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Chester Zoo’s popular ‘after hours’ events are back this summer – with tickets from £10

You can explore the UK's biggest charity zoo "like never before".

Emily Sergeant Emily Sergeant - 10th May 2023

Chester Zoo has announced that it’ll be bringing its ‘after hours’ events back this summer after they proved so popular last year.

Giving visitors the chance to explore the UK’s biggest charity zoo “like never before”, the Into The Night series was launched to massive success in 2022, and offered unlimited access to animal habitats, indoor areas, and restaurants after hours for the first time ever.

And this summer, it’s back for animal lovers who missed out last year.

With tickets now on sale from as little as £10, Chester Zoo is inviting people to discover the zoo as the sun goes down with thrilling live entertainment, special guest appearances, and delicious food and drink.

While the popular family evenings are back once again, with trips down the Lazy River as the sun sets to discover what the animals’ evening routines are like, there’s also a series of adult-only events that are new for 2023 so grown-ups can see the zoo in a relaxed, child-free atmosphere, and even enjoy a cocktail while listening to our special guest speakers and taking in the wonders.

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The zoo promises that this year’s food and drink options are bigger and better than before, with plenty of returning zoo favourites plus an additional three kiosks.

Chester Zoo’s popular ‘after hours’ events are back this summer / Credit: Chester Zoo

When it comes to entertainment, there’s lots of incredible performers lined-up to “delight and entertain” throughout the evening, including larger-than-life animal stilt walkers, fabulous fan artists, talented acrobats, and amazing flash mobs popping up when you least expect them.

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There’s even the chance to beat the crowds and explore the zoo’s brand-new immersive exhibition, Planet Shark: Predator or Prey, while you’re at it.

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Into The Night is back on selected dates this June and July, with adult tickets from £16, child tickets from £10, and children aged two and under going free of charge.

Find out more and grab tickets here.

Featured Image – Chester Zoo

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AO Arena to host huge Europa League Final fan zone after Manchester United victory

Daisy Jackson Daisy Jackson

Manchester’s legendary AO Arena will once again host an almighty football fan zone later this year, welcoming in fans for the Europa League Final.

The huge venue previously hosted a Road to Victory fan zone for the Euros, and is now ready to replicate all the atmosphere and excitement of the beautiful game once again.

This time it’s in honour of Manchester United, who romped their way into the Europa League Final this evening with a spectacular 4-1 victory (7-1 on aggregate) over Athletic Club.

The Red Devils will be heading to that same team’s home stadium of San Mamés in Bilbao in Spain on 21 May 2025, and you’ll be able to watch all the action right here at home in Manchester.

The AO Arena Europa League Final Screening & Fan Zone will be presented by Red Square.

If you think that name rings a bell, you’re right: they’re the same folks behind the regular events held over at Victoria Warehouse for any big United games, and 21 May will be no different – other than being arguably their biggest date ever.

There’ll be space for thousands upon thousands of football fans who’ll be able to watch Ruben Amorim’s side potentially take home their first piece of silverware since his arrival.

And, of course, a spot in the UEFA Champions League.

If you saw the scenes at Road to Victory in the AO during Euro 2024, you’ll know how unbelievable a venue this is to watch the footy.

As the promoters have billed it: “Get ready to immerse yourself in the electrifying atmosphere of the Europa League Final, presented by Red Square.

“Join us for an unforgettable event as we bring together passionate Manchester United fans for the largest indoor fan park extravaganza ever witnessed!​​​​

“MANCHESTER UNITED head to the UEL final on Wednesday, 21st May – Secure your tickets now!”

The Europa League Final Screening & Fan Zone will be at the AO Arena on 21 May.

You can book your spot HERE.

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Featured Images — The Manc Group

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Chester Zoo’s sellout 10k charity run returns this summer with three new routes

Emily Sergeant Emily Sergeant Chester Zoo Run For Nature

Chester Zoo has announced that its popular Run For Nature is back again this summer, and this year, there’s three new routes to run.

The UK’s biggest charity zoo saw success with similar sold-out events in 2023 and 2024, and is now looking for 2,500 runners to sign up for one of the North West’s most unique athletic experiences when it returns later this year – with all funds raised from the popular event going towards efforts to protect highly-endangered giraffes in Africa.

Participants will this year take on a brand-new route winding through more of the zoo than ever before, and enjoying glimpses of elephants, lemurs, and other incredible species along the way, before heading out into the picturesque Cheshire countryside.

Chester Zoo is inviting runners of all abilities to take part this year, as there’s a new 5km run added to the usual 10km route, and even a one-mile ‘Zoom’ fun run for kids aged four-15.

With only 2,500 places up for grabs, organisers say the event is expected to sell out quickly, just like it has the past two years, as runners race to support a very special cause.

All proceeds from this year’s Run For Nature in September will go directly towards protecting Nubian giraffes in East Africa – a species which has seen drastic population declines in the wild due to habitat loss, poaching and conflict with humans.

Chester Zoo Run For Nature
Chester Zoo’s sellout 10k charity run is returning this summer with three new routes / Credit: Chester Zoo

Runners will receive a wooden medal at the finish line and free entry to the zoo for the remainder of the day, so they can relax and celebrate their achievement among 30,000 amazing animals.

If that didn’t all sound brilliant enough as it is, top fundraisers from the day will also be in with a chance of winning some exciting prizes too, including annual zoo memberships, animal adoptions, and even special behind-the-scenes zoo experiences.

“We’re thrilled to be bringing back Run For Nature for a third incredible year,” explained Sarah Jones, who is the Fundraising Lead at Chester Zoo.

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“We’ve now doubled the distance runners spend inside the zoo, so they’ll pass by even more iconic animals, [making it] a really special experience you won’t get anywhere else.”

Run For Nature is back at Chester Zoo this Sunday 21 September, and you can find out more and sign up to take part here.

Featured Image – Chester Zoo

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