The popular Farm Weekend full of food markets, lamb cuddles, tractor rides, and more is once again returning to Cheshire next month.
While Bruntwood SciTech’s Alderley Park may be known as a unique place where world-leading science, innovation, and stylish living come all come together 363 days of the year, for one weekend each spring, the Cheshire destination gets taken over by the hugely-popular Farm Weekend event.
Although it had to be called-off a couple of times due to the pandemic, Farm Weekend returned to massive success back in 2022, with families from all across Greater Manchester and the North West making their way to Macclesfield for a two days of wholesome springtime fun – and now, it’s back once again on Saturday 15 and Sunday 16 April.
You can expect a weekend of different outdoor family-friendly activities, performances, markets, and lots of local food and drink.
From tractor rides, falconry flying displays, and lamb cuddles, to bushcraft demonstrations, archery lessons, obstacle courses, interactive animal petting sessions, Easter-themed crafts, and artisan markets, there’ll be something for everyone to enjoy at the two-day event.
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Farm Weekend returns next month with ‘wholesome’ lamb cuddles, tractor rides, and more / Credit: Alderley Park
Headlining the event is fan-favourite CBeebies nature show, Teeny Tiny Creatures.
Performing four 30-minute shows over the weekend, animal experts from the show, Chantelle and Rory, will help children understand the vital role that the tiniest insects play in the wonderful web of life, so fans should get themselves ready for an “interactive, educational, and super-energetic” set from the CBeebies favourites.
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People are also being encouraged to explore the scenic woodland paths at Alderley Park while they’re there, as there’s more than 400 acres of green space and nature to make the most of.
Organisers promise a “wholesome and inspiring weekend filled with nature and enjoyment”.
There’ll be something for everyone to enjoy at the two-day event / Credit: Jody Hartley (via Alderley Park)
Speaking ahead of the event next month, Daniel Bourne – Head of Asset Management at Bruntwood SciTech – said: “We are delighted that Farm Weekend is returning to Alderley Park for 2023 as it has proved a fantastic opportunity to welcome the wider Cheshire community and bring our customers and residents together to experience the joy of the Park, enjoying the vast woodland and amenities there is on offer.
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“With the number of exciting activities taking place over the two days, it’s set to be another weekend to remember.”
Tickets to Farm Weekend 2023 on Saturday 15 & Sunday 16 April are already on sale, setting you back £8 per person and including access to all activities – with 50p from each ticket donated to the Cheshire Community Foundation.
Chester Zoo is giving away more than 30,000 FREE tickets to children
Emily Sergeant
Chester Zoo is giving away thousands of tickets to local schools to help inspire a new generation of young conservationists.
The UK’s largest charity zoo is on a mission to help nature to “survive and thrive”.
And so, in a bid to do just that, has announced that it will once again be handing out tens of thousands of tickets to schoolchildren for completely free of charge, so that they can explore the zoo up close and learn all about the inspiring work the conservation charity does.
Chester Zoo‘s free ticket scheme has been running since 2017, and has already seen more than 175,000 children get to experience all the wonders the zoo has to offer.
We’re giving away 32,750 FREE tickets to the zoo! 🚨
Schools, nurseries, and colleges across the UK – this is your chance to inspire future conservationists and ignite a passion for helping wildlife thrive! 🌍💚
With the hopes of empowering as many youngsters as possible, and sparking their passion for saving species once again, the zoo has now opened the scheme back up for the 2025/26 season – with a whopping 33,000 tickets available for schools, nurseries, and colleges to claim.
Those who secure tickets will have the opportunity to visit the zoo between this November and February 2026.
Applications are open to any school in the UK that hasn’t already benefitted from the scheme within the last four academic years, while home educators are also eligible to apply as a group through a Home Educators’ Network.
Chester Zoo is giving away more than 30,000 free tickets to children this year / Credit: Chester Zoo
“We’re offering thousands of children the opportunity to experience the wonders of the natural world firsthand at the zoo,” commented Charlotte Smith, who is the Director of Conservation Education and Engagement at Chester Zoo.
“Young people are more concerned than ever about nature decline and climate change, and by working closely with schools across the UK, we can provide them with the skills, knowledge and inspiration to make a real positive difference.”
She added that “every child has the potential to be a future conservationist”.
Places are limited each day to ensure everyone can enjoy their zoo visit – with priority given to schools who have not benefitted from the scheme before.
You can find out more and apply for free tickets here.
Featured Image – Chester Zoo
What's On
Major Manchester theatre show issues casting call for a DOG to star on stage
Thomas Melia
One of the world’s most famous theatre shows is coming back to Manchester, and they’ve opened a casting call in search of the ‘canine equivalent of Brad Pitt’.
The unusual casting call is seeking a ‘dog with star quality’ to star in La Bohème when it returns to the Manchester Opera House on 21 February.
Dorothy has Toto, Annie’s got Sandy and now another show is in search of a four legged companion who wouldn’t mind being in the spotlight.
La Bohème is coming to Manchester at the end of this month and as well as bringing in theatregoers to fill up all the seats, they’re also looking for one prized pooch to take centre stage.
This Italian opera, which translates to ‘The Bohemian’, tells the tale of a poor seamstress and her artist friends with all the events taking place in the city of love, Paris.
As with most casting calls there are a few regulations however the trickiest requirement may be the owner’s involvement in the production.
Your four legged friend could be the next doggy diva gracing the Manchester Opera House stage.Your pooch could be on set day-dreaming of Hollywood… or doggy treats? Credit: Supplied
Dogs are asked to be small to medium sized and very well behaved, while owners have to go on stage in costume as part of the background ensemble – get those jazz hands ready!
Award-winning opera director and producer Ellen Kent said: “People say never work with children or animals but I love to do both.
“The first time was 20 years ago when my pet cat Holly Go-Lightly was in one of my productions and was an instant hit. Since then, we’ve had horses, dogs, goldfish and even a golden eagle with a 6ft wingspan on stage.
“When we last did La Bohème in 2023 we asked local people to volunteer their pets – it was a huge success. We even used a rescue dog once and found him dozens of new owners!
“We’re a nation of animal lovers after all. I’m sure there is plenty of doggie talent out there.”
She’s also helped source a water garden in Madam Butterfly, a horse for Carmen and a pair of Afghan Hounds which featured in Rigoletto.
So there’s no better fit for this current casting call which entails finding a drama-loving doggy for La Bohème than Ellen Kent.
La Bohème is looking for an all-star pooch for their upcoming February production.La Bohème is coming to Manchester at the end of this month at Manchester Opera House.Credit: Supplied
Anyone who thinks their pup is the perfect fit for this upcoming production of La Bohème are requested to email [email protected] with photographs of your dog, including your contact number and address as well as the breed, height, weight, age and name of your dog. The show will contact you if you are successful.
La Bohème is making its grand return to Manchester Opera House on 21 February 2025 with tickets for the show available HERE.
Emily Sergeant -
7th March 2023 
