Southport Pleasureland has announced exciting plans to run its biggest and best Day of the Dead Spectacular yet this November, and launch its Winter Wonderland North in December too.
The South American-inspired Day of the Dead event is an increasingly popular high-octane after-dark annual “celebration of life” at the seaside resort – returning for its third year – and it will feature colourful samba drummers, fire spinners, fire-eaters, stilt-walkers, music with a live DJ, the park’s rides fully illuminated and running, and will close out with a dramatic fireworks finale.
The park will be transformed into a “theatre of light and music” against a fabulous fiesta atmosphere.
Music on the night will be provided by Liverpool’s-own The Katumba Drum Band – who have performed at some of the world’s biggest events including Africa Oyé, Brazilica, Amsterdam Carnival and Recife Carnival, Brazil – and will bring a fierce fusion of UK big beat, Caribbean calypso, and the carnivals of North East Brazil to create an explosion of rhythmic revelry that you can’t help but dance to.
The family-friendly ‘Day of the Dead’ celebration – which will see the park “festooned with bright and beautiful sugar skulls” – is set to take place on Saturday 14th November.
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It will include outdoor food concessions and entertainments – with proven COVID-19 safety measures in place – and to ensure effective social distancing measures are upheld, this year’s event will feature acts on a purpose-built stage with a one-way system for visitors to enter and leave the show area.
Gates to the park will open at 5pm.
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Tickets for non-riders are £9.99 – include all the entertainments and fireworks – and then the ‘rider’ ticket price of £24.50, which includes unlimited rides.
Southport PleasurelandSouthport Pleasureland
But, that’s not all Pleasureland has in store for 2020.
Norman Wallis – CEO at Southport Pleasureland – said: “Day of the Dead has become a real hit, but we didn’t want to leave it at that, so we are staging Winter Wonderland North.”
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He continued: “We have been considering and planning a Winter Wonderland North event for some time. We have been open with full coronavirus safety measures in place for many months [and] we know what we’re doing, what works, and how to make sure people understand the part they have to play in keeping everyone safe.
“Those who’ve visited the park will know that we take great care over the grounds and landscaping [and] we’ve planted many Christmas trees which, along with our exiting established trees, will be decorated with beautiful Christmas lights.”
Winter Wonderland North is due to start on Saturday 28th & Sunday 29th November.
“All of the rides and buildings will be shimmering as the park pulls on its ‘Winter Wow’ from the first weekend… and [will] then be open every weekend in December until it opens daily (with the exception of Christmas Eve and Christmas Day) until 3rd January 2021.” said Norman.
He continued: “Father Christmas – and the park is hoping to coax his reindeer to join him – will be in his COVID-safe grotto residence, a new indoor ride around Santa’s workshop is under construction, and a German-style Christmas Market offers Christmas treats and festive food and drink
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“So there will be plenty to see and do.”
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All tickets to the celebrations must be booked online in advance of your visit.
You can book yours, find more information about the events, and familiarise yourself with all social distancing / COVID-safe precautions via the Southport Pleasureland website here.
What's On
Hear stories from Coronation Street legends in all-new live shows
Thomas Melia
Members of Coronation Street are spilling all the secrets of the cobbles to live audiences with a brand new series of Q&A sessions across the country, including right here in its hometown of Manchester, of course.
Although Weatherfield may only be up the road (hypothetically), it’s not every day you’re face to face with TV soap royalty, but this newly announced live show makes the impossible, possible.
Soap lovers will be able to find out all the tales, trials and tribulations cast members have had on set and swap the comfort of their own homes for a front-row seat at the theatre.
This night is perfect for Corrie lovers, whether you’ve been following the show since its humble beginnings in 1960 or tagged on later when it became a face of British TV culture, everyone is welcome.
The event is titled, simply, ‘An Audience with Coronation Street‘ and will feature five cast members as well as one surprise ‘Corrie legend’ who will all vary depending on each show.
So far eight names have been released and this includes some of the soap’s many famous faces, Jack P. Shepherd (David Platt), Simon Gregson (Steve McDonald) and Samia Longchambon (Maria Connor).
There’s room for fresher talent too as Jodie Prenger is attending after only joining the cobbles in 2022 as Glenda Shuttleworth.
Be it the long-standing favourites or the new faces you want to know more about, there’s something for everyone in what is a first for ITV’s long-standing and multi-award-winning continuing drama.
Jack P. Shepherd (David Platt)Simon Gregson (Steve McDonald)Samia Longchambon (Maria Connor)Credit: Publicity Pictures (via Supplied)
Other stars you might also get to see at your show are Patti Clare (Mary Taylor), Jimmi Harkishin (Dev Alahan), Andrew Whyment (Kirk Sutherland) and Rob Mallard (Daniel Osbourne).
The all-new Coronation Street shows, interview and Q&A series are kicking off in London with shows set for Sheffield, Glasgow and obviously here in 0161.
Of course, keeping these Coronation Street stars in check will be no easy feat and that’s why these shows will be hosted by the self-proclaimed ‘Soap Queen of This Morning‘, Sharon Marshall.
New monthly artisan markets to return to popular site in Levenshulme
Emily Sergeant
New day and night artisan markets are set to take over the site of the popular former Levenshulme Market this spring.
Manchester City Council has collaborated with Independent Street, known for its successful events around the North West, to bring a new market offering to the Manchester suburb – with freshly-baked produce, independent food stalls, and unique artisan products.
The new market, aptly called The Levy Artisan Market, will take place during the day on the second Sunday of every month.
There’ll also be an exciting night market on the last Friday of every month.
The Levy Artisan Market is set to showcase Manchester’s array of artisans and creators, while also helping to drive footfall into the vibrant area of Levenshulme and its already-established shops, cafes, restaurants, and independents.
The monthly Sunday markets will offer lots of family-focused events, including live entertainment, children’s workshops, food tastings, and cultural celebrations.
The monthly Friday night markets, on the other hand, will offer a newly-designed food court area with some of the best street food in town, as well as live music and a large seating area for people to kick back, relax, and welcome in the weekend.
Local councillors have collaborated with Manchester City Council to bring markets back to Levenshulme, after they have been deeply missed by both residents and visitors in recent years.
The Council hopes the new artisan market ‘fosters a strong sense of belonging’, by encouraging people to shop locally, connect with their neighbours, and celebrate the diversity of Levenshulme.
New monthly artisan markets are returning to a popular site in Levenshulme this spring / Credit: MCC
“We’re incredibly excited to welcome back Levy’s loyal customers and introduce the new Levy Artisan Market to a new generation of visitors,” commented Lisa Cowley, who is the Director of Independent Street.
“With a focus on community, sustainability, and high-quality, local produce, we hope to make Levy Artisan Market the heart of Manchester for years to come.”
Emily Sergeant -
28th October 2020 
