Half term October 2018 is coming up and there are a plethora of events 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
Autumn is the season of golden leaves, bright orange pumpkins and cosy nights by the fire. There’s no denying that the longer nights can be a little gloomy, which is why the Hindu festivals of Diwali and Dashehra are very welcome, bringing light and movement into the still, dark and chilly evenings. Head to Albert Square, Manchester from 2 – 9 pm on 20th October for the joint celebration of Dashehra and Diwali. Dance, drama and music will be followed by a stunning lantern parade as darkness falls and a spectacular finale of fireworks.
This event is FREE.
Manchester Science Festival at the Museum of Science and Industry .
This annual event never disappoints. Highlights include Distortions in Spacetime (18th – 28th October). If you’re brave enough to step into a black hole and prepared to be stretched, squashed and spaghettified, tickets are FREE but booking is essential, so visit the website well in advance. Relaxed sessions are available. Also at the MoSI, don’t miss Power Playground (20 – 21 October), where you can make a solar-powered model car, build a fuel cell and use a drone to explore a virtual windfarm.
Take Tea with a Tiger at Quarry Bank Mill
‘The Tiger Who Came to Tea’ is on a nationwide tour of National Trust places and is stopping at Quarry Bank Mill until 28th October for an exhibition celebrating the 50th anniversary of Judith Kerr’s classic. Make tea for a giant cuddly tiger in an interactive play kitchen.
Alongside the ‘The Tiger Who Came to Tea’, the exhibition will feature children’s classic books from the Workers’ Library collection.
This event is FREE.
Hallowe’en Festival, Southport
Trick or treat trails, ghost pirate pandemonium and a ‘scare’ crow festival are just a few of the spooky goings on in Southport over half term. Lose yourself in the haunted maze in the Town Hall Gardens, get tickets for the Little Monsters’ Ball and be sure to watch out for the two giant dragons swooping over the town.
Events take place throughout half term and are mostly FREE. Visit the website to see the full schedule.
Monster Hallowe’en Ball, Liverpool
Billed as three days of workshops, mini parades, dance-offs and more, the Monster Hallowe’en Ball will run from 24 – 26 October at the Palm House in Liverpool’s famous Sefton Park. Hosted by the Lantern Company, activities include monster mask and lantern making and evening visits from giant puppets who will light up the dance floor. Tickets start from £7.50 – book here.
Hallowe’en Main Stage in Exchange Square, Manchester
Gruesome gravestones, giant cemetery gates complete with gatekeeper will adorn the main stage, which will playhost to Heart, CBeebies and CBBC. Challenge Death to a game of chess or simply enjoy the live music, entertainment and street food on offer.
This event is FREE and will run on 27th and 28th October. Visit the website for the full schedule.
Poppies: Wave at Imperial War Museum North
Visit Imperial War Museum North at Salford Quays to make and star in your own mini-documentary, view the Poppies: Wave installation and even attend a poppy handling workshop – all for free. Half term activities run from 20 – 26th October, whilst Poppies: Wave is on display until 25th November.
Half Earth Day at Manchester Museum
Our precious planet Earth is under threat. Half Earth Day, part of Manchester Science Festival, aims to draw attention to this global campaign to save half the world for all of life. Plastic coughed up by seabirds, ancient Egyptian beehives and the living colonies on the museum’s roof will all be on display. For families aged 5+. This event will run from 11 – 4 pm on 22nd October and is FREE.
The Big Draw at the Whitworth
The world’s biggest drawing festival takes centre stage at the Whitworth on 22nd October from 11 am – 3 pm. Explore patterns in art and nature from a scientific point of view. Take an experimental approach to drawing using scientific methods, create your own colourful screen prints and produce repeat patterns to rival the Whitworth’s collection.
This event is FREE.
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 27th October. Family tickets start at £20.
Lightpool Festival, Blackpool
From 25th – 27th October, Blackpool’s night sky will come alive with a carnival of light. Visit the website for more details.
Half Term at Dunham Massey
Help Herbie the Hedgehog get ready for hibernation with a trail around the gardens. You can also make some cute cobweb crafts. Events run throughout half term and are FREE.
Better Tuition will be closed for half term from Sunday, 21st October until Monday, 29th 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?
