Chester Zoo has announced that it’s bringing back its ‘after hours’ evenings once again this summer after they proved so popular in previous years.
Giving visitors the chance to explore the UK’s biggest charity zoo “in a whole new light”, the unique event series was launched to massive success back in 2022, and returned by popular demand in 2023 to offer unlimited access to animal habitats, indoor areas, and restaurants after hours for the first times in its history.
And this summer, they’re back again for animal lovers who missed out in previous years… and there’s even some new “immersive” features for 2024 too.
With tickets now on sale at 50% cheaper than a standard day ticket, Chester Zoo is inviting people to discover the zoo as the sun goes down with spectacular live entertainment, exciting games and activities, and delicious food and drink.
Chester Zoo’s popular ‘after hours’ evenings are back again this summer / Credit: Chester Zoo
The zoo is promising there’ll be absolutely “tons to see and do” this year, so all the family can enjoy an evening making “unforgettable memories” together.
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This includes getting to wish goodnight to giraffe calf, Edie, meeting the zoo newest arrivals, snow leopards Yashin and Nubra, spending your evening with some of the planet’s most endangered species, and, in what is a new feature for 2024, your ticket will also give you access to the new “immersive” experience, ‘Native‘, included in the price.
Not only that, but there’ll also be animal-themed face painting, exciting entertainment such as larger-than-life animal puppets, and freshly-prepared food and drink – including extravagant sundaes, boozy slushies and cocktails, and more – to make the most of, so there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
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Explore the zoo after hours this Summer! ☀️
We're inviting you to a NEW summer evening event, AFTERGLOW
Get FIVE hours of zoo time for 50% less than a standard ticket while also enjoying spectacular entertainment, exciting activities, tasty food and drinks… as well as… pic.twitter.com/h1F8giwjT7
And don’t forget, every ticket purchased directly goes towards the vital conservation work Chester Zoo does, both in the UK and all across the world, so you’ll be contributing to a better and safer future for all species.
Afterglow is back at Chester Zoo from 13 – 25 August, with adult tickets from £18, child tickets from £11, toddler tickets for £2.50, and infants under one going free of charge.
Manchester Christmas Markets 2026 – prices for beer, mulled wine, bratwurst, and more
Emily Sergeant
It’s timeeeeee… Manchester Christmas Markets are officially open for 2026.
Now in their 27th year, Manchester Christmas Markets are known and loved for bringing thousands of people into the city centre each year to fill up on the fantastic festive treats and soak up all the Christmas atmosphere.
This year sees an even bigger return of Albert Square, and there’s also some new locations too for 2026. Lincoln Square has joined in on the action, and there’s also some big changes to St Ann’s Square – with what is being described as a ‘brand new layout’, bringing in a bigger number of market stalls.
There’s a total of 210 stalls spread out across the city centre, but we know there’s one question on everyone’s lips… ‘what’s it gonna cost me?’.
We’ve been running around the markets this morning checking out all the prices on things like beer, mulled wine, bratwurst, and more, so without further ado, here’s everything you need to know.
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Average food and drink prices at Manchester Christmas Markets 2026
Mulled wine – £6.50
Beer – £7
Prosecco – £7
Hot chocolate – £5
Bratwurst – £8
Albert Square
Bratwurst King on Albert SquareThe North Pole pub at Albert Square
Exciting new CGIs released of £500m Therme Manchester wellness resort as construction continues
Emily Sergeant
As construction continues on Manchester’s massive wellness resort, some new CGIs have now been released.
In case you need bringing up to speed, construction of the £500 million Therme Manchester wellness resort officially began last September after several years of planning, and now developers have released some exciting new CGIs – with an update on how construction is going, as a new milestone has been reached this week.
Set to open to the public in 2029, Therme Manchester will become one of the largest urban wellbeing resorts in the world.
Visitors can expect to make the most of a 10 pools – both lagoon and wave pools included – thermal bathing, multi-sensory sauna rituals, steam rooms, 18 water slides, affordably-priced luxury spa therapies, and health and fitness experiences.
Exciting new CGIs released of Therme Manchester have been released / Credit: Supplied
At the heart of Therme Manchester will be three distinct zones, each offering a different way to spend time at the resort.
Play will bring together water-based fun and attractions for families and visitors of all ages, and Restore will focus on thermal bathing and restorative experiences designed to help visitors unwind, while Relax will offer spaces for relaxation and wellbeing.
The latest CGIs showcase the design as it develops – including the resort’s extensive indoor and outdoor spaces, and its 53,000sq ft wellbeing garden.
Construction is still underway on the £500m wellness resort / Credit: Supplied
The plans also feature a new public plaza designed to strengthen connections between the resort and the Bridgewater Canal.
Professor David Russell, CEO of Therme UK, said: “We have taken the opportunity to refine the design, improve how traffic and parking are managed and create a more welcoming environment for everyone arriving at the resort.
“We are creating an even better experience for visitors while supporting more efficient and sustainable operations.”
Emily Sergeant -
23rd May 2024 
