Brace yourselves, because one of the best fun-for-all-ages events is coming to Manchester: the official Shaun the Sheep stage and circus show is coming to Factory International.
This isn’t just one to keep the children entertained; we already know plenty of big kids who grew up on Shaun, Shirley, and the rest of the sheep are already thinking about grabbing tickets.
Created by Nick Park, the same man responsible for Wallace and Gromit, this live stage production and incredibly practical circus show of the beloved British cartoon is already critically acclaimed.
Now set to make its full European debut right here in our city, Shaun the Sheep’s Circus Show teams up with leading performance company Circa to bring the TV show to life this winter.
‘It’s gonna be un-BAAA-leivable’.
Conceived not only by the award-winning minds at Aardman Animation, but the experienced performers at Circa, this ‘in the flesh’ (and wool) interpretation of the slapstick CBBC classic will not only delight younger audiences, but bring plenty of energy to keep the adults entertained too.
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Promising a “live circus performance, simultaneously blurring the lines between movement, dance, theatre and circus for a visual spectacle packed with wit”, you can expect acrobatics and circus skills.
Stunts will include the likes of tumbling, juggling, aerial hoop, aerial silks, trapeze, Spanish web and Chinese pole, just to name a few.
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And, of course, there’ll be plenty of Aardman’s signature heartwarming comedy in W&G, Chicken Run, Arthur Christmas, Flushed Away and more.
Naturally, all the usual suspects will be on show to: Shaun, Bitzer, The Farmer and the rest of the Flock – and yes, in case the trailer didn’t give it away, they are people who are not just dressed up as adorable real-life lambs but bouncing, flipping and flying all over the stage.
Coming to Aviva Studios this festive period, it’ll be taking place in The Hall: one of the venue’s largest and most dynamic rooms, with the state-of-the-art building famously able to alter the size of individual stages and spaces depending on the event.
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John McGrath, Artistic Director and Chief Executive of Factory International, said: “We’re thrilled to be working with Circa and Aardman to present the European premiere of this fun-filled show at our home in Aviva Studios.
“Circa presents award-winning circus performances to audiences across the globe, and their collaboration with Aardman Studios creates a unique offering for families, circus fans and everyone who loves Shaun the Sheep“
Running from Tuesday, 11 December 2025 until Sunday, 4 January 2026, they’ve also ensured affordable admission from just £10; you can grab your tickets now.
A major Manchester attraction is now offering 50% off kids tickets all autumn
Emily Sergeant
A major Manchester attraction is now offering 50% off kids tickets all autumn.
Autumn in Greater Manchester may be a thing of beauty, but if one thing’s for certain, the weather to get out there and appreciate the season it isn’t always the most reliable. That’s why many parents, guardians, and carers are often on the lookout for indoor activities to take the kids to when the heavens open – even better if the don’t break the bank too much.
Luckily, families looking for an affordable day out over the next couple of weeks can make the most of a new offer from a popular attraction, with 50% off child one-day tickets when purchased alongside a full-price adult ticket.
The offer gives families the chance to enjoy an underwater adventure for less at either SEA LIFE Manchester inside Trafford Palazzo, or a tad further afield SEA LIFE Blackpool.
At SEA LIFE Manchester, families can explore more than 30 display tanks and discover over 5,000 sea creatures – from sharks and rays in the immersive Ocean Tunnel, to colourful jellyfish and inquisitive sea turtles at Turtle Beach.
Meanwhile, over at SEA LIFE Blackpool, there’s a newly transformed ocean tank – which reopened early this summer following a £1.4 million refurbishment.
The 500,000-litre Jurassic-themed habitat is home to more than 50 creatures, including blacktip reef sharks, nurse sharks, stingrays, and green sea turtles.
Fancy it then? The half-price offer is currently live and runs up until 15 October 2026, with up to three discounted child tickets per booking.
The offer can only be redeemed when you book tickets online here.
Featured Image – Supplied
Kids & Family
Hot Wheels Monster Trucks Live is roaring back into Manchester with a brand-new show next year
Emily Sergeant
Hot Wheels Monster Trucks Live will be roaring back into Manchester with a brand-new show early next year.
Following the runaway success of last year’s Glow-N-Fire show – named the Pollstar Family Show of the Year – Hot Wheels Monster Trucks Live has announced that it’ll be making a big return to Manchester’s AO Arena in early 2027 with an all-new show called Colour Bash.
Colour Bash takes the action to a whole new level, transforming the arena into a full-throttle collision of colour.
Manchester audiences can expect vibrant paint-splattered trucks, bursts of colour, and electrifying lighting turn every smash and crash into a vivid spectacle for the whole family.
A description for the event reads: “When the mischievous Skelesaurus drains all the colour from Monster Truck Island, it’s up to the crew of Rhinomite, Mega Wrex, Tiger Shark, Bone Shaker, and Bigfoot to win it back – one massive stunt at a time, joined by a mysterious new ally – to be revealed this fall.”
Hot Wheels Monster Trucks Live will first be pulling up in London at The O2 in January 2027, then going on to visit Glasgow and Birmingham, before arriving here in Manchester on Saturday 17 and Sunday 18 April 2027.
“Colour Bash is the most vibrant Hot Wheels Monster Trucks Live experience we’ve ever created,” said Ken Hudgens, who is the CEO of Family Entertainment Live.
Hot Wheels Monster Trucks Live is roaring back into Manchester with a brand-new show next year / Credit: Supplied
“We took everything fans love about the show – the massive trucks, the jaw-dropping stunts, the can’t-look-away energy – and supercharged it with colour. It’s a brand-new way to experience the action live, and we can’t wait to bring it to families in the UK in 2027.”
Before the trucks take the floor, ticket holders can add on the Pre-Show Party for an up-close, hands-on experience.
And then for fans who want the ultimate day out, a range of VIP packages are available to book, offering exclusive pre-show access, official VIP merchandise, and the chance to get up close with the Hot Wheels Monster Trucks before all the smashing and crashing begins.
Find out more and book tickets from £25 here when they go on presale on 16 and 17 September, and general sale on Friday 18 September.
Danny Jones -
28th October 2025 
