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
Sportsbet.io Tour Championship 2026: Manchester welcomes some of snooker’s best
Danny Jones
This Monday marks the start of the World Snooker Tour’s 2026 Sportsbet.io Tour Championship, which is back in Manchester once again– and there are some big names on show.
Returning to our city for a third consecutive time, this year’s Tour Championships began at 1pm, with the likes of world number one Judd Trump playing some of the opening frames against Northern Ireland’s Mark Allen, along with Barry Hawkins taking on 2026 World Open winner, Thepchaiya Un-Nooh.
These are just the first two opening fixtures in what is set to be an eventful week-long tournament that will span a total of 19 matches, concluding in the final on Sunday, 5 April.
Hosted once again over at Manchester Central, this elite field of in-form players is basically only missing Ronnie O’Sullivan, who the aforementioned Thai tour start beat in last week’s final.
Only the top 12 players from this season’s highly competitive rankings earned a place in the draw, so all pretty much all the greats and the next generation are shooting for the title.
Defending champions John Higgins – a four-time world champion – will be breaking off against Mark Williams on Tuesday, 31 March.
Meanwhile, other names on the schedule of play include World Champion Zhao Xintong, Mark Selby (who Higgins beat in Manchester last year), Shaun Murphy, Neil Robertson and Mark Allen.
Put simply, this isn’t just another big sporting event landing in our city centre, but a showcase of some of the very best talent in the discipline.
With tickets starting from just £25, these games are also some of the most affordable premium sports you can enjoy in central Manchester.
Better still, it’s also worth noting that the official Fanzone over in the foyer of the venue is open to all, even without a ticket.
There’s completely free coaching for players of all ages, interactive games, and even the chance to try a proper full-sized professional table – a perfect day out for the Easter school holidays.
The event itself is being aired on Channel 5, but if you’re interested in going along to see the action up close and personal, you can grab your seats right HERE.
Featured Images — Press shot (supplied via Manchester Central)/The Manc Group
What's On
Salford’s popular women’s running race is returning for 2026
Danny Jones
The popular women’s only five-mile race in Salford is back for another year, and it’s set to be one of the biggest yet.
Returning for its 34th iteration this spring, the 2026 edition of the Swinton Ladies Race is a mix of trail, gravel and road running.
It’s also remained a great entry-level run since it began, perfect not only for all ages and experience levels, but for those looking for a step-up in ability level and challenge with the mixed terrain.
Last May saw one of the best turnouts in the event’s history, and the Swinton Running Club founders are hoping for another big showing.
Now boasting a total of 400 places, the Swinton Ladies Race has remained a long-established cult favourite among locals over the past couple of decades.
Founded back in 1991 (then under the Worsley Woods Trail Race banner), it’s only grown in reputation but has still stayed true to its community-driven roots.
A one-lap course of lasting five miles, the course itself takes you through the aforementioned woodlands, as well as sections of trail and more defined paths.
Other notable sites featured include the Old Warke Dam, parts of the Bridgewater Canal and said Woods, which help make up a good chunk of the largest conservation area in Salford.
As they put it: “Whether you’re training for a new challenge or looking for a sociable jog in the fresh countryside air, join us and enjoy a trail race through Worsley.”
In addition to promising chip times, bespoke medals for all finishers, free parking and plenty of other little perks, it’s also just super accessible and good value-for-money.
As for the race route itself, there are drinks stations at the halfway point and finish line, first aiders on hand should anyone need help, and, of course, toilet facilities; it’s just a very well-run event all-round.
The organisers – who are teaming up with run promoters SheRACES for 2026 – do advise trail shoes where possible, especially if it’s been raining in the days leading up to the starting gun, but road trainers will still do you just fine.
Road or trail shoes are suitable for the course; we would advise trail shoes if the days leading up to the race have been extremely wet.
The price for affiliated runners is just £15, while unaffiliated participants can sign up for £17 plus a booking fee of £2 entry on the day (subject to availability). It’s also worth noting, however, that this is very much first-come, first-served. You can grab your race ticket and bib for Sunday, 3 May, right HERE.
Emily Sergeant -
16th July 2025 
