Chester Zoo is all set to be transformed into a ‘super-natural spectacle’ this spooky season, and there’s loads of exciting events planned.
Halloween is right around the corner, and thousands of kids across the north west will also be breaking up for the October half term too, so of course the UK’s biggest charity zoo is getting into the scary spirit by announcing a lineup of themed events all throughout this month especially for the occasion.
A trail of giant animals made out of pumpkins, and a fully animated 360-degree ‘mythical experience’ will be among the highlights at Chester Zoo‘s huge new Halloween festival.
The UK’s first fully animated 360-degree ‘mythical experience’ is taking over Chester Zoo this Halloween / Credit:
Visitors will get to chance to come face-to-face with giant animal sculptures made with pumpkins, including dragons, bats, and wolves, all before encountering untamed creatures found inside the zoo’s brand-new BEASTS experience – which is the first of its kind in the UK.
The fully animated 360-degree digital experience takes visitors on a journey through unexplored lands to discover mythical beasts in the prequel to the fantasy novel, ‘Beastlands: Race to Frostfall Mountain’, which is written by children’s TV presenter, and acclaimed zoologist, Dr Jess French.
Conservationists say that many of the creatures in the immersive experience have been inspired by animals found at the zoo.
A special book signing event will also take place on Halloween itself (Thursday 31 October), where author and co-creator of BEASTS, Dr Jess French, will be reading her children’s fantasy book from 10am in the zoo’s main gift shop.
A meet and greet is also planned for visitors who would like to get their books signed afterwards.
There’s also a giant pumpkin trail, suitable for all ages / Credit: Chester Zoo
Elinor Trigg, who is the Senior Customer Development Manager at Chester Zoo, says the zoo’s Halloween festival this year “is something that’s not to be missed”.
“Halloween also gives us the chance to throw a spotlight on some species which can sometimes be a little misunderstood, but are incredibly important to ecosystems,” she added. “And crucially, whenever anyone comes to the zoo this autumn to join in with the festivities, they’ll be supporting our charitable conservation efforts to protect many of the world’s most at-risk species.”
You can complete the giant pumpkin trail and enjoy BEASTS at any time throughout the day from now up until 3 November.
All activities are free to those who purchase normal zoo tickets, with no timeslot booking needed.
Featured Image – Chester Zoo
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There’s a ‘not snobby’ cheese tasting evening coming to Manchester this autumn
Thomas Melia
An evening dedicated to celebrating all things cheese is coming to a Manchester city centre pub this autumn.
Leeds-based cheese company Homage2Fromage launched its cheese-focused company back in 2011 as a monthly service highlighting all the delicious dairy offerings.
Since this, Homage2Fromage has gone on to host incredible events and activities, including an all-you-can-eat cheese festival right here in Manchester back in 2023.
Now, the cheese fanatics return with a brand-new event titled ‘Extreme Cheese’, where it’s bringing lots of creamy and crumbly varieties to local Manchester city centre pub, The Wayfarer.
You can expect to sample eight dairy delights, with some expected to be ‘very strong’, as the company adds ‘fromage not for the faint-hearted’, so if you like your cheese strong, then this one’s for you.
Homage2Fromage host cheese tasting experiences across the country including Manchester / Credit: Supplied
This cheese provider offers tasting experiences up and down the country, including prime spots in the north like Halifax, Harrogate, Leeds, and Sheffield.
The newest cheese-inspired event is set to be no different, with an itinerary packed regarding all things cheese.
You can grab a drink on arrival, and as soon as you hear ‘CHEESE’ the tasting begins, followed by scoring and, most importantly, an informative chat where you learn all about this dreamy delicacy.
For those who are cheese aficionados, the company even lets you host your own cheese event and provides everything you could ever need – including that golden flavour-packed good stuff.
If you’d rather put your hosting skills to one side though, and just simply tuck into some of the best cheddar varieties there is, then you can do just that at this upcoming cheese testing evening this autumn.
Homage2Fromage is bringing an exclusive cheese tasting evening, ‘Extreme Cheese’, to Manchester city centre at The Wayfarer on 24 September, and you can find tickets HERE.
Featured Images – Publicity Pictures (via Supplied)
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Blackpool Pleasure Beach announces its famous ‘late night riding’ is back this summer
Emily Sergeant
Blackpool Pleasure Beach has announced that its famous ‘late night riding’ event is making a grand return this summer.
Don’t quite feel ready to say goodbye to summer just yet, and want to cling onto that laidback lifestyle for a little longer?
Well luckily the Lancashire seaside town’s beloved theme park has just announced that it will be bringing back its ever popular ‘late night riding’ hours for one Saturday only later this month, and tickets are now on sale.
It’s not just us calling it ‘late night riding’ for nothing, by the way, that is genuinely what Blackpool Pleasure Beach has decided to name the event.
Blackpool Pleasure Beach’s famous ‘late night riding’ is making a comeback / Credit: Blackpool Pleasure Beach
Anyway, on Saturday 23 August, Blackpool Pleasure Beach will be open from 10am right through until late in the evening, so thrill-seekers can enjoy their favourite rides under the town’s twinkling lights once the sun has gone down.
“Enjoy the fantastic atmosphere as the park sparkles and shines in the dark,” Blackpool Pleasure Beach said as it announced the event‘s return.
While Blackpool Pleasure Beach is always a great day out during the daylight hours anyway, Late Night Riding gives you the chance to ‘brave your favourite rides in the dark’, and experience the park like never before.
Staying open until late means there’s even more hours to ride into the night on the UK’s tallest rollercoaster, the Big One, check out the twists and turns of ICON in the evening, enjoy a night race on the Grand National, and ride on the the Big Dipper at dusk.
There’ll also be a show-stopping fireworks display on the day at 10pm.
The spectacular fireworks displays have a different theme each Late Night Riding event, and always fill the skies above the rollercoasters, rides, and attractions of the park with plenty of colour, while special shows, themed music, and live entertainment fill the park below, all to make sure that visitors have the most immersive experience
The popular event will return for one night only later this month / Credit: Blackpool Pleasure Beach
Tickets for Late Night Riding on Saturday 23 August are available online, and will set you back £35 for an online ticket or £50 on the day.
If you’re unable to make this month’s Late Night Riding though, don’t worry, as you’ll have a chance to visit in a couple of months time when the event returns again in late November
Emily Sergeant -
9th October 2024 
