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.
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.
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.
“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
Final few tickets remaining for Manchester’s mega-hit comedy festival Laughterama 2025
Emily Sergeant
The final few tickets are still up for grabs as Manchester’s most popular comedy festival returns next month.
After what was a smash-hit success in its inaugural year back in 2022, and after several other successful runs in each of the years following, Laughterama is back in Manchester for more next month time, and will once again be taking over the iconic Castlefield Bowl in the heart of the city centre for five days of fun.
Thousands of comedy lovers attend Laughterama each year to enjoy countless sell-out stand-up sets, and this year will be no different, as festivalgoers are in for an ‘explosive series of shows‘ from some of the hottest names on the comedy circuit.
Multi award-winning comedians Frankie Boyle, Ed Gamble, Rosie Jones, and Phil Wang are just some of the famous names on this year’s jam-packed lineup.
They’ll be joined by other household names like Russell Kane, Fern Brady, Rob Delaney, Lou Sanders, and Tim Key when they all take to the Castlefield Bowl stage over the five-day festival from Wednesday 3 – Sunday 7 September.
Some of the other names you can expect are Taskmaster treasures Sam Campbell and Bridget Christie, BAFTA nominee Lucy Beaumont, stand-up phenomenon Sarah Keyworth, King Gary star Tom Davis, Viceland’s Jamali Maddix, and viral sensation Jen Brister.
Manchester’s very own comedy heroes Rachel Fairburn and Stephen Bailey are also on the lineup.
Manchester’s mega-hit comedy festival Laughterama is making a 2025 return later this year / Credit: Supplied
It wouldn’t be Laughterama without some newcomers either, and some of the breakthrough stars not-to-be-missed this year include Edinburgh Fringe Award nominee Jin Hao Li, fast-rising talents Sharon Wanjohi and Dane Buckley, the razor-sharp Lara Ricote, and so many more to discover.
And aside from the comedy, as always, you can expect the very-best eats from Manchester’s street food scene will also be on site to tuck into, as well as an exciting selection of bars serving signature beers, cocktails, and more.
Laughterama 2025 is landing at Castlefield Bowl from Wednesday 3 – Sunday 7 September, with the final few tickets still on sale at £27.50 per person.
You can grab yours on the Laughterama website before they sell out here.
Featured Image – Matt Eachus (via Supplied)
What's On
Full lineup announced for popular family science festival near Greater Manchester
Emily Sergeant
A popular family science and tech festival is returning this autumn, and the full lineup of events has now been released.
Set to descend on the grounds of Bruntwood SciTech’s Alderley Park – a unique place where world-leading science, innovation, and stylish living all come together in the Cheshire countryside – SciTech Extravaganza will be a day filled full of fun science-themed shows, interactive activities, new skill-building opportunities, and more.
Right at the centre of all the action will be a mobile planetarium from Jodrell Bank, and here, visitors are invited to sit under the stars and enjoy a tour of the night sky as they learn about constellations, myths of the northern sky, and discover the planets and objects visible in the coming weeks.
Some of the other exciting events on the lineup include a series of interactive shows with Royal Institution offering a deep dive into the science behind ‘super cells’, a demonstration called The Science of Balloons, which is, you guessed it, a mixture of science and balloon modelling, and workshops offering a simple introduction to coding.
The festival will also be one of the last chances to see UK artist Luke Jerram’s ‘Museum of the Moon’ – a touring six-metre moon replica displayed at Alderley Park’s Glasshouse in the stunning 400-acre parkland.
Face painting, DJs, food and drink stalls, and more will also be there on the day.
SciTech Extravaganza is back for 2025 next month / Credit: Supplied
Event organisers say SciTech Extravaganza 2025 is promising to be an ‘unforgettable day’ for aspiring little innovators.
“SciTech Extravaganza is back, and it’s even bigger and better,” commented Dr Kath Mackay, who is the Chief Scientific Officer for Bruntwood SciTech.
“We can’t wait to showcase all the excitement that the world of science and technology has to offer.
“It’s a unique opportunity to showcase it at its very best, and nurture curiosity and innovation in STEM related fields. We look forward to welcoming families back for another unforgettable day, and to help inspire a new generation of scientists, mathematicians and engineers.”
Emily Sergeant -
16th July 2025 
