Families Manchester Issue 60 - November & December 2016

Edition 60 • Nov/Dec 2016

The local magazine for families with children 0-12 years www.familiesonline.co.uk

MANCHESTER

@FamiliesManch facebook.com/familiesmanchester

®

It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas.... > Christmas Shopping > Festive Theatre > Where’s Santa?

Covering: Altrincham, Trafford, Salford, Manchester, Bolton, Bury, Rochdale, Didsbury, Stockport, Cheadle, Bramhall, and surrounding areas.

FREE

News In this issue 02: News

03: Parties 04: Parents’ place 05: Education 11: Clubs & classes 12: Where’s Santa 14: Panto’s & family shows 16: Christmas shopping 18: Christmas fun 20: What’s on

Good news! The Families website, which enjoyed a complete upgrade and re-launch in July, now offers hyper local pages, kept up to date by our fabulous team of local mums.

Head online and sign up for your

Hello!

Welcome to our Christmas edition Fa la la la la, la la la la Finding Santa was our mission Fa la la la la, la la la la

Experts are warning that if the government presses ahead with the offer to parents of 30 hours’ free childcare each week, then some nursery schools may be forced to close.

The National Association of Head Teachers (NAHT) says that pre-schools won’t cope when free care for three and four year olds rises from 15 to 30 hours per week during term times.

Additional funding that was available for nursery schools to pay for this will

We want the snow but not the rain Fa la la la la, la la la la Festive wishes from Caryl and Jayne Fa la la la la, la la la la!

Have a wonderful time and see you in January!

Caryl Hall

Jayne Keep

Next issue: Jan/Feb 2017

Claire Muffett-Reece: Freelance journalist who writes on parenting, lifestyle, health and general interest. Mum to Jack, five, and Max, three, her work has been published in The Evening Standard, The Metro and Cosmopolitan, among others.

Liat Hughes Joshi: Parenting journalist and author of four books including ‘New Old-fashioned Parenting’ and ‘How to Unplug Your Child’ (both published by Summersdale) and Raising Children: The Primary Years (Pearson).

Radhika Holmstrom: A journalist who has also written for many consumer and specialist magazines. Whilst she focuses on health, parenting and learning issues, she has also written widely on environmental and ethical issues.

Sat 12 Nov Chorley & Leyland branch – Parklands High School, Chorley (PR7 1LL) 11.30am (12pm for non-members) – 1.30pm, £1, with Credit/Debit cards accepted.

Print: Bishops Printers, Walton Road, Portsmouth, Hampshire PO6 1TR Tel: 023 9233 4900 www.bishops.co.uk Families Manchester is part of Families Magazines Ltd, a franchise company. All franchised magazines in the group are independently owned and operated under licence. Families® is a registered trademark of Families Magazines Ltd, Remenham House, Regatta Place, Marlow Road, Bourne End, Bucks SL8 5TD. The contents of Families Manchester are fully protected by copyright and none of the editorial or photographic matter may be reproduced in any form without prior consent of the publisher. We take every care preparing the magazine, but the publishers and distributors can’t be held responsible for the claims of advertisers, the accuracy of the contents nor for any consequences.

@FamiliesManch www.facebook.com/familiesmanchester

worse by, wearing helmets.

Statisticians Prudence Creighton and Jake Olivier from Australia’s University of New South Wales took data from 40 studies to come up with their findings and presented their results at Safety 2016 in Finland.

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end in two years.

Russell Hobby, general secretary of the NAHT said: “The 30 hours offer will be doomed before it even gets started, additional places won’t materialise and current places will be lost as nursery schools across England close their doors for good.

“The government has the data - it must rethink before thousands of families, many in the poorest areas of the country, are left high and dry.

NCT Nearly New Sales

Design: Paul Wilson Graphic Design, Congleton.

Tel: 07743 111 694 www.withpaul.co.uk

Helmets proven safer than you think A study of bike helmet use has found that the wearing of a bicycle crash helmet reduces your risk of a serious head injury by 70% - and your risk of a fatal head injury by 65%.

The same study also said that neck injuries are not caused by, or made

area – Bolton, Bury, Central Manchester, North Manchester, Rochdale, Salford, South Manchester, Stockport, Tameside or Trafford – to make sure you’re in the know at all times!

And – you can now post your own events, fetes, fairs, table top sales etc. – FREE! Just go to the what’s on section and add your event! It’s super easy and straightforward. You can also add your business to our directory if you’re not already listed – just go to www.familiesonline.co.uk, choose your category in the local menu and voila!

Double edged sword of free child care

Fabulous gift fairs, brilliant family shows Fa la la la la, la la la la Plenty to keep your kids on their toes Fa la la la la, la la la la

Circulation: 25,000 copies of Families Manchester are available through nurseries, schools, libraries, selected shops and other points throughout Greater Manchester.

If you would like free copies for your organisation, please let us know.

Contact details: Families Manchester, 3 Hall Hill, Bollington SK10 5ED Tel: 01625 801 801 www.familiesonline.co.uk Editorial: editor@familiesmanchester.co.uk Advertising/artwork: advertising@familiesmanchester.co.uk Events, diary dates, what’s on: events@familiesmanchester.co.uk Cover Photography: Bridgewater School, Manchester 0161 794 1463 www.bridgewater-school.co.uk Editorial contributors: Sally J Hall: A writer and editor who has written for all the main parenting titles as well as The Independent and The Mail. She is the author of Eco Baby and contributing author to Watch My Baby Grow (Dorling Kindersley).

Get free publicity for your events!

Grab a bargain at the upcoming NCT Nearly New Sales – for top quality nearly new toys, children’s books, clothes and nursery equipment!

Sat 26 November Stockport branch – Emmanuel Church, Cheadle Hulme (SK8 6BE) 12.30 - 3.30pm Branch.StockportAndDistrict@nct.org.uk

Tooth checkups at lowest level The British Dental Association (BDA) says that the number of children having annual dental checkups has fallen to an all time low. They also said that 40% of children did not have a checkup last year.

Checkups are a vital way to prevent tooth decay. Poor dental health can lead to children needing fillings and extractions and tooth decay is one of the main reasons children need to visit the hospital.

The BDA suggests that children should see a dentist at least once a year. Between 2014 and 2015, there was a 10% increase in children needing hospital admission.

The BDA’s chair Henrik OvergaardNielsen said: “It’s clear we have a problem when one in three children are missing out on free dental treatment.

“NHS dentistry has been left to fend for itself, without investment, a strategy, or any attempt at public education.

“These numbers are a national embarrassment, and will not budge until ministers change tack.”

He also commented: “We need a concerted effort to get parents, health professionals and government on the same page.”

Parties Arty Parties with Create It!

By Jayne Keep I took Izzy and her 11 guests along to Create It in Cheadle to celebrate her 8th birthday. Iz is a real arty type who loves nothing more than a good painting or making session, so I was looking for a craft party and discovered Create It. The girls (and little brother Logan!) made two items each through the 1½ hour party.

We started with decopatch (sticking special pieces of paper to wooden shapes); they each created a door sign which was so simple but effective and was personalised for them too. We then moved on to pottery painting. The kids could select from a range of ornaments, cups, plates etc. to decorate as they desired. The ladies at Create It were just amazing – so helpful with their top arty tips – and the kids came away with some stunning pieces. Following the crafts we stayed on in the exclusive party room to enjoy a party tea and cake while the decopatch creations finished drying ready to be taken home and pots were gathered up to be fired and glazed (pots are ready for collection around 7 days post party).

I have to say this was actually one of the easiest parties I have ever had for the kids (and we have tried a lot of parties)!

Everyone was so calm and well behaved as they got involved in their designs; there was no party bag prep/expense as their creations became their take away gift. All I needed to do was supply kids and food – easy! I actually really enjoyed having a go too, I think I could be a regular at a bit of decopatch!

0161 222 3445 / www.createitcheadle.co.uk

Advertise in Families Manchester

Call Jayne on: 01625 801801 or email advertising@ familiesmanchester.co.uk

Families Manchester | www.familiesonline.co.uk 3

Parents’ place How to keep energy levels up for learning during the winter

By Liat Hughes Joshi

It’s that time of year when we all begin feeling a little sluggish and even lively children may lose their get up and go – literally – when hauling them out of bed for school. How can you maximise winter energy levels, so they make the most of school, learning and life in general?

Maximise sleep Getting sufficient rest boosts the chances of your child waking refreshed the next day. The NHS recommends a five year old should receive 11 hours sleep per night, steadily reducing to 9.5 hours by the age of 11. Work back from when they need to get up to determine optimal bedtimes. If changes are afoot, simply phase them in gently – say moving ten minutes earlier a day for a few days.

Consider a ‘wake up gently’ alarm clock Ditch the shock of sudden, loud alarms and bright lights switching on, in favour of an alarm clock that mimics sunrise by gradually increasing lighting levels.

These can make waking up and getting out of bed less of a thing to dread on dark mornings, hopefully reducing grouchiness. Some also have a sunset stimulation mode; ideal for encouraging little ones to doze off at bedtime.

Start mornings with hearty but healthy breakfasts Swap sugar-loaded cereals for something more nutritious, warming and energy-boosting.

Warm porridge with fruit or scrambled eggs on toast are still quick and easy

but make better ‘tummy-fillers’ to see kids through to lunchtime.

Put some lively music on at breakfast!

If it’s gloomy outside and everyone’s half asleep…liven things up with some mood-enhancing favourite tunes. The right music is a brilliant pick-me-up at any time of the day, so why not all get up off the sofa and have a dance for a few songs after school too.

Walk to (and from) school It isn’t possible for everyone but if time and distance allows, leaving the car at home and walking is far more invigorating and will help ensure children are fully awake for the first lessons of the day. Walking is also lovely winding down/catching up time on the way home.

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Watch out for ‘end-of-term-itis’ exhaustion Many children get a build up of tiredness through the autumn term, which is usually the longest of the academic year. This can lead to a condition lightheartedly called ‘end-of-term-itis’, involving tears and tantrums aplenty by December.

If your child has recently moved to a new stage of schooling, such as into junior or secondary school, with more homework or higher expectations, they may be especially prone to this. Fend it off by keeping the time after school and at weekends relatively quiet and sticking with those sensible bedtimes.

Get outside at the weekends, whatever the weather It’s oh so tempting to be lazy on an Autumnal weekend, cosied up in the house. Whilst you may all benefit from downtime after a busy week, even an hour of fresh air and activity will do everyone good. Remember there’s no such thing as bad weather, only unsuitable clothing. Make sure everyone has decent waterproofs and wellies so you can get out there no matter what.

Get more information about the importance of sleep from Families Online: www.familiesonline.co.uk/sleep

Parents’ place Feeling S.A.D?

By Radhika Holmstrom

Most of us find the winter months hard to handle, so here are our tips about how to help your little ones.

It’s not surprising that as the year comes to an end, most children start flagging.

Not only is this a monstrously long term for those of school age, but there are lots of good reasons why as the days get darker, our energies dip even if we don’t end up with full-scale Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD).

It’s cold, dark and depressing. Add in the winter coughs and colds that lay everyone low at some point, and you’ve

got a recipe for exhaustion. So what can you do?

Light up One simple thing you can do is make sure you are getting enough natural light.

We need daylight to regulate our body clocks; without a shot of it in the morning, in particular, we end up feeling constantly jetlagged. And yes, it does have to be outdoor light – glass filters out quite a lot of brightness. On the other hand, even on a gloomy day, 10 minutes or so of outdoor light should be enough to get you back on track.

Indoors, it may be worth getting a light-up alarm clock too, in order to ease the kids into the day rather than jerking them out of sleep and leaving them tired (and cranky) from the start.

And if you feel that the kids – or you! – are constantly exhausted and weepy, think about upgrading to one of the ‘dawn simulators’ that get to the brightness of natural daylight.

Feed up It’s really tempting, at this time of year, to hit the comfort food. And certainly, kids need calories! However, don’t forget that that stodge alone won’t do it.

You don’t have to go the full trendy high-protein route but do try in particular to get some iron-rich foods into them because iron helps make red blood cells, which carry oxygen around the body – and therefore give us energy.

Get up (and down) Don’t give in completely to the temptation to let them veg on the sofa. Exercise, especially outdoors, will lift their (and your!) mood and will also wear them out sufficiently to get a better night’s sleep.

On that same note, don’t forget that even when you’re all worn out, a decent wind-down routine – and in particular a screen-free couple of hours before bed helps too.

Quick tips to combat S.A.D • Make sure you’re getting at least 10 minutes of natural daylight every day – even on a gloomy day, it’s still bright enough to ‘reset’ your body clock and stop the wintry feeling of constant jetlag.

• A light-up alarm clock is a gentler way to ease everyone into the day.

• If you or your kids just can’t get moving, and are feeling weepy, think about upgrading to a full-scale ‘dawn simulator’ which radiates intense light because that is the best way of tackling Seasonal Affective Depression.

• Make sure they’re eating properly, and in particular getting enough iron because that helps give them more energy.

• Outdoor exercise will also help lift their mood and make them feel less sluggish.

• Exercise (indoor or outdoor) will also help tire them out physically. Even if they already seem tired, their bodies need the workout!

• A good bedtime routine isn’t just for toddlers – we all need to wind down before bed.

Find brilliant brain-food breakfast ideas at Families Online: www.familiesonline.co.uk/breakfast

How to make the decision You should always meet up with a potential childminder in person (at least once) before deciding to hire their services. This is important for both parties to get to know each other and make sure it feels right for everyone.

It is common to request a trial period to make sure your child is happy with them.

Ensure you visit the childminder’s home

so you can see the kind of environment your little one will be exposed to. Ideally you should be able to visit as often as you need while you are making your decision, and ask as many questions as you like until you are satisfied.

How to choose a childminder There are many advantages to hiring a childminder as opposed to using commercial childcare such as a nursery. One of the main reasons is consistency; it is hugely positive to have the same person look after your child.

A childminder can also be flexible, particularly if parents work atypical hours. Socially there can be advantages as often there are several children, all of different ages, being looked after under the one roof, which can help to teach important skills as they interact together.

For younger children, being looked after in a calm home environment can be preferable to a busy nursery, where it may be noisy and stressful.

How can you find a childminder?

All childminders have to be registered and inspected by OFSTED in England or CSSIW in Wales, giving you peace of mind that they are carefully regulated.

This means they are professional child carers who have undertaken training and

professional development.

What qualifications to look out for Childminders are required to follow the early years foundation stage (EYFS) which provides a structure of learning and care for children from birth to five years old. This ensures that they are trained to create a stimulating environment for your child.

They will also be expected to provide toys and activities suitable for the ages being looked after.

Childminders must complete first aid training and a course that covers topics such as child nutrition, food hygiene and health and safety. Some childminders also complete extra courses to extend their skills.

Every childminder must be checked by the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS), along with all adult members of their family who share their home. They will have their home properly inspected by an appropriate authority, such as OFSTED.

Find out more about your childcare options from Families Online: www.familiesonline.co.uk/childcare

Families Manchester | www.familiesonline.co.uk 5

Education Tutoring: What you need to know

By Liat Hughes Joshi

Whether it’s to prepare for exams or improve a struggling child’s confidence, a tutor can provide a significant boost to learning. Yet finding a decent one can be a test in itself. Here’s how to find the best one for your child…

Plan ahead where possible The best tutors may well have waiting lists, so if you know your child will need support for exams or perhaps before

moving to secondary school, begin your search well in advance. In very competitive 11+ areas for example, you may have to register interest with the most in-demand tutors 18 months ahead.

Ask around Word-of-mouth is often the most effective way to find a good tutor. Ask parents you know and trust for recommendations. For the 11+ or

Kate and Wills go back to school

Royal couple campaign for childhood mental health

By Liat Hughes Joshi

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge are getting behind a campaign to help young people face up to changes in their lives.

The Royal couple recently visited Stewards Academy, a school supported by the charity Place2Be, which the Duchess supports. It is one of a group of charities that have joined to form the Heads Together campaign, led by the Duke and Duchess and Prince Harry.

It aims to support children with mental health problems and to offer support at times when their lives change dramatically, such as when moving or during times of family upsets.

The couple observed a lesson led by the students and also an assembly for Years 7 and 11 on how to cope with life’s big changes.

The Duke of Cambridge said: “Catherine and I are really impressed by what we have

seen of Stewards Academy, as we’re both strong believers in schools where the emotional wellbeing of young people is nurtured and protected just as much as your learning and academic skills.

“The Heads Together campaign is all about getting people talking about the difficult times that many of us will face and have faced in our lives.

“Talking can make us realise that we’re not alone. The opposite of talking is isolation and fear. Sometimes getting something off your chest is an important step in coping with a situation – so you know that you’re not alone, you’re not failing, and that it is perfectly normal to feel overwhelmed or sad at times.

Everybody does.

“We know that parents sometimes don’t know how to help their children open up and talk about difficult times. Heads Together has today published, on its website, some top tips for parents – to help them talk to their children about big changes you may be going through.”

For more information on Heads Together Back to School visit www.headstogether.org.uk/backtoschool

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public exams, speak to those with kids a year or two older, who’ve been there and done that recently.

Consider agencies If your requests for recommendations draw a blank, a well-established tutoring agency could be the answer. Reputable agencies will vet tutors’ credentials and should match you and your child to someone with a similar style. Another upside of an agency is that if your usual tutor is ill or away for a long period, they should be able to send someone else.

Group tutoring reduces costs but probably won’t be as tailored There are increasing numbers of tuition centres offering group classes, both independent companies and chains. These can work out cheaper per hour but your child won’t get the same one-on-one attention, and it’s vital to check that those in the group need to work on the same things at roughly the same level.

Anyone can become a tutor so do your homework Anybody can set up as and call themselves a tutor, even if they’ve never taught anyone anything - there’s no regulation, which means checking credentials and

qualifications is vital. One-on-one tutors should be Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) checked (formerly known as CRB checking) – if they aren’t, then be wary.

Don’t be shy about checking how they work Ask questions even if you’ve had a recommendation from other parents - what suits their child may not suit yours. Are they a teacher/ former teacher and if so where did they work? How long have they been tutoring for and what is their track record like?

Find out the local going rate Expect to pay anything between £20 and £65 an hour, depending on where you live and how in demand a particular tutor is. However, more expensive doesn’t necessarily mean better.

Arrange a trial lesson Many tutors will offer your child a trial lesson - this lets you get a feel for whether the tutor and your child gel and whether their teaching style is going to work for you both.

Good luck!

Get more information about tutoring from Families Online: www.familiesonline.co.uk/tutoring

Maths inspiration With Explore Learning’s National Young Mathematicians’ Award returning soon, the challenge is on to get more children than ever confident and excited about maths! Here are a couple of top tips for inspiring maths at home: Bring maths to life with fun and engaging ways to learn new skills. Baking, measuring objects and budgeting at the shops are great ways for your child to be hands on with maths.

Ask questions during homework time: Why? How do you know? Are you sure? The more you can challenge your child to convince you of their reasoning, the more you will build skills such as problem solving from an early age. Be sure to praise them for their efforts afterwards, too!

For more advice, support, news and views on maths, take a look at Explore’s blog - www.explorelearning.co.uk/blog/ category/maths

Fun and fitness the Bitesize way!

Bitesize Bootcamp offers Bootcamp inspired sessions on-site at your school, with a qualified PE teacher and Bootcamp instructor. It’s a safe, caring, healthy, fun and exciting programme of exercise for children which is fully risk assessed.

In the current climate, with the media highlighting the need for children to be more physically active both in and out of school, these sessions are becoming

popular in gyms, schools and clubs in the North West. Research also supports the belief that keeping children fit and active benefits the brain, and has a positive effect on learning and behaviour within the classroom.

By providing parents, children and schools with a programme which is designed to improve and develop the physical, emotional and social well-being of a child before, during or after their daytime education, Bitesize Bootcamp will positively influence your pupils’ educational studies and personal well-being.

For more Information on how to arrange a session at your school, gym or club contact Ruth today on 07495 772475. www.Bitesize-Bootcamp.com

Education

Families Manchester | www.familiesonline.co.uk 7

Education Plans delayed for late school entry for summer-born children Plans for summer-born children to start school a year later are to be delayed over fears that it will give parents an unfair advantage to win a place at the most popular schools.

The Government announced last year

that it would change the rules, so that children born between April 1 and August 31 could start primary school a year later. Academics have suggested that delaying entry would close the attainment gap.

Ramillies Hall Open Morning Diarise Thursday 10 November for Ramillies Hall School and Nursery’s open morning (9.30am – 12pm).

This small co-ed independent school for ages 6 months to 16 years in Cheadle Hulme, is able to tailor their education to meet pupils’ individual needs – offer-

A true adventure for ambitious boys with enquiring minds

ing high quality teaching in small classes. They follow the National Curriculum, but also specialise in supporting pupils with Dyslexia and associated learning difficulties.

0161 485 3804 / www.ramillieshall.co.uk

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Founded in 1515, The Manchester Grammar School has established a reputation as one of the top academic schools in the country. High Master Martin Boulton, himself an MGS old boy, gave us an insight into the school’s ethos.

“As educators, we want our children to arrive at school with a sense of anticipation and leave still buzzing. This can only be achieved by offering challenging and unusual opportunities within our lessons.

Bright boys can often feel let down by repetitive, prescriptive lessons and so in the MGS Junior School we have created our own in house curriculum. Skill based learning provides interest and depth, allowing children to work through problems and learn from their mistakes. Just imparting knowledge is not enough. Our enrichment programme provides opportunities to investigate, ask questions and research, putting boys at the heart of their learning.

The weekly options programme sees boys

studying the unusual, from robotics and forensic science to Japanese and Philosophy. Outdoor education is a big hit, enhancing and supplementing classroom lessons in a wider outdoor environment. Boys are keen participants in our challenge award scheme, enjoying a range of activities from camp craft to orienteering and having lots of fun in the process. The responsibility to offer challenging opportunities lies with us as teachers, only then can we nurture fulfilled, confident and happy individuals.”

The next Open Event (Whole School) takes place on Saturday 5 November from 9.30am – 12pm, but if you are unable to make it, you are more than welcome to take a personal tours during normal school days. To arrange this, contact Admissions Manager, Kath Heathcote, by emailing k.heathcote@mgs.org or telephone 0161 224 7201 ext 234. www.mgs.org

Education

Families Manchester | www.familiesonline.co.uk 9

Education Taking the stress out of homework

By Vidya Patil, Manchester Child Therapy Do you get sucked into a fight over homework with your child every night?

Are you faced with a complaining, whining or noncompliant child or teen, or even screaming, stomping, book-throwing and slammed doors?

Trust me, I get it. I have to admit that dealing with my son’s homework was one of my least favourite experiences as a parent. But it’s important to understand that schoolwork is often the most difficult part of your child’s busy schedule.

Homework is work, and there’s no getting around that fact.

All children are different in how they feel about and approach homework. You need to get to understand each of your children’s strengths and struggles, and how they learn. Some need small breaks throughout a session, while others may need the task to be broken down into smaller pieces and then varied. Although a few will be able to complete homework without assistance,

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most require some type of guidance and/or monitoring, depending on their age. So the challenge for you is to perform different functions with each child you have, depending on their needs, learning to parent the child you have, not the child you’d like them to be!

To assist you in this, I’ve co-created a step-by-step guide “How to get your kids to do their homework”, which you can download free from my website. It’ll help you understand and manage your child’s behaviour, making homework less of a chore.

Vidya has worked with troubled children and teens for over 2 years, specialising in behaviour issues, and practicing the NLP technique – providing effective, simple strategies for problems such as anger management, to bullying, arguing and severe defiance.

07734 696113 / www.kidsattitudemanchester.nlp4kids.org

Clubs & classes Baby Sensory Award winning learning and development classes from birth up to 13 months old. Every week is a different theme and the classes introduce you and your baby to a whole range of colourful, fascinating and sensory rich activities. Classes in Middleton (Monday), Manchester (Tuesday), Stretford (Wednesday) and Gorton (Friday). Rebecca: 07860 559626 / manchestercentral@babysensory.co.uk www.babysensory.com

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

Advertise in Families Manchester

Call Jayne on: 01625 801801 or email advertising@ familiesmanchester.co.uk

Families Manchester | www.familiesonline.co.uk 11

Where’s Santa?

Keep an eye on our website as we’ll add more opportunities for you as details become available – www.familiesonline.co.uk

Santa’s a busy man this time of year as he flits about all over the place! But there are plenty of opportunities to get up close and personal with him around Greater Manchester, so catch him when you can!

Arndale Centre, Manchester Santa’s Grotto Thurs 17 Nov – Sat 24 December. Book now to see Santa. Santa is waiting to greet you in his fabulous Christmas tree star grotto. Booking essential: £5.50 (peak), £4.50 (non-peak) plus booking fee.

Includes a gift. www.manchesterarndale.com Bents Garden Centre, Warrington Santa’s Arrival Sat 12 Nov, 10am Santa arrives in style to kick off the Christmas Season.

01942 266300 / www.bents.co.uk Blakemere Village, Northwich Winter Wonderland Find Santa in the Woods Sat 3 – Sun 18 Dec, 11am – 2pm, £27.50pp, booking essential.

A three hour magical journey through the woodland to find Father Christmas in his secret hideaway.Fun craft activity, ice skating on the artificial rink, fairground rides, a trip on Santa’s Express and meet Snowy the Owl. Suitable for ages 3+, but younger children welcome.

Banquet with Santa Fri 16 Dec, 4.30 – 6.30pm, £16.95pp, booking essential.

A special treat for all ages. Small gifts for all children.

Breakfast with Santa Sat 17 & Sun 18 Dec, £10.95pp, booking essential A hearty breakfast followed by a story by Santa under the Christmas tree. Photo opportunities and small gifts for each child.

01606 883261 / www.blakemerevillage.com Bolton Hospice Christmas Fair Sat 26 Nov,11am – 2pm. Visit Santa in his grotto and get a special Christmas gift. Also loads of stalls, games, family entertainment and a special guest appearance. www.boltonhospice.org.uk Brookside Garden Centre, Poynton Santa’s Grotto Open weekends from Sat 26 Nov - Sun 18 Dec 11am - 4pm. Also open Wed 7, Thurs 8, Wed 14 & Thurs 15 Dec from 3 - 6.30pm and from Mon 19 - Fri 23 Dec 11am - 6.30pm. Sat 24 Dec 11am - 3pm. £6.50 per child (includes gift). Adults free.

While you’re there you can take a ride on the miniature railway for £1.80 per person (under 2s go free) - or buy a 10-ride ticket for £12.

01625 872 919 /www.klondyke.co.uk Cheshire Reindeer Lodge & Christmas Tree Farm, Cheshire Oaks Santa’s Grotto & Reindeer Lodge Weekends from Sat 26 Nov – Sat 18 Dec, also Thurs 18 – Sat 24 Dec Adult £9.50, Child £12.50 (includes rides and grotto gift) See and feed the reindeer herd, watch fun Elf Shows, meet Father Christmas in the Funtastic Grotto and enjoy fairground and donkey rides along with lots of great family picture opportunities with reindeer sleighs, elves and the big man himself.

01244 646 045 / www.cheshirereindeer.co.uk Chester Zoo Father Christmas Story Time Sat 3 – Sat 24 Dec A magical, funny and inspirational wildlife storytelling experience (around 20 mins) told by Father Christmas himself in the Sumba school house on Islands. £6.50 per person (zoo entrance ticket also required).

Booking essential and each child receives a gift.

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The Lanterns at Chester Zoo 25 Nov - 23 Dec Fri 25 – Sun 27 Nov, Fri 2 & Sat 3 Dec, Fri 9 – Sun 11 Dec and Fri 16 – Fri 23 Dec. Take the zebra crossing through a constellation of stars and stroll through the enchanted forest where you’ll meet our colourful festive characters and catch a glimpse of Santa on his sleigh – the perfect Christmas outing for all generations.

Children £9 – £12.50, Adults £10 – £15. Under 2s free. Booking essential.

Chill Factore, Trafford Quays Santa’s Grotto Sat 5 Nov – Sat 24 Dec (weekends in Nov and daily in Dec) Feel the crunch of the real snow below your feet as you enter the magnificent castle that is Santa’s home. Each visit is combined with some play time in the Snow Park. Peppa Pig will also be appearing at intervals during the day on Sat 12 & Sun 13 and Sat 19 & Sun 20 Nov. www.chillfactore.com Dunham Massey, Altrincham Father Christmas Fri 16 – Sun 18 Dec 12 – 3pm, £4 per child (adults free), booking essential.

Visit Father Christmas in the historic stables and let him know what’s on your Christmas list. Take home a small gift to remind you of the day. 0344 249 1895 / www.nationaltrust.org.uk/dunham-massey East Lancashire Railway, Bury Santa Specials Weekends from Sat 26 Nov – Sun 18 Dec and Wed 21 – Sat 24 Dec. Take a steam train ride to Rawtenstall and back through rural Lancastrian landscapes and visit the grotto at Bury Station. Gifts from Santa on the train and a mince pie and festive tipple for adults.

Christmas Treasure Trail at Bury Transport museum.

Booking essential. www.eastlancsrailway.co.uk Event City, Trafford Park Winter Wonderland Sat 10 Dec – Sun 1 Jan Meet and greet Santa at this indoor winter wonderland of fun and entertainment. Not a full grotto experience but it will be an efficient meet and greet system.

Under 3s go free. www.winterwonderlandmanchester.com Greater Manchester Fire Service Museum, Rochdale Christmas Open Day Sun 4 Dec A special visit expected from Santa. www.gmfsmuseum.org.uk Hamleys, Trafford Centre Meet Father Christmas Weekends from Sat 26 Nov – Sat 24 Dec and Mon – Fri from Mon 12 – Fri 23 Dec (hour sessions). Join Father Christmas and his lovable elves in the party room for fun games and activities as well as yummy food. Write and post your wish list and get a special gift bag to take home. Suitable for ages 2–8 years. £25 per child, booking essential. www/hamleys.com/explore Heald Green Village Hall, SK8 3JL St Ann’s Hospice Christmas Fair Sun 27 Nov 12 – 3pm, £1 entrance (children free).

An afternoon of family fun, shopping and a chance to see Santa in his grotto. www.sah.org.uk High Legh Garden Centre Breakfast and Supper with Santa Breakfast: Sat 10, 17 & 24 Dec, £9.95 per child (includes gift) – Enjoy an enchanted story, write your own letter to Santa and colour in one of his favourite Christmas pictures.

Supper: Thurs 15 & 22 Dec, £10.95 per child (includes gift) – Party games, write your own letter to Santa, colour in pictures to take home and decorate a freshly baked cookie. Booking essential – max of 2 adults per child. www.klondyke.co.uk

Let’s Party, Bury Tea with Santa Tues 20 – Fri 23 Dec, 5 – 6.30pm Meet Santa in a winter wonderland and get a gift!

Enjoy scrumptious food and treats with the elves at the tea party and play some party games. Advanced booking and payment essential. £12.99 per head or £15 for luxury gift.

0161 797 1111 / www.letspartyvenue.co.uk Lime Square, Openshaw Christmas Lights Switch On Fri 18 Nov Father Christmas in his grotto, stilt walkers, Christmas crafts and a Christmas Market. Lights on at 4pm. www.lime-sq.co.uk Littleborough Square Christmas Lights switch on Sat 3 Dec Santa and his elves will be there as well as music, dance and a fun-fair. www.rochdaleonline.co.uk Little Lever Village Christmas Fair Sun 4 Dec, 10am – 3pm A FREE Santa, along with music, raffles, shopping stalls and face painting. Plus you can post your letters to Santa in the special mailbox. www.facebook.com/llcommunityevents Lyme Park, Disley An Audience with Father Christmas Sat 26 & Sun 27 Nov, Fri 2 – Sun 4 Dec, Fri 9 – Sun 11 Dec and Fri 16 – Sun 18 Dec. £9 per child (includes gift), normal admission also applies.

Make Christmas magical with a visit to see Father Christmas in Lyme’s beautiful Drawing Room.

Festive jumpers encouraged! Booking essential.

03442491895 / www.nationaltrust.org.uk/lyme-park Quarry Bank Mill, Styal A Quarry Bank Christmas Sat 3 & Sun 4 Dec and Sat 10 & Sun 11 Dec £7 per child. 10am – 3.30pm. Bring your wish list for Father Christmas and enjoy extra games and stories when you visit him. Also free traditional festive fun in the mill, with dressing up, a Christmas trail to follow and activities to enjoy. Normal admission apples.

Baby and Toddler meet Father Christmas Fri 9 Dec £7 per child, 10.15 – 1.45pm. Booking essential.

A special Christmas baby and toddler story-telling and play session which includes a private family visit to Father Christmas and gift just for your little one.

01625 527468 / www.nationaltrust.org.uk/quarry-bank Roe Green Cricket Club, Worsley Christmas treasure hunt and meet Father Christmas Sun 18 Dec A festive fun filled day for all the family. www.facebook.com/roeroegreencricketclub St Ann’s Hospice, Little Hulton, Worsley Christmas Fair Sun 20 Nov, 12 – 3pm, £1 entrance (children free) An afternoon of family fun, where you can meet Santa too! www.sah.org.uk St Chad’s Rochdale Parish Church Christmas Fair & Santa’s Grotto Sat 3 Dec, 11am – 2pm, free admission. Photographs and a present in the grotto, and loads of other fabulous festive fund stalls and refreshments.01706 358442 / www.facebook.com/rochdaleparishchurches Stockley Farm, Northwich Christmas Elf Experiences Weekends from Sat 27 Nov – Sun 18 Dec and Tues 20 – Sat 24 Dec. Help the Elves prepare for the ‘big day’ making decorations, taking part in Mother

Christmas’ Cookie Quest and the live Stockley Panto (complete with animal actors!), enjoy festive fayre in the tearoom and visit Father Christmas in his Grotto to receive a gift! Booking essential.

Christmas Stocktots!

Tues 13 & Wed 14 Dec, 10am – 12pm, Child: £9.50, Members £7. Your favourite activities as well as a festive sing along and decoration making and a visit to see Father Christmas in his Grotto where all our young farmers will receive a gift! Booking essential.

01565 777323 / www.stockleyfarm.co.uk The Trafford Centre Santa’s Grotto Opens Mon 7 Nov at Barton Square. A brand new experience for 2016! www.intu.co.uk/traffordcentre Tatton Park, Knutsford Christmas Lantern Parade Fri 25 Nov, Lantern Parade 6.30pm Cheer Father Christmas as he arrives with his elves at Tatton Park during the Lantern Parade. Please bring your own lantern (instructions are on the website) to light his way as he glides in on his sleigh. Remember to take your Christmas list to put in the special postbox!

The gift fair, shops and restaurant open late. No Park entry charge after 5pm.

Father Christmas at the Farm Weekends from Sat 26 Nov – Sun 18 Dec, 11am – 4pm, Adult £6, Child £6 (ages 4 – 15). See Prancer and Dancer, Father Christmas’s two adorable reindeer and enjoy live music plus festive food and drink. Meet the farm animals, including the donkeys, pigs and horses, some of whom will be star attractions of the traditional nativity scene. Outdoor play trail and den-building area. Children will receive a small gift from Father Christmas.

01625 374400 / www.tattonpark.org.uk/christmas Theatre Dance Studios, Bolton Traditional Christmas Party Sun 4 Dec, 1 – 3pm, £15 per child Santa will make an appearance at this traditional party, so have your cameras at the ready.

Christmas Elves will greet and guide you to the Christmas grotto for traditional games, a disco, entertainers and party food. One adult free with each child - additional adults £5 each. www.facebook.com/lynnspiration Torkington Park Hazel Grove Together’s Winter Wonderland Sat 10 Dec. 12 - 6pm. Santa’s Grotto as well as market stalls, food and drink, brass band, choirs, kids fancy dress, live entertainment, Great Grove Christmas Bake Off, pony rides, christmas tree sales. www.hazelgrovetogether.co.uk Touchstones, Rochdale Santa’s Grotto Sat 3, 10 & 17 Dec, £8 per child (includes gift and craft activity) Sat 3: 10.15am– 4pm Sat 10 & 17: 1 – 4pm Place a wish on the Christmas tree before meeting Santa in his magical Grotto. Each child will receive a gift to take home. Booking essential. www.link4life.org Woodford Park Garden Centre, Stockport Santa’s Grotto Child £7.50, booking essential. A personal visit to Santa in his own winter wonderland, including a special gift.

Breakfast or Tea with Santa Child £11, booking essential. A fun-filled mealtime including a lovely present, and a story or game with the man himself. Dates and times unavailable at the time of going to print. Check their website for updated info.

0161 439 0745 / www.notcutts.co.uk Wyvale Garden Centres, Altrincham, Bolton and Marple, Breakfast or Tea with Father Christmas Sat 12 Nov – Sat 24 Dec 15% off any child ticket for visits before the 2nd of December! Child’s ticket £9.99 (includes gift, biscuit decorating and activities), Adults ticket from £3.99. www.wyevalegardencentres.co.uk

Where’s Santa?

Winter Wonderland is back in Manchester!

Do your little angels deserve a magical trip to remember this Christmas? Then treat your children to a day out at Winter Wonderland!

Winter Wonderland Manchester 2016 returns from Saturday 10 December to Sunday 1 January 2017 at EventCity next to the Intu Trafford Centre in Manchester.

EventCity will be transformed in to an unbelievable festive extravaganza, featuring over 50 family rides and attractions including a huge carousel!

There will be a dazzling array of colourful shows including a Christmas circus, Cinderella mini pantomime, Sci-fi show and this year, Winter Wonderland is delighted to welcome the nation’s favourite fox – Basil Brush!

Take a tour through Santa’s house, meet real reindeers and be enchanted by the Ice Princesses, Fairies and Elves who love to play and chat and have ‘s-elfies.’

Book your tickets now for this magical family event. Visit www.winterwonderlandmanchester. com or call 0843 208 1842.

Families Manchester | www.familiesonline.co.uk 13

Panto’s & family shows Littleborough Coach House The Coach House Carol Concert 6 Dec, 7.15pm Readings by local groups, music from Littleborough Brass Band and performances by the choir of Holy Trinity CofE Primary School.

Free entry with a retiring collection and hot drinks and mince pies to follow.

01706378481 / www.littleboroughcoachhouse.org Bear Hunt, Chocolate Cake & Bad Things Z-arts, Hulme Saturdays until 17 Dec Step inside a humongous chocolate cake and explore a secret larder, swishy swashy and splash splosh your way through a Bear Hunt. For ages 0 – 11.

0161 226 1912 / www.z-arts.org

Sleeping Beauty Oldham Coliseum Sat 7 Nov - Sat 7 Jan. Given the (in)famous Coliseum treatment, Sleeping Beauty has glitz and glamour, silliness and slapstick and hit songs to sing along to.

A traditional pantomime appealing to ALL the family, from kids to not-so-grown-up grown-ups. www.coliseum.org.uk

Georges Marvellous Medicine Manchester Opera House Tues 15 – Sat 19 Nov The Roald Dahl classic about a young boy who makes a marvellous new medicine to cure his grandmother of her terrifying temper. www.palaceandoperahouse.org.uk

Jack & The Beanstalk Middleton Arena Thurs 1 – Sat 31 Dec Meet our hero Jack as he attempts to defeat the evil Giant and save the village. With help from his mother Dame Trott and his silly brother Billy, Jack dreams of marrying Princess Jill and he hopes that if he saves the days his dreams may come true.

0300 303 8633 / www.link4life.org

Peter Pan Stockport Plaza Fri 2 Dec – Sun 8 Jan With John Altman as Captain Hook – it’s a swashbuckling treat for all to enjoy. www.stockportplaza.co.uk

Father Christmas Needs A Wee Pyramid & Parr Hall, Warrington Sun 4 Dec The perfect combination of witty humour, fantastic music and extra sparkle in this fabulously funny and brilliantly bouncy musical adaptation of Nicholas Allan’s much loved book. www.pyramidparrhall.com

Cinderella Octagon Theatre, Bolton Fri 18 Nov – Sat 14 Jan A magical, fun and feisty re-telling of Cinderella, with all the traditional elements for a fabulous festive treat.

01204 520661 / www.octagonbolton.co.uk

Bouncing Cats and Boom Boom Pups Z-arts, Hulme Sat 19 Nov Journey into the world of AnimaLand where beatbox, rap and graffiti come together. An immersive, high-energy performance for ages 5 – 10.

0161 226 1912 / www.z-arts.org

Dick Whittington The Great Big Bolton Panto, Macron Stadium Sun 4 Dec - Sun 1 Jan Starring TV television favourite Keith Chegwin and Roxanne Pallett of Emmerdale and Strictly Come Dancing fame. Full of topical jokes, references and non stop laughter, along with songs we all know and love. www.bigboltonpanto.co.uk Carol Concert Town Hall, Bury Sun 4 Dec, 7pm Join the children from St Mary’s RC Primary School and Bury Music Centre at the Elizabethan Suite for a traditional carol concert. www.bury.gov.uk

14 Families Manchester | www.familiesonline.co.uk

CLIC Sargent Hospitals Christmas Carol Concert The Bridgewater Hall, Manchester Mon 5 & Tues 6 Dec A traditional carol concert for all the family with choirs from hospitals and schools in Manchester and surrounding areas. www.bridgewater-hall.co.uk

Aladdin Manchester Opera House Fri 9 Dec – Sun 8 Jan Manchester Opera House presents its annual pantomime, Aladdin. Featuring Loose Women favourite Sherrie Hewson as the Genie, John Thompson from Cold Feet fame as Abanazar as well as Ben Adams from A1 and much-loved Eric Potts, it’s the perfect festive outing for al the family.

The Hallé Christmas Family Concert The Bridgewater Hall, Manchester Sun 11 Dec Calling all children, parents and grandparents. Join Alasdair Malloy and Santa’s little helpers, the Hallé, for the annual fun-filled festive family concert. www.bridgewater-hall.co.uk Carol Concert Ramsbottom Civic Hall Sun 11 Dec, 7pm. Join the children from Summerseat Methodist primary School and Bury Music Centre for a festive Carol service. 0161 253 5513 / www.bury.gov.uk/ramsbottomcivichall

Horrible Christmas The Lowry, Salford Wed 7 Dec – Sun 8 Jan When Christmas comes under threat from a jolly man dressed in red, it’s up to one young boy to save the day – but can he save Christmas?! For ages 4+.www.thelowry.com

UNDERNEATH A MAGICAL MOON Waterside Arts Centre, Sale Thurs 8 – Sat 31 Dec (ages 3+), £10 - £16 (+ booking fee).This Christmas Waterside Arts Centre presents a re-imagining of the enchanting story of Peter Pan as told by Wendy. Through her open window Wendy Darling gazes out at the night sky dreaming of blue lagoons, magical moons and the stories that she can tell. But tonight, like no other, has magic in the air......

Fly into a fantastical world of adventure, where time stands still, and the impossible seems possible and if you close your eyes and believe, then you really can make anything happen.

This sparkling new production with exquisite music, enthralling movement and a sprinkle of magic will delight children and their families aged 3+. ‘the means are modest but the magic is genuine’ The Guardian ‘a joyful, energetic, funny and thoughtful production … children’s theatre at its best. Pure magic.’ Little Vikings 0161 912 5616 / www.watersideartscentre.co.uk Christmas is Coming The Bridgewater Hall, Manchester Fri 9 Dec. Seasonal music and readings in aid of St Ann’s Hospice and suitable for all the family. www.bridgewater-hall.co.uk

Santa Claus The Movie HOME (M15 4FN) Sun 11 & Thurs 22 Dec A chance to watch the classic 80’s hit Santa Clause: The Movie on the big screen. www.homemcr.org

Cinderella The Forum Theatre, Romily Wed 14 - Fri 23 Dec Child £5.95, Adult £10.95. A traditional pantomime, Cinderella is a heartwarming story which everyone knows and has been passed down through the generations. A family treat - be transported back to Fairyland where wishes really do come true! Suitable for all ages, from the very young to the young at heart brought to you by JB Productions - renowned for their wonderful costumes, hilarious comedy, lively popular songs and affordable ticket prices! School performances nearly sold out!

Booking line: 079797 88760 / 0161 432 4787

WOW! Said the Owl HOME, Manchester Wed 14 – Fri 30 Dec. Explore the wow-world of colours with a curious little owl in this puppetry show for 2-5 year olds. www.homemcr.org

Panto’s & family shows The Siege of Christmas Contact, Manchester Thurs 15 – Thurs 22 Dec. Starting outside the main doors of the Contact, and roaming throughout the unique castle-y building, The Siege of Christmas is an interactive theatrical adventure for young audiences and the taller people that look after them. For age 5+. www.contactmcr.com

Pinocchio Ramsbottom Civic Hall Wed 21 Dec. Join Geppetto, The Blue Fairy, Mr Fox and Jimmy Cricket as they take you through the magical world of the little puppet. www.bury.gov.uk/ramsbottomcivichall Christmas Spectacular The Bridgewater Hall, Manchester Thurs 22 Dec. Music, Dance, Lights & Fireworks! www.bridgewater-hall.co.uk Christmas Concert Higher Irlam Social Club Thurs 22 Dec, 6pm. Dancers from Palms School of Dance will get you in the Christmas spirit with this FREE community concert. www.palmsschoolofdance.co.uk

Robin Hood and the Babes in the Wood The Dancehouse, Manchester Sat 17 Dec – Sat 7 Jan. A Panto Mash-Up telling the story of courage, friendship and ancient magic with plenty of laughs along the way. www.thedancehouse.co.uk

WIN A FESTIVE FAMILY TICKET TO SEE CHRISTMAS SPECTACULAR AT THE BRIDGEWATER HALL The Met, Bury Hansel and Gretel Thurs 22 – Sat 24 Dec. A musical theatre version of this classic brother and sister tale of adventure and magic where we’ll have you humming along throughout and cheering as the witch slides down into our flaming oven. For ages 4+. www.themet.biz

The Best Ever Christmas Show and the Story of Jack Frost Manchester Arena Sat 17 & Sun 18 Dec A Christmas extravaganza for families with stars from CBeebies and Milkshake. www.manchester-arena.com The Hallé Carol Concert The Bridgewater Hall, Manchester Sat 17 & Sun 18 Dec. A seasonal selection of traditional carols for orchestra, choir and audience. Sing some wonderful Christmas favourites, hear the Orchestra and the Hallé’s three choirs perform even more. www.bridgewater-hall.co.uk

RNCM Christmas Family Day Royal Northern College of Music, Manchester Sun 18 – Mon 26 Dec. A day of magical activities, interactive workshops and musical treats including a screening of Raymond Briggs’ classic film Father Christmas with actors and live orchestra. www.rncm.ac.uk Cinderella Heywood Civic Centre Sun 18 – Mon 26 Dec. The most magical pantomime of all, you’ll have a ball!

0300 303 8633 / www.link4ife.org The Man Who Planted Trees Royal Exchange Theatre, Manchester Mon 19 – Sat 31 Dec. A multi-sensory environmental classic perfect for adults and children aged 7+. www.royalexchange.co.uk The Hallé Presents The Snowman The Bridgewater Hall, Manchester Tues 20 & Wed 21 Dec. Children and adults alike will love the magic of this classic animation being brought to life by the Hallé Orchestra. www.bridgewater-hall.co.uk

Christmas at the Movies The Bridgewater Hall, Manchester Fri 23 Dec. The Hallé will raise the rafters with music from Polar Express, White Christmas, The Nightmare Before Christmas, Babes in Toyland, Frozen, The Sound of Music, Harry Potter, and Happy Feet. www.bridgewater-hall.co.uk

Sorry Christmas is Cancelled…Katie Saves the Day The Lowry, Salford Fri 23 Dec – Sat 7 Jan. An interactive seasonal treat for children aged 2–7. www.thelowry.com Christmas Carol Singalong The Bridgewater Hall, Manchester Sat 24 Dec. Sing your heart out as Jonathan Cohen leads you through a fun-filled jamboree of his most-loved carols and hits. www.bridgewater-hall.co.uk

We’re offering Families Manchester readers the chance to win the perfect festive treat with a family ticket (4 people) to the performance of Christmas Spectacular on Thursday 22 December at The Bridgewater Hall at 7.30pm.

Christmas Spectacular is the perfect show to get you in the Christmas spirit with a stunning combination of favourite music, breathtaking dance, thrilling lights and a fantastic indoor firework finale!

Music performed will include excepts from The Nutcracker Suite, Act 1 Finale from La bohème, Brindisi, Sleigh Ride and White Christmas, plus carols for all including Jingle Bells, Frosty the Snowman and The Twelve Days of Christmas.

The concert will be performed by the Manchester Concert Orchestra, Manchester Chorale, opera stars Sarah Regwick and Nicky Spence plus the Jingle Belle Dancers.

To enter, simply email your name and telephone number to caryl@familiesmanchester.co.uk with the words CHRISTMAS SPECTACULAR in the title. Competition closes Thursday 15 December.

Good luck!

Advertise in Families Manchester

Call Jayne on: 01625 801801 or email advertising@ familiesmanchester.co.uk

The Lost Present… A Christmas Adventure The Lowry, Salford Wed 28 – Fri 30 Dec. A theatre production for children aged 3–7 with puppets, original music and tutti frutti productions and York Theatre Royal present delightful storytelling. www.thelowry.com Robin Hood and the Babes in the Wood The Carver Theatre, Marple Fri 13 – Sat 21 Jan. Join Robin Hood and his Merry Men as they adventure in Sherwood Forest and defeat the evil Sheriff in this traditional family pantomime. www. carvertheatre.co.uk

UNDERNEATH A MAGICAL MOON

A SPARKLING NEW PRODUCTION FOR CHILDREN AGED 3+ AND THEIR FAMILIES TO ENJOY

A REIMAGINING OF PETER PAN AS TOLD BY WENDY DARLING Thu 8 – Sat 31 Dec £16 - £10

BOX OFFICE: 0161 912 5616 watersideartscentre.co.uk

facebook.com/watersidearts @watersidearts

Families Manchester | www.familiesonline.co.uk 15

Christmas shopping Put Giddy Goat Toys on your Christmas list this year Giddy Goat Toys have been keeping a close eye on what’s been popular this year, and with Christmas in mind, they’ve picked their festive top five – the perfect list for parents and other present-buyers short on inspiration.

Paw Patrol, the heroic team of rescue pups have bags of broad appeal and are sure to please this Christmas. The Paw Patrol cuddly plushes have been really popular. Who will you choose? Chase, Marshall, Skye, Zuma, Rubble or Ryder?

With the release of the new Star Wars film, Rogue One in December, we think LEGO Star Wars will be huge this Christmas.

As well as LEGO City, Lego Juniors, Lego Friends and Lego Ninjago, Giddy Goat have enough LEGO Star Wars to sink the Millennium Falcon.

The Interplay FabLab range is great for those who want a bit of colour in their lives. Our top pick - the “Hair Lights” kit lets you experiment with your hair colour. Go wild and go wacky, but don’t worry, it washes out easily.

Send a message that makes a difference this Christmas Giving or sending cards is the perfect way to show you’re thinking of someone during the festive season.

Christmas is so often a time to reflect on the significant connections in our lives and a personal card or note is a thoughtful touch that will always be appreciated. Brain Tumour Research’s fresh range of cards are priced at £4 per pack and at least 50% of the proceeds will go towards funding their charitable aims. If you can sell a box of cards to sell at your school, club, workplace or local Christmas fair, they’ll send these to you on a sale or return basis. www.braintumourresearch.org/ christmascards

16 Families Manchester | www.familiesonline.co.uk

The surprise hit last Christmas was Kinetic Sand. It’s now available in a fun range of vibrant colours. Giddy Goat have lots of accessories such as moulds and tools to play with too. Try it. Love it.

Giddy Goat Toys are big fans of Lottie Dolls. Modelled on the average 9 year old, with childlike features and age appropriate clothing, Lottie is available in a range of aspirational dolls and accessories including Pony Club, Fossil Hunter, Stargazer, Superhero and “Girls United” Footballer.

Giddy Goat Toys also have a fab range of LEGO Advent Calendars, pocket friendly stocking fillers and of course Elf on the Shelf. With superfriendly staff who are always happy to help and prices to suit all budgets, put Giddy Goat Toys on your Christmas list this year.

Visit their Didsbury shop or shop online (www.giddygoattoys.co.uk) – they deliver across the UK.

Adventure Golf Jollie good Gift Vouchers socks

If you’re looking for a Christmas gift that’s a little different, how about a gift voucher from Paradise Island Adventure Golf?

With great courses at both Cheshire Oaks and the Trafford Centre, they’re the perfect stocking filler. Available to purchase online (will be posted to you) or in store. www.paradiseislandgolf.com

What could be more traditional than socks for Christmas? Jollie socks are different - not just that they come packaged in a tin - for every pair you buy, the company will give another pair to the recipient’s local homeless charity.

Read the inspirational story and order online at www.jolliegoods.com

Christmas shopping Gift & Craft Fairs Sat 5 & Sun 6 Nov

Tatton Park, Knutsford Christmas Shopping Fair 10.30am – 5pm, Car park entry applies. Gifts for all the family and ideas for presents not usually found in High Street shops. Free Puppet shows on over the weekend. www.countrywide-events.co.uk

Sat 5 Nov & Sat 3 Dec

Railway Road, Urmston Urmston Artisan Market 10am – 4pm. Shopping, street food, and music – loads of local, unique and tempting gift ideas. www.themarketco.co.uk

Thurs 10 Nov – Wed 21 Dec

Buying Books for Children Sat 26 Nov

Bolton Hospice Christmas Fair 11am – 2pm. A selection of stalls, games, crafts, raffle and tombolas and we have special guest appearances!

Fun for the whole family – www.boltonhospice.org.uk Heald Green Village Hall, SK8 3JL St Ann’s Christmas Fair 12 – 3pm. An afternoon of family fun, and shopping, as well as Santa’s Grotto and an Elf Station where kids and adults can be made over to become one of Santa’s very special elves for the day. www.sah.org.uk Independent Options, Hazel Grove, SK7 5PE Christmas Fair 110am – 4pm, Free entry, free onsite parking Plenty of festive family fun to be had with Santa’s Grotto, face painting, raffles, tombolas, bouncy castle, mulled wine, mince pies, and more!

0161 456 6502 / www.independentoptions.org.uk

Thurs 17 Nov

Thurs 1 – Sun 4 Dec

Fri 18 Nov

Lime Square, Openshaw Christmas Market and Lights Switch On Father Christmas in his grotto, stilt walkers, Christmas crafts and a Christmas Market. Lights on at 4pm. www.lime-sq.co.uk

Fri 18 Nov – Sun 18 Dec

Chester Town Hall Square Chester Christmas Market 10am – 6pm Sun – Wed, 10am – 8pm Thurs, 10am – 7pm Fri & Sat. Over 70 traditional wooden chalets situated in the heart of Chester, all wrapped around a sparkling Christmas tree.

Sat 19 Nov

Manchester Craft Centre, M4 5JD Family-Friendly Christmas Craft Event 2 – 5pm. Christmas shopping, mulled wine & mince pies, live music from Levy Uke Up and crafty Christmas activities for the kids! 0161 832 4274 / www.craftanddesign.com/christmas Manchester Craft & Design Centre, M4 5JD Family-Friendly Christmas Event 2 – 5pm, Free. Complimentary mulled wine, mince pies and live music from Levy Uke Up while you make a start on your Christmas shopping list, and your mini-makers can get creative with a free Christmas craft activity. www.craftanddesign.com

Sun 20 Nov

St Ann’s Hospice, Little Hulton Christmas Fair 12 – 3pm, £1 entrance (children free). An afternoon of family fun and shopping – including the famous Marks & Spencer stall! www.sah.org.uk Littleborough Coach House Christmas Fair 1 – 4pm. The perfect opportunity to get those important Christmas presents ahead of the rush. www.littleboroughcoachhouse.org

Fri 25 – Sun 27 Nov

Tatton Park, Knutsford Tatton’s Christmas Shopping Weekend 11.30am – 6pm Fir, 10am – 4pm Sat & Sun, Car park entry applies. Over 40 stalls in the Tenants Hall offering a wide range of present ideas. www.tattonpark.org.uk

Buying books as Christmas gifts for kids needn’t be a chore with our handy do’s and don’ts guide

Sun 27 Nov

Manchester Manchester Christmas Markets Around 300 traders offering festive gifts, mouth-watering international food and gallons and gallons of gluhwein.

Only the main market hub in Albert Square will be open on 21 Dec. www.manchestermarkets.com Wellfield Junior School, Sale Christmas Market Shopping Evening 6 – 8.30pm. Join us for a drink or two, whilst browsing the stalls from our local traders. Pick up a festive gift, some wrap & cards, or just treat yourself to something special for yourself!

By Claire Muffett-Reece

People’s History Museum, Manchester Etsy Made Local in Manchester 10am – 5pm. A long weekend of creative cheer at the unique Edwardian Engine Hall. www.etsymcr.co.uk

Sat 3 Dec

St.Chad’s Rochdale Parish Church Christmas Fair & Santa’s Grotto 11am - 2pm, Free entry. Santa’s Grotto with photographs and a present. Cakes, raffles, books, DVDs, CDs, tombola’s, bric-a-brac, fund games and tombola’s, jewellery and scarves. Refreshments available.

Sun 4 Dec

Hollingworth Lake, Littleborough Christmas Fair 11.30am - 3.30pm. Plenty of stalls- plus a cafe, play areas, exhibitions etc. Dogs welcome in the craft fair!

Little Lever Village Christmas Fair 10am – 3pm. Music, raffles, stalls, face painting and a charity raffle in aid of SSAFA, tombolas. Plus post your letters to Santa in the special mailbox, visit him in his FREE grotto.

Wed 7 Dec

Neil Cliffe Centre, Wythenshawe Hospital St Ann’s Christmas Fair 12 – 3pm. Lots of festive fun including gifts and refreshments. www.sah.org.uk

Sat 10 Dec

Torkington Park Hazel Grove Together’s Winter Wonderland 12 - 6pm. Over 30 stalls offering products and gifts ranging from local crafts, florists, Henna artists, Green grocers, bakers, butchers, farmers, local restaurateurs, clothing, toys, handmade items, mulled wine, Christmas trees, pottery and more! Also Santa’s Grotto, kids fancy dress, pony rides and live entertainment. www.hazelgrovetogether.co.uk

Sat 10 & Sun 11 Dec

Royal Mills, Ancoats, Manchester Christmas Market Plenty of yummy festive fayre and vintage stalls on offer. www.castlefieldmarket.org.uk Dunham Massey Festive Shopping 11am – 4pm. An extra special Christmas shopping experience. Normal admission applies. 0161 941 1025 / www.nationaltrust.org.uk/dunham-massey

Sun 11 Dec

Littleborough Town Square and the Conservative Club Farmers’ Market and Seasonal Craft Fair.

10am. Fabulous home grown and home-made produce as well as arts and crafrs.

Sat 17 Dec

Levenshulme Market, Stockport Christmas Day to Night Market The popular Levenshulme Market features all kinds of festive fayre to entice you. www.levymarket.com

DO find out their interests If it’s not your child you’re buying the book for, ask their parents/carers what kind of books they love to read. They’ll be more inclined to get stuck in if it’s a topic they’re into!

DON’T think it’s beyond them Don’t walk past books for ages six to eight because your little one is five. See if you can read it together, with illustrations to keep their interest.

DO understand their limits …But don’t assume your child is a genius, swamping them with reading

beyond their capability. Look inside and reject if there are more than five words they’d struggle to read alone.

DON’T forget to ask for help Speak to their teacher about their ability, or ask the library what books are popular right now. You could even speak to mums on social media to ask for suggestions, too.

DO look at the basics Look for a book that stands out on the shelf. It should also have bright illustrations and larger text for younger readers, a good tone and interesting plot for older kids.

DON’T worry if they don’t like it You bought a book but your child’s lost interest by the third page… Don’t get mad! Simply ask why they don’t want to read it; finishing a book they don’t like may make them associate reading with negativity.

DO Checkout the Families Bookclub where we review the latest kids’ books: www.familiesonline.co.uk/bookclub

Here’s our round-up of the best new book releases....

0-2 YEARS

Jungle Sounds £12.99 Usborne Publishing This beautifully illustrated board book is the perfect way to entertain any young reader. Turn each page of this jungle-inspired read and you’ll find buttons to press featuring different animal sounds, from roaring tigers and trumpeting elephants, to squawking parrots and a rather noisy orangutan!

3-5 YEARS The Little Elephant Who Wants to Fall Asleep £7.99 Carl-Johan Forssén Ehrlin Remember the ground-breaking best-seller The Rabbit Who Wants to Fall Asleep, which got kids yawning come bedtime each night? This latest installment features Ellen the Elephant and a whole new cast of lovable characters, who travel through a magical forest that leads to Dreamland. Ready, steady, zzzzz…

6-8 YEARS The Girl Who Saved Christmas £12.99 Matt Haig The second book in the festive series sees nine-year-old Amelia writing to Father Christmas to ask for her mother to get better. Unfortunately, Father Christmas can’t get his trusty reindeer

off the ground and Christmas is cancelled!

Uh oh! A year on, determined to bring back Christmas and make up for last year, Santa sets off for London, with the aim to make this the happiest Christmas ever for the very first child he visited.

9-11 YEARS The Goldfish Boy £6.99 Lisa Thompson This captivating story sees 11-year-old Matthew trapped in his bedroom by the crippling OCD brought on by his baby brother’s death. Spending most of his time staring out of his window, he is the last person to see his next-door neighbour’s toddler, Teddy, just before he goes missing.

Turning detective and unravelling the mystery of Teddy’s disappearance, this is a page-turning, heartbreaking and ultimately life-affirming read.

12+ YEARS Holding Up the Universe £7.99 Jennifer Niven Everyone knows Libby Strout; she’s the girl so heavy she had to be lifted out of her house by a crane.

Everyone knows Jack Masselin, too – but Jack has a secret: his brain is different, and he can’t recognise faces. Landing in group counseling and community service, the angry duo find that the more time they spend together, the less alone they feel… Because sometimes when you meet someone, it changes the world – both theirs and yours.

Families Manchester | www.familiesonline.co.uk 17

Christmas fun How to create a family Christmas party to remember

By Sally J Hall

The thought of planning a Christmas party for family and friends can send us into a spin – especially if you’re fitting it in around your busy work and family life. But there’s no need to get hot under the collar if you follow our tips and advice for the best party ever!

1. Start early It’s never too early to start planning.

Keep lists of ideas, inspirations and recipes in a note book. As the date gets nearer, hone the list down so that you know exactly what you want and need.

Practice cooking any new dishes and order any hard to get items well in advance. Don’t forget to book your grocery delivery too!

2. Set the date – and tell people It pays to set the date early and let others know, so send ‘save the date’ notices on Facebook and follow up with a more formal invitation – make sure you include the start and end times and details the guests need to know such as “it’s fancy dress”.

Find out if there are dates your party might clash with - such as a work party, or even a birthday. You could even consider that quieter period between Christmas and New Year!

3. Set a budget Costs can get out of hand, so think about ways you can cut back. Doing a shop at a budget supermarket, making food and freezing it is much more cost-effective than leaving it to the last minute and grabbing whatever you can from the ready-made aisles.

Make a few simple dishes ahead and get decorations and napkins from a 99p store. If you like fresh flowers, avoid red - the cost of red flowers soars at Christmas!

Choose another colour or gather evergreens from the garden. Drinks can also be very expensive, so ask everyone to bring a bottle while you provide a welcome cocktail or glass of fizz – plus soft drinks for the kids of course.

4. Think about who to invite Write down the names of people you’d like to invite as you think of them – you can always narrow it down later if you have too many.

And think about who gets on with whom – you may decide that two parties are necessary if you have factions of your family or friends who don’t get on with each other!

5. Creating the mood Think about how your home will appear to guests. Make it smell nice with flowers, coffee and scented candles (out of the reach of kids of course).

Don’t forget the bathrooms – there should be toilet paper, a bin, hand soap and clean towels. Make it warm enough for comfort (but not stifling) and have a play list on your MP3 player. Just remember that everyone may be sick of Slade’s Merry Christmas Everyone by now, so perhaps go for something a little different. Frank Sinatra anyone?

6. Making guests feel welcome As your guests arrive, make them feel welcome. Designate one of the kids to take coats to a bedroom, have some welcoming drinks on a tray ready to be handed out as people arrive and make sure there are enough seats. Have some canapés prepared and some simple snacks for the children too, so that you don’t have to be in the kitchen rather than mingling with your guests. Plus it avoids any ‘hangry’ moments from the kids.

7. Get your house – and yourself – ready About a week before, give your home a good clean, so that on the day you can just run the hoover around quickly. Put away breakables and have a count up – do you have enough plates, cutlery and so on? Buy more or arrange to borrow some. Think about what you’re going to wear and try it on, so you’re not still in your underwear as guests are knocking at the door. On the day itself, enlist the help of your family to get everything done and don’t forget to save yourself enough time for a relaxing bath and time to get ready so you can enjoy the party too!

And finally…

If your guests will be drinking, think about how they will get home (they can of course choose designated drivers) and organise local taxis for those who would rather leave their car at home. If you have the space, you may want to offer a bed to a few people overnight.

Also, think about giving them a party bag with a small bottle of mineral water and a piece of Christmas cake or a biscotti in it.

They will thank you in the morning!

Get more fantastic party ideas from Families Online: www.familiesonline.co.uk/party

Christmas Cookie Tree Decorations Time needed:

Plain flour, 200g

Method: With your child, measure the flour and then let your little one spoon the flour into the sieve, held above the bowl. Sift the flour.

Cool butter, 100g

Add the sugar

Caster sugar, 50g

Add the butter, cut into cubes.

Writing icing, white, green, red (great for drawing lines and shapes)

With clean hands, show your child how to rub the butter into the flour. Keep rubbing then kneading and it should come together into a ball.

About half an hour, including baking time Ingredients

Decorations in silver, red, green, gold or white You will need: Large bowl Sieve Flat baking trays Star cookie cutters (or other festive shapes) These delicious shortbread stars will look great on the tree – but we suspect they won’t be there long! This is such a simple recipe, with only three ingredients and it is quick and easy to make but shortbread is always a favourite.

18 Families Manchester | www.familiesonline.co.uk

Clean pencil Silver, gold, white, green or red ribbon

Without over-working the dough, roll it out on a flat surface, dusted with flour.

Using the cookie cutters, help your child stamp out star shapes and place them on the baking tray. Use the blunt end of the clean pencil to make a hole at the top of one of the points for the ribbon.

Bake at 320F/160C/Gas 6 for 12-15 minutes until golden. When cool, decorate with writing icing and any other decorations you like, such as sugar balls. Hang on the tree!

Christmas fun Elf Adventures at The Ice Cream Farm this Christmas

Get planning your festive fun as Santa’s Elves get set to arrive at The Ice Cream Farm, just outside Chester, this Christmas. They’ll be sharing the secrets of Lapland and cooking up activities for families of all ages, so make sure you don’t miss out! the Ice Cream Farm is teaming up with Cheshire-based children’s event and party company, Wonderslide to deliver this unique, festive adventure, which will be at The Ice Cream Farm on nine key dates: 26 & 27 November as well as 3, 4, 9, 11 16, 17 and 23 December.

It features performers, games and creativity to deliver the ultimate interactive Christmas experience.

Children and their families will be taken on a journey to become honorary elves where they will learn about how they help Santa get ready to deliver his magic every year. All activities will take place indoors, making it the perfect entertainment for the unpredictable British weather.

Tickets are selling fast, so get yours now! For further information about the event, videos and to book your tickets visit www.elfadventurechallenge.com

Edible Christmas gifts you can make with your kids Christmas gifts don’t have to be expensive and you can have lots of fun making foodie gifts for your friends and family.

Here are two quick, easy and delicious ideas for you to make with your children.

Christmas cookies in a jar This is a lovely gift as the jar can be used again and it’s full of yummy, Christmassy biscuits too.

You will need: • 250g soft butter or margarine • 140g caster sugar • 1 egg • 2 tsp vanilla extract • 300g plain flour • Quarter tsp ground cinnamon • Tiny pinch of ground star anise • Quarter tsp nutmeg • Large Kilner jar • Ribbon and decorations such as mini bells

To decorate: •Icing sugar • Water • Lemon juice Method: Cream together the butter and sugar, then add the yolk from the egg and the vanilla extract. Gradually add the flour and keep mixing until it forms a ball of dough.

Kids can do this with their hands.

Next, roll the dough out on a floured surface and use a variety of Christmas cookie cutters to make the shapes – stars, diamonds and hearts are all good. Bake for 12-15 minutes (gas 4, 190 C 375 F).

Once cool, mix the icing sugar with a teaspoon of lemon juice and a little water, until it is easy to pour but still thick. Use a piping bag to make decorations on each and leave to dry in a cool place.

Finally, place a selection of the cookies into a Kilner jar and decorate with a Christmas ribbon, bells and a label.

Snowballs Everyone loves chocolate and these little snowball shaped truffles are great as a Christmas themed treat.

• 2 tbsp double cream • 200g good white chocolate, chopped • Half tsp vanilla extract • 2 tbsp desiccated coconut • Mini cake cases Method: Put the chocolate pieces in a pudding basin and set it over a pan of hot water,

with the double cream. Bring to a simmer and then turn the heat down low. You’ll need to supervise your child at this stage, as steam can burn. Stir with a wooden spoon until the chocolate has melted into the cream. Add the vanilla, take off the heat and chill for one hour. It should then be firm but still loose enough to work with.

With a teaspoon, take a small amount of the chocolate paste and roll it in a ball between your palms. Then roll it in the coconut and you have little snowball shaped truffles. Place each completed one inside a mini cake case.

Pop some inside a jam jar to give as a gift and add little playful touches such as tiny robins and Christmas trees that you use as cake decorations.

Families Manchester | www.familiesonline.co.uk 19

What’s on Saturdays in Nov & Dec

Waterside Arts Centre, Sale Family Club Activities 10am – 12pm, drop in, £1 per child per session (£2.50 for non Family Club members), limited spaces available Action-packed arty fun including art and crafts, story-telling and more.

5 Nov: Crayon and inkwash drawing 12 Nov: Artful Playground storytelling sessions (10am & 11am) 19 Nov: No club today 26 Nov & 3 Dec: Create a piece of artwork connected to the Christmas show Underneath a Magical Moon 10 Dec: Origami 17 Dec: Christmas tea light holders www.watersideartscentre.co.uk

Saturdays until 17 Dec

Touchstones, Rochdale Interactive Saturdays 10am – 5pm, Up to age 12 Child friendly interactives in the exhibition spaces. www.rochdaleonline.co.uk

Fri 4 Nov

Albert Square, Manchester Christmas Lights Switch On 7.30pm Farnworth Cricket Club Bonfire Night 6pm Fireworks, bonfire, fairground rides, rood and drink.

Roe Green Cricket Club Bonfire & Fireworks display 6 – 9.30pm, Adult £3, Unders 16s £1. Huge Bonfire and 20 min Firework Display. Hog roasts, BBQ’s and Hot Dog stands, Prosecco Tent serving Prosecco, Beer, cider and soft drinks. 6.00pm - 9.30pm / Entrance £3 per adult and £1 for kids under 16.

Sat 5 Nov

Denton West End Cricket Club Fireworks Display 6pm, Adult £6, Child £4. Professional display, bars, food, side displays and music. www.dentonwestcc.org Broomfields Junior School, Warrington Fireworks Spectacular and Fairground 6 – 9pm, display at 7.30pm, £3 per person in advance (from school) or £5 on the gate Fireworks, fairground, beer tent, food and music. www.broomfields.ik.org Trafford MV Rugby Club, Sale Guy Fawkes Night 6 – 10pm, Family (2+2) £15, Adult £5, Child £3 BBQ, bottle bars, main bar, glo sticks, sweets, soft drinks.

Appleton Thorn Primary School, Warrington Fireworks Extravaganza 6 – 8pm, Adult £5, Child £3, Family £17 (2+3) – discount if bought in advance.

Hot food, children’s rides, sweets and snacks. www.appletonthornprimary.org.uk Manchester Grammar School Whole School Open Event 9.30am – 12pm www.mgs.org Bridgewater School, Worsley Open Day 10am – 2pm www.bridgewater-school.co.uk

Sun 6 Nov

Tatton Park, Knutsford Adopt a Farm Animal Day 11am – 3pm, normal admission applies. Meet the rare breed animals at The Farm which are up for adoption.

Choose from Prancer the Reindeer, Blossom the Clydesdale Horse, Tamzin the Tamworth Pig and Frosty the Donkey. Normal charges and opening times apply.

01625 374400 / www.tattonpark.org.uk

These listings are for guidance only – please check before you go To include your upcoming event in our listings, email events@familiesmanchester.co.uk or upload your event listing to our website - www.familiesonline.co.uk Thurs 10 Nov

Ordsall Hall Museum, Salford Ghost & History tour 7.30 & 8pm, £5, booking essential. Older children and teenagers can take part in a tour to find out about the fascinating history of Ordsall Hall and some of the ghosts who are said to haunt it. Today is the 417th anniversary of the death of the Hall’s most famous ghost - Lady Margaret Radclyffe, the White Lady. 0161 872 0251 / www.salfordcommunityleisure.co.uk

Fri 11 Nov – Mon 26 Dec

London Road Fire Station, Manchester The Winter Gathering The stunning buildings and courtyard of London Road Fire Station - opposite Piccadilly train station – will be transformed into a magical winter market, featuring an ice skating rink, street food stalls, bars, an art space and a programme of live music and DJs. www.elementalevents.com/thewintergathering

Sat 12 Nov

Quarry Bank Mill, Styal Baby and Toddler - Storytelling and Play session 9.30am, 10.15am & 11am / Free, but book in advance. Bring your little ones to Quarry Bank, for a special storytelling and play session just for them.

01625 527468 / www.nationaltrust.org.uk/quarry-bank

Sat 12 & Sun 13 Nov Sat 10 & Sun 11 Dec

Lyme Park, Disley Dogs in the garden 11am – 4pm, normal admission applies Dogs are allowed to bring their owners attached to a lead into the garden this weekend.

01663 762023 / www.nationaltrust.org.uk/lyme

Sun 13 Nov

Manchester Cathedral Be a Chorister for a Day A unique opportunity for children aged 7 – 11 who love singing to have a go at being a Chorister at Manchester Cathedral. Places limited and advance booking essential. 0161 833 2220 ext 244 / www.manchestercathedral.org

Tues 15 – Thurs 17 Nov

HOME, Manchester Manchester Animation Festival An opportunity to delight in all things animated.

Animated short competitions, feature films, retrospective screenings, workshops, networking events, panel discussions, masterclasses and screen talks from the industry’s finest over three packed days. www.manchesteranimationfestival.co.uk.

Thurs 17 Nov

Chester Christmas Lights Switch on Parade 7pm

Fri 18 – Sun 20 Nov

Bury Town Centre Transition Festival Fri 6 -9.30pm, Sat 11am – 9.30pm. A weekend of sound and light, showcasing music, art, storytelling & live performance. www.visitbury.com

Sat 19 Nov

St Joseph’s RC High School, Horwich (BL6 6HW) Boutique Baby Sale 1.30 - 3pm. November 19 at 1:30 PM - 3 PM. 30+ stalls packed with quality pre-loved baby and children’s items such as toys, clothes, prams, high chairs, equipmen, including a pre-loved designer clothes section! Plus handmade, craft and business stalls. www.boutiquebabysale.co.uk

Sun 20 Nov

Elm Bank, Eccles M30 9BA The Pregnancy and Baby Show Salford 10am – 2pm / £5 per couple in advance, £3.50 on the door. Workshops, stalls and experts. www.thehappybirthingcompany.co.uk

20 Families Manchester | www.familiesonline.co.uk

Mon 21 Nov – Sun 4 Dec,

Fri 9 – Sun 11 Dec, Fri 16 – Sun 18 Dec Tatton Park, Knutsford Gloriumptious Christmas Mansion 11am-4pm / Mansion only £9.50 adult, £5.50 child (age 4-15) Step in to the Christmas mansion and into Roald Dahl’s magical world. Traditional music , decorating and kitchen demonstrations. www.tattonpark.org.uk

Sat 26 & Sun 27 Nov Sat 3 & Sun 4 Dec Fri 9 & Sun 11 Dec Fri 16, Sat 17 & Fri 23 Dec

Ice Cream Farm, Tattenhall Elf Adventure Challenge 10am -5.30pm / Ages 2 – 10 and their families / £8 per ticket; £28 family ticket of 4 (any combination of adults / children). Advance booking essential. Come and learn what it takes to be a Christmas Elf – fun, challenges and Christmas spirit for the whole family.

01925 756700 / www.elfadventurechallenge.com

Sat 26 Nov – Sun 2 Jan

Dunham Massey Find Rudolph 11am – 4pm. Eight life-size cut out creations will appear in locations in the garden and deer park, can you spot them all before the New Year? Make sure you find Rudolph for a special surprise!

Festive family activities will take place in the stables on Sat 3 & Sun 4 Dec and Sat 10 & Sun 11 Dec 12pm-3pm. £2 per trail, normal admission applies.

0161 941 1025 / www.nationaltrust.org.uk/dunham-massey

Sun 27 Nov

Cheadle Hulme Methodist Church Mum2mum Market 1.30pm, £2 entrance Quality second hand baby, children’s and maternity clothes, preloved baby equipment and prams. www.mum2mummarket.co.uk

Thurs 1 Dec

Chester Lantern Parade 7pm. Hundreds of children will parade through the streets carrying handmade lanterns for the annual Lantern Parade. The parade leaves from the Forum Shopping Centre, walking past the Cathedral along St Werburgh Street, turning into Eastgate Street, down Bridge Street, back up Northgate Street and ending at the Christmas Market in the Town Hall Square.

Thurs 1 – Sat 24 Dec

Legoland Discovery Centre, Manchester Christmas Bricktacular Find the elves and the missing presents, get in the festive brick building spirit, take in the new festive scenes in Miniland and meet Bertie who’s dressed up for the festivities. www.legolanddiscoverycentre.co.uk/manchester

Sat 3 & Sun 4 Dec, Sat 10 – Sun 11 Dec

Quarry Bank Mill, Styal A Quarry Bank Christmas Get dressed up in traditional costume and take a snap of you and your family dressed to impress.

Follow the fun Christmas activity trail round the mill, and find out about all the jobs the mill workers had to do before they could stop work for Christmas Day. Visit Father Christmas (book on the day – £7 per child). www.nationaltrust.org.uk/quarry-bank.

Sat 3 Dec

Marketplace Studios, Stockport 12 Monsters of Christmas 10am – 12pm and 1 – 3pm, Ages 7 – 11, £15, online booking essential. Recreate the 12 days of Christmas with alternative gifts and imagined animals. Collage and draw pictures and make badges and zines of the creatures you invent. www.art.mmu.ac.uk

Sun 4 Dec

The John Rylands Library Christmas Carols by Salford Royal Choir Donations welcome for Wood Street Mission. www.library.manchester.ac.uk/rylands Z-arts, Hulme Family Festive Fun DayZ 12 – 4pm, All ages, Free To celebrate the start of the festive period Z-arts are going all out for Christmas. This year they are inspired by favourite children’s author and poet Michael Rosen. www.z-arts.org

Thurs 8 Dec

Chester Winter Watch Parade Karamba Samba as the Winter Watch parades through Chester City Centre, lead by the Lord of Misrule! The parade will start at the Forum Shopping Centre and will continue around the city, including: St Werburgh Street, Northgate Street and Bridge Street. Dancers, fire breathing and sword fights along the way.

Fri 9 – Sun 18 Dec

Salford Quays/MediaCityUK Lightwaves 2016 Featuring a brand new large-scale commission, exciting new work from emerging artists, presentations of incredible work from across the globe, and exciting workshops, Lightwaves 2016 will illuminate The Quays once more and bring light to those dark winter nights. All free to view. www. quaysculture.com

Wed 14 Dec

Bolton Jolly Jumper Day Tis the season to rock your Christmas jumpers with pride! Donate just £1 to wear your jolliest jumper (or t-shirt) and show your support for the patients and their families who will be with the Hospice over the Christmas period. www.boltonhospice.org.uk

Thurs 15 Dec

Chester Winter Watch and Saturnalia Parade 7pm. From Eastgate Street you will be able to experience the special evening that merges two fantastic parades. The Saturnalia parade sees the Roman legion light up the streets with a torch-lit parade and the Winter Watch is a historic event when the city leaders would hand over the keys to the city watch.

Sun 18 Dec

Tatton Park, Knutsford Family Carols in the Stableyard 3 – 4pm, normal admission applies 01625 374400 / www.tattonpark.org.uk Royal Northern College of Music Christmas Family Day 11am – 4pm, Age 3+, £5. A Family Day full of magical activities, interactive workshops and musical treats including a screening of Raymond Briggs’ classic film Father Christmas with actors and live orchestra.

01619075555 / www.rncm.ac.uk

Sat 31 Dec

Oasis Academy Oldham OL8 4JZ Boutique Baby Sale 12.30 - 2pm. 25+ stalls packed with quality pre-loved baby and children’s items such as toys, clothes, prams, high chairs, equipmen, including a pre-loved designer clothes section! Plus handmade, craft and business stalls. www.boutiquebabysale.co.uk