This is one of my favourite issues of the year. I love this season with the crisp autumnal colours, the evenings starting to draw in and the hint of the festive season on the horizon!
Plus, my children absolutely love pumpkins and dressing up and there are so many activities and events to incorporate this. Head to page 8 for our roundup of places to choose from and you’ll find a voucher for Gulliver’s Theme Parks too – I know they are well sought after.
Our What’s on Where pages are handy to see everything listed in date order, hopefully this makes planning your weekends and half term that bit easier!
Have fun and enjoy your autumn with the children. We’ll be back after the fireworks have faded away to bring you all things Christmassy in our Winter Issue.
Best Wishes,
Louise
LOCAL NEWS AUTUMN HALF TERM
WOW BOX OFFICE
An array of on-stage shows over the next few months
The latest news from in and around Merseyside
What’s on Where – a diary of activities in date order
Local NEWS
Snippets of the latest news from in and around Merseyside, with some exciting events coming up, an award announcement, updates from local schools and information on important vaccines.
Razzamataz Liverpool is back – and bigger than ever
After a fun-filled summer break, Razzamataz is thrilled to return with even more classes for ages 4-18 in musical theatre, commercial dance, drama, and singing. Whether your child is a born performer or looking to build confidence and make new friends, now is the perfect time to join! It is an inclusive school for all abilities, offering a supportive and fun environment where every student can shine. FREE taster sessions available – see what Razzamataz is all about! Contact Gemma via WhatsApp on 07778 525199 to book your place! W: www.razzamataz.co.uk
FREE TASTER SESSION
Explore post-school options at Knowsley Community College
Knowsley Community College invites Year 10 and 11 pupils to attend one of its upcoming School Leaver Open Events on Wednesday 8th October and Wednesday 19th November, from 5pm to 7pm. These events offer an excellent opportunity to explore a wide range of course options for September 2026 across the Main Campus and IAMTech Campus. It’s the perfect opportunity to meet tutors, tour facilities, and learn about student benefits, including free bus travel. Many parents find these events incredibly helpful when supporting their child with making decisions about what to do after school. Book now at www.knowsleycollege.ac.uk/sl-openevents
Calling all LEGO fans in Liverpool!
SATURDAY 29TH
NOVEMBER
After a sold-out show, National Brick Events is back in Liverpool! Visit Aintree Racecourse on Saturday 29th November for another incredible day of LEGO fun. The last event was a huge success, and the team are bringing even more to this show!
It’s the perfect family day out with an incredible selection of displays, a huge variety of rare and retired LEGO sets for sale, and thousands of bricks for you to get hands-on with. Book your tickets and secure your spot today!
W: www.nationalbrickevents.co.uk
Elf The Musical is coming to M&S Bank Arena
SATURDAY 6TH & SUNDAY 7TH DECEMBER
It’s the ultimate Christmas treat you won’t want to miss! Join Buddy the Elf on his hilarious adventure from the North Pole to New York as he spreads festive cheer, meets his real dad, and discovers the true meaning of Christmas. Packed with toe-tapping songs, dazzling sets, laugh-out-loud moments, and even Santa’s flying sleigh, this spectacular show is perfect for the whole family. Tickets are selling fast so book now!
W: www.mandsbankarena.com
Give your family the best start in life with Wraparound Care
Now that the new school year is underway, many working parents are juggling busy schedules with school runs. That’s where wraparound childcare can help. Part of the government’s Best Start in Life offer, wraparound care provides safe, fun, and reliable childcare before and after the school day. It’s designed to give children enriching experiences while giving parents peace of mind and flexibility.
With expanded hours now available across St Helens, speak to your child’s school or visit www.sthelens.gov.uk/wraparoundcare to see how this support can help your family thrive.
Are your children’s vaccinations up to date?
You can check your child‘s personal child health record ‘Red Book’ or the NHS App to check their vaccinations are up-todate, or speak to your GP surgery. If you’re not vaccinated, you’re not protected. Measles is circulating in your area right now.
If your child hasn’t had the MMR (measles, mumps and rubella) vaccination they are at risk of measles. Measles can be a very serious disease. Complications can include chest and ear infections, fits, diarrhoea, encephalitis (infection of the brain) and brain damage. Those who develop complications may need to be admitted to hospital for treatment.
Two doses of MMR vaccine are needed to get the best protection. To book an MMR vaccine appointment for your child, call your GP surgery. At the appointment the surgery will check that your child is up-to-date with all their routine vaccinations. Don’t forget about other family members... they might also need vaccinating.
Protect your child from flu
Flu is a very unpleasant illness in children as they suffer the same symptoms as adults. Some children who get flu become seriously ill and may need treatment in hospital. Protect your child by having them vaccinated. The vaccine is a nasal spray, it’s quick, effective and painless. The vaccine has been used for over ten years in schools and GP practices in the UK, where millions of children have been vaccinated.
All school aged children will be able to have the vaccine at school. Please return the consent form sent to you by school so your child can have the vaccine in school.
Children with certain long-term conditions will be invited by their GP practice and should take it up as soon as possible.
Children aged two and three will have been offered the flu nasal spray at their GP practice in September. From October the vaccine will be available at participating pharmacies. The nasal spray contains a small amount of gelatine (porcine gelatine). If you’d prefer your child to have the flu vaccine injection, which doesn’t contain gelatine, speak to your school Immunisation Team or GP practice.
BeWILDerwood celebrates Silver Award for ‘Best Theme Park for Toddlers’
BeWILDerwood is thrilled to announce it has been awarded Silver in the ‘Best Theme Park for Toddlers’ – Small Attraction Category at the 2025 UK Theme Park Awards. The award recognises the park’s ongoing commitment to creating magical, family-friendly adventures for even the youngest explorers.
This award follows an exciting few years for BeWILDerwood, with the introduction of the Toddlewood Ticket, the launch of the much-loved Minty character (who has been extremely popular with visitors), and the release of the new Minty and the Big Stink book – all specially designed to capture the imagination of younger children. These new additions have welcomed a whole new audience into the enchanting world of BeWILDerwood. Head of Marketing and Media Lydia Downey commented, “We’ve absolutely loved welcoming families with tots into the woods over the past two years. We’ve worked really hard to attract this new market and we have so much for toddlers to love at BeWILDerwood, including dedicated toddler play areas, a new sensory room in Cheshire, and even mini zip wires. We have more short stories coming out very soon too! We’re very happy to be recognised as a standout attraction for toddlers and be amongst so many other amazing UK attractions!”
W: www.bewilderwood.co.uk
Autumn HALF TERM
Our favourite half term of the year! Gorgeous colours outside and so much to do, from seasonal trails and an autumn pantomime to a Halloween party and on stage shows. Plus, don’t miss the River of Light now that the evenings are drawing in.
A snapshot of autumn at Liverpool ONE
Autumn is here and so is the fun at Liverpool ONE! Families can enjoy high-energy entertainment at Gravity MAX, quirky selfie spots with Paddington and at the Upside Down House, gift-hunting across shops like LEGO, The Entertainer, John Lewis & Partners, Kenji and MINISO. Refuel with favourites such as PizzaExpress and wagamama or grab-andgo treats from Mooboo and Bagel Factory.
The Halloween Party returns on Sunday 26th October with free street performances, spooky characters and a fancy dress competition for all ages. Plus, from 24th October until 2nd November, as the nights draw in, River of Light will once again illuminate Liverpool with stunning installations across the city. Don’t miss the must-see artworks on the trail, perfect for an evening family walk. This year’s theme is Optics – Science and Light.
W: www.liverpool-one.com
Theatre made magical at Shakespeare North Playhouse
Step into a world of wonder, laughter, and unforgettable memories at Shakespeare North Playhouse, where theatre is made magical for the whole family.
The family programme bursts with imagination, from enchanting fairy tales and interactive adventures to playful twists on Shakespeare’s timeless classics. Every performance is designed to inspire curiosity, spark creativity, and bring stories to life in bold, brilliant ways. Whether it’s your first visit or a weekend treat with the whole gang, their familyfriendly shows promise joy, surprises, and moments you’ll treasure together – because theatre is for everyone, at every age, to enjoy side by side. Check online to see what’s on.
W: www.shakespearenorthplayhouse.co.uk
Don’t miss Fright Fiesta at Gulliver’s
Spooky season has arrived, and Gulliver’s Theme Parks is the perfect place to enjoy all of the frightful festivities.
Fright Fiesta is bursting with colour, costumes and music. Come together for the spookiest season of the year at Gulliver’s with fabulous family activities, frights and theme park fun.
Tickets start from just £19pp making for a great value Halloween event at four different UK locations in Matlock Bath, Warrington, Milton Keynes and Rotherham.
Theme Park entry is included along with a whole host of fiendishly friendly family activities and entertainment. Guests can showcase fancy dress costumes, discover spooktacular rides, explore Haunted Houses, and so much more!
Extend the fun with a Fright Fiesta sleepover. Choose from a range of themed accommodation, including enchanting Princess Suites, fantastic Fairy Dens and roarsome Lost World Lodges.
Book tickets online at www.gulliversfun.co.uk
Step into Oz with St Helens’ Autumn Panto
From Saturday 25th to Friday 31st October, Regal Entertainments invites you to follow Dorothy, Toto, and their new friends down the legendary Yellow Brick Road in The Wizard of Oz at St Helens Theatre Royal. Expect dazzling costumes, toe-tapping musical numbers, and laugh-out-loud panto fun as Scarecrow, Tin Man, and Lion join Dorothy on her magical quest to find the Wizard. This spellbinding production is perfect for the whole family and brimming with heart, humour, and panto magic. Tickets are flying faster than a house in a cyclone –book now and discover there’s no place like St Helens!
W: www.sthelenstheatreroyal.com
Merseyrail can take you there this half term
This half term celebrate the spooky season with family-friendly events across Liverpool City Region. Don’t let the wicked ways of traffic stop you, with fast and frequent services and a family ticket for just £13 – Merseyrail can take you there, no tricks, just treats! Children under five travel for FREE and child returns start at just £1.40. One not to miss is River of Light which returns from 24th October until 2nd November. This FREE event illuminates Liverpool with 10 incredible light installations. This year the theme is ‘The Science of Light’. Nearest stations: Liverpool Central, Moorfields, James Street. Plan your journey at www.merseyrail.org
Lots on offer at The Atkinson during October
The Atkinson in Southport is a vibrant cultural hub offering something for all ages. Enjoy free exhibitions, interactive displays, and hands-on activities that will inspire curiosity in both children and adults alike. This October in the theatre don’t miss Comedy Club 4 Kids (Saturday 11th October) as the best comedians on the circuit entertain the whole family, without the rude bits! Swifties can ‘shake it off’ in Taylormania (Monday 27th October), an award-winning tribute to the pop icon. An unforgettable fun-filled family adventure Dino Tales (Thursday 30th October) stars Europe’s largest walking dinosaurs! Plan your visit online at www.theatkinson.co.uk
Blackstock Market’s FREE Halloween Family Funday
This October half term, Blackstock Market’s Free Family Fundays (which are on every Sunday 10am-1pm) are having a spooky upgrade!
Visit for frightful fun on Sunday 26th October (10am-1pm) and Wednesday 29th to Friday 31st October (12noon-3pm) for FREE Halloween funday events. Expect special guests, spooky giveaways, mascots, face painting, hair braiding, dancing, singing, party games, sweets, delicious food & drinks, and even a fancy dress competition! It’s the perfect Halloween treat for all. Best of all? It’s completely FREE. Take the family, dress up, and get ready for FREE spooktacular fun!
W: www.blackstockmarket.co.uk
WOW
What’s on Where in Merseyside
Details of What’s on Where across the county, all in date order to help you plan your weeks ahead. Don’t forget to mention that you saw it in Primary Times!
ONGOING
Paddington Bear Statue
Liverpool ONE
www.liverpool-one.com
On College Lane, right outside Waterstones, sits a very special visitor… discover him and snap a selfie.
The Heritage Trail
Liverpool ONE www.liverpool-one.com
Download the Liverpool ONE app or pick up a map from the Information Centre on Wall Street to begin your journey through the city’s past.
Nature Trail
Liverpool ONE
www.liverpool-one.com
Mini explorers will love discovering the plants and wildlife of Chavasse Park on this free self-guided trail. The 60-minute walk is available online or via a trail map from the Information Centre on Wall Street.
Family Entertainment
The Atkinson, Southport www.theatkinson.co.uk
A vibrant cultural hub offering something for everyone! Enjoy free exhibitions, interactive displays, and hands-on activities that will inspire curiosity in both kids and adults alike.
The Old Dock Tour
Liverpool ONE
www.liverpool-one.com
The 60-minute Old Dock Tour takes visitors back in time as they discover how a bright mind and creativity shaped the city’s destiny. The tour includes a visit to a part of the original Old Dock underneath Liverpool ONE.
Every Tuesday
Baby Bards
Shakespeare North Playhouse www.shakespearenorthplayhouse.co.uk
Join the Learning & Engagement Team for an early years story and language session for preschool children aged 18 months to four years old. Introducing story, letters and phonics through readings and fun activities, your little ones will be bards in no time.
Every Wednesday
Story & Rhyme Time
The Atkinson, Southport
www.theatkinson.co.uk
Explore stories through rhyme and help develop your child’s language and communication skills while meeting other parents and carers. Together with the friendly librarians, babies and under-fives will enjoy learning new songs, dancing, and making friends. 11.30am-12.15pm.
Every Sunday
Free Family Funday
Blackstock Market
www.blackstockmarket.co.uk
Join every Sunday from 10am for a fantastic range of activities. Each week may include fun such as face painting, balloon animals, mascots, magicians, soft play, movies, live music, dancing, incredible reptile and creepy crawly shows, and lots more. Best of all, entry is completely FREE.
You can attend both of these great free events one after the other!
Hot Water’s Comedy for Kids
Blackstock Market
www.blackstockmarket.co.uk
Each week, enjoy a fantastic variety of family-friendly shows, ranging from mixed lineups featuring multiple comedians to solo performances, including magic shows, stunt acts, improv, and more – perfect for children aged 6+ and their families. With a lineup that changes weekly, there’s always something new and exciting to experience. This show is a FREE event, but due to limited spaces it is a ticketed event, so be sure to book your tickets online.
Saturday 11th October
Relaxed Screenings
World Museum, Liverpool www.liverpoolmuseums.org.uk
Relaxed planetarium shows which have adjustments to be more inviting for visitors with sensory needs and their friends and families.
Enjoy a festival-style Halloween celebration that’s bursting with colour, costumes and music. Theme Park rides and attractions included.
Saturday 11th OctoberSunday 2nd November
Spooooky Fun for Everyone
BeWILDerwood www.bewilderwood.co.uk
Enjoy a magical mix of daytime adventure and spooky surprises! Dress in your best Halloween outfit and get ready to clamber, climb and zip your way through the wild woods during the day and go Twig or Treating with the BeWILDerwood characters. Complete your Halloween adventure and follow the Glowing Light Trail as the sun begins to set. Open 11am-6pm. Running on weekends and daily during half term.
Friday 24th October-Sunday 2nd November
River of Light
Liverpool ONE www.liverpool-one.com
As the nights draw in, River of Light will once again illuminate Liverpool with stunning installations across the city. Liverpool ONE will play host to one of the must-see artworks on the trail, perfect for an evening family walk. Free. This year’s theme is Optics – Science and Light.
Saturday 25th October
Construction Club
The Atkinson, Southport www.theatkinson.co.uk
Unleash your imagination with a massive supply of LEGO® bricks. Construction Club takes place on the last Saturday of each month. Admission is free, but spaces are limited, so please arrive in good time. Children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult.
Saturday 25th OctoberSaturday 1st November
Family Trail
The Atkinson www.theatkinson.co.uk
In anticipation of The Atkinson’s Christmas pantomime, Beauty and the Beast, they need your help to find cast members who are hidden around the building! Pick up a trail map from the shop and find Belle, Dame Betty Bon Bon, Gastrong, The Prince, Fairy Cupid and Morgiana. Hand your completed trail map into the shop to be in with a chance of winning a family ticket to the pantomime. Winner announced Monday 3rd November.
Saturday 25th OctoberSunday 2nd November
Half Term Travel www.merseyrail.org
Celebrate the spooky season with family-friendly events across Liverpool City Region. Don’t let the wicked ways of traffic stop you, with fast and frequent services and a family ticket for just £13 – Merseyrail can take you there, no tricks, just treats! Children under five travel free and child returns start at just £1.40. Don’t miss the River of Light, this free event illuminates Liverpool with 10 incredible light installations. Nearest stations: Liverpool Central, Moorfields, James Street.
The award-winning Land of Lights Lantern Festival returns to Warrington for a third season! Discover gigantic lanterns, mesmerizing light installations and festival vibes. Running on selected dates.
We take great care to ensure this information is correct at the time of going to press. However, we would advise parents to phone and check details prior to making a long trip …or promise!
Sunday 26th October
FREE Halloween Party
Liverpool ONE
www.liverpool-one.com
It’s back! Families can enjoy a free day of spooky fun, with street performers, ghoulish characters and plenty of free entertainment. Don’t miss the fancy dress competition, where children of all ages can join for their chance to win prizes.
Sunday 26th-Friday 31st October
FREE Halloween Family
Funday
Blackstock Market
www.blackstockmarket.co.uk
Visit for frightful fun on Sunday 26th October (10am-1pm) and Wednesday 29th to Friday 31st October (12noon3pm). Expect special guests, spooky giveaways, mascots, face painting, hair braiding, dancing, singing, party games, sweets, delicious food & drinks, and even a fancy dress competition!
Wednesday 29th October
The Wizarding Adventure
East Lancashire Railway
www.eastlancsrailway.org.uk
Get ready for a whirlwind of spells, creatures and magical mayhem, because at Wizard Academy, the impossible is just the beginning! Master the art of magic and meet this Wizard’s Fantastical Familiars. Food and drink will be available to purchase from the café on Platform 3/4 at Bury Bolton Street Station and from the Rawtenstall Buffet.
Thursday 30th October
Craft Workshop
The Atkinson www.theatkinson.co.uk
A Halloween themed arts and crafts workshop suitable for all the family. There’s something for all ages, with all materials supplied and all for free! Drop-in any time between 11am-3pm and get creative. Children under 12 must be supervised by an adult.
Thursday 30th OctoberSaturday 1st November
Halloween Ghost Trains
East Lancashire Railway www.eastlancsrailway.org.uk
Are you ready for a fang-tastically frightening time on board the Halloween Ghost Trains? Count Brian the Vampire, his trusted henchman Bogeye and the whole monster squad are just dying to meet you to celebrate the Year of the BAT!
Celebrate Bonfire Night and enjoy hours of theme park rides, attractions and entertainment, complete with a spectacular fireworks display in the evening.
LOOKING AHEAD
Saturday 15th NovemberWednesday 24th December
Christmas at Gulliver’s Gulliver’s World, WA5 9YZ
www.gulliversworldresort.co.uk
All Christmas theme park packages include a visit to Santa’s Grotto with the opportunity for children to choose their own gift. If you want to extend the fun you can book a fantastic festive short break.
Saturday 29th November
National Brick Events
Aintree Racecourse
www.nationalbrickevents.co.uk
After a sold-out show, National Brick Events is back in Liverpool! Don’t miss this incredible day of LEGO fun. It’s the perfect family day out with an incredible selection of displays, a huge variety of rare and retired LEGO sets for sale, and thousands of bricks for you to get hands-on with. Book your tickets and secure your spot today!
Box OFFICE
Some of the best family shows on stage for now, plus some more to book ahead for later in the season.
The Atkinson www.theatkinson.co.uk
Saturday 11th October
COMEDY CLUB 4 KIDS
Cracking entertainment for everyone over six years old, the best comedians from the UK and world circuit doing what they do best… but without the rude bits!
Monday 27th October
TAYLORMANIA:
TAYLOR SWIFT ERAS
ULTIMATE TRIBUTE
An award-winning extravaganza that plays tribute to one of the leading contemporary artists of our time. Katy Ellis, a self-obsessed ‘Swiftie’ with an incredible live band and dancers will deliver the most authentic recreation of a Taylor experience. The show has already taken ‘Swiftie’ fans across the world by storm.
Thursday 30th October
DINO TALES
With a captivating story, interactive activities throughout and an immersive finale that will bring the house down, Dino Tales is an unforgettable fun-filled family adventure starring Europe’s largest walking dinosaurs to ever roam the stage!
Lowry www.thelowry.com
Monday 27th OctoberSaturday 1st November
THE SMEDS AND THE SMOOS
Soar into space with this Olivier Award-nominated adaptation of the much-loved book by superstar duo Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler.
Sunday 9th November
JUSTIN LIVE – JUSTIN TIME TO ROCK
A fabulous show suitable for all the family. Justin and his friends are putting together a rock band. But with so many songs to choose from, they are going to need your help to choose the best songs to sing and dance to.
Sunday 9th November
MC GRAMMAR LIVE –BOOKS, BEATZ AND BARZ
Multi-award-winning rapping teacher and World Book Day ambassador MC Grammar is back! Get ready for book bangers, epic rhymes and non-stop vibes! It’s the ultimate family party – so grab your caps, shades and chains and get ready to read, rap and rock the stage.
We take great care to ensure this information is correct at the time of going to press. However, we would advise parents to phone and check details prior to making a long trip …or promise!
Saturday 15th November
OPERA NORTH: THE BIG OPERA MYSTERY
Featuring live music from the Orchestra of Opera North, this is the perfect first encounter with opera for the whole family.
M&S Bank Arena www.mandsbankarena.com
Saturday 1st & Sunday 2nd November
GLADIATORS LIVE TOUR
Featuring the new stars of the UK TV series Gladiators, the live show will be a spectacular, highoctane two-hour show with all the fan-favourite events and the ultimate Eliminator.
SAY YOU SAW IT IN
Saturday 6th & Sunday 7th December
ELF THE MUSICAL
Join Buddy the Elf on his hilarious adventure from the North Pole to New York as he spreads festive cheer, meets his real dad, and discovers the true meaning of Christmas. Packed with toe-tapping songs, dazzling sets, laugh-out-loud moments, and even Santa’s flying sleigh, this spectacular show is perfect for the whole family.
Shakespeare North Playhouse www.shakespearenorthplayhouse.co.uk
Friday 21st NovemberSaturday 10th January
CINDERELLA
This Christmas, Shakespeare North Playhouse bring you the most popular fairytale of them all, a spellbinding new production of Cinderella. It’s packed with magical moments, your favourite tunes, lots of laughter and a truly heartwarming message, this new production is the perfect family show for the festive season.
St Helens Theatre Royal www.sthelenstheatreroyal.com
Saturday 25th-Friday 31st October
THE WIZARD OF OZ
Follow Dorothy and her trusty dog Toto as a magical tornado whisks them away from Kansas to the vibrant and mysterious Land of Oz. This spellbinding production promises jawdropping scenery, glittering costumes, toe-tapping musical numbers, and belly-laughs galore – all wrapped up in the classic panto magic that Regal Entertainments is known for.
Friday 28th NovemberSunday 11th January
DICK WHITTINGTON
Get ready for an unforgettable festive experience, filled with larger-than-life characters, vibrant costumes, and an exhilarating, West End-inspired 3D underwater adventure!
