendars in It’s a great way to get some and just off Didsbury high Fri 17 & Sat 18 Nov wine, mince pies and other food thoughts begin to turn to the stock, including LEGO Star ideas from children about street with its great range of Manchester Cathedral and drinks! Pocket money games, Christmas Arts & Crafts Market tombola’s, crafts for the children & festive season, and at Giddy Wars, LEGO Friends and LEGO City. what they would like. Giddy shops and bars, making 10am – 8pm (Fri), 10am – 4pm (Sat) / Free Also in store, they have a Goat Toys has beautiful Letter Didsbury the ideal place for stalls with local crafters selling ideal Goat Toys in Didsbury they’re A not-to-be-missed Christmas Arts & items for Christmas presents. just as excited as their selection (or glamour, to Santa stationery sets for enjoyable and stress free Crafts Market supporting over 70 local younger customers who want according to Gandalf) of elves, those who wish to compile Christmas shopping. Open independent makers, this FREE event Sat 2 & Sun 3 Dec also has a tea room, The Gin Society until 7pm on Thursdays during Knutsford to know how many sleeps till including the original Elf on a their thoughts for the big man bar and Vintage DJ! Christmas Weekend Father Christmas visits! Shelf, which comes with a in style. Once written, just pop December. Sat 4 & Sun 5 Nov Sat 11 Nov A two day festive street market So, what better way to enjoy lovely picture book. These into their Didsbury shop and Giddy Goat Toys, 2 Albert Hill Tatton Park, Knutsford Manchester Craft & Design Centre Sat 18 Nov providing the perfect place to get Christmas Gift Fair M4 5JD St Margaret’s Church, Prestwich the countdown than an advent mischievous elves help Father get it posted. Their shop elves Street, Didsbury, Manchester. some unique gifts and treats. Live 10.30am – 5pm / Normal park entry Family Friendly Christmas Event St Margaret’s Christmas Fair entertainment, Reindeer Parade and calendar? As Christmas keep an collect all of the letters and M20 6RF. 0161 445 1097 / applies. Gifts for all the family and 10am – 5.30pm 10am. All your favourite stalls, raffle, the switching on of the Knutsford well as the eye on all the send them to the North Pole at www.giddygoattoys.co.uk ideas for presents not usually found in Live music and activities throughout cafe and grotto with a visit from the Christmas Lights! high street shops. Free entry to the fair the day and Christmas crafts to big man himself. traditional naughty or nice midnight every night in the Tenants Hall. 01625 374400 / keep the kids busy while you shop. www.stmargaretsprestwich. People’s History Museum, Manchester open a children. The Elf throughout December! www.countrywide-events.co.uk Oak Street Cafe will be serving up wordpress.com Etsy Made Local window on a on a Shelf With a huge range of stock homemade festive food and drinks One of the UK’s biggest craft fair events. Sat 4 Nov & Sat 2 Dec including stollen, mulled cider and Fri 24 – Sun 26 Nov www.etsymcr.co.uk new picture phenomenon has instore and more available to Railway Road, Urmston boozy hot chocolate. Tatton Park, Knutsford each day really swept the order, whether you’re working Urmston Artisan Market www.craftanddesign.com Tatton Christmas Shopping Fair Sun 3 Dec during advent, nation in the last to a child’s wish-list or in need 10am – 4pm. Shopping, street food Fri: 11.30am – 6.30pm / Sat & Hollingworth Lake Visitor Centre and music – loads of local, unique and St Margaret’s Church, Prestwich Sun 10am – 4pm / Normal park they also have a selection of couple of years and we’re all of help and inspiration, Giddy Christmas Craft Fair tempting gift ideas. Prestwich Mum’s Autumn Fair entry charge. Over 40 stalls in the 11.30am – 3.30pm incredibly popular LEGO and big fans of this cheeky Goat will help you as much as www.themarketco.co.uk 11am – 4pm. A friendly and fun Tenants Hall offering a wide range Enhance your stroll around the lake community event raising money for of present ideas, food and drinks with a visit to this popular craft fair. Tues 7 & Wed 8 Nov local children (Home-Start Bury) and and Christmas Essentials. Free entry Dogs welcome inside. Free entry. Arley Hall, Northwich children affected by war in Syria to Hall. 01625 374400 / www.rochdaleonline.co.uk Give the gift of Adventure Golf Send a message that makes Christmas Shopping Spectacular (Manchester based Syria Relief). www.tattonpark.org.uk Tues (Festive Bubbles & Shopping Evening): Children’s crafts, toy and kid’s book Sat 9 Dec 6 – 10pm, £12 in advance only. stall, cakes and refreshments, a Fri 24 – Sun 26 Nov & If you’re looking for a Christmas a difference this Christmas High Lane Village Hall, Stockport Wed (Daytime Shopping Spectacular): selection of local independent traders, Sat 16 & Sun 17 Dec Christmas Craft and Gift Fair gift that’s a little different, 9.30am – 4pm, £7.50. In aid of the tombola and a fantastic raffle. 2 – 5pm. An afternoon of crafts, gifts, Joshua Tree. The Lowry Plaza how about a gift voucher from Lowry Makers Market food, entertainment and family fun. www.arleyhallshoppingspectacular.co.uk Paradise Island Adventure Golf? Sat 11 Nov & Sat 9 Dec 10am – 4pm / Free www.facebook.com/ Church Street, Eccles, Salford Nov: Victorian Christmas Fayre christmascraftandgiftfairhighlane With great courses at Fri 10 Nov – Wed 20 Dec Eccles Makers Market Dec: Magical Makers. The finest Manchester 10am – 4pm. Bringing together both Cheshire Oaks and the festive local food, drink, art, design, Sunday 17 December Manchester Christmas Markets passionate, award winning food, intu Trafford Centre, they’re vintage and modern craft carefully Prestwich Artisan Winter Market Around 300 traders offering festive drink, arts and craft producers selected from north west artisans Bury Venues & Village Greens invite the perfect stocking filler. gifts, mouth-watering international from around the North West. Street in time for a magical Victorian you to experience unique makers, Available as £10 or £20 food and gallons and gallons of performances from local musicians. Christmas. www.peel.co.uk producers and artisans in crafts, gluwein. Family friendly site on www.themakersmarket.co.uk arts, food and drink. Festive treats, vouchers, they come in a Cathedral Gardens with an ice rink. lovely PIAG gift wallet and surprises and merriment guaranteed! The main hub in Albert Square FREE entry 10am – 4pm are available to purchase remains open until Thurs 21 Dec. www.bury.gov.uk from the paybooths at the www.manchester.gov.uk centres or online at Pioneering charity Brain the charity’s range. All cards www.paradiseislandgolf.com Tumour Research has taken are priced at £4 per pack of an innovative approach to ten, with at least 60% of the Top ways to write to Santa their range of Christmas proceeds going towards cards this year, signing up supporting vital brain tumour Top ways to get in touch include: age-appropriate and come with supporter and artist, research. Brain Tumour • The Royal Mail: Write to the man in beautiful illustrations. Request your Caroline Copland, to design Research is the only national red by Friday 8 December and get letter delivered via RudolphMail at a new card for 2017. charity in the UK focused on a personal letter back. See www.nspcc.org.uk (suggested Caroline, who sadly lost her funding sustainable research www.royalmail.com/letters donation £5). mother Janet to a brain to find a cure for brain tumours, -to-santa for more info. • Get a personalised video from Santa tumour three years ago, was which kill more children and • Write an email to Santa at using Portable North Pole App at inspired by the Christmas adults under the age of 40 emailsanta.com and he will send www.portablenorthpole.com/en/ Hope Trees which decorate than any other cancer. you a reply faster than Rudolph and Santa will commend those the charity’s Research Centres Order via can fly! with good behaviour and offer a of Excellence across the UK www.braintumourresearch. Gone are the days of sending letters up • You can surprise your children with few words of encouragement for each year. org/fundraise/ the chimney with present requests! Now a personalised letter from Father those naughty ones! The Hope Tree cards will christmas-cards contacting Santa is an altogether more Christmas whilst helping to raise join other festive favourites in fun and exciting mission. funds for the NSPCC. All letters are

6 Families Manchester familiesonline.co.uk familiesonline.co.uk Families Manchester 7 Christmas shopping Christmas fun

The magical Winter Wonderland Elfish fun at Stockley! is back in Manchester! Books for the Season Taking place every weekend By Justine Crow s-elfies taken with youngsters. from Saturday 2 – Sunday 24 Other highlights of the December and evenings from 24-day Christmas extravaganza Thursday 21 – Saturday 23 As a bookseller, one of the least favourite phrases that I include Rainbow’s irrepressible December, each experience hear from passing parents is “No. You’ve got too many books 6-8 YEARS Santa Claude by Alex T Smith duo Zippy and George, bringing includes: already.” What sort of a message is that? I mean, those very Hodder RRP £5.99 magic, mayhem and comedy • A festive brunch or dinner same mums and dads also grumble that their kids just aren’t Claude, the daft dog with the knack for capers, and the brilliant Christmas • Helping the elves perform interested in reading any more. No excuses – Winter is the being in the wrong place at the right time, Circus which will leave everyone the panto perfect season for hunkering down and burying noses, so has done much to encourage early readers stunned and amazed at its • Making a Christmas here are some suggestions for filling your youngsters boots in these pocket sized stories with lots of daily performances. decoration with words. pictures alongside clear un-daunting text. Our And if you’ve been inspired • Visiting Father Christmas in eponymous hero is back and wearing a certain The UK’s largest indoor winter by the amazing acrobatic acts his Grotto and receiving an festive person’s trousers, which are just little wonderland Christmas and feats of daring, there’s also early gift! 0-2 YEARS too big (ho ho ho!) and is causing mayhem attraction will open its doors an opportunity to try out your • Meeting the friendly farm Twinkle Twinkle ABC by Barney Saltzberg with his best friend dear old cuddly Sir Bobblysock. on Saturday 9 December, own circus skills in special animals Phaidon RRP £8.95 transforming 22,000sq m of workshops on site. Have you booked your space • Plus much more! And we begin with this artful and melodic Scaredy Cat, Scaredy Cat by Phil Earle EventCity in to a sparking Meanwhile there will be a yet for Stockley Farm Park’s Elf adventures must be board book that mixes and matches Hodder RRP £6.99 seasonal spectacular featuring chance for children to create their Exciting Elf Adventure? 2½ pre-booked online, so make possibly the two most sung baby songs on I have thoroughly enjoyed the barmy more than 50 family rides and own amazing models in the hours of magical fun to get sure you don’t miss out! For the planet (well, your particular parental adventures of the inhabitants of Storey Street attractions, all under one roof! interactive building block zone. the whole family into the more info head to planet at any rate) accompanied by a and recommend the previous three titles that At the heart of the wonderland, There will also be a host of festive spirit! www.stockleyfarmpark.co.uk banjo, a growling bear and a pirouetting can be read in any order – upside down.. festive fans will find Santa’s house, other fun things to do and see cow (of course!) Perfect for winding down inside out.. etc. For our final visit we meet transported from the North Pole including the thrilling rides and and instilling the irresistible idea in those young resident Kay Catt, a timid soul with to the city and where visitors attractions, which are all Elf yourself this Christmas…. little minds that bedtime means books. much to worry about. Enter Wilf Wilkinson, the will be able to explore the hallway, included in one ticket price. weirdest pensioner ever to set foot in the lounge, dining room, kitchen And don’t forget we’ve got a The Snowbear by Sean Taylor & Claire street. Never mind a flat cap and cardi, this and bedroom. There will also be Family Ticket up for grabs – have Alexander old codger has a pointy hat. Just like a.. um.. wizard? real reindeer, as well as elves and a look at page 3 of this issue! Frances Lincoln RRP £11.99 fairies – who will be ready to have www.winterwonderlandmanchester.com Iggy and Martina head off into the snow to play but somehow they wander off just a little they introduce you to the too far and after all their hard work getting 9-11 YEARS Father Christmas & Me by Matt Haig magical stories surrounding cold hands whilst patting the snow into Canongate RRP £14.99 the work and play of Santa’s shape, who do you think comes to their The third in the tinsel decked trilogy by a special helpers. Work together rescue? brilliant thinker and writer of books for all as a family, complete the ages, in which we meet Amelia and her challenges and go away with newly adoptive parents, none other than an Honourary Elf certificate, 3-5 YEARS Father and Mary Christmas (who wouldn’t This Christmas, Santa’s Elves a magical Christmas Elf The Bear & the Piano Sound Book by want them for a mum and dad?). But wait, need your help as The Elf Adventure storybook and even David Litchfield everything we love about this very special Adventure Challenge returns an elfie selfie! Frances Lincoln RRP £14.99 time of year is under threat from a certain to the North West. To see if you and your family Now that you’ve warmed up the vocal jealous Easter Bunny and his rabbit henchmen. Yikes! Offering a fun, actioned have what it takes to become chords above, everyone can enjoy this new packed, festive filled alternative ‘Honorary Elves’, make sure you sound edition of last year’s sumptuous hit The Book of Dust by Philip Pullman to the traditional Santa’s grotto join this special interactive indoor picture book for pre-schoolers. Not too David Fickling RRP £20.00 experience, Elf Adventure experience between 25 November loud though, or – whispers - you’ll wake By heck, this really is a major publishing event. Challenge takes children on a and 24 December for an the baby. Set ten years before the Northern Lights, we journey to become a fully-fledged hour-long session that both meet a new character, Malcolm, who navigates Christmas elf, as they are taught children and adults will enjoy. the Thames in his canoe ‘La Belle Sauvage.’ One festive skills such as how to Master the challenge at Richard Scarry’s Best Treasury Ever by day he discovers that the priory across the water prepare Santa’s sleigh and Great Northern Warehouse, Richard Scarry has a visitor, an infant named Lyra… In a hundred how to make toys ready for Deansgate, Manchester City Harpercollins RRP £20.00 years time, should bookshops still exist, long after Christmas Eve. Join Chief Elf Centre or Cheshire Ice Cream For fifty years children have been entertained flash-in-the-pan celeb authors have been forgotten, Pumpaa and Elflet Sprout as Farm, near Chester. by the antics of Lowly Worm, Hilda Hippo Pullman will be on the shelf right next to the great storytellers For more information and Huckle Cat and I think the deep affection such as Dickens and Swift. If we do our job right as parents now, and to book tickets for the Busytown stories persists because our children’s children will still have their noses buried in really good visit www. they convey diversity, combined with slapstick books like this. You can never have too many of them. elfadventurechallenge. and familiarity. Everything and everyone is com Limited sessions and on the go here in aeroplanes, umpteen Justine Crow is co-founder of the famous South London capacity available so diggers and buses, and of course Mr Frumble’s Pickle Car. Just bookshop ‘Bookseller Crow on the Hill’ based in Crystal Palace. book early to avoid don’t get a ticket from Sergeant Murphy! As well as being a blogger and reviewer, parent of three and disappointment. qualified swimming teacher, she also co-authored The Little Book of Nits published by Bloomsbury.

8 Families Manchester familiesonline.co.uk familiesonline.co.uk Families Manchester 9 Panto’s & family shows Panto’s & family shows

The Snowman Trip Manchester & Districts Hospitals’ The Gruffalo Red Riding Hood and the Wolf Traditional Carol Concert Manchester Opera House Manchester Glee – American Road Choir Carol Concert The Lowry (Quays Theatre) Home, Manchester Ramsbottom Civic Hall Wed 8 – Sun 12 Nov. The stage show Z-arts, Hulme Bridgewater Hall, Manchester Wed 6 Dec – Sun 7 Jan Thurs 7 – Thurs 14 Dec (not Sun & Mon) Sun 10 Dec / £5/£3. Bury Music based on the classic book and film. Sat 19 Nov. A one night only Mon 4 & Tues 5 Dec. Join in singing Join Mouse on a daring adventure You may think you know the story of Service & St. Joseph’s R.C. Primary When a young boy’s snowman extravaganza suitable for all ages. traditional carols for all the family through the deep, dark wood in Tall Red Riding Hood, but there are two School. £5 / £3. comes to life on Christmas Eve, the 0161 226 1912 / www.z-arts.org with choirs from hospitals in Stories’ magical, musical adaptation sides to every story, so let’s hear it www.bury.gov.uk two set off on a night-time quest for Manchester and surrounding of the classic picture book by Julia from the Wolf himself! Here’s the adventure. They meet Father Tidy Up districts and Primary Schools around Donaldson and Axel Scheffler. For story never heard of a kind and Carol Concert Christmas, dancing penguins, The Lowry (Aldridge Studio) the area. The concerts are in aid of ages 3+. www.thelowry.com hungry wolf who strayed from the Longfield Suite, Bury. Sun 10 Dec / reindeer and crowds of The Snowman’s Sun 19 Nov. Inspired by the child’s desire CLIC Sargent Young Lives vs Cancer. path and lost his friends. £5/£4. Festive carols and songs friends, but will they escape evil to create order, patterns and systems, www.bridgewater-hall.co.uk Christmas is Coming! www.homemcr.org with students from St Bernadette’s Jack Frost and get back home for this show is a witty and uplifting journey Bridgewater Hall, Manchester R.C. Primary School Choir. Christmas morning? discovering if chaos and order can ever Fri 8 Dec. Get into the Christmas Spirit Little Red and The Big Bad Wolf www.bury.gov.uk www.manchestertheatres.com live side-by-side! www.thelowry.com and at the same time raise much Z-arts, Hulme needed funds for St Ann’s Hospice. Fri 8 – Sun 10 Dec, Fri 15 & Sat 16 Dec The Siege of Christmas The Magic Fish A Christmas Carol Join the Festival Choir and their guests A bold and highly theatrical re-telling Contact Manchester Waterside Arts Centre, Sale Waterside Arts Centre, Sale for an exciting evening of seasonal of the well-known classic tale packed Wed 13 – Wed 20 Dec. Starting Sat 11 Nov. A classic Indian tale Tues 21 Nov. Charles Dickens’ classic music and readings for all the family. with music, dance and song. Free Art outside the main doors of Contact, retold through dance, storytelling ghost story is brought alive in this most www.bridgewater-hall.co.uk Cart for all ticket holders before the and roaming throughout this and beatboxing for young thinking traditional of productions, complete show, and all children will receive a unique castle-y building, The Siege minds. Suitable for ages 5-9 years. with beautiful period costume, song, Dick Whittington free goody bag. 0161 2261912 / of Christmas is an immersive Running time approx. 45 mins. dance and a magnificent musical score. Manchester Opera House www.z-arts.org theatrical adventure for young www.watersideartscentre.co.uk Age 6+. Sat 9 Dec – Sun 7 Jan. A magical audiences and the taller people www.watersideartscentre.co.uk The Bear pantomime adventure starring Cabin of Curiosity that look after them. Can you help The Hunting Of The Snark Waterside Arts Centre, Sale John Barrowman and The Krankies! Touchstones Rochdale rescue The Spirit of Christmas? Fun The Met, Bury Elf – The Musical Tues 5 Dec – Sat 6 Jan. Excitement www.manchestertheatres.com Sat 9 & Sat 16 Dec. 11am / Families for all the family (Age 5+). All aboard! The ship is departing! All The Lowry is mounting as another of Raymond and children age 7+ / £3. It’s www.contactmcr.com children, animals and silly people Fri 24 Nov – Sun 14 Jan Briggs’ (creator of The Snowman) The Hallé Christmas Family Concert Christmas time in the Cabin of welcome! Side-splittingly funny, joyful, Based on the cinema hit starring Will much-loved books comes to life on Bridgewater Hall, Manchester Curiosity and Professor Jigget, How To Hide A Lion fast-paced and bursting with a Ferrell, Elf is the hilarious tale of Buddy, a stage this Christmas at Waterside. Sun 10 Dec. An afternoon of Hallé explorer, goblin scientist and Royal Exchange Theatre, soundtrack of witty songs by an young orphan child who mistakenly Join Tilly and her great big white festive family fun packed with storyteller, had lost all the presents Manchester award-winning songwriter. crawls into Santa’s bag of gifts and is polar bear friend on a wild, magical sing-alongs, jingle-alongs, pre-show meant for his Magical and Wed 13 – Sun 31 Dec. Join Iris on a www.themet.biz transported back to the North Pole. and very funny adventure. With foyer entertainment and a whole lot nonsensical friends. But he hasn’t mission to squeeze and squash her Suitable for ages 5+. www.thelowry.com brilliant puppetry, lovely music, more. Even Santa might find time to got the time to find them - what furry new friend into a variety of Dick Whittington entrancing storytelling and lots of make a guest appearance… with a live show to perform. Who sneaky spots, as Helen Stephens’ Oldham Coliseum Comedysportz 4 Tots laughs, this is a heart-warming and www.bridgewater-hall.co.uk will look out for the Christmas gifts magical book comes to life with Sat 11 Nov – Sat 13 Jan. Fabulous Waterside Arts Centre, Sale joyous show, the perfect Christmas while the Professor interviews his playful humour, dazzling puppetry costumes, glitz and glamour, silliness Sat 25 Nov. A brand new show packed treat for all 3 – 11 year olds, and Aladdin ridiculous guests? Expect stories, and original songs. and slapstick and hit songs to sing with silly games and songs for under something they’ll remember forever. Stockport Plaza adventure and nonsense! 01706 www.royalexchange.co.uk along to. www.coliseum.org.uk 6s. Highly interactive, friendly, Special 6pm slumber shows! Come Fri 1 Dec – Sun 7 Jan. Take a magical 924928 / www.link4life.org non-competitive and entertaining. in your jimjams with your favourite carpet ride to this glittering Teletubbies: Big Hugs www.watersideartscentre.co.uk teddy bear and snuggle down for production starring Ted Robbins Palace Theatre, Manchester some Christmas fun with The Bear. (Phoenix Nights/The Slammer) as Fri 17 – Sun 19 Nov. Join Tinky Winky, The Snow Dragon Milk and cookies are also available! the hilarious Widow Twanky and Dipsy, Laa-Laa and Po in a show full The Lowry (Aldridge Studio) See thebearlive.com for the dates of Brian Capron (Coronation Street) as of love and laughter as they explore Sun 26 Nov. Toe-tapping songs and our 6pm shows. Book your tickets at the evil Abanazar. With breath-taking the magical world of Teletubbyland. lots of laughs for everyone aged 3+. www.thebearlive.com or call the special effects, it’s an affordable www.manchestertheatres.com www.thelowry.com Box Office on0161 912 5616 today! festive family treat. www.stockportplaza.co.uk A Christmas Carol Nativity The Musical Octagon Theatre, Bolton Palace Theatre, Manchester Around The World In 80 Days Cinderella Fri 17 Nov – Sat 13 Jan Wed 29 Nov – Sun 3 Dec. Your favourite The Lowry (Quays Theatre) Albert Halls, Bolton Charles Dickens’ cherished festive festive film has been adapted for Tues 5 Dec – Sun 7 Jan. The mysterious Sat 2 – Sun 31 Dec. Experience the tale is brought to life in this the stage and is the perfect seasonal and fabulously wealthy Phileas magical age old fairy tale and watch enchanting stage adaptation full of comedy for all the family. Fogg wagers his life’s fortune that while Cinders overcomes her wicked joy, song, and magic! With a host of www.manchestertheatres.com he can circumnavigate the globe in stepmother and stepsisters and go classic Christmas carols this just 80 days. A cast of eight play over on to win the heart of the handsome heartwarming and uplifting story is Sleeping Beauty 125 characters in this imaginative, Prince Charming. With lots of fun the perfect festive treat. Middleton Arena high-spirited escapade including six and laughter along the way! www.octagonbolton.co.uk Thurs 30 Nov – Wed 27 Dec. The trains, five boats, four fights, three www.quaytickets.com/ pantomime of your dreams! With dances, two circus acts and an boltonalberthalls Kerry Katona as the evil Carabosse. elephant! www.thelowry.com www.middletonarena.com Aladdin Salford Arts Theatre Sat 2 – Sun 31 Dec. Magic lamps, flying carpets, a big baddie and beautiful Jasmine makes this Salford’s must see highlight for Christmas. www.salfordartstheatre.com

Father Christmas Comes Up Trumps Parr Hall, Warrington Sun 3 Dec. Father Christmas is back, and this time he’s had three helpings of sprouts! A fabulously funny and brilliantly bouncy musical adaptation of the sequel to ‘Father Christmas Needs a Wee.’ www.pyramidparrhall.com

Traditional Carol Concert Elizabethan Suite, Bury Thurs 7 Dec / £5 adults / £3 children 7pm – 9pm. Traditional carols with Bury Music Service and Peel Brow Primary School choir. www.bury.gov.uk

10 Families Manchester familiesonline.co.uk familiesonline.co.uk Families Manchester 11 Panto’s & family shows

Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs Santa’s Little Helper Jungle Book Forum Theatre, Romiley The Met, Bury Ramsbottom Civic Hall Fri 15 – Sun 17 Dec & Thurs 21 – Fri Wed 20 – Sun 24 Dec. A delightful new Sat 30 & Sun 31 Dec. Follow Mowgli 22 Dec. The enchanting story of show comes to life with an irresistible and Baloo on their amazing jungle Snow White suitable for all. blend of music, puppetry and high adventure! www.hardgraft.co.uk 07979 788760 / energy storytelling. With lots of laughs, www.nktheatre.co.uk sing-along songs and plenty of Beauty & the Beast opportunities to join in along the way. Woodford Centre, Woodford Cinderella Classic Carols with Alan Titchmarsh For ages 3 – 7. www.themet.biz Tues 2 – Sat 6 Jan. A wonderful story, The Dancehouse, Manchester Bridgewater Hall, Manchester great songs and lots of fun brought to you Fri 15 – Sun 31 DecA panto Tues 19 Dec The Extraordinary Tale of Holly by some of the most talented 11 – 19 year fantastical romp full of dance, song A a joyous assortment of Christmas Christmas olds in Cheshire! www.chypspanto.com music and comedy. Fabulous music and carols presented by Alan The Lowry (Aldridge Studio) Jack & The Beanstalk costumes, jam-packed with Titchmarsh. Join in singing carols Wed 20 – Sun 31 Dec. An original festive Parr Hall, Warrington laughter and excitement for little including O Holy Night, Candlelight adventure jam packed with songs, Fri 5 – Sun 14 Jan. A giant of a Pantomime, full ones and not-so-little ones too! Carol, Fantasia on Christmas Carols, music, puppetry and lots of Christmas of beans and packed with “Fee, Fi, www.thedancehouse.co.uk A Merry Little Christmas, Joy to the magic. This show is suitable for the Fo, FUN!” www.pyramidparrhall.com World Shepherd’s Pipe Carol and a whole family, especially 3-8 year olds and selection from The Nutcracker Suite, The Wizard of Oz their grown-ups! www.thelowry.com Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs as well as classics like O little town Heywood Civic Carver Theatre, Marple of Bethlehem, Good King Wenceslas, Sat 16 – Tues 26 Dec. A Christmas The Hallé - The Snowman Fri 12 – Sat 20 Jan. Poor Snow White, Once in royal David’s city and God treat is fun for all the family from Bridgewater Hall, Manchester treated cruelly by her wicked stepmother, rest ye merry, gentlemen. 2 to 102. Packed with great songs, Fri 22 & Sat 23 Dec. This classic animated she finds herself abandoned in the woods. www.bridgewater-hall.co.uk brilliant dance routines and plenty film is accompanied by the Hallé How lucky that she meets an unusual of laughter. performing Howard Blake’s magical bunch of little people who welcome her into ARE YOU FEELING LUCKY?! www.link4life.org/heywoodcivic score live including a chorister singing their home. But will Snow White be safe We’ve got a Family Ticket to give ‘Walking in the Air. Perfect for all the and will she get to meet her handsome away to this show! Simply send an RNCM Christmas Family Day family. www.bridgewater-hall.co.uk prince? www.carvertheatre.co.uk Royal Northern College of Music, email to caryl@familiesmanchester. Manchester co.uk with the word CAROLS in the Sun 17 Dec. A day of festive title by Sun 10 December. The activities and musical treats, winner will be drawn on Monday including a screening of the magical 11 December. Good luck! film The Bear by Raymond Briggs and Howard Blake, with live orchestra and soloists. Age 3+. Christmas Spectacular www.rncm.ac.uk Bridgewater Hall, Manchester Wed 20 December. Wonderful music, thrilling lights anddazzling indoor fireworks. Songs and carols for all! www.bridgewater-hall.co.uk

familiesonline.co.uk Families Manchester 13 Parents’ place Parents’ place

Keeping kids active: 5 top tips – but there are lots of ways to to reduce stress and Top Ten Tips for Family Happiness keep kids moving: anxiety. EdStart’s fitness By Andy Cope quantity, it’s also the you and ‘infect’ your family • Playing sport is an obvious assembly roadshow fires up emotional tone. So please around you. So, when you way to keep fit, but have a love of sport in children speak a lot and, where make the conscious choice you ever thought of doing it and helps spread the word possible, couch your language to be positive and upbeat, as a family? Not only does it about why it’s so important. in the 8:1 ratio of positive to it takes four minutes for help keep kids active (as • Sports not screens is an negative. Say instead of other family members to well as adults), but it can important mantra – easier “how was school?” why not catch it too. So be strengthen family ties and said than done, but try upgrade to “what was the enthusiastic for 4 minutes improve communication. It leading by example and highlight of your day?”’ or and everyone else will feel doesn’t have to be putting down your smart “what was the funniest or most great too! regimented – try a family phone or tablet and getting amazing thing you’ve done 10. When you’re thinking of walk at the weekend. into the garden as a family. today?” Say it like you mean passing down your • Every little helps – Having said that, we know it and, of course, properly inheritance, be sure to encourage children to walk how much kids love screens, listen to the answer. You will remember that it’s not just or cycle to school, take the which is why EdStart uses be rewarded with an a lump of cash and a bit of dog for a walk or get ‘virtual’ fitness coaches in increased likelihood of a jewellery. You are passing involved in sports clubs. It our school sessions, positive conversation. down habits, knowledge, Children’s sports and fitness rugby player and MD of can take a while to find beaming in exercise 8. Turn off your electronic mind-sets and cognitive specialist, EdStart, is running EdStart, Chris Irwin, shares your child’s best fit – at a demonstrations on the hall’s devices and spend more traits. Your positivity can set an educational school his top tips on getting more young age just trying out big screen! When you ask parents what relationships. Broadly time with your real flesh your child up for life! assembly roadshow across movement into your kids’ day. lots of different activities is • Keep track of progress to they want for their kids, what’s speaking, parents need to be and blood family. Manchester and Cheshire, to Did you know that children to be applauded. Balance keep kids motivated and usually the most common ‘active constructive,’ which Happiness is a social thing. Andy Cope is a happiness spread the word about why aged 5 to 16 should have at activities like gymnastics boost their self-esteem. As reply? They want their children means celebrating success 9. Practise the four minute expert and co-author of staying active is so important least 60 minutes of physical will help in all sorts of sports children get older, they can to be happy. Sometimes it’s with genuine enthusiasm. rule. This is a phrase that The Little Book of Emotional for children. Celebrity activity every day? With a recent in the future, building lose confidence in their hard to balance what’s best I’m not suggesting an over came from a guru friend of Intelligence: How to Flourish ambassadors include world Health Organisation transferrable skills. sporting abilities, so being for your child with what the top punching of the air mine, Steve McDermott, in a Crazy World. For more Olympic Gold medallist and report showing that childhood • Positive attitudes start at able to see how far they makes them happy – but the celebration for every smidgen and I love its simplicity. information see star of ‘I’m a Celebrity...’ Sam obesity has grown tenfold school. PE lessons are so have come is extremely two don’t have to be mutually of good news, but a raising Basically, your emotions are www.artofbrilliance.co.uk. Quek, international rugby over the last four decades, it’s important, and really help rewarding. exclusive. It is generally of your levels of enthusiasm contagious. They leak out of player Adrian Morley and more important than ever for to develop good habits for For more information on accepted that happier kids means you won’t miss out on European boxing champion children to maintain a healthy life. Physical education has EdStart and enquire about are more likely to turn into so many glorious relationship Jamie Moore. lifestyle. An hour each day even been linked with booking an assembly for your successful, accomplished adults. building opportunities. The Here, former professional may seem like a challenge greater academic child’s school, visit ‘active constructive’ reaction achievement, and can help www.edstart.org.uk/provision. So here are my top ten tips. is completely brilliant on all 1. Praise your children for their sorts of levels. The message effort rather than their ability. is they’re proud and you’re A world of imaginative play Can you invite an international So, for example, if they get proud. Your active constructive If you’re looking for a provided with matching a good grade in maths don’t response means they know different kind of party for sleeping mats or airbeds, student to share your home? say “Genius, you are the next you’re proud. Best of all, your little ones this year sheets, bedding, bunting, cosy Einstein.” Do say, “Brilliant! you’ve engineered it so you then look no further! Teepee blankets, mini lights, twinkly With the number of Whether it’s adapting to That shows what you can know they know you’re proud. Delight provides lights, lanterns, star international students life in the beautiful English achieve with hard work.” 5. If you write a list of 10 things Teepee Hire for projectors and a coming to UK boarding countryside or life in a large, 2. If you have small children, you really appreciate but children’s birthdays lightbox with the schools, there’s an busy city, or learning to bake practise what Gretchen take for granted, your and slumber parties party girl/boys name increasing need for bread with a host and Rubin calls ‘gazing lovingly.’ family will almost certainly (as well as weddings on. And if a midnight host families. teaching them how to cook This means downing tools be on there. So stop taking and events!). Bring feast is required don’t Host families look after the best noodles, these at the end of the evening and them for granted! the fun of glamping forget to check out students when they are shared experiences can give standing at your children’s 6. Any family is only as happy into your home and their fabulous unable to travel home, rise to lifelong friendships. bedroom door, watching as their least happy child. provide a day/night for your Teepee Bake Off Slumber generally during the short Hosting can be short term them sleep. (Only with your Rather than avoiding them, little ones to remember. Party package!! school holidays, but sometimes from just a few weekends a own kids though, and there invest time with your All of their hire packages They will deliver, assemble in longer holidays too. year, to half term holidays is an age limit of 10! After children and be genuinely include beautiful handmade and style your teepee party Families with children of and can even include some that, the general rule is that interested in what they’re teepees made here in the UK. all before your guests arrive their own, empty nesters or of the longer school holidays. you NEVER go in your kids’ up to. This is such an Slumber party guests are also and pop back the following grandparents may all benefit If you register to enjoy this bedrooms, just in case!) important point, I should morning to pack up from hosting international wonderful experience, a 3. Read a bedtime story to your probably have included it and take it all away, students. At the same time, a generous compensation kids like it was the most at number 1. leaving your home student will derive enormous package will reward your exciting book in the world. 7. Chatter away! A study by mess free. cultural and language hospitality. And note, it is doubly important Hart and Risley suggested And you can get a benefits whilst staying in a For further information, for sons to see their dads that by age 4, children 10% discount if you caring home, enhancing their please contact reading books. raised in poor families will mention Families learning experience and life jane@collegeguardians. 4. How we behave in a moment have heard 32 million fewer magazine when in the UK. co.uk of triumph and joy makes a words than children raised booking. huge difference in either in professional families. To www.teepeedelight.com building or undermining add to the woe, it’s not just

14 Families Manchester familiesonline.co.uk familiesonline.co.uk Families Manchester 15 Clubs & classes Clubs & classes

learning process can also be handy. While we already know Essentially, bilingualism is just The benefits of children learning enjoyable if you incorporate that it can go far in sprawling another skill that will (one day) a few games in along the cities like London, it’s obviously make your child’s CV stand out. a new language way as well as interactive very benefical whenever they It’s easier to learn now teaching methods. Remember, go abroad. This means that Most adults have visions of nothing comes without hard you don’t have to spend hours holidays won’t just be about one day learning a language work. It’s true that learning a upon hours in a classroom to sun, sea and sand but another but sadly it can be quite second language can be very learn a new language. In fact, adventure where your young difficult in later life. As well as rewarding, but it will take a some people even develop one can hone their skills. Just busy lifestyles getting in the lot of time and determination their accent and pronunciation think how much easier it will way, as we become older, it to do so. Therefore, as well as by watching popular TV be to order at a local restaurant! becomes harder for the brain learning a new language, your shows in a different language. It helps with education to absorb new information child will learn a valuable lesson It’s great for communication Studies have shown that being like it once could. That is why about how success is only We live in a multicultural bilingual can help your child it’s beneficial for your child to achieved through self-discipline society where there are more excel in school. This is because start learning another and effort. You can’t put a languages spoken than ever the process of learning an extra language from a young age. Every parent wants the very development, studying a price on this knowledge. before. In London alone, language improves the function Other languages will also best for their child, guiding second language also offers many It’s fun there are over 300 different of the brain. In particular, come more naturally them into learning new skills short and long-term benefits. Learning a language really can languages spoken. Whether problem solving is one area Once your child knows an to help them grow and mature Here are just a few that you be lots of fun and your child will your child is learning French, that should develop, making additional language, they will The most common activities might not have thought of: no doubt be delighted when Spanish, Polish, German or it easier for your child to excel find it easier to learn a third are sports and drama, and It promotes self-discipline they get the opportunity to show Mandarin, they will be able in difficult subjects like maths. language in the future. They while these activities do From an early age, your child off their newfound skill to you, to communicate with a wider Your child’s English can improve will also be able to pick up stimulate learning and should be taught that their friends and relatives. The range of people once they In many cases, your child’s language-based skills – such have crafted their new skill. grasp on English will improve as shorthand – much faster This should also help with after they have learnt a new than other individuals. There’s their understanding of the language. This is because they no telling how many languages world and acceptance of will have an increased awareness your child could know by the different cultures. when it comes to root words, time they are in their twenties. It's extremely useful syntax and grammar. In turn, Start your child’s linguistic Knowing an additional this will help develop your child’s journey today language can come in very writing skills, which should be All parents should give some noticeable when they get older serious thought to their child and start taking important learning another language. exams such as GCSEs and A-Levels. While most children will be It can lead to wider career able to grasp the skill from as options. young as three, the majority The best employers take notice will still benefit from starting of bilingualism because it reflects their linguistic journey before self-discipline. Some jobs will they reach high school. even specify that they require a bilingual candidate because For more information about it means they can do business language classes visit: with people from overseas. www.familiesonline.co.uk/ activities Directory

Little Monkeys Club Increase your child’s confidence, co-ordination and fitness through a fun variety of climbing equipment, soft play, shapes, music and movement (including badge scheme) for children walking to 5 years. Tuesday mornings at Brabyns Recreation Centre, Marple Bridge. Call Karen 07986 182884 or visit www.karenbrook.co.uk/little-monkeys

Puddle Ducks A wonderful swimming programme delivering nurturing, fun classes to over 13,000 babies, children and mummies across the UK every week. Babies and children can join our swimming classes at any age from birth, developing into confident swimmers without even realising they’re learning to swim. By engaging each child’s abilities and natural affinity with water, Puddle Ducks offer simple steps to a lifetime love of wimming. Every child is different: our fantastic teachers adapt each activity to suit your child, nurturing water confidence and enjoyment. Mums to be can also keep fit, relax and unwind by joining our Aqua Natal classes. Call 0161 883 0222 (Manchester, Stockport, Oldham and Gee Cross, Hyde) or 01257 262622 (East Lancashire). www.puddleducks.com

16 Families Manchester familiesonline.co.uk familiesonline.co.uk Families Manchester 17 Education Education The Secret Lives of 4 & 5 year olds at school communications skills, get used to encourage them to keep an to talking and relating to others open mind and understand that and playing cooperatively. All of children of all ages and genders these social abilities will be vital need the same opportunities later in life. Encourage lots of because that is what is important play with other children and get for their development. Brains them to question how things are not gendered, brains allow work because natural curiosity our children to learn.” is the main driver for learning.” What can you do if a child is How can kids deal with exhibiting OCD type friendship issues, if they have behaviour? Most parents and carers wish George looking a bit worried on fallen out with someone? “Anxiety needs a non-emotional they could be a fly-on-the-wall his first day of school. What I “It’s very tempting as a parent response and a calm authority when their child starts school. can now confidently tell parents to want to fix this problem, but can be incredibly helpful. It’s Well, Channel 4’s Secret Lives of and carers is that their children children fall in and out of friendships tempting to offer support to 4 & 5 Year Olds which returns are absolutely fine, once they hundreds of times a day and can someone who is suffering by this November, allows them to are gone. They are doing lots of usually sort issues out themselves. saying, “isn’t this terrible,” but do just that. Filmed in a specially interesting things and coping If the problem is more this reinforces the idea that there rigged Essex school, the new brilliantly.” complicated and you think there is something to be scared of. series aims to give viewers a Not all children cope with the is unkind behaviour or bullying, Parents shouldn’t try to neutralise child’s perspective of their transition so well, what advice then an adult might need to the anxiety or reinforce it; it is transition to a school setting. would you give to them? step in. But on the whole, conflict, best to carry on, with a business Claire Winter talks to Dr “Take a calm, pragmatic when you are learning to be social as usual approach. Elizabeth Kilbey, a psychologist approach. Essentially children is perfectly normal. Ask your child, “If you are concerned or the from the show, about what she tend to be worried about what “Is there anything you can do behaviour is continuing over a learnt whilst filming the series. they think might happen. In to sort the situation out?” Try long period of time and in more Can you tell us more about reality, they are going to be fine, and help them understand the than one setting, get some the series? but they just don’t know that other child’s perspective. As parents, advice from your school, GP or “It offers this wonderful window, yet. Be confident and reassure we often overcomplicate issues. Health Visitor.” through which we can watch the your child that everything will We can learn a lot from children, What was the most interesting children playing and interacting be okay. Children are inherently particularly the way they are so insight you gained from with each other. We give them social beings. They are curious open and forgiving.” watching the children? lots of things to do, to see how and want to interact with people How can we deal with the issue “I learnt that children of this they manage and play. It’s an so even timid children will find of gender with young children? age are hilarious and multi- amazing way of showing viewers something that sparks their “I feel that gender isn’t layered. They are not that what their children are actually imagination. Remember, the particularly a driving force for different from adults. They doing at school.” school setting is designed to children this age. They do make have amazingly rich social lives. How did the children cope engage them. It’s getting them assumptions about children but They test hypotheses, ask with the transition to school? to go in which is the tough bit. they are happy for them to be questions, fail and then carry “Parents’ main worry is Once they are there they’ll be fine.” corrected and they play on a on. They are resilient and incredibly generally ‘will my child be What advice can you give much more straightforward basis. complicated, just like we are.” alright?’ and some children are parents whose children Gender becomes a much bigger ‘The Secret Lives of 4 and 5 very anxious. A great example haven’t started school yet? issue for children towards the end Year Olds’ will be aired on is that wonderful picture of Prince “Children need to develop of primary school. It’s important Channel 4 in November.

Welcome to Withington! As Withington’s Junior School even a highly popular pets club. celebrates the start of its third There is also a focus on year in its new building, the wellbeing, with yoga available department continues to go and plenty of space in the new from strength to strength. The Hub to play and relax. Senior £5m Junior block and community girls support many of these Hub opened in 2015 – and now, activities and Juniors benefit mistakes. There is a great variety they thrive and grow into balanced, in a further upgrade, Withington enormously from the friendship of cultural experiences, visiting happy, confident and caring is building a new £1.75m Sports and understanding that flourishes galleries, museums, concerts young people, ready to relish Centre, due to open next year. across the whole school. and theatres to whet the the next stage of their education. True to its founding principles, Academically, Junior girls inquisitive appetite. Key entry points are Years 3, all Juniors have a daily PE lesson enjoy a wide range of subjects The School cherishes each 4 and 5 but a small number of which may include netball, pop using the same specialist girl as an individual and spaces become available for lacrosse or gymnastics. facilities and teachers nurtures confidence, creativity entry into Year 6. Do go along Extracurricular activities include available to the Senior School. and self-esteem; in this lively, and see them on their Open dancing, fitness or table tennis; Girls are encouraged to creative, well-structured but Days on 9 and 11 November. choir, orchestra, string and flute become independent, bold warm and friendly environment, www.wgs.org groups; chess; debating; and thinkers, not afraid of making

18 Families Manchester familiesonline.co.uk familiesonline.co.uk Families Manchester 19 These listings are for guidance only – please check before you go To include your upcoming event in our listings, email events@familiesmanchester Education or upload your event listing to our website - www.familiesonline.co.uk What’s on

Throughout Nov & Dec Fusilier Museum, Bury Thurs 16 Nov Making the most of your school Waterside Arts Centre, Sale Remembrance Commemorations Victoria Square, Bolton Animation City presents The Cosgrove 11am – 1.30pm. A special Remembrance Christmas Light switch on and Hall Films Exhibition Commemoration in the Gallipoli Fireworks 2017 parents’ meetings Free entry. An exhibition featuring your Garden and then make a poppy inside 5 – 7pm / All ages / Free. A fun-filled favourite Cosgrove Hall characters, the museum. Find out about the family Christmas light switch on by including Danger Mouse, Bill and Ben different types of poppy people wear Bolton’s Jason Kenny and his new wife small batches. Praise them should find a wealth of the Flower Pot Men, Noddy, and many and what they mean. Laura! Christmas parade, music, www.fusiliermuseum.com for the ones they have got information on there. more. Expect to see original puppets, entertainment, Father Christmas on Sun 19 Nov story boards and props being exhibited stage and a spectacular firework Hazel Grove High School right, alongside highlighting • Ask others for help. Don’t Bury Central Library together for the first time, alongside finale.www.visitbolton.com/ Mum2mum market Lego Club when they are being positive worry if you don’t behind-the-scenes insights into the winterfestival/lights 2.30 – 4.30pm / £2 entry (kids free) 2 – 3pm / Age 5+ (accompanied) / 50p creative processes that brought this array Looking for a second-hand towards their learning so understand something or Join in the fun at Bury Library creating of beloved characters to the screen. Fri 17 – Sun 19 Nov pushchair, preloved baby clothes they know what kind of want to know what others and building with LEGO. www.bury.gov.uk www.watersideartscentre.co.uk Tatton Park, Knutsford and toys? All top quality brands in attitude is expected. are doing. Lots of people will Weekends from Sat 11 Foodies Festival Christmas great condition for babies and • If you’ve set any goals with be in the same position so Throughout Nov & Dec Fri 5 – 9pm, Sat & Sun 10am – 6pm / Adult children up to age 6. £10, Child £8, normal admission applies. the teacher, then plan a talk to fellow parents for Until Tues 2 Jan – Sun 26 Nov Dunham Massey Everything Christmas food and drink Tues 21 Nov – Sun 3 Dec, time to review these. advice. Alternatively, there Event City related – with celeb chefs, masterclasses, Dinosaurs in the Wild Below Stairs Tour loads to eat and drink and Elf’s Cookery Fri 8 – Sun 10 Dec, Depending on how the are some great advice Travel back 67 million years to a 11.30 – 3.30 / All ages / Free tour, but School for the kids. 01625 374400 / So, you’ve been to a meeting feedback and aim to teacher likes to work, this websites like prehistoric world where you’ll normal admission applies. Disover what Fri 15 – Sun 17 Dec, life was like for Dunham’s servants and www.tattonpark.org.uk with your child’s teacher and complete this by the end of could be an email, call or www.theschoolrun.co.uk experience dinosaurs as never before. Sat 23 Dec Fully immersive, interactive show – a step back in time on a guided tour of you’ve got an overview of next term. Decide together face to face catch up 6 – 8 and www.oxfordowl.co.uk the servants quarters with our Victorian Sat 18 Nov Tatton Park, Knutsford unique, thrilling blend of theatre, Food Sorcery Cookery School, The Twelve Days of Christmas how your child is progressing. about how they are going to weeks after the initial or if you have a tutor, talk to theme park fun and the very latest Estate Agent. House & Garden ticket required. www.nationaltrust.org.uk/ Didsbury 11am – 4pm / Adult £10, Child £6 Explore Learning gives you a get there. meeting. Review how things them. At Explore Learning palaeontological knowledge. Big and Little Cooks - Cooking Together (age 4 – 15), normal park entry www.dinosaursinthewild.com dunham-massey few tips on what to do next. For example: You’re told are going and make our tutors always help 3 – 6pm / £80 for adult and child (includes applies. Count down to the big day that they give up every time changes if needed. parents when they need all ingredients) – £20 per additional child. and learn the secret symbolism Sat 4 Nov An inspiring afternoon cooking (and eating) a behind this well-known Christmas • Discuss the feedback from they have to learn • You may come away from a advice and will consider your Albert Square, Manchester meal together with your child(ren) or carol when you take a magical Christmas lights switch-on the teacher with your child. something new, especially meeting and realise you’ve child’s recent reports and soon to be teenager. 0161 706 0505 / journey through the festive 7.30pm / Free. Alcohol free, family They may already be aware times tables. The goal you forgotten something or you feedback when tailoring www.foodsorcery.co.uk Christmas Mansion. 01625 374400 / friendly event with live entertainment www.tattonpark.org.uk of what they need to work come up with together is to don’t understand how the their learning. Never be and a 10-minute firework finish. Sat 18 – Mon 20 Nov on but if they don’t, talk have a can-do attitude. school is reporting on afraid to ask; there is no www.manchester.gov.uk Event City Fri 24 Nov & Fri 22 Dec about it. Set a goal together Steps to getting there could progress. Contact the school such thing as a silly question Digital Kids Show Octagon Theatre, Bolton Fri 10 Nov & Mon 18 Dec Tues 14, 21, 18 Nov, The very best in tech toys and family games 3pm & 4.30pm / £5 per child (1 free of something they would like be taking a new set of if you still have questions, or when it comes to your child’s Bridgewater Hall, Manchester plus amazing family activities for 7 hours adult). An afternoon of storytelling Music Makers 5 & 12 Dec to achieve based on their tables and learning them in look on their website, as you learning! of fun, laughter, thrills and spills. Watch where little ones will be transported on Toddlers 11am & 12pm, Babies 1.45 The Edge Theatre & Arts Centre, and meet your favourite YouTubers a literary journey of fun and adventure & 2.45pm / Booking essential. Chorlton M21 9JG Art Beans and enjoy a special live performance – meeting all of their favourite Music and sensory play sessions for 4 – 5pm / Ages 5 – 7 / £5 per session, by the UK’s biggest street dance group, characters, read aloud by an actor babies/toddlers. including all craft materials. A happy, Diversity! www.digitalkidsshow.co.uk from the Octagon Company. www.bridgewater-hall.co.uk calming, creative environment where Nov: Gorilla by Anthony Browne and children can have fun, relax and Sat 18 Nov – Tues 2 Jan The Tiger Who Came to Tea by Judith Sat 11 Nov Dunham Massey Kerr. Manchester Cathedral create. These sessions encourage Runaway Rudolph Dec: Father Christmas and The Be a Chorister for a Day children to use their wonderful 10.30 – 3.30 / All ages / £2 per trail, Snowman by Raymond Briggs. Explore the Cathedral, try on imaginations and to express normal admission applies. Rudolph with www.octagonbolton.co.uk chorister robes and have a go at themselves creatively by taking part his nose so bright, has suddenly vanished brass-rubbing. Children must be in a number of artistic tasks, ranging out of sight... A magical herd of deer Sat 25 Nov accompanied. Limited places, so from drawing, painting, and paper return to Dunham Massey this winter and Lime Square, Openshaw booking essential. work making! Book your ticket on www.ticketsource.co.uk/artbeans there’s a chocolate reward if you find Christmas Lights Switch On 0161 833 2220 (ext. 238) / all eight of them, including Rudolph! 5pm www.manchestercathedral.org artbeansmcr.tumblr.com/theedge www.nationaltrust.org.uk/ www.lime-sq.co.uk dunham-massey

20 Families Manchester familiesonline.co.uk familiesonline.co.uk Families Manchester 21 What’s on

Fri 24 Nov – Mon 1 Jan Sat 2 & Sun 3 Dec Magical Lantern Festival For The Love Of Sci-fi 2017 Philips Park, Manchester Bowlers Exhibition Centre, Trafford Park A magical experience with life-size Boldly going where no other convention and larger-than-life lanterns in all has gone before! Get up front and shapes and forms, from ‘Penguins on close with the world’s biggest actors Ice’ and ‘Ancient Temple of Heaven’ and experience jaw dropping life size lantern to a magnificent ‘Footballing prop and set builds and much more. Lantern Recreation’ celebrating the We are pushing the boundaries of city’s love affair with the beautiful what to expect from a convention! game. Also fabulous entertainment www.fortheloveofsci-fi.com with a food and drink area, Santa’s Grotto (additional charge), a handful Sun 3 Dec of fairground rides for children and Ellenbrook Village merchandise marquee where visitors Christmas Carols can buy a souvenir of their experience 4pm / Free. Join Ellenbrook and to take home. Boothstown Brass Band for an early www.magicallantern.uk evening Christmas carol sing-a-long and Christmas lights switch on. A family Weekends from friendly event. www.salford.info

Sat 25 Nov – Sun 17 Dec, Stanfield Drive, Boothstown Wed 20 – Sun 24 Dec Christmas Carols Great Northern Warehouse, 5pm / Free. Ellenbrook and Boothstown Deansgate, Manchester Brass Band team-up with Churches Elf Adventure Challenge Together for a wonderful evening of Various times / Ages 2 – 10 + grownups / carol singing. www.salford.info £12pp Booking essential. Interactive, Festive Family Fun. Take part in Elf tasks Mon 4 Dec and games. Join in with the music, fun Chimney Pot Park and story and when you complete Carol Service your challenges successfully you will 4 – 5pm / Free. A wonderful evening earn a certificate and the title of of carols from local school choirs as ‘Honorary Elf”. the sun sets over Langworthy. Heart www.elfadventurechallenge.com warming hot drinks will be served. Please dresss warmly! www.salford.info Sun 26 Nov Denton West End Library Sat 9 Dec Christmas Tree Light Switch On Bury Art Museum & Sculpture Centre 5 – 7pm. Festive entertainment and Winter Wonderland refreshments. Switch on at 6pm. 10am – 4.30pm / Free entry, small charge www.facebook.com/ for some activities. Celebrating all things DentonWestEndCommunityLibrary Christmas including print making, a festive Thank Art drawing event and much Dukes Drive, Monton, Salford more! www.buryartmuseum.co.uk Get Twiggy with it! 1 – 3.30pm / All ages / Free. Do you know Sat 9 & Sun 10 Dec how to tell the age of a tree? or measure Bents Garden and Home, Glazebury how high it is with your feet still on the Festive Family Fun Weekend ground? Well, now’s your chance to find A magical weekend of special treats, out! Join us and our friends from City of including real Reindeer. www.bents.co.uk Trees at this family fun day to celebrate how truly wonderful and magical trees Sat 16 Dec are. Try your hand at leaf art, make a Food Sorcery Cookery School, natural wreath decoration, learn about Didsbury trees with Professor Jigget and get down Big and Little Cooks – Christmas Special and twiggy with it! www.est1761.org 3 – 6pm / £90 for adult and child (includes all ingredients) – £20 per additional Wed 29 Nov – Sun 7 Jan child. An inspiring afternoon cooking Quarry Bank Mill, Styal (and eating) a meal together with A Georgian Christmas your child(ren) or soon to be teenager. 10.30am – 4pm / Free (normal admission 0161 706 0505 / www.foodsorcery.co.uk applies). Wed 29 Nov – Sun 10 Dec – the family prepares for Christmas while Tues 19 Dec the apprentices remain hard at work. Tatton Park, Knutsford Wed 13 – Sun 24 Dec – A Georgian Deer Feed and Trailer Ride Christmas. 9.30 – 10.30am / Age 4+ / £8pp, booking Tues 26 Dec – Sun 7 Jan - Twelfth essential. Take a trailer ride with the Night Celebrations Rangers to watch the daily deer feed. www.nationaltrust.org.uk/quarry-bank Get a close look at hundreds of deer feeding in their beautiful natural setting. Sat 2 Dec 01625 374428 / www.tattonpark.org.uk The Fusilier Museum, Bury Christmas Crafts & Carols Sat 23 Dec 10.30am. Make tree decorations inspired Tatton Park by the beautiful stained glass window Christmas Carols in the Stableyard at the Fusilier Museum whilst listening to 3pm / Normal admission applies. Christmas carols performed by local choirs. Festive carols with a live band, shopping www.fusiliermuseum.com and dining in the Stableyard. 01625 374400 / www.tattonpark.org.uk Bury Art Museum & Sculpture Centre Kids Craft Table Thurs 28 & Fri 29 Dec Bolton Steam Museum 2 – 3.30pm. Themed craft sessions for Christmas Open Steaming Days accompanied children. 10am – 4pm / Free (donations welcome) www.buryartmuseum.co.uk The largest selection of steam engines in the UK in action which have been carefully restored. www.nmes.org

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