Families Cheshire Issue 56 November-December 2018

Cheshire In this issue: Counting down to Christmas (Oh no we’re not... oh yes we are!)

Issue 56 Nov/Dec 2018

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News Families Cheshire is looking for a new editor!

Are you looking for a work/life balance, keen to move beyond the corporate world and work for yourself? Would you like to be the new owner/editor of this established magazine?

A Families franchise offers you a reputable, trusted and ethical brand, access to constant advice and support from head office as well as the support of a friendly and supportive community of over 40 Editors countrywide.

There are so many aspects to the role: writing, editing, proofreading, assisting with

design and print, selling the ad space, working through invoices and accounts. It’s definitely a varied role that gives you a huge skill base to take forward into other roles in the future. The work is challenging, which also makes it really rewarding.

Jayne and Caryl launched Families Cheshire in 2009 and have now made the decision to move on to pastures new. We’re wanting to pass the reins over to someone who will nurture and enjoy it as much as we have – and if that’s you, then please get in touch! editor@familiescheshire.co.uk

Cheshire

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best Make the Days of Open kids Foraging with Is your child sport ready?

In this issue: In this issue

:

Making maths fun!

Winter clubs & classes A safer digital world

Easter fun!

Is Shared Paren Leave for tal you?

Finding the right childcare provider

Issue 52 Mar/A familiesonline.co.uk pr 2018

t 2018 Issue 55 Sep/Oc

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Talking to young children about War this Remembrance Day

Remembrance Day this year will be on Sunday 11 November and will be especially significant as it will mark 100 years since the original agreement to end fighting during the First World War in 1918, also known as Armistice Day. Accordingly, you can expect that there will be a great deal of media coverage given to this significant commemoration and your child may Next issue: Jan/Feb 2019 Circulation: 30,000 copies of Families Cheshire are available through nurseries, schools, libraries, selected shops and other points throughout Cheshire. If you would like free copies for your organisation, please let us know.

Contact details: Families Cheshire, 3 Hall Hill, Bollington SK10 5ED Tel: 01625 801 801 www.familiesonline.co.uk Editors: Jayne Keep & Caryl Hall Editorial: editor@familiescheshire.co.uk 2 Families Cheshire

WIN a Family Ticket to Dick Whittington at The Grange Theatre, Northwich!

Don’t miss The Grange Theatre’s 10th anniversary family pantomime for plenty of laughter and lots of surprises! Running from Monday 17 December – Tuesday 1 January, the professional cast will be accompanied by a live band, with spectacular sets and costumes.

The pantomime stars Northwich favourites Rob Stevens as Dame Sarah Fitzwarren and Oliver Scott as Idle Jack who return for their 3rd triumphant year due to popular demand. The professional cast is completed by Rory McCollum (Dick Whittington), Annabelle Davies (Alice Fitzwarren), Oliver Tattersfield (King Rat) and Grace Thorne (Fairy Bowbells.) The professional cast will also be joined by local dancers who were auditioned earlier in the year.

Tickets are selling faster than ever and can be booked online www.thegrangetheatre.com or by calling the Box Office on 01606 539040.

We’ve got a Family Ticket (for 4 people) to give away to the show!

To be in with a chance of winning, just email your name and number to caryl@familiescheshire.co.uk. The competition closes on Sunday 2 December. Good luck!

In this issue:

Issue 51 Jan/Feb 2018 o.uk familiesonline.c

ARE YOU FEELING LUCKY?!

be prompted to ask you questions.

Discussing war with children can be quite difficult. Recognising this, CBeebies has produced a short animation, simply titled ‘Poppies’ to help convey the notion of remembrance in a way that resonates with a young audience.

It is a really beautiful piece to watch and would be a great way to introduce any discussion of Remembrance Day. The 2 minute film follows a bunny who starts off playing in a meadow, which then becomes a WW1 battlefield.

The film can be viewed on the CBeebies website at www.bbc.co.uk/cbeebies Advertising/artwork: advertising@familiescheshire.co.uk Events, diary dates, what’s on: events@familiescheshire.co.uk Cover Photography: Deposit Photos www.depositphotos.com Design: WITH Creative, Congleton. www.withcreative.co.uk Print: Warwick Printers, Caswell Road Leamington Spa, Warwickshire CV31 1QD Tel: 01926 883355 www.warwickprinting.co.uk

ARE YOU FEELING LUCKY?!

WIN a Family Ticket to A Christmas Carol at the Pavilion Arts Centre, Buxton!

This Winter, Chapterhouse Theatre Company is delighted to be continuing its festive tradition of touring Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol to theatres and stately homes across the UK, and now is your chance to win a family ticket to the performance at Pavilion Arts Centre Buxton on Wednesday 21 or Thursday 22 November! On Christmas Eve, the miserly Ebenezer Scrooge is whisked away on a journey through the past and into the future, accompanied by three ghosts determined to show him the true meaning of Christmas. This festive tale is brought alive in a traditional production complete with beautiful period costumes, song, dance, and a magnificent musical score. Join Chapterhouse Theatre Company and see if Scrooge’s heart will melt in time for Christmas Day… Especially adapted for the stage by award-winning writer Laura Turner, this production is the perfect festive treat for all ages as the evenings start to draw in.

We’ve got a Family Ticket (for 4 people) to give away to the show!

But you’ll need to be quick – just email your name and number to caryl@familiescheshire.co.uk before the closing date of Wednesday 14 November. Good luck!

Families Cheshire is part of Families Print Ltd, a franchise company. All franchised magazines in the group are independently owned and operated under licence. Families is a registered trademark of LCMB Ltd, Remenham House, Regatta Place, Marlow Road, Bourne End, Bucks SL8 5TD. The contents of Families Cheshire are fully protected by copyright and none of the editorial or photographic matter may be reproduced in any form without prior consent of Families Cheshire. Every care is taken in

the preparation of this magazine, but but Families Cheshire, its distributors, the franchise company, Families Print Ltd and LCMB Ltd cannot be held responsible for the claims of advertisers nor for the accuracy of the contents, or any consequence thereof. @FamiliesChesMag facebook.com/FamiliesCheshire

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Where’s Santa Santa’s a very busy man at this time of the year, but he still makes sure he’s available around the region to find out if you’ve been naughty or nice! Here are a few places you’ll be able to find him….

Abbey Gate College Infant & Junior School, Chester Countdown to Christmas Fri 7 Dec, 10 – 11.45am Christmas Crafts, refreshments and the chance to meet Santa in his Grotto! www.abbeygatecollege.co.uk Anderson Boat Lift, Northwich Santa Cruises Weekends 1 – 24 Dec Join Santa and his helpers for a festive cruise along the River Weaver Navigation on the Edwin Clark trip boat. Booking Essential. www.canalrivertrust.org.uk Astbury Meadow Garden Centre, Congleton Breakfast or Supper with Santa Breakfast: Sat 8, 15, 22 and 24 Dec Supper: Thurs 20 Dec Whilst you tuck into your freshly cooked meal Santa will arrive with his magical sack of presents. Festive activities, write your very own letter to Santa and colour in one of our favourite Christmas pictures. Those who have been extra good this year will get a special gift from Santa. Booking essential. www.klondyke.co.uk

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Audacious Church, Sovereign Way, Chester Audacious Christmas Experience Santa’s Grotto with a gift for all children and festive food and drink.

And a fabulously funny pantomime too! www.audaciouschurch.com/ christmas Bellis Brothers Farm Shop & Garden Centre, Hold Village, Wrexham Santa & Real Reindeer Parade Fri 30 Nov, 6 – 8pm (Reindeer will be at the centre all weekend). Late night shopping, brass band, children’s entertainment, food tastings.

Santa’s Grotto Weekends from Fri 30 Nov – Sun 23 Dec / £4.50 (includes gift) Breakfast with Santa Saturdays in Dec / Adult £7955, Child 7.45 (includes gift). Booking essential www.bellisbrothers.co.uk

Blakemere Village, Northwich Christmas Woodland Find Father Christmas in a unique outdoor theatrical experience set in the heart of magical Cheshire woodlands! With wonderful woodland characters, you can meet Father Christmas and receive a gift, decorate gingerbread men with Mrs Claus, enjoy outdoor family skating and seasonal refreshments! www.christmaswoodland.co.uk Brookside Garden Centre, Poynton Breakfast or Supper with Santa Breakfast: Sat 8, 15, 22 and 24 Dec Supper: Thurs 20 Dec Whilst you tuck into your freshly cooked meal Santa will arrive with his magical sack of presents. Festive activities, write your very own letter to Santa and colour in one of our favourite Christmas pictures. Those who have been extra good this year will get a special gift from Santa.

Booking essential. www.klondyke.co.uk

Carters Green Farm, Crewe Weston Christmas Lights Display Sat 1 – Fri 28 Dec With a visit from Santa every Friday, Saturday and Sunday evening and a chance to have a ‘sleigh selfie’ with the big man himself; this is sure to put you in the mood for a jolly Christmas! You can meet inflatable festive characters (featuring Frosty the Snowman); enjoy surround sound Christmas music, take a look inside Santa’s Grotto and enjoy your own festive ice cream from our own special ‘Mr Whippy’ van! 6.15 – 9pm daily. www.facebook.com/westonlightdisplay Cathedral Gardens, Manchester Ice Village Fri 9 Nov – Sat 5 Jan / 11am – 9pm Set against a backdrop of snow-covered trees and twinkling lights, there’s plenty to enjoy for both children and adults.

Wrap up warm and enjoy the Ice Rink, the Arctic Bar and visit the Christmas elves hard at work in the Ice Cavernwhich houses a frozen toy factory, or see Santa in his Grotto. The Ice Village site will be free to enter, and there’ll be free activities to enjoy, but visitors will need to purchase tickets for the ice cave ice sculpture exhibition, for Santa’s grotto, and for the ice skating rink. www.icevillage.co.uk

Families Cheshire 3

Where’s Santa Chester Zoo The Lanterns at Chester Zoo Fri 23 Nov - Sun 23 Dec Kick-start your Christmas countdown at Chester Zoo and explore a magical festive wonderland, full of sparkle, illumination and a sprinkling of snow!

Encounter new fantastical and colourful worlds, full of animal-inspired illuminations and traditional festive scenes that will leave you with a warm and fuzzy feeling inside.

And remember…keep an eye out for Father Christmas on his sleigh. He could be just around the corner! www.chesterzoo.org Chill Factore, Trafford Santa’s Grotto Father Christmas and his helpers will be at Chill Factore every weekend in Nov from 17 Nov and every day in Dec until Christmas Eve. Treat all the family to the ultimate Christmas experience with family fun in our snow park where you’ll ride the downhill doughnuts, luges and sledges, plus a snowy visit to see Santa himself for only £2.50 on top of the normal snow park price. Each child who meets Santa in his magical Manchester grotto also receives a gift www.chillfactore.com Church Farm, Wirral The Santa Experience Weekends 1 ¬– 23 Dec Visit the beautifully lit-up forest for songs, dancing and audience participation with the folk from the North Pole. Plus mulled wine and mince pies for adults, and chocolate gifts for children. www.churchfarm.org.uk Congleton Town Centre Congleton Christmas Festival Sat 24 Nov Christmas Makers Market, Charity Stalls and Santa’s Grotto in the Town Hall, Fair Rides on the closed High Street, a full programme of Stage & Street Entertainment, Lantern Procession, Switch-On Countdown and Finale Firework Display! This is all before Santa returns to Lapland at 6pm. www.congleton-tc.gov.uk Cotebrook Shire Horse Centre Breakfast with Santa Sat 8 & Sun 9 Dec, Sat 15 & Sun 16 Dec Santa and his elves will greet you and take you to your table. He will then bring a special gift for each child.

Children’s breakfast includes a drink and a present. Adult breakfast includes a hot drink.

Booking essential. www.cotebrookshirehorses.co.uk Foxfield Railway, Blythe Bridge Santa Specials Weekends in Dec A truly fun packed Christmas awaits on board Santa’s magical train journey, delivering an abundance of festive cheer & merriment. Relax in the decorated coaches with a seasonal glass of sherry and a scrumptious mince pie whilst the children meet ‘Santa Claus’ and receive their quality presents. www.foxfieldrailway.co.uk

4 Families Cheshire

Glebe Farm, Astbury Santa at Glebe Farm Weekends in Dec Join Santa in his Grotto at the Barn at Glebe Farm. He’ll be dropping in between 11am and 1pm and again between 2pm and 4pm to meet all the girls and boys and hear their Christmas wishes.

There will also be a gift for each child too. All for just £5.95 per child. www.glebefarmastbury.co.uk Hamleys, Trafford Centre Meet Father Christmas Sat 24 Nov – Mon 24 Dec Jingle all the way to the Finest Toy Shop in the world to join Father Christmas and his loveable elves for fun, magic and theatre at this very special time of year. Meet Father Christmas at Hamleys is an extra special experience where children will take part in seasonal games and activities, spend time with Father Christmas and receive an extra special gift bag to take home. Booking essential. www.hamleys.com High Legh Garden Centre, Knutsford Santa’s Grotto Weekends from Sat 24 Nov – Sun 23 Dec & Mon 24 Dec Breakfast with Santa: Sat 8, 15, 22 Dec & Mon 24 Dec Supper with Santa: Thurs 20 Dec Booking essential www.klondyke.co.uk Knutsford Christmas Market, Christmas Lights Switch On & Reindeer Parade Sat 1 & Sun 2 Dec. Parade 5pm Saturday. Lights switch on 6pm Saturday. A fantastic assortment of community entertainment. Santa’s team of Reindeer bring him along King Street and into Canute Place before he says hello to his fans! www.knutsfordtowncouncil.org.uk

Manchester Arndale Santa’s Grotto Thurs 16 Nov – Sun 23 Dec Pre-booking essential www.manchesterarndale.com Norton Priory Museum and Gardens Elf School!

Sun 9 Dec Fun filled festive delights with Elfie Doodles! Train to become one of Santa’s Elves with magic, music and merriment. Includes balloon reindeer wand workshop, candy cane, engraved medal and certificate for every child presented by Santa. £15 per child includes one free adult ticket. Additional adult ticket £5 www.nortonpriory.org Notcutts Garden Centre, Rivendell Santa’s Grotto / Breakfast or Tea with Santa / Santa Paws Grotto: Sun 18 Nov – Mon 24 Dec / £10.50 per child Enjoy a truly special Christmas experience this year at Santa’s Grotto where a magical Winter Wonderland awaits! As well as meeting Santa, your child will receive a Christmas gift, personally given by Santa.

Breakfast with Santa: Sat 24 Nov – Sun 23 Dec / £15 per child Tea with Santa: Tues 4 – Fri 21 Dec / £15 per child Treat your children to a very special and delicious breakfast or scrummy tea in the company of Santa himself.

Expect a fun-filled mealtime including a special present, and an activity with Santa or his elves.

Santa Paws: Thurs 29 Nov / £10.50 per dog and owner All dogs have made the Nice List,

whether they are a sock stealer, a furniture chewer or a fence jumper!

We have treats on hand to make sure they are on their best behaviour to meet Santa. Every dog will enjoy some fuss from Santa as well as a lovely Christmas present. www.notcutts.digitickets.co.uk Oddfellows on the Park, Cheadle Santa’s Grotto Afternoon Tea Sun 2, Sun 9, Thurs 20 & Mon 24th Dec Bring your little ones down to meet Santa in his Grotto, whilst treating yourselves to a festive afternoon tea!

Good boys and girls will receive an early Christmas gift from Santa himself.

Places must be pre-booked. www.oddfellowsonthepark.com Quarry Bank Mill Meet Father Christmas Weekends 1 – 23 Dec Storytelling, crafts and dressing up.

Suitable for up to age 10.

Baby and Toddler sessions: Fri 30 Nov, 7 & 14 Dec – storytelling and play session with a private family visit to Father Christmas as well as a gift.

Normal admission charges apply.

Booking essential. www.nationaltrust.org.uk/ quarry-bank

Lion Salt Works, Northwich A Victorian Christmas at the Works Tues 4 – Sun 9 Dec Celebrate the start of the Christmas season with festive fun for all the family, including music and traditional crafts, plus the community Christmas Market in the grounds of the Lion Salt Works.

Santa has sent a message that he will be here too! www.events.westcheshiremuseums.co.uk The Lowry Outlet Mall, Salford Claus’ Christmas Cabin Thurs 22 Nov – Mon 24 Dec Meet Santa, hear stories from Mrs Claus and receive a special toy. For children aged 1 – 9 years. £8 per child, adults free. This experience is aimed at children aged between one and nine and entry is £8 per child but adults go free. www.lowryoutlet.co.uk Lyme Park, Disley An audience with Father Christmas Sat 24 Nov - Wed 19 Dec Bring your little ones to experience the magic of the season. Listen to a festive story with Mother Christmas and receive your special present from Father Christmas himself! Booking essential. www.nationaltrust.org.uk/lyme Macclesfield Town Centre Christmas Fair and Light Switch On Sat 1 Dec, 12 – 6pm See if you can spot Santa during the day of festivities!

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Where’s Santa Queen’s Lower School, Chester Christmas Cracker Sat 1 Dec, 9.30 – 11.30am A chance to get a little gift from a special visitor at this morning of festive art, drama, craft and musical activities for girls aged 2–6 and their families. Meet the elves and reindeer too! Free event but register online as places limited. www.thequeensschool.co.uk Sandbach Town Centre Christmas Market and Late Night Shopping Fri 30 Nov, 3 – 8pm. A fabulous Christmassy atmosphere with over 100 stalls, music and Santa in his Grotto!

Stockley Farm Exciting Elf Experience Sat 1 – Mon 16 Dec. 2½ hours of Christmassy fun – make decorations, help the Elves tell the story of Christmas in our live panto and meet the farms’ friendly animals. And receive a gift from Father Christmas in his Grotto.

Advance booking essential. www.stockleyfarm.co.uk Tatton Park Father Christmas at the Farm Sat 1 & Sun 2 Dec Come and see your favourite farmyard friends when you visit Father Christmas and his reindeer, Prancer and Dancer. £7 adult, £6.50 per child (includes gift from Father Christmas).

Lantern Parade Fri 7 Dec A special evening for all the family. Father Christmas will be in the Stableyard and the Christmas Mansion, Gift Fair, shops and restaurants will all be open late. www.tattonpark.org.uk

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Tegg’s Nose Country Park Father Christmas Sat 15 & Sun 16 Dec Visit Father Christmas in his festive grotto at Tegg’s Nose Country Park Visitor Centre. 10am – 3pm / Under 12s / Booking essential. Enjoy a hot drink or festive treats at the Tegg’s Nose Tea Room next to the grotto while you’re waiting and after your visit why not buy a ‘Elf Hunt’ map from the Tea Room and explore the park looking for Father Christmas’s little helpers! Each child will receive a small treat from Father Christmas to take away. www.cheshireeast.gov.uk/rangers Wilmslow Garden Centre Breakfast with Santa Sat 8, 15, 22 and 24 Dec Whilst you tuck into your freshly cooked meal Santa will arrive with his magical sack of presents. Festive activities, write your very own letter to Santa and colour in one of our favourite Christmas pictures.

Those who have been extra good this year will get a special gift from Santa.

Booking essential. www.klondyke.co.uk Winterfunland, Event City, Manchester Santa’s Grotto 7 – 24 Dec Open daily until Christmas Eve. Entrance to the grotto is included in your Winterfunland entrance ticket, but there are additional charges for a present from Santa and photo opportunities. Reindeer Rudolf and Dancer will also be looking forward to meeting all the children. www.winterfunland.com

Wyevale Garden Centre, Tarporley Santa’s Grotto, Breakfast or Tea with Santa Grotto: Weekends from Sat 17 Nov – Sun 23 Dec & Mon 24 Dec / £10.95 per child, including present from Santa.

Breakfast/Tea: Weekends from Sat 1 – Sun 23 Dec & Mon 24 Dec A special Christmas event for kids and grown-ups too! Suitable for children ages 3 – 8. Booking essential. www.wyevalegardencentres.co.uk

Top ways to write to Santa Gone are the days of sending letters up the chimney with present requests! Now contacting Santa is an altogether more fun and exciting mission.

Top ways to get in touch include: • Write an email to Santa at emailsanta.com and he will send you a reply faster than Rudolph can fly!

• You can surprise your children with a personalised letter from Father Christmas whilst helping to raise funds for the NSPCC. All letters are age-appropriate and come with beautiful illustrations. Request your letter delivered via RudolphMail at www.nspcc.org.uk (suggested donation £5).

• Get a personalised video from Santa using Portable North Pole App at www.portablenorthpole.com/en and Santa will commend those with good behaviour and offer a few words of encouragement for those naughty ones!

• Order an authentic, personal, quality Santa letter – including a personalised Santa bumper activity pack delivered direct to your child with a Lapland postal stamp! From £8.90. www.laplandletters.co.uk

Families Cheshire 5

Gift shopping Header Fri 9 Nov

Macclesfield Golf Club Christmas Shopping Event 7 – 9pm / £3 (includes a glass of mulled wine). Christmas shopping all in aid of fundraising for the Golf Club. www.maccgolfclub.co.uk

Sat 10 Nov

Glebe Farm, Astbury Food and Drink Fayre Join us for a fabulous feast for the eyes and stomach. Drool over all the amazing food and drink and sample to your hearts content. Meet the makers and suppliers and benefit from a host of special offers. FREE entry and FREE parking! www.glebefarmastbury.co.uk

Fri 30 Nov

Sandbach Town Centre Christmas Market and Late Night Shopping 3 – 8pm. Choirs, Santa in his Grotto, Brass Bands, Roasted Chestnuts, Mulled Wine and Christmas lights.

Over 100 stalls in the Market Square, up the High Street, in the Market Hall and over Little Common. All Town Centre shops offering late night shopping and The Olive and Stitch market up in the Town Hall.

Sat 1 Dec

Sun 11 Nov

The Grange Junior School, Northwich Northwich NCT Nearly New Sale 1 – 2.30pm (12.30pm for NCT members) / £1 per adult entry donation. Over 10,000 nearly new, quality, baby and children’s items for sale. nns.northwich@nct.org.uk

Fri 16 - Sun 18 Nov

Tatton Park, Knutsford Foodies Festival Xmas Demos from Masterchef and Great British Menu winners, as well as Great British Bakeoff contestants. Workshops, gifts, Elf’s cookery school for the kids, Street Food, Drinks and a Pudding Hall with loads of tastings. www.tattonpark.org.uk

Fri 16 Nov - Sat 22 Dec

Chester City Centre Chester Christmas Markets Over 70 traditional wooden chalets situated in the heart of Chester, all wrapped around a sparkling Christmas tree. www.visitcheshire.com

Thurs 22 – Sun 25 Nov

Lowry Outlet Mall Christmas Makers Market The plaza will be transformed into a Christmas market offering a slice of seasonal shopping you won’t find on the high street. There will also be a host of hot food stalls offering a great range of tasty treats and street entertainers will be bringing that bit of extra seasonal sparkle over the four days.

Further festive Makers Markets will be taking place in December with traders rotating each week selling unique arts, crafts and food produce. They will be held inside the centre on Sat 1 & Sun 2 Dec, Sat 8 & Sun 9 Dec and Sat 15 & Sun 16 Dec.

The Yew Tree, Chester Pop-Up Christmas Market 10.30am – 2.30pm Christmas carols and festive stalls from local small and artisan businesses with plenty of treats and gifts and of course a mulled wine bar – hey, it is Christmas! www.bunburyyewtree.co.uk Knutsford Town Centre Christmas Markets, light switch on and Reindeer Parade Kicking off the Christmas season in style with a fantastic assortment of community entertainment from 1pm to 7pm on Saturday 1st December 2018, with the light switch on at 6pm. The reindeer parade takes place at 5pm. www.knutsfordtowncouncil.gov.uk Macclesfield Town Centre Christmas Fair and Light Switch On 12 – 6pm. Christmas Craft fair in the Town Hall, Christmas Market, Street Entertainers, Fairground Rides plus the usual favourites like food and drink, Santa and fireworks as well as Victorian Carol Singers performing and roaming around the town centre throughout the day! Light switch on between 4.30 and 5pm.

Sun 2 Dec

Bramhall Village Light Up Bramhall The day begins at 11am when the Christmas market opens. At 1pm the entertainment will begin on a stage in the middle of Bramhall Lane South, featuring a variety of great acts and reaching a climax with ‘A Million Dreams’ - a tribute to The Greatest Showman. The ‘Light Up’ itselfwill take place at 5pm and will feature a combination of lights, lasers and snow!

The Rising Sun, Hazel Grove Hazel Grove Winter Wonderland Christmas Markets, a visit from Santa, gift stalls, local brass bands and choirs!

Dig out your Christmas jumpers and join in the festive fun.

Congleton Cricket Club Christmas Artisan Market 10am – 3pm. Indoor event with free entry. Lots of amazing, beautiful gifts by talented local crafters! Teas/ Coffees from 10am, Bar opens 12noon.

Tues 4 – Sun 9 Dec

Lion Salt Works, Northwich A Victorian Christmas at the Works Christmas Market open Tuesday – Saturday 10.30am-8pm. Activities daily 10.30am-5pm. Festive fun for all the family, including music and traditional crafts, plus the community Christmas Market in the grounds of the Lion Salt Works. Santa has sent a message that he will be here too! www.westcheshiremuseums.co.uk

Fri 7 – Sun 9 Dec

Tatton Park Tatton Christmas Shopping Fair You’re sure to find that perfect gift with over 40 stalls in the Tenants Hall offering a wide range of present ideas, food and drinks and Christmas Essentials. www.tattonpark.org.uk

Sat 8 Dec

Lymm Village Lymm Dickensian Christmas Festival 11am – 5pm. A community event for all the family. Stalls, entertainers, food, drink. music, dance, and a flotilla (weather permitting)

Sun 9th Dec

Fir Road, Bramhall Fir Road Christmas Markets They’re back and better than before, running from the Ladybrook pub to Victoria’s hair studio, packed with market stalls and fairground rides for the kids! The markets will also be fundraising for The British Heart Foundation.

Sat 15 & Sun 16 Dec

Frodsham Centre Frodsham Frost Fair Gifts a plenty, discover beautiful ceramics, unique clothing, hand woven scarves, felted bags, solid wood bowls, handmade silver jewellery, original art & much more. www.theartisannetwork.co.uk

Sun 16 Dec

Linney Road, Bramhall Bramhall Christmas Worker Bee Markets 11am – 3pm. A Christmas themed artisan market a week before the big day! Pick up some unique gifts and stock up on fresh produce and goodies.

Hot street food is also available.

Sat 22 & Sun 23 Dec

Manchester Indoor Christmas Market Bowlers Exhibition Centre, Trafford Park Gifts, crafts, jewellery, clothes, toys, food and drink. Child friendly environment and free parking. www.ticketquarter.co.uk

Sun 23 Dec

Macclesfield Town Centre Treacle Market at Christmas A truly Festive Treacle Market around the giant town Christmas Tree on the cobbles of the old Marketplace & streets around. Find 170 stalls of all things delicious, curious and beautifully made, to source special treats for your Festive table and last minute, unique gifts. Stamp your feet by the brass band, cradle a cup of something Festive and warm and soak up the authentic Christmas atmosphere with family and friends.

Christmas the way it should be!

Local Shopping Directory The White Giraffe

Little Bagatelles

Precious Wreaths

The White Giraffe is an online retailer of toys and party supplies for children of all ages.

We stock all the latest must have toys for your little ones and all you need to guarantee a great birthday party! Get 10% off your first order by entering coupon code: FAMILIES10 at checkout.

Expires 28/2/19 www.thewhitegiraffe.co.uk

Unique, designer hand finished wooden and glass gifts for you, your family and friends. Quality craftsmanship and attention to detail.

07783 643593 / wasilina@hotmail.com or www.etsy.com/uk/shop/ littlebagatelles

The festive season is almost here and at Precious Wreaths we just LOVE creating stunning, bespoke artificial and real wreath designs which you can display on your front door or inside your home. So wow your family and friends with a gorgeous wreath this Christmas - all design ideas welcome! Contact Jeanette 07859 048093 or email: jeanette@preciouswreaths.co.uk

Sat 24 Nov

Congleton Town Centre Congleton Christmas Festival Christmas Makers Market, Charity Stalls and Santa’s Grotto in the Town Hall, Fair Rides on the closed High Street, a full programme of Stage & Street Entertainment, Lantern Procession, Switch-On Countdown and Finale Firework Display! This is all before Santa returns to Lapland at 6pm. www.congleton-tc.gov.uk

Sun 25 Nov

Norton Priory Museum and Gardens, Runcorn Norton Priory Christmas Fair Stalls selling crafts, gifts and local produce throughout the museum and atmospheric medieval undercroft. Enjoy traditional Gluhwein in the wine cellar or pick up some tasty treats. Children’s activities and trails for families. Entry £3 per person. www.nortonpriory.org

6 Families Cheshire

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Gift shopping I DID IT! Children’s Subscription Box From just £6.99 I DID IT! activities and projects for children are inspired by science, tech, engineering art and maths. You can buy a single purchase kit that includes 1 activity or 2. That’s a Little Box Big Discovery or a Double The Fun Box. Each one includes everything your child needs to have some really great screen free time.

OR you can subscribe each month to receive either size box. Month to month, 3 months or 6 months subscriptions available. There’s something for everyone’s

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budget. A perfect gift or gift subscription – kits include the solar system, bug bingo family game, first electrical circuits, sand art canvas, design a shell photo frame & lots more.

Educational, but they’ll be having too much fun to notice!

Every kit is personalised with your child’s name or the child

you are gifting it to. PLUS they are offering a FREE Christmas gift wrap service on all orders placed up to and including 17 December 2018. Shop now at www.ididitco.co.uk or at www.uOpen.com.

As featured on uOpen.com - Family & Kids and Arts & Crafts Subscription Boxes.

Families Cheshire 7

Gift shopping This year’s must-have Christmas toy guide Every year, desperate parents exhaust themselves searching high and low for the most wanted toys on their child’s Christmas list. To avoid last minute panic and possible disappointment, the key is to do your research and start shopping early.

To help you get prepared, we’ve put together a guide to Families’ top ten favourite Christmas toys for 2018.

Dino Fingerling (£16.99)

www.argos.co.uk Age: 6+ This year WowWee Toys’ popular Fingerlings are all about dinosaurs (or mythical unicorns, if you fancy something a little less fierce). The dinos respond to motion and sound and are bound to be a massive hit.

LEGO Harry Potter Hogwarts Set (£89.99)

www.amazon.co.uk Age: 9-15 Lego and Harry Potter in the same box, what’s not to love? If you’ve got a wizard-mad child at home, this 878-piece set will allow them to recreate the magic of Hogwarts. This lovely set has lots of detail that will give Harry Potter fans hours of fun.

Chow Crown Game (£24.99)

www.argos.co.uk Age: 5+ A silly game for the whole family. The hat plays music, and while the beats are going, the crown spins round, and the wearer has to eat as many of the food items attached to the forks as possible.

A game that’s most fun when hunger looms, you are in charge of loading the food items on to the forks. You can choose tasty treats like marshmallows and strawberries or items that might not be so palatable! Great fun for parties and sleepovers too.

Pie Face Cannon (£26.99)

www.amazon.co.uk Age: 5+ Pie Face continues to make the Christmas list year after year, and 2018 looks to be no different. This year you can buy a Pie Face Cannon. The cannon fires a pie every time, and it’s up to the contestant to use the red hand to stop getting “pied”. A great game to play after Christmas dinner! Pies away!

The Poopsie Unicorn Surprise, £49.99

www.amazon.co.uk Age: 3+ Mums and dads across the country will be delighted to find this defecating unicorn on Christmas lists! The Poopsie Unicorn Surprise is a ‘cute’ toy that poops out glittery slime when you feed it special unicorn food. While I can hear parents visibly groaning, this is sure to be a hit with unicorn-lovers everywhere. Plus, if you’re worried about getting unicorn glitter poo all over your carpet on Christmas day, never fear, the toy comes with its own potty!

Densters (£19.99)

www.firebox.com Age: 3+ All children love building a den! This great kit allows kids to set up their own hideaway in minutes.

The set contains flexible toy monsters so you can create a magical den from everyday household items. It’s a great way to get your kids off a gadget!

Ani-Mate Mini Movie Maker Kit (£14.99)

www.findmeagift.co.uk Age: 8+ Create quirky little movies with your own phone and this ingenious Mini Movie Maker Kit. It includes modelling clay, modelling tools and googly eyes to make your own kooky characters, and backdrops so kids can create their own film.

This is a great present or stocking filler for a budding animator or storyteller.

VTech Kiddizoom Smart Watch (£44.99)

www.amazon.co.uk Age: 4+ This cool watch features a camera for photo and video taking, 3D style digital and analogue clock faces and eight great games. It also has a motion sensor for a pedometer so they can measure their steps. The watch also has a calculator, calendar, alarm, stopwatch and voice recorder. Plus the option to download more apps and games!

Gravitrax (£48.29)

www.amazon.co.uk Age: 8+ A cool game that encourages kids to boost their STEM skills. Use your imagination to build superb tracks and set the Gravity Spheres rolling! The game combines physics, architecture, and engineering, to engage and improve young minds. You can also buy additional packs to extend the system. A great buy for kids that love building, marble runs and Lego.

My Rebounder Mini Rebounding Trampoline, £89.99

www.myrebounder.co.uk Age 4+ Classic fun, these rebounders (small trampolines) will keep kids active all year round and can be used inside and out. They help improve strength, balance, co-ordination and general fitness. They can also be folded, so they won’t take up too much room.

30% off ticket prices for Families readers to Foodies Festival at Tatton Park!

Christmas is coming early to Tatton Park with the return of the country’s largest food and drink event.

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Foodies Festival, billed as the UK’s ‘biggest celebration of food and drink’ will be back from 16 – 18 November offering a mouthwatering array of festive-themed attractions.

The three-day event showcases the best of Cheshire restaurants, chefs, street food and UK food and drink producers in huge marquees.

Visitors can hone their hosting skills in the 12 Top Festive Tips masterclasses and get merry with

craft beer, wine and champagne tasting sessions in the Drinks Theatre.

The Food Theatre is also returning with a programme of cookery demonstrations by TV chefs cooking up their ideal Christmas treats.

The festive theme continues with an Elf’s Cookery School for children, music stage with Christmas carols and artisan market with more than 100 stalls selling mouth-watering food

and gorgeous gifts.

Attractions also include the ever-popular Gin Alley, awardwinning treats in Pudding Hall and Champagne Ski Bar. The line-up of star chefs will include famous faces from The Great British Bake Off and MasterChef champions.

And Families readers can get a 30% discount on tickets by entering FOODIES30 at the checkout! www.foodiesfestival.com

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Panto’s & family shows The Gruffalo’s Child The Lowry, Salford Fri 9 – Sun 11 Nov A magical, musical adaptation of Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler’s award-winning sequel to The Gruffalo.

Recommended for ages 3+ www.thelowry.com

Smile Waterside, Sale Sat 10 Nov Told through magical, theatrical chamber music, and performed by 3 exceptional musicians, Smile tells the story of Augustus the tiger and his search for his smile. Recommended for ages 3 – 6. www.watersidearts.org Father Christmas Needs A Wee Parr Hall, Warrington Sat 17 Nov Father Christmas is back on his rounds… and he still needs a WEE! www.pyramidparrhall.com Luna The Lowry, Salford Sun 18 Nov A magical first time theatre experience about friendship, the moon and being brave in the dark. For 2-5 year olds and their families. www.thelowry.com Matthew Bourne’s Swan Lake The Lowry, Salford Tues 20 Nov – Sat 1 Dec Matthew Bourne’s Swan Lake returns with a fresh look for the 21st Century.

Thrilling, audacious, witty and emotive, this Swan Lake is perhaps still best known for replacing the female corps-deballet with a menacing male ensemble, which shattered conventions, turned tradition upside down and took the dance world by storm. www.thelowry.com Nitro Circus ‘You Got This’ Tour Manchester Arena Thurs 22 Nov Nitro Circus, the world’s biggest action sports entertainment brand, creates electrifying live events and unbelievable original content that at once exhilarates, captivates and inspires thrill-seeking fans worldwide. www.manchester-arena.com Matilda The Musical Palace Theatre, Manchester Until Sat 24 November The multi-award winning musical from the Royal Shakespeare Company, inspired by the beloved book by the incomparable Roald Dahl. For ages 6+, no under 3s will be admitted. The show contains loud noises and some scenes may be unsuitable for very young children. www.manchestertheatres.com

costumes, stunning sets and spectacular effects this is the one affordable family treat that you, your party or group most definitely will not want to miss….ohhhhh no you won’t! Starring the sensational Ted Robbins and Claire King. www.stockportplaza.co.uk Aladdin Forum Studio Theatre, Chester Fri 30 Nov - Sat 5 Jan Silly comic, a daft dame, a pretty panda, custard pies, ‘e’s be’ind yer, even more lashings of audience participation…and oh...and you might recognise the odd joke or two!

Enjoy plenty of songs, dance, laughter and sumptuous costumes in this traditional family-friendly panto. www.ents24.com Tarvin Community Centre, Chester Aladdin & his wonderful lamp Sat 1 Dec A traditional pantomime from Bitesize Theatre Company.

Stick Man The Lowry, Salford Sat 1 Dec – Sun 6 Jan Packed full of puppetry, songs, live music and funky moves. www.thelowry.com The Nutcracker Storyhouse Cinema, Chester Mon 3 Dec A Christmas treat for the whole family and a classic with a special place in the hearts of ballet fans around the world. A screening in the Cinema. www.storyhouse.com Raymond Briggs’ Father Christmas Waterside, Sale Tues 4 – Mon 31 Dec. With plenty of live music, songs and playful puppetry, this critically acclaimed adaptation of Raymond Briggs’ much loved book is a delightful festive treat for children to enjoy. www.watersidearts.org Wicked Palace Theatre, Manchester Tues 4 Dec – Sat 5 Jan This unforgettable musical transports audiences to a stunningly re-imagined world of Oz, providing marvels beyond your imagination. Wicked tells the incredible untold story of an unlikely but profound friendship between two young women who first meet as sorcery students. www.manchestertheatres.com

The Scary Fairy Saves Christmas The Lowry, Salford Wed 5 Dec A fairy tale for children of all ages. www.thelowry.com

The Wizard of Oz Storyhouse, Chester Fri 7 Dec – Sun 6 Jan This Christmas, we’re off on a wonderful journey! Based on the classic MGM motion picture, featuring the beloved songs Somewhere Over The Rainbow and We’re Off To See The Wizard. www.storyhouse.com Cinderella Manchester Opera House Sat 8 – Sun 30 Dec Laugh-out-loud comedy, stunning scenery and special effects, beautiful costumes and plenty of boos and hisses for all the family to enjoy! With Connor McIntyre, Les Dennis and Gareth Gates. www.manchestertheatres.com Dick Whittington Buxton Opera House Sat 8 – Sun 30 Dec Buxton’s favourite Dame, James Holmes (‘Clive’ from the hit comedy series Miranda) returns as Dame Sarah the Cook, while Gabrielle Green (‘Katrina’ from CBBC’s Wolfblood) is the lovely Alice Fitzwarren. www.buxtonoperahouse.org.uk The Hallé’s Christmas Family Concert Bridgewater Hall Sun 9 Dec This amazing afternoon of festive family fun is packed with sing-alongs, jingle-alongs, surprises and laughter, which makes it the perfect start to the Christmas countdown. Even Santa takes time out to put in an appearance! Most suitable for primary age children but all welcome. www.bridgewater-hall.co.uk

Nutcracker Parr Hall, Warrington Sun 9 Dec Be swept away on a magical adventure in one of the most famous classical ballets of all time – The Nutcracker. Brought to you by Vienna Festival Ballet, with its combination of enchanting choreography and unforgettable music, this fabulous show is a Christmas treat like no other. www.pyramidparrhall.com

Cinderella Northwich Memorial Court Sun 9 – Mon 31 Dec A fantastic line-up including Atomic Kitten’s Kerry Katona and Heartbeat’s Tricia Penrose as the Wicked Step Sisters!

Joining them on stage is the X Factor’s Lloyd Daniels as Prince Charming and Georgie Jackson as Cinderella! Northwich favourites Ryan Greaves and Steve Moorewood return as Buttons and Dame Hardup, and Kate Salmon joins the cast as the Fairy Godmother! Will Cinderella escape her Wicked Step Sisters? Will she go to the ball? All will be revealed this December! www.brioleisure.org/bookings

Audacious Church, Trinity Way, Manchester The Great Nativity Disaster Fri 14 - Sun 16 Dec An unmissable Christmas show, depicting the nativity story as you’ve never seen before! Loads of laughter guaranteed for the whole family.

And the excitement doesn’t stop there!

The Audacious Christmas experience includes an outdoor ice rink, Santa’s Grotto with a gift for all children, aswell as beautiful Christmas markets. www.audaciouschurch.com/christmas

Comedysportz 4 Tots Waterside, Sale Sat 24 Nov The comedy show for kids aged 6 and under! This highly interactive comedy show promises plenty of BIG laughs for little kids with silly songs, stories and games. There are loads of opportunities for kids to get involved in this completely improvised show. Suitable for age 6 and under. www.watersidearts.org Sleeping Beauty Stockport Plaza Fri 30 Nov – Sun 5 Jan Magically awaken your dreams over the festive season! With beautiful familiesonline.co.uk

Families Cheshire 9

Panto’s & family shows The Forest of Forgotten Discos Hope Mill Theatre, Manchester Tues 11 – Sun 23 Dec Join Contact for a new and exciting show for children aged 5+ (and the older ones who look after them!) There is a mystery in the forest – everyone has forgotten about dancing and bright lights and disco. Even Alexa – the virtual assistant from the Amazon Rainforest – can’t tell us why. www.hopemilltheatre.co.uk Doctor Dolittle The Lowry, Salford Thurs 11 Dec – Sat 5 Jan Join the eccentric Doctor, his human companions and his exotic menagerie of animal friends on an extraordinary adventure to find the Giant Pink Sea Snail, that holds the secret of life and making the world a happier place. www.thelowry.com Aladdin Forum Theatre, Romiley 14 – 16, 20 & 21 Dec www.nktheatre.co.uk Jack and the Beanstalk Crewe Lyceum Theatre Fri 14 Dec – Sun 6 Jan The legendary Cannon & Ball star in this year’s must-see production of Jack and the Beanstalk alongside star of stage and screen and Britain’s Got Talent winner George Sampson as panto hero Jack Trot! Featuring a fantastic 3D sequence which will transport audiences on an adventure through the giant’s castle in a glittering production packed full of comedy, music, audience participation and fantastic special effects. www.crewelyceum.co.uk

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Comedysportz Improvised Panto Waterside, Sale Fri 14 & Sat 15 Dec Fed up of the same old pantomimes every year? Then get ready for the brand new all ages, all improvised pantomime from the team behind ComedySportz (OH YES IT IS)! Each show the gang will improvise a brand new pantomime - with a few favourite ComedySportz games thrown in for good measure - with heroes, villains, songs and silliness guaranteed. Inspired by your suggestions, no two shows are the same with this alternative festive treat for the whole family to enjoy. www.watersidearts.org Santa’s Christmas Party The Brindley Theatre, Runcorn Fri 14 – Mon 17 Dec The show where every child receives a present from Santa! Christmas is the busiest time of year at the North Pole, when Father Christmas makes presents to deliver across the whole world…and when everyone gets ready for Santa’s Christmas Party! But this year somebody has been up to mischief… www.thebrindley.org.uk The Snowman with The Hallé Bridgewater Hall Sat 15 & Sun 16 Dec Bring all the family along to the big screening of The Snowman, the animated classic by Raymond Briggs.

The film will be accompanied live by the Hallé performing Howard Blake’s beautiful score – including the magical song ‘Walking in the Air’. www.bridgewater-hall.co.uk

Beauty & The Beast The Brindley Theatre, Runcorn 15 Dec – 13 Jan Presented by Polka Dot Pantomime Full of spectacular scenery, dazzling costumes, hilarious jokes, singalong songs and fun for all the family! www.thebrindley.org.uk Aladdin Ellesmere Port Civic Hall Sun 16 – Mon 24 Dec Take a magical carpet journey with Coronation Street’s Nigel Pivaro as Abanazar and Britain’s Got Talent runner up Lucy Kay as Princess Jasmine!

Will Aladdin conquer the evil Abanazar?

Will the genie grant his wishes? www.brioleisure.org/bookings

Christmas At The Movies Bridgewater Hall, Manchester Wed 19 Dec A concert of timeless classics and great music from your favourite festive films: Home Alone I & II / Love Actually / Harry Potter / Elf / Holiday Inn / It’s a Wonderful Life / The Polar Express / Miracle on 34th Street / Meet Me in St Louis and many more. Performed by the Manchester Concert Orchestra. www.bridgewater-hall.co.uk

Christmas Crackers Chester Cathedral Wed 19 & Thurs 20 Dec Celebrate a family Christmas with carols and seasonal music from the Chester Music Society Choir and Chester Philharmonic Orchestra, presented by Ian McMillan. www.chestercathedral.com The Snowman Parr Hall, Warrington Thurs 20 Dec Experience the magic of The Snowman in a whole new way this Christmas. With other festive treats – including an animated film of the award winning book, The Bear and the Piano, and a fun introduction to the orchestra – it makes the perfect winter outing for all the family. Suitable for all ages 3+. www.pyramidparrhall.com

The Snowman Chester Cathedral Fri 21 & Sat 22 Dec Carrot Productions return to Chester Cathedral this December with their enchanting Christmas show. With other festive treats – including a brand-new animated film with orchestral accompaniment, A Donkey’s Tale, and a fun introduction to the orchestra – it makes the perfect winter outing for all the family. Suitable for all ages 3+. www.chestercathedral.com

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Parents’ place Father Christmas Comes Up Trumps The Brindley Theatre, Runcorn Fri 21 – Sun 23 Dec Father Christmas is back, and this time he’s had three helpings of sprouts!

As he tries to deliver the presents, his tummy rumbles, gurgles and groans, but Father Christmas knows he must keep it in – he doesn’t want to wake anyone up! www.thebrindley.org.uk

Christmas Carol Singalong Bridgewater Hall Mon 24 Dec Sing your heart out as irrepressible showman Jonathan Cohen returns to lead you through another fun-filled jamboree of his most-loved carols and all-time Christmas hits. This festive favourite has been raising the roof for over 20 years. www.bridgewater-hall.co.uk

Peter Pan - The Arena Adventures Manchester Arena Fri 28 & Sat 29 Dec This Christmas will see J.M. Barrie’s magical story of Peter Pan brought to life in gigantic proportions on some of the biggest stages in the country.

Starring Martin Kemp and Milton Jones. www.manchester-arena.com

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Liverpool International Horse Show Echo Arena & The Auditorium, Liverpool Mon 31 Dec The Liverpool International Horse Show is back for a fourth year running this December with a feast of top class show jumping, family entertainment. www.echoarena.com

Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs Woodford Centre, Woodford Tues 1 – Sat 5 Jan A wonderful story, great songs and lots of fun brought to you by some of the most talented 11 – 19 year olds in Cheshire! www.chypspanto.com Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs MADS Theatre, Macclesfield Wed 9 – Sat 12 Jan An original script, all singing, all dancing fun – presented by Prestbury Youth Pantomime. www.prestburypanto.org

Odd Socks Day for Anti-Bullying Week Anti-Bullying Week runs from 12 to 16 November 2018 and the theme this year is choosing respect over bullying.

The aim of the week is to support schools to help children understand: • The definition of respect • That bullying is a behavioural choice • That we can respectfully disagree with each other i.e. we don’t have to be best friends or always agree with each other

but we do have to show each other respect • That we all need to choose to respect each other, both face to face and online Students are being encouraged to wear odd socks to school on Monday 12 November to show their support and raise money for a good cause. To get involved, visit www.anti-bullyingalliance.org.uk

Small steps BIG deal at Brio Leisure!

Brio’s got a BIG deal on at the moment and you really don’t want to miss out…

Adults can pay just £20 per month for the first three months of membership AND juniors just pay £10 per month. With 8 gyms,

6 pools, racquets sports and 550+ classes across their centres – they’ve got you covered with everything you need for a healthy, happy holiday season.

You’ve got to sign up super speedily because this offer ends on 18 November 2018, and with no minimum contract, there’s nothing holding you back!

Join online or pop into your local centre today! www.brioleisure.org/offer

Families Cheshire 11

Parents’ place Win a children’s character party! Kids karting with Team Sport

By Jayne Keep

Noodle Performance Arts provides high quality, affordable dance & drama classes and fantastic children’s parties!

From Street Dance and Ballet to Performing Arts, their classes are designed to inspire creativity, confidence and social skills from walking up to 16 years, plus taking part in their end of year and Christmas shows! In January, Noodle Cheshire is turning 1 year old and what better way to celebrate than with a party? Pirates and princesses, superheroes and showmen, they can tailor your

party to suit the choosiest of children! Professional performers provide up to 2 hours of party fun, dancing and games with prizes for all…

Throughout December and January they are offering you the chance to win a children’s character party worth £235! Visit www.facebook.com/ NoodleKnutsford to enter the competition! For more information about parties and classes in your area contact Cat on 07769 155591 or visit website www.noodleperformancearts.com!

My 8-year-old son is a huge motor sport fan and was super excited to try out Team Sport Karting in Manchester City Centre. Well, it certainly didn’t disappoint – with Logan and his sisters Izzy (10) and Lily (12) all having an amazing time going head to head on the track!

With everyone kitted out, the session begins with a safety briefing and a quick test for the young drivers to make sure everyone knows the rules of the track before getting near a kart – safety comes first here!

Once on the track, the first 15 minutes is done at a limited speed, with more safety checks to ensure everyone remembers and follows the rules before being

free to get comfortable with the karts and enjoy the laps.

After session one they take a break and check their lap times/speeds before going out for another 15 minutes, this time at full speed. Logan and Izzy love this bit! Both are thrill seekers and fiercely competitive; they came out of session two with some brilliantly fast lap times!

We had an amazing time, so much so that we have already been back – and it certainly won’t be our last time. We can definitely recommend this as a fab activity.

Children’s sessions are open to those aged 8-12 years, and they must have a minimum inside leg measurement of 25”+. For adults and teens, the age is 13+ with an inside leg measurement of 29”.

Teens use the larger adult karts.

Tracks in the North West include Manchester, Warrington and Liverpool. For more information on these and others throughout the country visit www.team-sport.co.uk

Unique parties and gifts for hours of fun Imagination Station is a Mobile Party service providing Creative Parties for children to enjoy.

From Slime to Craft, from Unicorn to Dragons there is something for every child to choose and enjoy.

And with a team all over Greater Manchester, Cheshire & Lancashire, they can guarantee providing a party on any date in any venue.

You can also provide your children

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with hours of creative fun using the kits available through their online shop. What a great idea for an affordable Christmas gift too! www.imaginationstation-mcr.co.uk

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Parents’ place

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Families Cheshire 13

Parents’ place Winter fun – indoors!

By Claire Winter

During the winter months, there’s no avoiding spending much more time indoors. It’s tempting to allow the kids to while away the time on devices or playing on their Xbox. But there are ways of keeping your kids off their screens and still having fun, even within the four walls of your own home.

Here’s our guide to some fun bad-weather-day activities.

Make a cardboard town Get hold of a giant cardboard box or add lots of small ones together to make a town using large felt tips or paint. Let their imaginations run riot, and they can add cars and wooden/ plastic people to make it more realistic.

Set up an indoor treasure hunt Write some cryptic clues and hide a treasure trail of items for them to find. They may want to design one for you to do too!

Make slime Batten down the hatches, get the aprons out and be prepared for a tsunami of a mess in your kitchen. This activity is satisfyingly messy and great fun. Get your children to research how to make the best slime or play-doh on YouTube (it’s for educational purposes after all).

Get cooking If you aren’t keen on the slime idea, get the kids to cook you a meal instead. This is satisfying for them but also a treat for you (hopefully!). Suggest they plan a three-course meal for dinner.

Get them to design a menu and research how to make the dishes online or refer to some recipe books. I think getting them to look in the fridge and come up with some dishes with ingredients you already have teaches them a great a life skill too. A pasta sauce or an apple crumble are tasty, rewarding but simple dishes to make. If you

14 Families Cheshire

have smaller children baking something simple like fairy cakes or biscuits would obviously be more appropriate.

Play cards Teach the kids the card games you used to play as a child. If you can’t get them interested in Patience or Gin Rummy, look up some cool card tricks for them to learn and show their friends.

Make special cards Get out the art supplies and card and make some Christmas and birthday cards. Why don’t you get creative with Origami?

My kids love making butterflies and birds and sticking them onto cards.

Have a kitchen disco My favourite thing to do on a rainy day is to have a party in the kitchen. Choose the most appropriate room in your house and sort a great playlist of music that will get the whole family moving. Have a ‘dance off’ with your kids.

Make a magazine Set up a news desk in the house and decide what the magazine is going to be about.

Think up a great name and get someone in the “team” to design the front cover. Send out some roving reporters to write some news stories and create some fun features. The whole family can get involved!

Set up a racing track Use masking tape to create a huge car-racing track around the house or living room, create a second track alongside it and get the toy cars out and race away!

Get active You could make an indoor obstacle course or try hula hooping or skipping in the living room. To make it more interesting, do some timed challenges. You could also create indoor hopscotch with masking tape.

Try balloon ping pong or table tennis Blow up some balloons and use some table tennis bats or make your own with some sticks and paper plates. Alternatively, if you have a table tennis set, drag out the dining table, set up the net and hold a tournament. Hours of fun!

Mon 5 & 26 Nov, 3, 10 & 17 Dec

Storyhouse, Chester Little Buds 1pm / Ages 0 – 5 / £4, Booking required A workshop with a difference – role play, dress up, story telling, crafts, messy play, puppets, instruments, bubbles, parachute play. Run by a qualified PA teacher and mum and aimed to support those with multiple children. A different theme each week. www.storyhouse.com

Wed 7 & 21 Nov, 5 & 19 Dec

Storyhouse, Chester Storyhouse Young Readers 4pm / Ages 8 – 12 / Free, but booking required. A fun way to meet new people, discover new books, enjoy book-related games and activities, talk about stories and hear what others think. To book, email louise.nesbitt@ storyhouse.com. www.storyhouse.com

Thurs 8 Nov

best family entertainment where kids can meet their favourite YouTubers and the whole family can enjoy the latest family games, VR, Slime, Snow & Glow Disco, Princess Parlour, Scooter Disco, Ice Skating, Inflatables and much more! www.digitalkidsshow.co.uk

Sun 11 Nov

Dunham Massey, Altrincham Armistice 5.45 – 7.15pm / Free, no booking required Join us to commemorate 100 years since the end of the First World War as we light a beacon as part of a special armistice event. Suitable for all ages. www.nationaltrust.org.uk/ dunham-massey Tatton Park When the Light Goes Out An outdoor family arts event commemorating the First World War. Choirs, promenade performance and building projection, ending with the extinguishing of the Commemorative Flame at Tatton Park. www.tattonpark.org.uk

Mon 12 Nov & Mon 3 Dec

Intu Trafford Centre Classical Christmas lights night 7.30pm, no booking required. Christmas lights night with real soul as classical innovators Manchester Camerata perform with AMC Gospel choir. The two acts will be bringing their two very different styles together to create a truly unique Christmas light switch on experience culminating with arguably the most joyful song ever played at Christmas. www.intu.co.uk/traffordcentre

Storyhouse Chester Storytime with PCSO Eva Meet your local PCSO. 10.15am / Free.

Regular Monday Storytime with a difference – each month our local PCSO (Police Community Support Officer), Eva, will be storytelling using books about the emergency services. This is the perfect chance to introduce your children to what our uniformed services get up to! Eva will be bringing along some fancy dress too. www.storyhouse.com

Fri 9 Nov – Sat 5 Jan

Fri 16 Nov

Cathedral Gardens, Manchester Ice Village 11am – 9pm. Wrap up warm and enjoy the Ice Rink, the Arctic Bar and visit the Christmas elves hard at work in the Ice Cavern which houses a frozen toy factory, or see Santa in his Grotto.

The Ice Village site will be free to enter, and there’ll be free activities to enjoy, but visitors will need to purchase tickets for the ice cave ice sculpture exhibition, for Santa’s grotto, and for the ice skating rink. www.icevillage.co.uk

Sat 10 Nov

Manchester Cathedral Be a Chorister for a Day Explore the Cathedral, try on chorister robes and have a go at brass-rubbing!

This is a free event. All music will be provided. Each child attending needs a responsible adult to be present during throughout the event. www.manchestercathedral.org

Sat 10 Nov – Sun 6 Jan Liverpool Waterfront Liverpool Ice Festival A frozen winter wonderland with an ice rink, ice bar, supersized ice slide, Ferris Wheel, children’s rollercoaster, traditional Christmas markets and outdoor German style bars. www.icefestivalliverpool.co.uk

Sat 10 & Sun 11 Nov

Manchester Central Digital Kids Show From Fortnite to Fairground rides, Minecraft to music, YouTubers and superheroes, you’ll find plenty to entertain all ages. 7 hours of the very

Chester Town Hall Christmas Light Switch On 7pm. Bring the family to experience the magic of Christmas and enjoy the parade (starting from Chester Town Hall Square) and watch as the Christmas Lights illuminate Chester. www.chester.com Nantwich Town Centre Christmas Lights Switch On Nantwich Town Council town’s lights switch on event promises another night of great family entertainment. www.nantwichtowncouncil.gov.uk

Sat 17 Nov

Broadstone Mill Shopping Outlet, Stockport Festive Family Funday Lots for all the family with pony rides, face painting, fashion show, stalls and prizes to be won! www.broadstonemillshoppingoutlet.co.uk

Sun 18 Nov & Sat 8 Dec Grosvenor Museum, Chester Frozen Sing-Along Free but booking essential Join Elsa, Olaf, Anna, Sven and more of your favourite characters for a Christmas sing-along. www.experiencechester.co.uk

Friday 23 Nov – Sun 23 Dec

Chester Zoo The Lanterns at Chester Zoo As the days grow cold and the nights draw near, in the heart of Chester Zoo, something magical will appear. So before you turn and think of leaving, take a second look because seeing is believing... www.chesterzoo.org

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What’s on

These listings are for guidance only – please check before you go To include your upcoming event in our listings, email events@familiescheshire.co.uk or upload your event listing to our website - www.familiesonline.co.uk

Sat 24 Nov – Thurs 13 Dec

Fri 30 Nov – Sun 6 Jan

Sat 1 Dec – Sun 6 Jan

Sun 25 Nov, Sat 15 Dec & Sat 29 Dec

Sat 1 Dec

Sun 2 & Sat 22 Dec

Dunham Massey, Altrincham Christmas Courtyard Come to the decorated servants’ courtyard for festive activities for all ages. Wrap up warm, the servant’s areas are cold during winter. www.nationaltrust.org.uk/ dunham-massey

Grosvenor Museum, Chester Elf Free but booking essential. The sweet and funny film about Buddy, a human who grows up amongst Santa’s elves, and his trip to New York to look for his father. www.experiencechester.co.uk

Thurs 29 Nov

Chester City Centre Christmas Lantern Parade Chester city centre will be lit by hundreds of children as they parade through the streets carrying handmade lanterns for the annual Lantern Parade. www.christmasinchester.com

Fri 30 Nov – Sun 30 Dec Dunham Massey, Altrincham Christmas at Dunham Massey Dunham Massey’s biggest and brightest Christmas event returns for a second year with plenty more surprises. Experience the gardens all aglow for a magical outdoor, after-dark experience. www.nationaltrust.org.uk/ dunham-massey

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Quarry Bank Mill, Styal Once Upon A Winter’s Day Get lost in traditional stories at Quarry Bank this Christmas. Explore the mill, gardens and houses to re-discover festive classics such as A Christmas Carol, The Nutcracker and The Snow Queen. Booking not needed. www.nationaltrust.org.uk/ quarry-bank Tegg’s Nose, Macclesfield Yuletide in Tegg’s Nose Wood 11am – 5pm / All ages / Adult £6 (up to 4 accompanying children free). Work with natural materials from the woods and create food and decorations fit for a Winter Ball. Eat, drink and feel merry.

Stay for the day or simply warm up as you walk through the magnificent woodland. Booking and payment in advance is essential. www.cheshireeast.gov.uk/rangers

Sat 1 & Sun 2 Dec

Bowlers Exhibition Centre, Trafford Park For The Love Of Sci-Fi Boldly going where no other convention has gone before! Get up front and close with the world’s biggest actors and experience jaw dropping life size prop and set builds and much more. Pushing the boundaries of what to expect from a convention! www.fortheloveofsci-fi.com

Sat 1 & Sat 8 Dec

Grosvenor Museum, Chester Christmas Card Making 2 – 4pm / Drop-in. Free, suggested donation £1.50. Start your Christmas preparations early and make a Christmas card in the gallery using our craft materials. www.westcheshiremuseums.co.uk

Chester Cathedral Christmas Tree Festival Chester Cathedral cloisters will be filled with more than 40 majestic Christmas trees. Escape from the hustle and bustle of the festive period and lose yourself in the astonishing tree-lined winter walkways. www.christmasinchester.com

Sat 8 Dec

Norton Priory Museum and Gardens, Runcorn Family Carol Singing Enjoy some festive carol singing in the atmospheric medieval undercroft with Runcorn Community Choir. Includes tea/coffee/juice and mince pies. £5 per person. www.nortonpriory.org

Sat 8 – Sun 23 Dec

Grosvenor Museum, Chester Polar Express Free but booking essential A boy who doesn’t think that Santa Claus exists takes an extraordinary train ride to the North Pole on Christmas Eve. www.experiencechester.co.uk

Tegg’s Nose Country Park & Brereton Heath Local Nature Reserve Elf Hunt 9am – 5pm. The Elves are on the loose in the park! Can you find them all and collect their names? Pick up a map from the Tegg’s Nose Tea Room / Visitor Centre and get searching! www.cheshireeast.gov.uk/rangers

Thurs 6 & 13 Dec

Sun 9 Dec

Chester Town Centre Winter Watch Parade 7 – 9pm / Free The Winter Watch Parade combines colourful costumes and a collection of characters to provide a popular festive event. Celebrate Christmas with the Lord of Misrule, devils and dragons, dancing and sword fights, and a spectacular-fire breathing finale.

Starts from Forum Shopping Centre. www.westcheshiremuseums.co.uk

Fri 7 Dec - Tues 1 Jan

Event City, Manchester Winter Funland An all-encompassing festive extravaganza for all the family, that brings together a fantastic sparkling line up of rides, entertainment and seasonal magic. www.winterfunland.com

Riverside Park Ranger Centre, Macclesfield Children’s Crafts for Christmas 2 – 4pm / Age 6+ / £5pp, booking essential. A chance to try your hand at some simple Christmas themed decorations or gifts. Suitable for all the family and all skill levels! Full instructions will be given on how to make simple decorations or gifts from willow and other natural materials. www.cheshireeast.gov.uk/rangers

Sunday 23 Dec

Tatton Park Christmas Carols in the Stableyard Join us for festive carols with a live band, shopping and dining in the Stableyard. www.events.tattonpark.org.uk

Families Cheshire 15