Primary Times Greater Manchester - Back to School 2023

With summer all wrapped up, we hope you’ve had a relaxing and enjoyable time over the break and are ready for the exciting new school year to come! For those of you starting school for the first time, it is a significant milestone in your child’s (and your) life. It is the beginning of their new independence and while it may seem daunting, in a relatively short time, rest assured that children and their grown-ups adjust well to the new routine! You’ll receive our magazine regularly throughout the school year – we are a “what’s on and where to go” guide, listing child friendly events and activities, local news updates and great competitions. Primary Times will be popped into your child’s book bag just before each holiday, packed full of fun, family-friendly destinations to help plan the entertainment during school breaks! In this issue, as well as great family days out for autumn and theatre performances to look forward to, you’ll find the

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Editor: Michelle Dilger • Production: Tristan Kayes, Louise Fry • Advertising: Kerry Beardsmore

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Primary Times is independently published and distributed free through primary schools in Greater Manchester. It aims to inform families and children about current educational issues, forthcoming events, courses, attractions and to give teachers, pupils and parents the opportunity to participate in the magazine by adding to its contents or by joining in the competitions. It is NOT

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Slater Heelis teams up with school for time capsule burial

Chief Marketing Officer, Kristen Drummond who arranged the joint-campaign and attended added: “It was great to get the children involved and the teachers did an amazing job of using the opportunity to educate the children on Sale’s history over the years. The experience even saw some of the children do their own drawings of our town in the style of LS Lowry, which we’ve of course included in the capsule!”

Slater Heelis offers legal services across the UK and is well known for its award-winning work with individuals and businesses alike. To find out more visit www.slater-heelis.co.uk

Slater Heelis worked with the local primary school and its pupils to put together the capsule, which included drawings from students depicting their favourite places in Sale, a school jumper, Slater Heelis 250th anniversary water bottle and other merchandise; local magazines including a profile piece on the firm and a selection of newspapers from the day.

With the support from over 30 pupils from the school and Friends of Worthington Park community group, the time capsule is now buried at the Slater Heelis bench in the Cyril Flint Garden and is set to be reopened 50 years from now, in 2083.

Leading law firm, Slater Heelis, has teamed up with Brooklands Primary School to create a time capsule that they buried in Worthington Park, Sale, to celebrate 250 years in business.

LAW FIRM TAKES STOCK OF CHARITABLE ACTIVITY FOR 250TH ANNIVERSARY

STAGECOACH NURTURES YOUNG POTENTIAL IN THE PERFORMING ARTS – NO EXPERIENCE NECESSARY!

Stagecoach Altrincham and Urmston provide quality part-time training in the arts for children aged 4-18 years. Their aim is to nurture and develop young potential through singing, acting and dancing classes in south Manchester. No experience necessary, they cater to each individual child’s needs, and you can trial the classes for two weeks before committing to a full term. They also accept tax free childcare, universal credit and childcare voucher payments. What have you got to lose, go and give their classes a try!

Urmston T: 07507 177258 W: www.stagecoach.co.uk/urmston

Altrincham T: 07904 451199 W: www.stagecoach.co.uk/altrincham

Manchester and Sale-based law firm, Slater Heelis, is marking 250th years in business with a plethora of new pledges to support charitable organisations across the North West including the donation of 85 PC’s to a local college and they have even agreed to support 250 volunteer days this year, be it planting trees or stacking shelves at the local food bank. The firm has also committed to supporting the arts sector with sponsorship of Mancunian institutions, including HOME, the Royal Northern College of Music and Royal Exchange Theatre. Slater Heelis also undertakes outreach work to encourage young people to consider a career in law, providing work placements and apprenticeship opportunities. W: www.slaterheelis.co.uk

PROSPECTS

Razzamataz Manchester South, which has been stated as one of Dragon’s Den’s top five success stories, is launching in the heart of Media City and it’s not to be missed. Principal Ross said “Manchester is a thriving hub of opportunities, I plan to use my experience and connections to give students fantastic prospects and links within the performing arts industry. I know through my own experience that amazing things can happen when you are a student at Razzamataz.” Ross is inviting all young people of Greater Manchester to a FREE taster session so they can experience it for themselves. Book your free taster by September 14th! T: 07795 677022 W: manchestersouth.razzamataz.co.uk

FANTASTIC

FOR YOUNG PEOPLE OF MANCHESTER AT RAZZAMATAZ!

PREPARE FOR A JAM-PACKED AUTUMN OF SPECTACULAR SPACE ADVENTURES FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY AT JODRELL BANK

While daylight hours are getting shorter, the fun doesn’t have to stop! There are still some great activities going on, so grab a jumper and head out for a family day out and make the most of the new, picturesque season to come.

DAY OUT WITH THOMAS

Join the East Lancashire Railway for spectacular family fun on a Day Out with Thomas! On 30th September and 1st October, go and meet Sir Topham Hatt and cheeky station sweepers Rusty and Dusty in Bury before taking a ride with Thomas the Tank Engine himself. Complete your day with Thomas themed games and activities, fun fair rides, balloon modellers, singing, dancing and much more. Tickets must be purchased in advance. To find out more, and to book tickets, visit them online. Thomas and friends will be waiting for you! T: 0333 320 2830 W: www.eastlancsrailway.co.uk

At Jodrell Bank, discover their First Light Pavilion, stare into space and learn some rocket science, all whilst exploring a UNESCO World Heritage site! Watch ‘We Are Guardians’, one of their NEW spectacular planetarium shows, treat your astronauts to lunch in the cafe, run wild in the woods, or enjoy a picnic under the mighty Lovell telescope. A visit to Jodrell Bank is out of this world, and if you book in advance, you can visit again FREE for 12 months! Boom! Tickets from just £8. W: www.jodrellbank.net

GANDEYS CIRCUS PRESENTS ‘ THE HALLOWEEN SPOOKTACULAR’

As a very special (trick or) treat for Halloween, Gandeys Circus returns once again to the Trafford Centre from 13th-31st October with a brand-new action-packed legendary Halloween Spooktacular Big Top show for all the family. A specially selected international cast of skeletons, vampires, Jack o’lanterns and not forgetting Circus Artistes, have been brought together for this year’s sensational extravaganza. From the thrill acts to the big production numbers that Gandeys are famous for, it’s all there and you will be on the edge of your seat with excitement, rolling in the aisles with laughter, and hiding under your coats from the spooky thrills! W: www.gandeyscircus.com

JULIA & AXEL: 30 YEARS OF FAVOURITE STORIES AT THE LOWRY

Launched this summer, The Lowry in collaboration with publishers Macmillan Children’s Books and Scholastic, are hosting a new exhibition celebrating the acclaimed partnership between Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler, who have created some of the world’s best-loved, and best-selling children’s books, including The Gruffalo, Zog, Room on the Broom, The Smeds and the Smoos, and most recently, The Baddies. This free family-friendly exhibition features several of Julia Donaldson’s personal writing notebooks; containing the very first ideas and creative thinking behind her picture book stories. These will be shown alongside Axel Scheffler’s artwork, showing the process of his illustrations from sketches and works in progress, to full page final illustrations that readers are familiar with seeing in the finished books. T: 0161 876 2000 W: www.thelowry.com

LOSE THE KIDS DOWN A BLACK HOLE. THEN DO IT ALL OVER AGAIN.

Book in advance and visit again, free of charge, for the rest of the year. Book today. jodrellbank.net

FAIRY TALES –AN ENCHANTING INTERACTIVE EXHIBITION AT Z-ARTS FOR LITTLE ONES

HAVE YOU HEARD ABOUT THE HALLÉ ’S FAMILY CONCERTS?

The Hallé’s new series of family concerts introduces the youngest audience members to a live symphony orchestra at The Bridgewater Hall with fun and interactive concerts for all the family! Take a tour of the Hallé from the titanic tuba to the petite piccolo with What IS an Orchestra?; unlock the codes in the Enigma Variations; be thrilled by the romance of Romeo and Juliet; and unwrap a magical musical Christmas adventure. The fun doesn’t end there... start Christmas with their annual screening of The Snowman (this year accompanied by Gaspard the Fox). The Hallé’s fantastic Family Concerts are recommended for primary school age children, but everybody is welcome! Why not get into the spirit and come to the concert wearing your favourite fancy dress?

W: www.halle.co.uk

PREPARE TO SPARKLE AS CINDERELLA COMES TO BOLTON!

Following the amazing success of the 2022 pantomime ‘Jack and the Beanstalk’ at the Albert Halls, they have pleasure in offering you the opportunity to book for the next Christmas extravaganza CINDERELLA

Once again this will take place at the Albert Halls, Bolton from Friday 1st December to Sunday 31st December 2023. This year’s festive extravaganza CINDERELLA features a West End and celebrity cast, spectacular scenery, dazzling costumes, fantastic singing, amazing dancing, a large dose of comedy, and a magical flying coach to take Cinderella to the ball! A family pantomime where dreams really do come true – you won’t want to miss it! T: 0343 208 0500 W: www.quaytickets.com/boltonalberthalls

There’s an interactive world of play and storytelling just waiting to be discovered at Z-arts, ideal for 0-8 year olds and their grownups! Once upon a time, there were three bears, and they owned a little Bed and Breakfast in the forest. Step into a fairy tale town and through into the woods to discover a world of giants, palaces, gingerbread houses and treasure caves. Trip trap over a bridge (but watch out for the troll!), join in the palace disco with the musicians of Bremen, sit in a giant’s footprint, visit the market and help Jack win some magic beans, and much more. Take a peek online and book your little one’s fun adventure today! T: 0161 2261912 W: z-arts.org

INSPIRING THE NEXT GENERATION OF CONSERVATIONISTS AT CHESTER ZOO

to be placed once received Chester Zoo is a leading conservation and education charity, committed to empowering the conservationists of tomorrow. With over 27,000 animals, as well as workshops, outreach programmes, activities, toolkits and resources, there’s tons of different ways to connect your pupils with the natural world at the zoo.

Chester Zoo’s brand new, purpose built Conservation Education Hub has opened ready for the new school year this September and features three large classroom spaces, an open reception area and a digital studio. If you book and visit in 2023, you’ll also receive a FREE animal adoption for your school! W: www.chesterzoo.org

FANTASTICALLY GREAT WOMEN WHO CHANGED THE WORLD – A SPECTACLE NOT TO BE MISSED!

Empowering pop musical Fantastically Great

Women

Who Changed the World returns to the Lowry this Christmas for five weeks only from 5th December until 7th January 2024. This aspirational stage show, based on the popular children’s book by Suffragette relative Kate Pankhurst comes from one of the producers of SIX. Join inquisitive heroine Jade as she breaks away from her class to take a peek behind the scenes at the not yet open Gallery of Greatness in the local museum. Along her journey she is surprised to meet the incredible wonder women: Frida Kahlo, Rosa Parks, Amelia Earhart, Mary Seacole, Marie Curie and Emmeline Pankhurst to name just a few. From explorers to artists, scientists to secret agents, hear the stories of some of history’s strongest mothers, sisters and daughters; all independent icons who really did change the world. Book online now. W: www.thelowy.com

WHAT’S ON WHERE

ONGOING

Sink your teeth into an amazing Shark Experience

When you enter the immersive world of Planet Shark: Predator or Prey at Chester Zoo, you’ll be surrounded by incredible underwater projections featuring stunning footage that tells the story of how important sharks are to our oceans, and the planet. Running until 31st October. W: www.chesterzoo.org

BBC 100

Celebrate 100 years of the BBC in Manchester with a display that showcases Manchester as a centre of innovation in broadcasting, from 1922 to the present, and looking to the future. W: scienceandindustrymuseum.org.uk

Our Fragile Space

A ground-breaking photography exhibition about the reality of space debris. There are now more than 160 million human-made pieces of space waste circling our planet - the vast majority of them in the same low Earth orbit as thousands of satellites that support and enable everyday life on Earth. Photography by Max Alexander. Exhibition in partnership with Discover the bluedot & SKAO. Running until 17th September. Jodrell Bank. W: www.jodrellbank.net

Julia and Axel – thirty years of favourite stories

A new free family-friendly exhibition celebrating the acclaimed partnership between Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler, who have created some of the world’s best-loved, and bestselling children’s books. Running until 1st January 2024. The Lowry. W: www.thelowry.com

Experiment

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

SEPTEMBER

Friday 8th

Fun Dog Show at the Farm

Ten novelty classes including Saddest Eyes, Waggiest Tail and Scruffiest Dog, plus a fun agility course (try it if you’re fit enough!). ‘Show Champion’ trophy to be won and rosettes awarded up to 6th place. W: www.tattonpark.org.uk

Sunday 10th

Bark in the Park 2023

This fun event is for members of the public and dog owners and lovers to meet and enter their dogs into competitions. Royton, Oldham. W: www.visitmanchester.com

Tuesday 12th

We Are Stars

We Are Stars takes you on an exciting journey to discover our cosmic origins through use of amazing animation. Tickets £4/£6, available as an add-on to general admission, suitable for astronauts aged 5+. Show times: 11am and 3pm daily. W: www.jodrellbank.net

Friday 15th

Bennetts British Superbike Championship

Running on 15th and16th September. W: www.oultonpark.co.uk

Saturday 16th

Jamboree Weekend

Enjoy an incredible discounted admission price of just £12 per person for a group of 20 or more, plus one free leader place with every nine children. Also on 17th September. W: www.gulliversworldresort.co.uk

Wildlife Connections Festival

Chester Zoo have two jam-packed days filled with wild activities, enthralling performances and amazing speakers that will have you captivated by the wildlife found right on our doorstep. Enjoy live music on stage throughout the day from local artists. All performances, activities and workshops are FREE to watch and take part in! Cold refreshments will be available to purchase at the festival (cash only). Also on 17th September. W: www.chesterzoo.org

Sunday 24th

Make it! Creative Sunday Drop-Ins

Join in on the first and last Sunday of every month for some hands-on crafting and baking fun! Manchester Jewish Museum, M8 8LW. W: www.visitmanchester.com

The Wizarding Adventure

During this magical interactive experience you’ll take lessons in the basics of broomsticks, practice your potion making, be instructed in incantations and learn to tattle and talk with a tawny owl. A perfect adventure for students age 5-12. Running again on 27th October. East Lancashire Railway.

W: www.eastlancsrailway.org.uk

Thursday 28th

Burnage Academy For Boys

Burnage Academy for Boys consistently ranks amongst the highest in the country when it comes to the progress of boys. The school offers Personal Tours at your convenience, and is hosting an Open Evening from 4.30-7pm.

W: burnage.manchester.sch.uk

Saturday 30th

Harvest Festival

Experience the joy of harvest season at Tatton Park’s Farm. 11am-4pm. Also on 1st October. Tatton Park Farm.

W: www.tattonpark.org.uk

Day Out with Thomas

Join the East Lancashire Railway for spectacular family fun on a Day Out with Thomas! Meet Sir Topham Hatt and cheeky station sweepers Rusty and Dusty in Bury before taking a ride with Thomas the Tank Engine himself. Complete your day with Thomas themed games and activities, fun fair rides, balloon modellers, singing, dancing and much more. Tickets must be purchased in advance. Also on Sunday 1st October.

W: www.eastlancsrailway.co.uk

OCTOBER

Friday 13th

Gandeys Circus

Spooktacular

Gandeys Circus returns once again with a brand-new action-packed legendary Halloween Spooktacular Big Top show for all the family. Trafford centre. Running until 31st October.

W: www.gandeyscircus.com

Saturday 14th

Fright Fiesta

Festival-style Halloween that’s bursting with colour, costumes, and music. Running until 3rd November. Gulliver’s Theme Park.

W: www.gulliversworldresort.co.uk

We take great care to ensure this information is correct at the time of going to press. However, we would advise parents to phone and check details prior to making a long trip…or promise!

STOCKPORT GRAMMAR SUMMER OF OUTDOOR ADVENTURE

At the end of the Summer Term, almost 70 Year 8 pupils from Stockport Grammar School headed to mid-Wales for an action-packed week of outdoor adventures. They enjoyed a night under the stars, camping in the Welsh countryside before returning to the Outward Bound Centre at Aberdovey. From there the students had great adventures, from scrambling up rocky outcrops, abseiling down cliff faces and learning how to canoe! The Adventure Challenge and Leadership Trip builds friendships, grows teambuilding skills and introduces the pupils to new experiences. Speaking about the trip, which runs every year, Stockport Grammar’s Outdoor Education Co-ordinator Adam Hughes said: “I hope that all of the pupils take away new skills and special memories from this trip that they can use at school, at home and for the rest of their lives.” W: www.stockportgrammar.co.uk

BOLTON SCHOOL: A PLACE TO BE

Bolton School is one of the largest and most successful schools in the country. Sited on a stunning 32-acre campus, pupils enjoy an allthrough education at their co-ed Nursery and Infant School and single-sex Junior and Senior Schools. Whilst they achieve outstanding exam results, pupils are also inspired to lifelong learning and development through a wide variety of extracurricular activities in sport, music, drama, outdoor pursuits, community action, volunteering and so much more! When inspected, their educational provision receives the highest rating. However, they want you to find out for yourself, so please call them now to arrange your personal tour. T: 01204 840201 W: www.boltonschool.org

BOYS DO BETTER AT BURNAGE – SEE FOR YOURSELF AT THEIR OPEN EVENING

Burnage Academy for Boys consistently ranks amongst the highest in the country when it comes to the progress of boys. The curriculum, designed to build independence and resilience, ensures pupils have the skills, knowledge and understanding to be successful learners and responsible citizens who make a positive contribution to society. The school values the development of the whole child and strives to prepare all for the world of Manchester and beyond through carefully planned social, moral, spiritual and cultural events, and a wide extracurricular offer. By working closely with a network of primary schools, the school’s carefully planned transition programme ensures all pupils begin their Burnage journey feeling confident and ready for the move. The school offers Personal Tours at your convenience, and is hosting an Open Evening on 28th September, 4.30-7pm. W: burnage.manchester.sch.uk

THE MANCHESTER GRAMMAR SCHOOL APPOINTS SCHOOL CAPTAIN FOR 2023

Congratulations to Daniel Burns who has been named as the new School Captain for 2023-24 at The Manchester Grammar School. Daniel said:

“As I come into my final year at MGS and having been at this outstanding institution and widespread community for over six years, never before have I felt so lucky and privileged to be a part of it as I do now. To represent this school as its Captain means being able to give back for all the opportunities that have been offered to me since the first time I walked through the gates at Old Hall Lane: from an endless abundance of clubs including podcasting and linguistics, to participation in national competitions run by the very top universities - MGS has guided me every step of the way.

For anyone considering MGS as a potential school to come to, all I can say is there’s only one choice! Of course, you should go to the school which suits you best, but what I have noticed is that MGS manages to suit every kind of student: the pure academics, the sporting athletes, the talented programmers, and everything in between. Either way, from my perspective, I couldn’t have been more fortunate to go to the school I go to, and I owe MGS all the thanks in the world for that”. W: www.mgs.org

Event

Thursday 28 September, 4.30pm–7pm

For information about Admissions, visit MGS.org

mgs_1515

The Manchester Grammar School

ALBERT HALLS

Bolton

www.alberthalls-bolton.co.uk

Friday 1st –Sunday 31st December CINDERELLA

This year’s festive extravaganza “Cinderella” features a West End and Celebrity cast, spectacular scenery, dazzling costumes, fantastic singing, amazing dancing, a large dose of comedy, and a magical flying coach to take Cinderella to the ball!

AO ARENA

www.ao-arena.com

Wednesday 18th October

JURASSIC PARK 30TH ANNIVERSARY CONCERT

This autumn the acclaimed blockbuster will be presented in venues around the country, while the film’s renowned awardwinning John Williams score is performed live by a full orchestra.

COMPETITION…

THE BRIDGEWATER HALL

Manchester www.bridgewater-hall.co.uk

Sunday 1st October

WHAT IS AN ORCHESTRA?

Did you know that symphony orchestras have existed for over 400 years, have over 100 members and can sounds as loud as a jet engine or as quiet as a mouse? Go on a tour of the orchestra, exploring all the different instruments, as the Hallé performs some of the most captivation orchestra music.

Sunday 3rd December

CHRISTMAS FAMILY CONCERT

An enormous Christmas present has been found in The Bridgewater Hall. What could it be? Who is it for? Join the Hallé and presenter Tom Redmond as they unwrap a magical Christmas adventure with a gift that just keeps giving…

To enter the competition please email to competitions@primarytimesmag.com

When you enter make sure you give us your name, address, email, age and school. Closing date Sunday 8th October Please note: Primary Times will only use your details to contact the competition winners.

THE LOWRY

www.thelowry.com

Sunday 24th September

ANDY AND THE ODD SOCKS – THE DIAL IT UP 11 TOUR

Who are the Odd Socks?

The oddest tale of Britain’s best new band!

Saturday 30th September

OLAF FALAFEL’S SUPER STUPID SHOW

Join comedian and children’s author Olaf Falafel for an hour of kid’s comedy which is now 20% more stupider than ever before.

Sunday 22nd October

WILL TELL AND THE BIG BAD BARON

This original show for families introduces a new legendary figure to British drama: the ‘Swiss Robin Hood’ Wilhelm Tell, who refused to bow to a tyrant and famously had to shoot an apple off his child’s head with a crossbow as a punishment.

Tuesday 24th –Sunday 29th October

THE SMEDS AND THE SMOOS

Soar into space with this exciting adaptation of the award-winning book by Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler.

Tuesday 5th December – Sunday 7th January

FANTASTICALLY GREAT WOMEN WHO CHANGED THE WORLD

Empowering pop musical Fantastically Great Women Who Changed the World returns to the Lowry this Christmas weeks only. This aspirational stage show, based on the popular children’s book by Suffragette relative Kate Pankhurst comes from one of the producers of SIX.

The incredible pop musical Fantastically Great Women Who Changed the World returns to the Lowry this Christmas and we’ve got four tickets to give away to one lucky reader!

This inspiring stage show, based on the popular children’s book by Suffragette relative Kate Pankhurst, comes from one of the producers of SIX. From explorers to artists, scientists to secret agents, hear the stories of some of history’s strongest women; all independent icons who really did change the world.

For your chance to win four tickets to a performance of your choice (subject to availability) at the Lowry this Christmas, simply send in your entry marked ‘Lowry’ and you will be entered into our prize draw. Performances run from 5th December-7 January 2024. Closing date is 8th October.

Thursday 7th December – Sunday 7th January

WE’RE GOING ON A BEAR HUNT

Join the intrepid family of adventurers and their musical dog on a quest to find a bear; as they wade through the gigantic swishy swashy grass, the splishy splashy river and the thick oozy, squelchy mud! Expect catchy songs, interactive scenes, plenty of adventure and a few surprises along the way.

We take great care to ensure this information is correct at the time of going to press. However, we would advise parents to phone and check details prior to making a long trip…or promise!

www.z-arts.org

Saturday 23rd September

THE REALLY FABULOUS FAMILY CABARET

Six marvellous highly skilled performers bring you a riproaring ride of fabulousness. Song, dance, and speciality acts share the stage to bring you a joyous fest of a show.

Saturday 14th –

Sunday 15th October

MICHAEL MORPURGO’S I BELIEVE IN UNICORNS

Award-winning storyteller

Danyah Miller brings bestselling children’s author Michael Morpurgo’s treasured story to life.

Saturday 14th October

THE WIZARD OF OZ

Enjoy Dorothy, the Scarecrow, Tin Man, Lion, and Toto too as they seek the Wonderful Wizard to find that there’s no place like home!

WIN 4 TICKETS TO SEE ‘FANTASTICALLY GREAT WOMEN WHO CHANGED THE WORLD’ AT THE LOWRY!

FLAT HANDS COLLECTION

Sign Language is a visual means of communicating using gestures, facial expression, and body language. Sign Language is used mainly by people who are Deaf or have hearing impairments. British Sign Language (BSL) has its own grammatical structure and syntax, as a language it is not dependant nor is it strongly related to spoken English. BSL is the preferred language of around 145,000 people within the UK.

TEST YOUR FINGER SPELLING SKILLS

Can you spell these school words to a friend or teacher?

LEARNING.. SIGN LANGUAGE

FLAT HANDS COLLECTION

For more helpful sign language advice/tips visit the BSL website: www.british-sign.co.uk

* This finger spelling alphabet is for a right handed person to use. A left handed version can be downloaded from the BSL website.

≥ CONCERTS FOR FAMILIES

AT THE BRIDGEWATER HALL, MANCHESTER

SUNDAY 1 OCTOBER, 3PM

WHAT IS AN ORCHESTRA?

Did you know that symphony orchestras have existed for over 400 years, have 100 members and can sound as loud as a jet engine or as quiet as a mouse? Presenter Ruth Rosales will take you on a tour of the orchestra, exploring all the different instruments, from the titanic tuba to the petite piccolo as the Hallé performs some of the most captivating orchestral music from Mozart to John Williams.

Tickets (including fees): adults £22.50; children (aged 16 and under) £12.50; family £49

SUNDAY 3 DECEMBER, 12PM

CHRISTMAS FAMILY CONCERT

An enormous Christmas present has been found in The Bridgewater Hall. What could it be? Who is it for? Join the Hallé and presenter Tom Redmond as they unwrap a magical Christmas adventure with a gift that just keeps giving ...

Tickets (including fees): adults £27.50, children (aged 16 and under) £17.50, family £69.50

FRIDAY 22 DECEMBER, 4PM

SATURDAY 23 DECEMBER, 11AM AND 1.30PM

THE

SNOWMAN

WITH GASPARD’S CHRISTMAS

A must for all the family. Watch Raymond Briggs’ classic animated film accompanied by the Hallé performing Howard Blake’s magical score.

In the first half is Gaspard’s Christmas, a heart-warming festive adventure for Britain’s handsomest fox. Narrated by the story’s author Zeb Soanes, the performance includes music by Jonathan Dove and visuals on the big screen by award-winning illustrator James Mayhew. This is an unforgettable Christmas experience.

Tickets (including fees): adults £27.50, children (aged 16 and under) £17.50, family £69.50

COMING UP ...

SUNDAY 25 FEBRUARY, 12PM • THE MUSICAL STORY OF ROMEO AND JULIET

SUNDAY 19 MAY, 12PM • THE MUSICAL STORY OF ENIGMA