Half term October 2019 is here – for some of us. For others, it begins next week. In any case you can take your pick of ways to entertain, educate and amuse your family in Manchester and the surrounding areas. Here is our pick of the best ones.
Dashehra and Diwal Celebrations
The Hindu festival of Diwali brings much-needed light and movement into the still, dark and chilly evenings of autumn. Manchester Museum is hosting a major, family-friendly celebration. Dance, drama and music will be accompanied by music and craft activities.
This event is FREE and runs from 15.00 – 20.30 on Saturday, 2nd November.
Manchester Science Festival at the Museum of Science and Industry.
From finding out about atoms through the medium of juggling to building your own light-up circuit, there’s a lot to do and discover at the Museum of Science and Industry. Our pick is the People-Powered Party, billed as a “pedal-powered disco” which will help you “find out how the food you eat gives you the power you need to dance all night (or day).”
This event is FREE and runs from 23rd – 30th October.
Become a Factory Inspector at Quarry Bank Mill
Quarry Bank Mill invites you to join Inspector Augustus Snout on an inspection of the mill. You can have a go at different jobs as you go round. Quarry Bank Mill’s website says you can ‘experience the dangers of working in a cotton mill’ but we assume they mean you can ‘find out about the dangers’ rather than actually experiencing as that would be, well, dangerous, wouldn’t it?
The mill trail was created by children’s author Philip Ardagh and costs 50p. Entry to the mill is free. This activity is running until the new year.
Hallowe’en Festival, Southport
Prepare to be spooked if you are visiting Southport between 26th and 29th October. The white picket fences and pumpkin lawns of a hyper-real American street have taken up residence in Town Hall Gardens. Creepy characters peek out of the windows: but will you be bold enough to find out which are waiting with treats – and which have only tricks?
This and many more Halloween-themed events take place in Southport throughout half term (and beyond, up until Hallowe’en on 31st October) and are mostly FREE. Visit the website to see the full schedule.
Monster Hallowe’en Ball, Liverpool
Billed as spooktacular party with a film showing each afternoon from the 27th-30th October, you should arrive early to be in time for dancing, games and creepy crafts with a prize each night for the best fancy dress costume. Refreshments available. Visit the website to book. Tickets cost £14.30 for adults and £11 for children.
Hallowe’en CBBC and CBeebies Spooky Screenings in Exchange Square
Get into the Halloween spirit with screenings from CBeebies and CBBC plus a host of family friendly fun inside a spooky tent. This free event is open to all ages and will feature episodes from family favourites such as Hey Duggee, Peter Rabbit, The Worst Witch, and Dennis and Gnasher Unleashed.
This event is FREE and will run on 26th and 27th October.
Anderton Firework Spectacular
Stand on the lawned terraces of the majestic Victorian Anderton boat lift and watch as the night sky is lit up by dramatic explosions of colour over the River Weaver. Food, music, a ghost train and children’s adventure playground promise to make this a memorable evening. This event takes place from 6.30 – 11.30 pm on 26th October. Family tickets start at £20.
Lightpool Festival, Blackpool
From 11th – 26th October, Blackpool’s night sky will come alive with a carnival of light. Visit the website for more details.
Better Tuition will be closed for half term until Monday, 28th October. When we reopen, why not give us a call on 0161 748 3912 to find out how we can help your child achieve and succeed in school? Find out today why we’re better!
