The world’s most innovative ‘out of water’ shark experience is heading to the UK, and it’s set to make its debut at Chester Zoo later this month.
Visitors heading to the UK’s largest charity zoo this summer will be some of the first in the country to get to make the most of the brand-new immersive exhibition known as Planet Shark: Predator or Prey – which aims to highlight “the wonder of sharks”.
Working with global creative company, Grande Experiences, the new exhibition at the zoo will feature an impressive 360-degree underwater digital display, as well as life-sized shark models.
There’ll even be the jaws of a prehistoric megalodon shark, which is the largest fish ever recorded.
Set to showcase millions of years of evolution, Chester Zoo says the exhibition will also shine a light on the wide-ranging threats sharks face, such as ocean plastics and illegal shark fin trade, and conservationists hope it will leave people with “a new level of respect” for the ocean’s oldest and most effective predators.
“This groundbreaking exhibition could not have come at a better time,” admits Charlotte Smith, Director of Conservation Education & Engagement at Chester Zoo.
“Years of fishing pressures and misrepresentation have pushed many of the world’s shark species to the very brink of extinction, but the launch of Planet Shark: Predator or Prey aims to showcase these incredible animals in a whole new light, increase people’s understanding of the threats they face, and show how together we can ensure their future.”
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Immersive ‘out of water’ shark experience with life-sized models to make UK debut at Chester Zoo / Credit: Cheshire Oaks
Chester Zoo’s Head of Marketing, Helen Dean, says the new exhibition is to be produced on a size and scale “never seen before here in the UK”.
She added: “This is a unique experience that includes an immersive cinematic display delivered in a true 360-degree environment, life-size shark models cast from real animals, and extremely rare fossils dating back around 370 million years.
“As a wildlife conservation charity, we want to create a future where nature survives and thrives.
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“This experience will leave our guests with a much deeper understanding of these magnificent, yet sadly misunderstood animals.”
The UK’s largest charity zoo is inviting people to “sink their teeth” into the new exhibition / Credit: Chester Zoo
Planet Shark: Predator or Prey will officially open on 25 May and will run until 31 October.
The exhibition will be free with normal zoo admission, and Chester Zoo is offering its members an exclusive preview of the exhibition between 15-24 May.
Premier League Darts is returning to Manchester’s AO Arena in 2027
Lydia Mastrolonardo
Premier League Darts is confirmed to be returning to Manchester next year.
Now’s your chance to see the youngest world champion in darts history, AKA Warrington’s very-own Luke ‘The Nuke’ Littler, show us how it’s done, as next year’s BetMGM Premier League Darts lineup has just been announced this week – with various dates confirmed across 17 different cities in the UK and Europe.
And Manchester is one of those cities, as the AO Arena has shared that they are set to host an evening next April, and we couldn’t be more excited about it.
This means that we will be lucky enough to witness the biggest names in world darts all under one roof, including headliners Gian van Veen and Luke Humphries, as well as Littler.
Manchester is the only northern city to get the pleasure of hosting the event next year, as Liverpool is also on the lineup, as is Leeds, Sheffield, and Newcastle, while elsewhere in the UK, the stars will travel to Glasgow, Birmingham, London, and several other major locations.
BetMGM Premier League Darts is to be held on Thursday 8 April at the AO Arena in Manchester, and to avoid being disappointed, fans are advised to register for presale ticket access.
Following a successful season of events in 2026, tickets are expected to be like gold-dust, so don’t say you haven’t been warned.
To access the first wave of tickets, fans must become an active PDCTV Annual Member before 23:59pm on Friday 9 October. Alternatively, general sale is on Thursday 22 October 2026, but make sure not to hang about.
Featured Image – Sandro Halank (via Wikimedia Commons)
What's On
Massive student night returns to Trafford Centre next month with up to 50% off on big brands
Emily Sergeant
Students can get themselves up to 50% off on food, activities, and loads of big-name brands at the Trafford Centre next month.
With thousands of new and returning students starting to arrive for the new academic year at Greater Manchester‘s universities, one of the region’s biggest student nights will be making a long-awaited comeback for one night only next month – and there’ll be loads of exclusive offers and free entertainment to make the most of across the evening.
Taking over the Trafford Centre in early October, the popular one-off student night is happening in partnership with Student Beans, and gives cash-strapped students the chance to shop a variety of incredible discounts all under one roof.
Just some of the big brands offering big discounts include 25% off at Levi’s and Boux Avenue, 20% off at Gymshark, Hollister and Abercrombie & Fitch, and 15% off at KIKO, Rituals, and Sephora.
It’s not just retail brands you’ll be able to save some pennies on either, as many of the Trafford Centre’s restaurants and cafes will also be offering discounts and freebies on the night too.
Alongside the offers, students can expect plenty of live entertainment and in-store experiences throughout the evening, including a DJ set and drinks at Calvin Klein, in-store fitness challenges and at Gymshark, an exclusive piercing event at Lovisa, and a Beauty Hub takeover at Sephora.
There’ll also be ‘spin-to-win’ opportunities at places like schuh, River Island, and YO! Sushi.
Massive student night returns to Trafford Centre next month with up to 50% off on big brands / Credit: Supplied
“Student Night is one of the highlights of our autumn calendar, and we’re excited to welcome students for an evening of brilliant offers and feel-good experiences,” explained Simon Layton, who is the Centre Director at the Trafford Centre.
“Whether they are updating their wardrobe, stocking up on beauty favourites, grabbing a bite to eat or enjoying the atmosphere with friends, there is plenty to discover across the centre.
“With simple transport links from Manchester city centre and across the region, Trafford Centre is the perfect place for a student night out.”
The Trafford Centre’s Student Night is happening on Thursday 1 October from 6-10pm, and students can now reserve themselves a spot by registering online HERE.
Emily Sergeant -
2nd May 2023 
