Primary Times Merseyside - October Half Term 2022

HELLO READERS!

As we embrace this colourful new season, it’s time to get the cosy winter woollies out and make the most of the crisp autumn weather and all the activities on offer for families this half term. We promise there are some seriously good things going on to get you out of the house this holiday and we’ve included them all in this issue! You’ll find ideas for great days out, including fantastic indoor destinations such as the theatre and art workshops if the weather lets us down, and lots of Halloween events for child-friendly, happy haunting. A great excuse to dig out the kids’ creepy costumes! Check out our diary pages too and you’ll see you could easily fill every day of the half term with fun, affordable (and often free) things to do if you wanted!

We’ll be back again in November with a merry issue full of festive treats to plan your Christmas countdown. In the meantime, we wish you happy times with your children this half term.

issueNextout November 14th

MEMBER

This

For Advertisers

We are the largest free magazine in Merseyside reaching 100,750 family readers. If you’d like to advertise directly to this audience please call 07710 229 189

As the nights draw in, it’s time for some half term fun with spooky events, creative costumes and plenty of tricks and treats! This season, get ready for creepy trails and tales and pumpkins galore! And if friendlyfrightening is not for you, there are plenty of destinations, without the scares! Read on for our pick of the best half term entertainment.

FAMILY THEATRE AT ITS FINEST AT THE ATKINSON IN SOUTHPORT

SPOOKTACULAR! A FIENDISHLY FUN FAMILY CONCERT AT LIVERPOOL PHILHARMONIC HALL

Go along in your devilish disguises to hear the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra at their spookiest and spine-chilling best on Sunday 30th October at 2.30pm. Combining the creepiest classics, such as Grieg’s In the Hall of the Mountain King, with a gruesome mix of haunting Halloween music from video games, films and television like The Nightmare Before Christmas, Doctor Who, and of course, Ghostbusters. This sensationally scary concert will make your hair stand on end and give you goosebumps all over! The concert will last approximately one hour and is most suitable for children aged 4-10 years.

W: www.liverpoolphil.com

Treat your little ones to the magic of theatre this season with a visit to any one of the great shows on offer at the Atkinson! Let your hair down in a brand-new adaptation of the popular fairy tale Rapunzel on the 25th October, suitable for age 5+. Take part in sing-along-songs and lots of interactive games in I Spy With My Little Eye on 26th October, suitable for age 2+. Jump on board the witches’ broom in a fun-filled adaptation the best-selling picture book by Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler, Room on the Broom from 11th -12th November, suitable for age 3+. Plan your visit today and book tickets online.

W: www.theatkinson.co.uk

SING AND DANCE TO YOUR FAVOURITE BEATLES’ HITS THIS HOLIDAY!

Children of all ages are invited to experience The Discovery Zone at Liverpool’s award-winning attraction, The Beatles Story on the waterfront at the Royal Albert Dock. Find out about The Beatles’ lives, times, music, and influential legacy using fun interactive resources. Learn more about the Fab Four using interactive screens, a giant floor piano and singalong to your favourite Beatles songs on karaoke on the mini–Cavern Club stage! With a range of FREE fun-packed workshops during half-term and school holidays, it’s the perfect day out with all the family.

GO WILD AT CREATE YOUR TATE THIS HALF TERM

Tate Liverpool has all the materials you need this October half term to create your own building of the future! Create your Tate is a free activity that’s suitable for all ages. Go wild with your designs – add a water slide in the entrance of your building or an inflatable animal on the roof! Drop in between 22nd - 30th October, 10.3015.30. Plus visit the dedicated family space and pick up a free sketchbook to help you and your family explore the gallery. There’s also a buggy parking, baby-changing facilities and a Changing Places toilet.

AUTUMN FOR FAMILIES AT THE BLUECOAT

Drop in to the Bluecoat this Autumn for a host of free family events. Save the date for The Attic Child, a free workshop for families on Sunday 16th October, 11am-1pm. Join author Lola Jaye, the writer of the moving and powerful book The Attic Child, in this interactive multi-arts workshop facilitated by Collective Encounters and in partnership with Writing on the Wall. Their famous Family Day is back on Sunday 6th November. Drop in for free arts activities from 1-4pm and spend time getting creative with your little artists.

www.thebluecoat.org.uk

MAGICAL FAMILY ADVENTURES AND GENTLE SPOOKING AT BEWILDERWOOD

It’s the most fantastical time of

LIVERPOOL ONE –BRINGING THE FAMILY TOGETHER FOR FRIGHTFULLY GOOD FUN!

You can’t beat a trip to Liverpool ONE for bringing the whole family together. With fun and free events for Halloween and Christmas on the horizon, you’ll definitely want to factor Liverpool ONE into your holiday plans! This Halloween sees the return of the Halloween Street Party on Sunday 30th October, with ghouls and boys invited to dress up and take part in their popular fancy dress competition. Taking place in the afternoon and hosted by Radio City, they’ll be visited once again by the Arachnobot and Uncle Doom with his Organ of Gloom, and a Halloween parade will provide the spooky backdrop!

W: www.liverpool-one.com

PREPARE TO BE DAZZLED AT BLAKEMERE ’S MAGICAL WOODLAND EXPERIENCE

Treat all the family to a Magical Woodland experience at Blakemere, from 7th to 31st October. Set in a 15-acre woodland in the heart of the Cheshire countryside, experience nature in all its autumnal glory lit up by dazzling cathedral canopies of fairy lights, floating umbrellas, clouds of flying lanterns, dancing tunnels of borealis-style lasers, and some family favourites including Dinosaur, Ghostbusters, Under the Sea, Hocus Pocus and more! The trail can be looped as many times as you wish, with plenty of opportunities to refuel with tasty snacks and hot drinks whatever the weather.

Tickets from £15.50.

W: www.magicalwoodland.com

WHAT’S ON WHERE

Scarecrow Festival

Between 15th -30th October, get ready to meet a host of straw-filled characters as your family explore the annual Scarecrow Festival around Rufford Old Hall’s grounds.

W: www.nationaltrust.org.uk/events

BeWILDerwood Cheshire

OCTOBER

Saturday 15th

Liverpool John Moore University Open Day

LJMU offers qualifications designed for future teachers who are wishing to enter the profession. There are a series of open evenings in the Autumn, October 15th, 9th November, 19th November.

W: www.ljmu.ac.uk/study/ undergraduate-students/visit-us/ undergraduate-open-days

Visit the magical woods for a half term full of family fun and wild adventure. Explore the woods in the daytime for the all-new event, BeWILDerbats Carving Contest. Including a new story at the Storytelling Stage, Halloween craft and face paint – all included in your day ticket. Plus, the famous Glorious Glowing Lantern Parade light extravaganza is back! Visit the park after dusk for this special sparkly event from the 15th – 31st October. Tickets are £12.50 and must be booked in advance. Bickley Moss, Cheshire.

W: www.BeWILDerwood.co.uk

Sunday 16th

Inspiring Liverpool People

Take part in a fun craft session for all the family, and find out about some of the incredible pioneering people from the city. Museum of Liverpool.

W: www.liverpoolmuseums.org.uk/

The Attic Child

Free workshop for families 11am1pm. Join author Lola Jaye, the writer of moving and powerful book, The Attic Child, in this interactive mulitarts workshop facilitated by Collective Encounters and in partnership with Writing on the Wall. The Bluecoat, Liverpool.

W: www.thebluecoat.org.uk/family

The Pumpkin Patch

Go down to the Farm at Tatton Park this Autumn to meet all your Farmyard favourites and then it’s off to search for your perfect pumpkin.

Tatton Park, Knutsford, Cheshire.

Running until 30th October.

W: www.tattonpark.org.uk/

Saturday 22nd Spooky Welly Walk

Spooky Welly Walk is back! Roy Castle Lung Cancer Foundation are casting spells all over Sefton Park with 25 exciting Trick or Treat Stations to enjoy. Pick your best costume and join us to kickstart your Halloween, all for a great cause. Tickets only £6 per person or £20 for a family of 4. Book early as tickets will sell out!

W: www.roycastle.org/spooky

The Sorcerer Returns

This half term, make your Halloween mystical and give your wizard some wiz and make your witches wicked on a spellbinding journey through curious forests and magic theatre. Old Hall wizards summon you on a quest to help defeat the evil sorcerer Dimitri, who has been banished from the Wizards’ village. Running on selected dates until 30th October. Tatton Park, Knutsford, Cheshire.

W: www.tattonpark.org.uk/

Pirate Pumpkin Trail

Spot the spooktacular pumpkins on this fun outdoor trail around Blakemere Village! Running until 8th November. Sandiway, Northwich, CW8 2EB.

W: www.blakemerevillage.com/

Create Your Tate

Tate Liverpool has all the materials you need this October half term to create your own building of the future! Create your Tate is a free activity that’s suitable for all ages. Go wild with your designs – add a water slide in the entrance of your building or an inflatable animal on the roof! 10.3015.30. Running until 30th October.

W: www.tate.org.uk/

Sunday 23rd

Joseph Johnson’s Hat Craft

Joseph Johnson was a Black sailor who lived in London 200 years ago. He was a famous sight by the docks wearing his enormous sailing ship hat! Drop in to find out more about Joseph and have a go at making your very own copy of his amazing hat to take home. This fun craft activity is suitable for families with children aged 5 and over. Maritime Museum, Liverpool.

W: www.liverpoolmuseums.org.uk/

Spooky Stories

Themed crafts, potion making, a spooky story walk with Norton Priory’s ranger and animal handling with Animal Teach. Also on 25th, 27th and 28th October. 6-8pm.

W: www.nortonpriory.org/ events/120/spooky-stories

Halloween Crafts

Spooky themed crafts at Norton Priory. Also on 25th, 27th & 28th October.

W: www.nortonpriory.org/events

Monday 24th

Love Me Do!

Celebrating the 60th anniversary of the release of the band’s first UK single, ‘Love Me Do’, a range of free Beatles-themed workshops will be held in the interactive Discovery Zone for all the family to enjoy. Beatles Story, Albert Dock, Liverpool.

W: www.beatlesstory.com//event

The Spooks of Speke HallOutdoor Theatre

Book your tickets for a spook-tacular theatre experience for families this October half term, brought to you by Scenic Outdoor Theatre. Performances at 11am and 3pm on 24th/25th, 28th/29th and 30th October. Speke Hall National Trust.

W: www.nationaltrust.org.uk/

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

Thursday 27th

Halloween Ghost Trains

Climb aboard for tricks, treats and fun for the whole family on this interactive spooky adventure. This year there will also be a “CarnEvil” fun fair at the Bury Transport Museum, featuring a Haunted Cottage, a Dragon Coaster and more. Running until 29th October. East Lancashire Railway.

W: www.eastlancsrailway.org.uk/

Tom, The May’s New Hero

Join the storyteller to travel back to the days of the clipper ships and hear about Tom the young cabin boy’s adventures on board the sailing ship The Lady May. Please note, advertised performances may change at short notice. Suitable for adults and children over 5. Maritime Museum, Liverpool.

W: www.liverpoolmuseums.org.uk/

Craft and Create: Halloween

Spend time together getting creative, making memories and something spooky ready for Halloween! Walker Art Gallery, Liverpool.

W: www.liverpoolmuseums.org.uk/

Sunday 30th

Halloween Street Party

Liverpool ONE’s Halloween Street Party returns this October, with spooky appearances and fancy dress fun hosted by Radio City. 12-4pm. www.liverpool-one.com/halloween

Go to www.primarytimes.co.uk/merseyside for thousands more great days out

WHAT’S ON WHERE

NOVEMBER

Wednesday 2nd

Workshop: Create Your Own Record Sleeve

Monday 31st Paper Heart Weaving

The Beatles wrote many songs about love, including ‘Love Me Do’ which is celebrating its 60th anniversary this year. Listen to classic Beatles love songs on the record player and create your own paper weaving love heart.

The Beatles Story, Royal Albert Dock Liverpool, 11am-3pm. All materials will be provided. Tickets are not required. Be sure to look out for more of these free fun-packed workshops during half-term and school holidays.

W: www.beatlesstory.com//event

Listen to some Beatles records in the Discovery Zone and create your own single record sleeve for your favourite song. The Beatles Story, Royal Albert Dock Liverpool, 11am3pm. All materials will be provided. Tickets are not required. Be sure to look out for more of these free funpacked workshops during half-term and school holidays.

W: www.beatlesstory.com//event

Saturday 5th

Blakemere’s Firework Display

See the skies light up over the Cheshire countryside with a fabulous professional firework display brought to you by Ignite Pyrotechnics Ltd of Northwich. Blakemere Village, Cheshire.

W: www.ticketsource.co.uk/ blakemerefireworkdisplay

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!

Rally favourites followed by a dazzling firework display. Family fun will be found around the circuit throughout the day, while action both on track and in the sky will viewable from Oulton Park’s panoramic viewing areas. Oulton Park.

W: oultonpark.msv.com/

Family Firework Spectacular

A fantastic night of fireworks and fun for all the family. (New and Improved Event). Featuring more family entertainment than before. Bigger line up of family entertainment, bigger stage, bigger firework display. Haigh Woodland Park, Wigan.

W: www.haighwoodlandpark.co.uk/

Sunday 6th

Family Day

Drop in for free arts activities from 1-4pm and spend time getting creative with your little artists. The Bluecoat, Liverpool.

W: www.thebluecoat.org.uk/family

Friday 11th

The Lanterns at Chester Zoo

The Lanterns at Chester Zoo will be back for another magical year with an enchanting Christmas trail through the zoo after hours. Running on selected dates until 23rd December.

W: www.chesterzoo.org/

Liverpool ONE launches Christmas

The iconic Christmas launch party is back from 4-8pm, your favourite characters will return to entertain and delight shoppers on the streets. Visitors from local pantomimes and music performances will also provide a festive feeling to the opening of the Christmas season. And also new for 2022, the Liverpool Alpine Village opens on Chavasse Park.

W: www.liverpool-one.com/ christmas

Saturday 12th

Big Birthday Weekend

Celebrate the Lady Lever Art Gallery’s 100th birthday with a weekend of family activities. Lady Lever Art Gallery, Liverpool.

W: www.liverpoolmuseums.org.uk/

The Snowman Tour at Liverpool Cathedral promises a magical Christmas experience

Make it a Christmas to remember, with a special screening of family-favourite The Snowman accompanied by live orchestra on Thursday 22nd December. Presented by Carrot Productions, the world's leading performers of The Snowman film with orchestra, their award-winning show features some of the UK's finest musicians. Alongside The Snowman, enjoy The Flight Before Christmas, the sensational new Shaun the Sheep film staged with live orchestra for the first time! Prepare for a 'Santastic' adventure suitable for all ages, as everyone learns the true value of Christmas. This magical award-winning show, set within the splendour of Liverpool Cathedral, is sure to create cherished memories for the whole family. Book tickets online.

W: carrotproductions.com/snowman

THE ATKINSON

www.theatkinson.co.uk/events

Tuesday 25th October RAPUNZEL

With a wicked witch, a feisty heroine, a tap dancing horse and a host of adventures, Rapunzel promises to be a vibrant take on a classic and much loved story.

Friday 11th-Saturday 12th November ROOM ON THE BROOM

Jump on board the broom with the witch and her cat in Tall Stories’ funfilled adaptation of Room on the Broom, the best-selling picture book by Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler.

EPSTEIN THEATRE

www.epsteintheatre.co.uk/ whats-on/

Friday 21st-Sunday 30th October WIZARD OF OZ

Audiences are invited to join Dorothy and Toto as they follow the yellow brick road to the Emerald City, so Dorothy can ask the Wizard to help her return home.

FLORAL PAVILION

Box Office: 0151 666 0000

Saturday 22nd October

BIG NIGHT OUT STARRING COMEDY LEGEND MICK MILLER

A fast paced variety show headlined by Legendary Comedian Mick Miller. With a superb supporting cast including Britain’s Got Talent Ventriloquist Steve Hewlett, Hilarious Impressionist Ben Nickless, International Illusionists Matricks and two amazing west end vocalists.

Wednesday 2nd November SLEEPING BEAUTY

Classic Ballet and Opera House present the classic story of love and innocence, mystery and magic set to Tchaikovsky’s score.

Friday 4th -Sunday 6th November

THE TIGER WHO CAME TO TEA

Join the tea-guzzling tiger in this delightful family show; packed with oodles of magic, sing-a-long songs and clumsy chaos. Don’t miss this stunning stage adaptation of the classic tale of teatime mayhem... expect to be surprised!

LIVERPOOL EMPIRE

www.atgtickets.com/venues/ liverpool-empire/

Sunday 27th November

THE MUPPET CHRISTMAS CAROL IN CONCERT

Disney’s The Muppet Christmas Carol will be presented live in concert this winter, with its musical score performed live to the film.

Thursday 1st-Saturday 3rd December

SHREK THE MUSICAL

BOST Musicals are returning to the Liverpool Empire with their hilarious production of Shrek The Musical. This is an amateur production.

LIVERPOOL EVERYMAN

www.everymanplayhouse.com/

Tuesday 25th-Saturday 29th October

THE SMARTEST GIANT IN TOWN

Based on the bestselling book by Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler.

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!

LIVERPOOL PHILHARMONIC

Liverpoolphil.com

Wednesday 26th October SEEING SOUNDS

Designed especially for young audiences, these concerts are the perfect way to introduce your little ones to the sights and sounds of an orchestra. For children under 5.

Sunday 30th October SPOOKTACULAR!

Family Concert. Music from Nightmare Before Christmas, Ghostbusters, Doctor Who and more, conducted by Kaapo Ijas and presented by Alasdair Malloy.

ST HELEN’S THEATRE ROYAL

www.sthelenstheatreroyal. com/whats-on/

Sunday 16th October POP PRINCESSES

Featuring a soundtrack of top pop hits from artists such as Little Mix, Ariana Grande, Taylor swift. Meghan Trainor and Miley Cyrus, plus all the best songs from all your favourite films and musicals.