Watching live wildlife shows and building dens are just some of the things you can get stuck into at Chester Zoo next weekend.
That’s because the UK’s biggest charity zoo’s free family festival is returning for another year.
Scientists recently revealed that more than half of all UK species are now in decline, including hedgehogs, butterflies, and wildflowers, Chester Zoo has announced that its Nature Fest is back by popular demand next weekend – with the two-day event boasting a jam-packed lineup of interactive events for all ages.
Taking place across the zoo’s six-hectare nature reserve, conservationists hope the weekend-long event will connect festivalgoers with nature, all while raising awareness of precious UK wildlife.
Open to everyone for free of charge, Nature Fest will have hands-on activities, workshops, talks, and performances – including the interactive Hedgehog Hideaway adventure, which teaches participants how to make their gardens more hedgehog friendly.
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Chester Zoo’s free family festival returns next weekend / Credit: Chester Zoo
There’s also opportunities to take on conservation volunteering tasks like habitat restoration, take part in interactive wildlife talks at the Picnic Patch, and even blend together art, music, and nature.
Now in its ninth year, the 2025 event is part of Chester Zoo’s Networks for Nature initiative, which recently received a £4 million boost from The National Lottery Heritage Fund to expand its community-led conservation work across the UK.
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“Chester Zoo’s nature reserve is open to people all year round, but Nature Fest is a chance to shine a spotlight on this vital part of the zoo,” commented Ruby Merriman, who is the Estate Biodiversity Manager at Chester Zoo.
“As one of the most nature-depleted countries on earth, British wildlife needs just as much support as species abroad, and Nature Fest offers a way for aspiring conservationists to learn how to get involved.”
There’ll be wildlife shows, interactive hands-on activities, live music, and more / Credit: Chester Zoo
Christopher Ablett, who is the Community Volunteer Coordinator, added: “These experiences help people of all ages build a personal connection with UK wildlife and understand the role they can play in its protection.
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“We want people to know that small actions matter, community makes a difference, connectivity is key and that, while UK wildlife is facing serious challenges, everyone can help, and you can find out how at Nature Fest.”
Nature Fest takes place on Saturday 13 and Sunday 14 September from 11:30am to 4:30pm.
The Nature Reserve is located at the far end of Chester Zoo car park and parking is free. You do not need to book either, so you can just turn up on the day.
Featured Image – Chester Zoo
What's On
A beloved Manc gig venue is hosting a special afterparty following Manichester tribute festival
Danny Jones
A much-loved live music institution in Manchester is set to host a dedicated afterparty for the inaugural ‘Manichester’: the live tribute festival in memory of Gary ‘Mani’ Mounfield.
Seeing the grassroots music scene gathering together in moments like this is the kind of stuff that would make the man himself SO proud.
With Manichester 2026 announced this past March and set to take place later this month in honour of the legendary Stone Roses and Primal Scream bassist, tickets for the main event sold out very quickly.
This came as no surprise, of course, but now other Manc venues are joining in toasting the life and career of Mani for one very special evening.
Shared by Madchester.com, who are helping organise the Manichester ’26 along with surviving members of the Mounfield family, as well as Mani’s friends and peers such as his brother Greg and Damon Minchella of Ocean Colour Scene, gig space Gorilla are hosting it.
The small-cap live music room, bar and restaurant has hosted many a special night over the past decade or so – hosting multiple War Child charity shows in the past few years, for instance – and even when they’re not hosting a set themselves, they’re always more than happy to join in the celebrations.
With that in mind, there always likely to pay their respects to the late, great and iconic local musician in some way, but now they’re teaming up with Madchester directly.
Positioned as the official ‘aftershow’ following the mini tribute festival, as you can see, there will be just 600 tickets available, with general admission for the main event already gone as mentioned.
At one point, it looked like the kind-spirited and well-meaning idea might be scrapped altogether after some confusion between the organising partners.
Thankfully, that all looks to have been put to bed, and all those involved can focus on what’s important: honouring Mani in the best way possible – with a load of live tunes and a good time.
In terms of those who will be playing on the night ahead of the aftershow, the likes of the equally legendary Peter Hook, Rowetta, The Kowloons, Jon McClure from Reverend and the Makers, plus many more, have been announced as part of the lineup.
There is also still a ‘AAA’ headliner still yet to be confirmed, so watch this space.
As for the Manichester afterparty at Gorilla, keep an eye out on socials for the ticket link to drop and, hopefully, we’ll see you there for a night to remember.
Pretty Woman The Musical will be returning to the stage in Manchester next year
Emily Sergeant
“Big night out. Big. HUGE.”
This is your chance to experience one of Hollywood’s best-loved romcoms of all time, as following a record-breaking run in the West End and a sell-out first UK tour in 2023, Pretty Woman The Musical is heading back out the road again next year, and it’ll be taking to one of Manchester‘s most iconic stages.
With direction and choreography by two-time Tony Award winner Jerry Mitchell, an original score by Grammy winner Bryan Adams and Jim Vallance, and a book by the movie’s legendary director Garry Marshall and screenwriter J.F. Lawton, it’s no wonder Pretty Woman The Musical is one of the most popular productions of the 21st century.
Just like the 1990 film of the same name, Pretty Woman The Musical tells the story of Vivian and Edward, two unlikely soulmates who overcome all odds to find each other… and themselves.
Pretty Woman The Musical will be returning to the stage in Manchester next year / Credit: Supplied
The musical – which is described as being a ‘dazzlingly joyous love story for the ages’ – lets you experience all the moments you know and love from the movie, all while getting to know these iconic characters in a whole new way.
Stopping off at Manchester Palace Theatre next spring, the show will be in our city from Tuesday 23 March through to Saturday 3 April 2027, before visiting other northern cities like Leeds, York, Sunderland, Hull, and Liverpool, as well as major locations like Birmingham, Edinburgh, and Cardiff.
Tickets officially go on sale this week – with the pre-sale for ATG members beginning this Wednesday (13 May), before general sale starts on Friday 15 May at 10am.
Emily Sergeant -
3rd September 2025 
