A magical new Halloween lakeside light trail is coming to Cheshire for the first time ever in just a few weeks time.
Set to transform the popular Partridge Lakes Fishery in Warrington into what’s being described as “an enchanting Halloween attraction”, the brand-new Halloween Lakeside Light Trail is a “spooktacular” experience for the whole family to enjoy.
The first event of its kind at the idyllic 70-acre Cheshire countryside site, families will be able to see the “mesmerising world of Halloween wonder” come to life as they stroll along a winding path around the lake’s edge that leads that takes them on a magical journey through woodland decorated by eerie and captivating lights.
You’ll be able to spot shadows of witches on broomsticks, smoke bubbles floating out of cauldrons, and spiders crawling out of trees, all illuminated by magical lights, on the hour-long immersive experience.
A magical new Halloween lakeside light trail is coming to Cheshire next month / Credit: Halloween Lakeside Light Trail
Organisers say it’s like “stepping into a living Halloween storybook”.
ADVERTISEMENT
Opening on Monday 2 October and running right through until Halloween itself on Sunday 31 October, tickets for the brand-new attraction are now on sale.
If the light trail wasn’t exciting enough as it is, there’ll also be lots of entertainment and live music, as well as the chance to tuck into warming and comforting food and drink from a wide range of independent traders and licensed bards on site.
ADVERTISEMENT
There’ll be everything from classic hot dogs, burgers, fries, and desserts, to spooky-themed specials, Pumpkin Spice Lattes, and warm apple cider on the menu.
There’ll also be a cosy fire pit corner, which is the perfect place for toasting marshmallows and enjoying the wholesome atmosphere.
To make sure the four-legged family members aren’t left missing out on the fun, the dog-friendly attraction will also have a ‘Pup Hut’ selling dog treats and accessories, while there’ll also be a dog-friendly cafe open too.
ADVERTISEMENT
Organisers say it’s like “stepping into a living Halloween storybook” / Credit: Halloween Lakeside Light Trail
And, to top things off, Partridge Lakeside Fishery’s popular ‘Partridge Pumpkin Patch’ is also returning for the third year running, so you can really make a day of it, if you’d like.
Tickets to The Halloween Lakeside Trail are now on sale, and will set adults back £18 per person, £14 for children, while infants under three go free, and there’s a range of family ticket package options too.
Bewitching Christmas light trail Northern Lights will return to Heaton Park this year
Daisy Jackson
The festive light trail that proved to be a smash hit last winter will make a return to Manchester this year.
Northern Lights has just announced a major return to Heaton Park, with a brand-new Christmas Time Machine theme.
The dazzling mile-long light trail will transform the park into a wonderland with 14 different installations, plus selfie spots along the route.
And there’ll be a limited Kids Go Free offer on select dates, as well as inclusive evenings with reduced capacity and lower audio levels.
Northern Lights attracted more than 100,000 visitors when it made its Heaton Park debut last winter, and received rave reviews across the board.
This year, A Christmas Time Machine will take place from 19 November all the way through to the end of the year, inviting visitors to step back into their favourite festive memories with a nostalgic collection in installations.
Original soundscapes, spectacular new illuminations, and even a marshmallow zone will bring the fully accessible trail to life.
Northern Lights is returning to Manchester. Credit: Supplied
Visitors will walk along Candy Cane Lane, admire a giant neon slinky, and ogle at shimmering nutcrackers.
There’ll also be vintage fairground rides, cosy festive pit stops, and an expanded Christmas Village with artisan food and drink producers from across the region.
Demand is expected to be high for this year’s festivities, with Early Bird tickets just released to get you the best value prices of the year.
Emma St.Croix, Senior Marketing Manager at From The Fields, said: “The response to Northern Lights Manchester last year exceeded all of our expectations.
“The warmth and enthusiasm from visitors made it incredibly special for our team, and we’re delighted to be returning to Heaton Park with something completely new.
“Since January, we’ve been reimagining every part of the experience. A Christmas Time Machine takes visitors on a journey through the festive moments that stay with us long after the decorations come down. Nodding to the traditions we return to year after year, the nostalgia of Christmases gone by, and the excitement of creating new memories together.
“We can’t wait to welcome visitors back and share this next chapter of Northern Lights with families, friends and loved ones from across the region.”
Northern Lights will also host dedicated inclusive evenings on Wednesday 2 and Wednesday 9 December. Visitor numbers will be reduced by 75%, with lower audio levels throughout the trail to create a calmer environment that may be preferable for some neurodivergent visitors and those who benefit from a more relaxed experience.
Northern Lights Manchester tickets
Kids Go Free offer – available on selected Off-Peak Early Bird dates until 31 August (or until allocation is exhausted. Use code KIDSLIGHTS before selecting tickets to unlock.
Early Bird Pricing
Peak tickets – from £17.25 including transaction fee
Off-peak tickets – from £13.75 including transaction fee
A Thomas the Tank Engine replica steam train is travelling through Greater Manchester this summer
Emily Sergeant
Everyone’s favourite little blue engine is making another return to Greater Manchester once again this summer.
But this time, it’s with a rock and roll twist.
After delighting families throughout the region during countless successful events over the past couple of years, East Lancashire Railway (ELR) has announced that the Thomas the Tank Engine replica train is back this summer, arriving in a couple of weeks for a ‘rocking good’ time.
In case you aren’t too familiar with the beloved Day Out With Thomas experience, it’s said to be ‘a train ride like no other’.
Families have the chance to hop onboard the replica of the cult-classic blue train character when he returns next weekend for a 45-minute trip through the Greater Manchester countryside.
Everyone’s favourite little blue engine is making another return to Greater Manchester this summer / Credit: ELR
The journey begins at Bury Train Station, where you’ll be greeted by The Fat Controller, meet Sir Topham Hatt, say hello to Thomas on the platform, and then climb aboard a carriage, all before Thomas makes a final stop at the beautiful Ramsbottom station.
The doors to Bury Transport Museum will also be open across the weekend and will be hosting loads of fun free activities.
On the Day Out With Thomas: Let’s Rock, Let’s Roll Tour, families will be able to watch and dance along to exciting live shows with Sodor Station Sweepers Rusty & Dusty, join in the Thomas and Friends character hunt, have fun with garden games, keep the beat going at the ‘Music Corner’ packed with music-inspired fun, and so much more.
Thomas will be stopping at East Lancashire Railway this year on 18-19 July so there’s plenty of opportunities to see him, and tickets are now on sale.
Ticket prices start at £14.50 for kids, and £24 for adults.
Emily Sergeant -
19th September 2023 
