Chester Zoo has revealed plans for its ‘biggest ever’ evening event this summer.
The UK’s biggest charity zoo has, once again, announced the return of its hugely popular Afterglow event, which is known and loved for offering visitors the rare opportunity to explore the zoo and its 37,000 animals after hours… but this time around, there will be ‘even more’ surprises to discover.
Similar to previous sellout years, Afterglow will offer guests the unique chance to encounter some of the world’s most endangered species during golden hour, which, for many animals, is one of their most active periods.
But, in a series of brand-new additions for 2025, staff at the zoo are promising the ‘ultimate summer evening out’.
They’re promising it’ll be ‘bigger, bolder, and better’ than ever before.
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Chester Zoo’s is opening ‘after hours’ again this summer so you can see all the animals at sunset / Credit: Chester Zoo
You can expect the zoo to be transformed into five themed zones, each packed with entertainment, food, and immersive experiences.
There’ll be life-sized prehistoric dinosaur puppets roaming the zoo’s grounds with full theatrical performances and interactive meet-and-greets throughout each evening, while other new additions this year include a silent disco, giant inflatables, a Master Lego Builder experience, and an array of roaming performers – including acrobats, jugglers, and stilt walkers.
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For those who prefer a bit more peace and quiet though, and would prefer to take in the natural sounds and sights around them instead, there will be also be self-led wellbeing trail and guided meditation sessions.
The evenings will also feature competitions and giveaways, alongside themed food and drink, and proceeds from ticket sales will support the zoo’s vital conservation efforts as a registered charity.
Tickets are now on sale and are expected to sell fast / Credit: Chester Zoo
“Afterglow is back, and this year it’s bigger, brighter and bolder than ever before,” commented Gemma Wright, who is the Visitor Experience General Manager at Chester Zoo.
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“From inflatable dinosaurs and puppet parades to cocktails and a silent disco under the evening sky, there’s something for absolutely everyone. We’ve added more immersive theming across five completely unique zones this year too, each one filled with activities, entertainment and of course, the 37,000 amazing animals that the zoo is home to.
“Importantly, every ticket supports our vital conservation work – both here in the UK and globally.”
Chester Zoo‘s Afterglow returns for 2025 summer evenings and will run on exclusive dates between 1 – 17 August from 3pm until 8pm, and tickets are now on sale, starting at £21 for adults and £14 for children (aged 3–17), while zoo members go free but they must pre-book in advance.
Tickets are limited and expected to sell out quickly, so you can find out more and get booking here.
Featured Image – Chester Zoo
What's On
Horror film festival Grimmfest announces fear-filled return to Manchester next month
Emily Sergeant
Spooky season is just around the corner, and now a popular horror film has announced its return to Manchester next month.
Grimmfest, also known as Manchester’s International Festival of Fantastic Film, has confirmed its 2026 return dates, and has also announced its the full lineup – with four fear-filled days planned, showcasing the best in brand-new horror genre cinema.
You can expect some ferocious feature films, a savage selection of shorts, hair-raising horror classics back on the big screen, and more premieres than ever before.
Returning to Odeon Great Northern early next month, Grimmfest audiences will have an exclusive opportunity to see many of the films on the lineup long before their formal release – with both world, UK, and international premieres on the cards.
Some of the programme’s highlights this year include the UK premiere of Zachary Wigon’s darkly comedic period piece, Victorian Pyscho, shot in Ireland and starring big-name stars Maika Monroe, Jason Isaacs, Thomasin McKenzie, and Ruth Wilson.
Ángel Gómez Hernández’s Crawlers will also make its UK debut at the festival, and horror fans are also said to be eagerly awaiting Jason Lei Howden’s Deathgasm 2: Goremageddon – which is the highly anticipated follow-up to the beloved cult metal comedy-horror, Deathgasm.
There will also be an array of incredible short films screened throughout the festival, all in a huge range of styles, themes, and twisted sensibilities, proving that when it comes to Grimmfest, good things often come in small packages.
Grimmfest has announced its fear-filled return to Manchester next month / Credit: Grimmfest | Krists Luhaers (via Unsplash)
It’s not just new releases you can expect either, as some absolute horror classics are also set to return to the big screen for their anniversaries.
Respected guests from all around the world are set to descend on Manchester for the festival, and that include the film makers and actors from many of the selected films.
And of course there will be plenty of film introductions, Q&As, and signings for fans.
Grimmfest 2026 returns to Oden Great Northern from from 8 – 11 October, and you can see the full lineup and get tickets here.
Featured Image – Grimmfest (Supplied)
What's On
Jersey Boys at Palace Theatre, Manchester – Oh, what a night
Amy Williams
20 years, 65 major awards (including Tonys, a Grammy, and an Olivier), and seen by over 27 million people worldwide – it could only be Jersey Boys, and now it’s back at the Palace Theatre in Manchester.
This is one of those shows where you realise just how many songs you know and love by Frankie Valli and The Four Seasons, but may not know the story behind the band themselves. How they started, how big they became, how they fell apart, and how they were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
It follows the four boys from Jersey (who each narrate their parts of the story), how it started as just Tommy and Nick and a range of different guys along the way, until they found the one who has a voice like an angel, Frankie Valli, and this started to change the direction of their success.
But they were missing a key part, a good song writer – enter Bob Gaudio, and the creation of The Four Lovers, who then became The Four Seasons.
Mixed with issues of debt, loan sharks, prison time and more, it wasn’t the smoothest of sailing for them, and as they said themselves, they didn’t create a movement like the Beatles. But The Four Seasons were for the factory workers, the dads, the working class people who could relate to them.
One thing we need to talk about, is just how INCREDIBLE the vocal performances are in this tour of Jersey Boys, staring Luke Baker as Frankie Valli, Carlo Boumouglbay as Tommy Devito, Lewis Kennedy as Nick Massi, and Toby Miles as Bob Gaudio.
Jersey Boys is back in Manchester, for a run at the Palace Theatre
A special mention for Luke Baker, because as iconic as Frankie Valli’s voice is, he very perfectly matched it.
The musical features some of their biggest hits including Sherry, Big Girls Don’t Cry, Beggin’, Can’t Take My Eyes Off You, Walk Like A Man, and of course, December 1963 (Oh, What A Night) which had everyone up on their feet dancing at the end.
This show is incredible from beginning to end, and would recommend everyone go to see this.
Jersey Boys is running at the Palace Theatre in Manchester until Saturday 19 September, and you can grab your tickets HERE.
Emily Sergeant -
16th July 2025 
