Greater Manchester Fringe is back 1-31 July 2024 with theatre, comedy, dance, spoken word and magic.

Launched in 2012, GMFringe is an open access, grass roots fringe festival, showcasing new writers and performers from across Greater Manchester and around the world at a variety of small venues. 

Award-winning writer Mike Heath stages his new play Faith about a gay couple clashing with a devout Catholic mother at their wedding, at HOME, Manchester, 1-3 July.

Red Brick Theatre present Bad Moult at HOME, 4-5 July, a darkly comic monologue that brings us into the troubled mind of Roach, who has escaped modern life by living in a commercial waste wheelie bin.

Natter, 4-5 July at The Edge in Chorlton, takes the audience back to 1980s Salford when Helen & Linda grapple with useless husbands, a homosexual son and what’s on telly. Presented by Qweerdog Theatre.

Writer Joe Dennis explores his own personal experiences of autism in his show Tides at Salford Arts Theatre, 4-5 July. 

The Restaurant features dancers from Portugal and Taiwan (5-7 July) at the Fitzgerald in Manchester’s Northern Quarter.

Jewel is an autobiographical-one person-musical comedy by Preston-born queer Muslim comedian Zahra Abbas at Social Refuge on 8 July and features in a double bill with Olivera by trans American writer Jacklyn Jeffries.

Religion and identity feature in Ultimate Jewish Mother with Rachel Creeger (11 July at the Whitefield Garrick); Lost Girl (15-16 July at King’s Arms); and Rules Schmules How to be Jew-ISH with Suzie Dupreli (21-23 July at King’s Arms).

Britain’s Got Talent Semi-Finalist Nerine Skinner went viral for her political parodies of former Prime Minister Liz Truss in 2022 and she’s trying to exorcise her at the Social Refuge on 9 July.

Meanwhile Stephen Titley will be talking about the past Labour leader in Oh Jeremy Corbyn, part of a comedy double bill with Goldfish presented by Nina Gilligan on July 10 at The King’s Arms in Salford.

Chris Tavener previously performed with Super Hans from Peep Show and will be Faking Cool in his musical comedy sketch show, 10-11 July, King’s Arms.

Sam Lowe examines imposter syndrome in his magic show The Imposter on 13 July at the King’s Arms in Salford. 

Award-winning play Dear Eliza returns with an exploration of mental health, 13-14 July, at the King’s Arms featuring Barbara Diesel and directed by Helen Parry.

A dispute over bins is the inspiration for With Love, Mr Gay by Brentwood winner Joshua Val Martin, 16 July, at Social Refuge. 

Ruth Berkoff’s character Hannah has decided to live as a sheep and she even has a song about it in The Beauty of Being Herd, 16-17 July at the Cockatoo Club in Manchester.

There is a new musical called Nuns of Fury 17-20 July at The Fitzgerald, presented by Greater Manchester based Rocket Whip Productions. 

Life After is a powerful two-act Northern drama about grief, loss, hope, and change at Whitefield Garrick 18-20 July.

In All Cops Are, 21-22 July at The Fitzgerald, an undercover police officer infiltrates the Clandestine Insurgent Rebel Clown Army, as part of a double bill of new drama and monologues.

Mud Rats at the Empty Space in Salford, 27-28 July, tells the story of four Salford Pals before the Battle of the Somme in WW1 with their teacher as their sergeant.

Comedians include Louise Atkinson; Nathan Cassidy; Joseph Parsons; Dan Driver; Amy Webber; Darren Walsh; Madam Chandelier’s Guide to Opera; Justina Seselskaite; Marigold Lately; Charis King and Kathryn Haywood.

For more details and tickets visit greatermanchesterfringe.co.uk

Tickets are already on sale and selling fast for the most-anticipated brand-new music festival coming to Cheshire next summer, with three days of best of British music acts. Now, with Christmas just weeks away, organisers have come up with an extra special free gift when buying tickets for a loved one. 

The Brit Fest are including with any purchase of a general admission Weekend Ticket or any VIP ticket this holiday season, a uniquely branded, limited addition "I’m going to The Brit Fest" Christmas jumper, adding an extra gift to a loved one’s present on Christmas day. Jumpers are available in red, green, and blue until stocks last.

The family friendly music festival has already created a huge buzz across Cheshire and beyond boasting an outstanding line-up of live music from artists hailing from the shores of Great Britain, The Brit Fest runs from Friday 5 to Sunday 7 July 2024 in the grounds of Ashley Hall & Showground in Altrincham. In addition to the impressive live music programme, the event will also showcase a real celebration of British culture, the arts, fashion, food and drink, and classic cars – making the festival stand-out as a unique event. 

The day-by-day schedule of acts for the main stage has already been announced, opening the festival on Friday 5th July are Scouting for Girls, Cast, The Feeling, Starsailor, Lottery Winners, Reef, Dodgy, Chris Helme and Mike Joyce. On Saturday 6th July, you can see Kim Wilde, Thomson Twins Tom Bailey, Nik Kershaw, Johnny Hates Jazz, Real Thing, Paul Young, Sonia, T’Pau, Owen Paul and Hot Chocolate. Finally on Sunday 7th July are Heather Small, Fleur East, Tunde Baiyewu from The Lighthouse Family, Toploader, The Bluetones, The Christians, The South, Cassidy Janson, Matt Ford’s Big Band and Neeve Zahra. Making this an unparalleled music line-up for a brand-new festival.

Olivier nominated brothers Anthony and Edward Prophet are the organisers behind The Brit Fest.  

They said: 

“We already know that tickets for The Brit Fest makes a brilliant Christmas gift for a loved one, but we wanted to throw in an extra surprise, so when opening their gift on Christmas day they get the full fun-filled package with an ‘I’m going to The Brit Fest’ Christmas jumper, what’s not to love?

“We couldn’t be more excited as we move into the new year, the year we are hosting one of the biggest music festivals ever to be staged in this region. We promise a spectacular new event for our region, and we hope everyone comes along to join in the fun. We thank everyone for their support so far and wish everyone a very merry Christmas.

In addition to a full programme of live music, the festival will boast an entire weekend of fun activities to keep the family entertained spanning the 100-acre site. Attractions include vintage fairground, white knuckle rides, free family cinema, woodcraft and whittling, food and drink festival, artisan market, garden party, festival village green, wellness in the wild with yoga, classic cars, as well as a chance to meet Team GB athletes and the Extreme Mountain Bike Show. 

Organisers are now encouraging festivalgoers to sign up today via the event website at www.thebritfest.co.uk and receive all the latest updates, enter spectacular money can’t buy competitions and receive opportunities for ticket upgrades, merchandise, and meet and greets.

Website:         www.thebritfest.co.uk 

Facebook:       /thebritfestuk 

Twitter:           @TheBritFestUK 

Instagram:      @TheBritFestUK

Thread:           @TheBritFest

Hashtag:         #TBF2024 #thebritfest 

FESTIVAL LISTING

THE BRIT FEST 2024 

Friday 5 July – Sunday 7 July 2024 

Ashley Hall & Showground 

Ashley Road, Altrincham, 

Cheshire, WA14 3QA 

PRICES: Christmas Bundle (with free jumper) Weekend Tickets are £160 plus booking fee.

Christmas Bundle Day VIP from £130 plus booking fee.

Christmas Bundle Weekend VIP Tickets are £295 plus booking fee.

Parking for £1 will also be available during the Pre-Sale.

The Mary Quaile Club and Kick Up A Fuss have organised a meeting on women and the arts. Join us in the discussion on Saturday 4 November at 2pm. The location is in the city centre,  Manchester.

The Arts has often proved a hostile environment for women, especially for those who voice opinions that challenge the status quo.

Speakers include Bernadette Hyland, co-founder of the Mary Quaile Club, who will speak about the suffragette Sylvia Pankhurst who used her art to promote the cause of "Votes for Women". .

Modern-day activists in the arts, Denise Fahmy and Louise Distras, are following in Sylvia's footsteps in defending the rights of women and free speech. They will discuss their personal struggles in speaking their minds and using art to express their opinions.

Chairing the event is Paula Boulton,  who as a musician and political theatre maker believes in using the Arts to get the message across in the  fight for Women's Rights.

Bernadette said:

"Sylvia Pankhurst spent her life campaigning for women's rights; Denise Fahmy and Louise Distras are part of a new wave of feminists showing the way for women to follow in their footsteps."

Book tickets here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/radical-northern-women-in-the-arts-past-present-tickets-731765709937?aff=oddtdtcreator

THE HAUNTING will intensify the experience for Halloween with heart-pounding late-night slots at Warrington’s Partridge Lakes Fishery

A free entrance hub includes live music, food village, bars and fire pits to create a special evening for all to enjoy

The organisers at the brand-new spooktacular event Halloween Lakeside Light Trail have revealed a new added attraction, especially for the Halloween weekend which intensifies the experience at Partridge Lakes Fishery in Warrington.

THE HAUNTING will see new slots from 8.30pm on 27, 28 and 31 October, with real live scary characters added to the trail to create a terrifying experience for those who can handle it.

Do you dare to enter the realm of fear and thrills! Brace yourself for a heart-pounding journey through THE HAUNTING, an intense and spine-chilling Halloween Lakeside Nightmare that will push your courage to the limit.

Legend has it, a dead girl's body was found floating in the lake, so the groundskeeper collected and displayed the dolls & toys in the hopes of warding off evil spirits. The lake is believed to be haunted by the ghost of the drowned girl, and the dolls have been heard whispering to each other, moving their heads and arms, and opening their eyes.

The family friendly, scenic woodland journey, Halloween Lakeside Light Trail will continue to take place as normal at Partridge Lakes Fishery in Culcheth, Warrington until Tuesday 31 October 2023 and tickets are selling fast.

This is the first event of its kind created on the 70-acre site, set in the idyllic Cheshire countryside. With the Halloween dates at the end of the month almost sold out, organisers are advising visitors to book quickly to avoid disappointment.

In addition to the trails, there is a free to enter welcome hub, featuring exciting food outlets from Halloumi Fries by Halloumination, to Vietnamese Cuisine from Viet Rice Box, to classic hot dogs, burgers, fries & desserts from Spoon Desserts, along with a range of drinks and licenced bars offering some tasty spooky themed menus along with spicy mulled wine and Baileys Hot chocolate. And, to ensure nobody misses out, the dog friendly attraction will also have a Pup Hut selling dog treats and accessories and the dog friendly café will also be open.

Along the trail there is another stop for treats to purchase like Pumpkin Spice Lattes by The Travelling Teapot and a cosy fire pit corner, a perfect place for toasting marshmallows and enjoying the wholesome atmosphere!

Fishery Manager and Lakeside Light Trail organiser Barbara Ikin said: 

“We have been overwhelmed with the response to our new attraction, but we felt as we approach Halloween, we wanted to create a witching hour experience to really test the limits and for those visitors wanting a more terrifying experience.  People can expect a range of scary characters jumping out and adding to the experience of the Lakeside Light Trail, tickets are already selling fast.

“Our usual Lakeside Light Trail continues at the usual time from 5.30pm (4.30pm on Sunday) for all the families and your furry friends and continues to be very popular, we would like to thank everyone for their continued support.”.

The Haunting and the Lakeside Light Trail is the perfect Halloween-themed night out with two options for the family and for those wanting a more terrifying experience, tickets are selling fast and can be purchased from the website at www.halloweenlakesidelighttrail.co.uk

Follow on social media channels.

Facebook:       /halloweenlakesidelighttrail

Instagram:      @halloweenlakesidelighttrail

TikTok:            @halloweenlakeside

LISTING INFORMATION:

THE HAUNTING

27, 28, 31 October 2024 from 8.30pm

HALLOWEEN LAKESIDE LIGHT TRAIL

Running until Tuesday 31 October 2023 from 5.30pm (4.30pm on Sunday)

PRICES: 

• Adults 16+ - £18 | Children 3-15 - £14
• Infants Under 3 - Go Free (ticket needed)
• Family Ticket - 2 Adults & 2 Children - £60
• Family Ticket - 1 Adults & 2 Children - £42

PARTRIDGE LAKES

Glaziers Lane,

Culcheth,

Warrington, WA3 4AQ

HOW TO BOOK: Book online at https://halloweenlakesidelighttrail.co.uk

Trail lasts 30-40 minutes you are welcome to go around as many times as you like and there are no restrictions to time on site. Site closes at 10pm. 

Onsite car parking is available and can be booked online when purchasing tickets, £5 in advance or £7 on the gate.

The countdown to Christmas is officially on in Santa's second favourite city (Probable Fact: Santa is originally from Salford) as Manchester gets ready for the opening of its world-famous Christmas Markets on Friday 10 November.

This year marks a special year for the UK's capital of Christmas as it was exactly 25 Christmases ago that Manchester's first-ever Christmas market took place in 1998.

A quarter of a century later the markets continue to attract Mancunians and visitors alike to the city in their thousands to fill up on the fantastic festive treats on offer.

With over 225 stalls across nine sites throughout the city centre this year's Christmas markets will see the iconic ski chalet market stalls take over Piccadilly Gardens - once again set to be transformed into the Winter Gardens - as well as Market Street, Cathedral Gardens, Exchange Street, New Cathedral Street, St Ann's Square, Exchange Square, The Corn Exchange and King Street.

Also back this year is the heart-warming event of the season for young and old alike, the magical Manchester Christmas Parade. Taking place on Sunday 3 December it promises to be bigger and even better than last year's unforgettable first-ever Christmas Parade which saw thousands of families line the city centre streets.

Festive Sundays are also back again this year.  A big hit with families last Christmas they will again fill the city centre with family friendly entertainment pop-ups designed to bring a smile to everyone's faces.  Delivered in partnership with Manchester Business Improvement District they take place on 26 November, 10 December and 17 December.

Making sure the city looks its twinkly and sparkly best in the run-up to Christmas is of course just as important and visitors to the city centre this year won't be disappointed. 

The Manchester Christmas lights trail will be back - perfect for all those crucial Christmas selfies - illuminating the city centre throughout the festive season with giant walk-through baubles, a Manchester bee, and of course Santa Claus himself, keeping a watchful eye on everyone for his naughty or nice lists, from his perch on high in front of Central Library on St Peter's Square.

Here's the full rundown of what to expect at Manchester's Christmas Markets this year: 

Winter Gardens 

Piccadilly Gardens will again be transformed into the magical Winter Gardens with a mix of craft and gift stalls alongside food and drink.  The fabulous Scandi style tipi returns, festooned with lights and with its traditional log fires to bring the warmth.  There will be music or live entertainment each night as twilight falls and plenty of undercover seating.  Winter Gardens is also home to the iconic Manchester Christmas Windmill which comes in at a whopping 4 metres high!

Expect winter tipples and exclusive cocktails, alongside fresh churros, Korean corndogs, fresh gyros and plenty of other mouth-watering foodie treats.  

St Ann's Square and Exchange Street

St Ann's Square is the oldest Christmas market site in Manchester and was home to the city's first seasonal stalls 25 years ago.  Check out the Manchester Shop, the continental cheeses, and even alien sculptures as you wander the stalls and take in the festive atmosphere.  Feeling peckish? Try the fresh authentic paella, bratwurst, or salt and pepper chicken from Northern Quarter favourite, Yard and Coop. Or why not just cosy up in the undercover bar with a hot drink to keep you warm.  

Market Street

Get all your Christmas shopping wrapped up on Market Street with its exclusive craft and gift area.  Over 40 stalls full of extraordinary gift ideas - from tweed hats, spiced rum, Christmas decorations and candles, to jewellery, gift sets of cheese truckles and much more.

And if you've spent all year missing the macaroons Market Street is the place to pick up your freshly baked for Manchester coconut macaroons, served hot from the oven.

King Street

King Street is a must-visit for foodies and shoppers alike.

Authentic Italian deli, Ballaro, will be serving up fresh cannelloni and arancini, and El Gato Negro will bring some Mediterranean menu flavours for Christmas shoppers to sit down and enjoy as they watch the crowds go by from the special seated area outside their stall.

Expect also a range of crafts including the always popular French soap stall, personalised tree decorations, handmade wooden furniture and beautifully illustrated bottles from local distillery, Salford Rum. 

New Cathedral Street

New Cathedral is your go-to spot for high end gifts and foodie favourites.

Craft-lovers will be enchanted by the selection of handmade candles, ceramics, local spirits, and thoughtful keepsakes on offer – a must-visit destination for Christmas shopping. 

Savour a cold beer and currywurst from The Witch House, a hearty burrito from Mango Rays, or a cheesy ‘Parmo’ from local legends, Parmageddon. 

Exchange Square

One of the largest of the city centre Christmas market sites.

Warm up at The Mill Exchange with their Mancunian mulled wine made on site, all while enjoying the legends of Manchester artwork adorning their walls.

This is also the place to try the much-loved legendary Yorkshire pudding wrap from Porky Pig, as well as everything from birria bowls and hot curries to mini pancakes and fresh fudge.

You’ll also find clothing, soaps, boutique babywear, local crafts, and handmade gifts.

The Corn Exchange

Set between Corn Exchange and Shambles Square, you’ll find some of the most unique gifts available from our crafters.

Expect handmade pies, Nepalese woollen jumpers, handmade jewellery, Christmas decorations made from recycled wood, plus photo frames, artisan chocolates and much more.

Cathedral Gardens

Cathedral Gardens is at the heart of the family fun this festive season.

Experience Skate Manchester’s huge, covered ice rink which is open daily  and free live entertainment hosted every Thursday to Sunday all the way up to New Year’s Eve. Warm up with authentic crepes, gourmet hotdogs, hot chocolate, and much more. 

Councillor Pat Karney, Manchester City Council's Christmas spokesperson, said: 

"Christmas is looking even better than ever in Manchester this year, with the opening of our world-famous Christmas markets now only three weeks away and a stocking rammed full of things for all the family to see and enjoy over the festive season, including our magical Manchester Christmas Parade.

"And what a special year for our world-beating markets!  Hard to believe it was exactly 25 Christmases ago that Manchester's first-ever Christmas market took place.

"A quarter of a century later and the markets bring visitors from quite literally all over the world to fill upon the fantastic festive treats on offer. 

"Everyone knows Manchester is the city that Santa loves best and we just can't wait to share all the Christmas fun and festivities with everyone."

Manchester's Christmas markets open on Friday 10 November and close on Thursday 21 December.  

They are open daily at the following times:

All craft stalls 10 am - 8 pm

All bars and food stalls 11 am - 9 pm

Father Christmas will take up residence in St Peter's Square after Remembrance Sunday.

The Ice Rink in Cathedral Gardens will be open for Christmas skaters from 2 November - 2 January, but will also be offering spooky Scare Skates (only if you dare!) from 27 October to 31 October. The food and drink stalls in Cathedral Gardens alongside the skate rink will remain open until 31 December.

Cast your minds back to the 1980s when to own a VHS player was considered posh and the thrill of rushing to your local Video Shop which had sprung up overnight and actually renting a film out for a whole week for a couple of quid.

I heard whispers around Eccles that a film called G.B.H, (Grievous Bodily Harm) had been filmed in various locations including, Eccles and Manchester and was a no holds barred, violent, gangster movie with blood and guts galore, so after a few week wait we sat and watched the film, open mouthed and watched it over and over again....until it finally got banned for being a so called "video nasty"...

The writer of the film and starring role was Cliff Twemlow, a well known character around Eccles and the more I read about him, the more intrigued I became, Cliff was an extraordinary man, a man of many talents, body builder,  author,composer, musician, film maker and incredibly all self taught.

He went onto make several more films, films of all genres including Target Eve Island, Ibiza Connection, Mason’s War, The Blindside Of God, Tokyo Sunrise, Moon Stalker. The Eye Of Satan, Firestar, G.B.H. 2: ,Lethal Impact, Bad Weekend all shot on low budgets, some never finished and others shrouded in mystery.

Cliff died in 1993 without ever fulfilling his dream of Hollywood stardom, yet he remained an enigmatic figure, C.P. Lee and Andy Willis wrote what I would call the definitive book on him, The Lost World Of Cliff Twemlow: The King Of Manchester Exploitation Movies, a must read for any fan of "B movies" and a fascinating insight into the man.

As a fan of his work, I was delighted to read that his unbelievable, but totally true story has been brought to life by director Jake West (Video Nasties: Moral Panic, Censorship & Videotape, Razor Blade Smile and Doghouse) and Severin Films, in a documentary film, ‘Mancunian Man: The Legendary Life of Cliff Twemlow’.

It premiered recently in America and also at Frightfest in London but the good news is that the film is now returning to it's rightful home with a glamour filled Manchester Premiere on 12 November 2023 at Cultplex, 50 Red Bank, Cheetham Hill,Manchester,M4 4HF..

I for one will be there to see what promises to be a fascinating documentary with exclusive new interviews, insane film clips and rare behind-the-scenes footage, pleased to see Cliff getting the recognition he so fully deserves and check out these rave reviews already in for it.

  An underrated northern artist whose impact could have been greater given the right breaks. Cliff Twemlow’s story should provide encouragement to the current crop of British indie filmmakers. One can only imagine what wonders Cliff would have created with modern equipment. An essential watch’ Starburst ‘Fantastic…

Will easily be in my top 5 documentaries of 2023…’ 60 Minutes 

With ‘Hugely entertaining documentary about a truly unique character, Through contemporary interviews, archive footage and clips from Cliff’s bonkers back-catalogue, Jake West paints an affectionate portrait of a genuine one-off, whose work you’ll want to dive into once credits roll’ Dexerto 

Cliff absolutely deserves a place in the pantheon of low-budget, guerrilla style filmmakers and hopefully this documentary will introduce him to an entirely new audience’ Set the Tape   

Tickets available here: Link

Dying to find the ultimate Halloween night of fun with the family? The terrifyingly terrific Halloween ghost trains are back at the East Lancashire Railway by popular demand. 

Don your best fancy dress as you dare to walk through the ghoulishly decorated Bury footbridge. Transformed into an interactive thriller-ing experience, with animatronic creeps and kooks, and ‘ghostess with the mostess’ Bob the Zombie and Count Brian the Vampire on-hand to welcome visitors aboard the iconic ‘Scream Train’.

Boarding at Bury Bolton Street, customers will enjoy more than an hour of fang-tastic entertainment. Crawling with plenty of music and mischief with all children getting a goody bag full of tricks and treats in return for helping the Monster Squad keep order and vanquish the ghoulies. 

Not ready for the horror to come to a halt? Head over to the Carn-Evil for fun, fear and frights hosted at the Bury Transport Museum (sited just across the road from Bolton Street Station)! With unlimited theme park rides, a disco and a spooktacular show included in the Carn-Evil ticket price, there is something for all the family.

Mike Kelly, Chairman of East Lancashire Railway says:

“We are frightfully excited for families from far and wide to attend the interactive experience. The event gets bigger and better every year – it’s not to be missed, you can’t beat this spooky experience aboard our atmospheric steam trains.”

“This year we will have a competition for the best fancy dress, so dive into your fancy dress box, dust off the face painting skills and practise your loudest screams to blend in with all the creeps and critters!”

The Ghost Train will run from the 26th to the 28th October 2023, it is advised to arrive 30 minutes before departure. Ticket prices start from £15.50 for children ages 3-17, £22 for an Adult and £22 for an Adult and child under the age of 3 attending together.

Upon making a booking, you can have the option to add on the thrilling Carn-Evil for a universal price of £9.50.

Find more information and book now

A brand-new spooktacular event in Cheshire opened at the weekend to specially invited VIP guests and is now running throughout the month of October, the Lakeside Light Trail has transformed Partridge Lakes Fishery in Warrington into an enchanting Halloween attraction. 

Organisers are delighted with the visitor responses so far for the hour-long scenic woodland journey, suitable for the whole family to enjoy, including plenty for your furry pets too.

The Halloween Lakeside Light Trail takes place at Partridge Lakes Fishery in Culcheth, Warrington until Tuesday 31 October 2023 and tickets are selling fast. This is the first event of its kind created on the 70-acre site, set in the idyllic Cheshire countryside. With the Halloween dates at the end of the month almost sold out, organisers are advising visitors to book quickly to avoid disappointment and for those wanting a quieter experience to visit as soon as possible.

As the sun dips below the horizon and the moon casts its gentle glow upon the tranquil waters, a mesmerizing world of Halloween wonder comes to life around the lakes. Stroll along a winding path that hugs the water’s edge, leading you on a magical journey through woodland transformed by eerie and captivating lights.

Shadows of witches on broomsticks, smoke bubbles floating out of cauldrons, and spiders crawling out of trees all illuminated by magical lights to create an immersive experience that feels like stepping into a living Halloween storybook.

In addition to the trail, there is a free to enter welcome hub, featuring exciting food outlets from Halloumi Fries by Halloumination, to Vietnamese Cuisine from Viet Rice Box, to classic hot dogs, burgers, fries & desserts from Spoon Desserts, along with a range of drinks and licenced bars offering some tasty spooky themed menus. with along with spicy mulled wine and Baileys Hot chocolate. And, to ensure nobody misses out, the dog friendly attraction will also have a Pup Hut selling dog treats and accessories and the dog friendly café will also be open.

Along the trail there is another stop for treats to purchase like Pumpkin Spice Lattes by The Travelling Teapot and a cosy fire pit corner, a perfect place for toasting marshmallows and enjoying the wholesome atmosphere!

Fishery Manager and Lakeside Light Trail organiser Barbara Ikin said:

“We are absolutely thrilled to finally open our doors to the Lakeside Light Trail, already we have been overwhelmed with the public response and we have only been open for a couple of days.

“The children, adults and their pets all seem to be enjoying the experience. We are delighted with the support we have received so far and it’s exciting to see how the event could grow in future years.

“If you are thinking of booking, I would advise to come along as soon as possible to enjoy a quieter experience, already, as expected, the dates around Halloween are getting extremely busy. For an alternative spooky night to Halloween, you can always come along on Friday 13th”.

The Lakeside Light Trail is the perfect Halloween-themed night out for all the family, tickets are selling fast and can be purchased from the website at https://halloweenlakesidelighttrail.co.uk

Follow on social media channels.

Facebook:       /halloweenlakesidelighttrail

Instagram:      @halloweenlakesidelighttrail

TikTok:            @halloweenlakeside

LISTING INFORMATION

HALLOWEEN LAKESIDE LIGHT TRAIL

Monday 2 – Tuesday 31 October 2023 from 6.30pm

Partridge Lakes

Glaziers Lane,

Culcheth,

Warrington, WA3 4AQ

PRICES: Adults 16+ - £18 | Children 3-15 - £14

Infants Under 3 - Go Free (ticket needed)

Family Ticket - 2 Adults & 2 Children - £60

Family Ticket - 1 Adults & 2 Children - £42

HOW TO BOOK: Book online at https://halloweenlakesidelighttrail.co.uk

(15-minute time slots available until 7.45pm) Trail lasts 1 hour. Site closes at 10pm.

Onsite car parking is available and can be booked online when purchasing tickets, £5 in advance or £7 on the gate.

Photos: David Munn Photography

James are proud to announce a UK arena tour with Razorlight as Special Guests. Following on from a hugely successful 40th Anniversary year, the band will head out on a run of dates in June next year which includes the Co-Op Live Arena in their hometown of Manchester, and culminates at London’s 02 on 15th June.

The band will also be releasing their 17th studio album in April 2024, the first single of which will be announced in January, with further details to follow soon. Fans have a chance to access pre-sale tickets for the tour if they pre-order the new album. The pre-order link is here.

James were honoured at The Ivor Novello Awards 2023, receiving the PRS Music Icon Award, kick starting a whole year of celebration for their 40th Anniversary. This prestigious award was followed by the release of their orchestral double album Be Opened By The Wonderful which reached #3 in the UK charts in June and a run of sold out tour dates, receiving the best reviews of their career.

Throughout the summer the band then headlined multiple UK and European festivals, culminating in two unique shows backed by full orchestra and choir at The Odeon Of Herodes Atticus, Athens and a Special Guest headline slot at Latitude Festival.

James have entered in to a golden era, and will continue to do so in 2024 and for many more years to come.

Tim Booth, said:

“Deeply proud to announce that we are touring next year to coincide with the release of a rather wonderful new album that we are mixing this week. The new songs sound belting, and will fit this arena tour. Really looking forward to celebrating with you. Expect a mixture of the expected and unexpected – just like life. Nothing but love”

Jim Glennie, said:

“We are delighted to announce our 2024 Arena Tour, supported by the wonderful ‘Razorlight’. Come and share a night of biggies, rarities and a sizeable chunk of our exciting, next NEW album! See you there folks. With love, Jim from James”.

Step right up for the spookiest night in town, as Trafford Centre announces the return of its annual Spookfest event from 13 – 31 October (closed 16 and 17 October).

Trafford Centre’s outdoor space will come alive with the sounds of ghosts and ghouls enjoying exhilarating funfair rides, a towering pumpkin tower, heart-pounding Gandeys Spooktacular show in a heated Big Top, fearsome face painting and creepy costume characters – the ultimate Halloween family day out.

As well as fairground rides including Rock Rage, Ghost Train and Extreme, families can enjoy a five metres tall Pumpkin Tower, with over 250 flickering pumpkins and jack o’lanterns casting an eerie glow – the perfect spooky selfie spot.

Free facepainting is on offer from 1.30 – 5.30pm on the 14 – 15, and 21 – 29 October (excluding 26 October), and there will even be character appearances from family favourites including:

·       Batman & Maleficent: 21October

·       Jack Skeleton: 22 October

·       Scooby Doo & Maleficent: 23 October

·       Jack Skeleton: 24 October

·       Batman & Maleficent: 25 October

·       Scooby Doo & Maleficent: 27 October

·       Maleficent & Aurora: 28 October

·       Jack Skeleton: 29 October

Tickets cost £3 if booked in advance (+30p booking fee) and £3.50 on the door. Ride tokens can be purchased separately. Guests are advised to book early to avoid disappointment.

Gandeys will be bringing their sensational Halloween Spooktacular. This brand-new, action-packed show in a heated Big Top features a specially selected international cast of skeletons, vampires, Jack o’lanterns and Circus Artistes, have been brought together for this year’s sensational extravaganza.

From the thrill acts to the big production numbers Gandeys are famous for, audiences will be on the edge of their seats. Tickets start at £9.99 and are available from https://traffordcentre.co.uk/whatson/spookfest