Watching live wildlife shows, building dens, and creating your very-own bug houses 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.
Just as scientists have 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 Wildlife Connections Festival 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, and headlined by one of the UK’s best-known children’s TV presenters, Naomi Wilkinson, conservations hope the weekend-long event will connect festivalgoers with nature, all while raising awareness of precious UK wildlife.
There’s a free family festival happening at Chester Zoo next weekend / Credit: Chester Zoo
One of the highlight’s of the festival programme that’s bound to draw in crowds absolutely has to be Naomi Wilkinson’s interactive stage show that’s been created especially for the festival – which will be focused on how everyone can play their part in helping beautiful British wildlife to “survive and thrive”.
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As well as her presenting role, festivalgoers will also get the chance to meet and greet Naomi on both of the two days.
With no pre-booking for the festival required, and attendance free for all across the whole weekend, festivalgoers will also be able to get up-close-and-personal with a wide range of wildlife through an array of hands-on activities.
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These include bug hunting and bird spotting, as well as live music, workshops, and even a parade.
It’ll be headlined by one of the UK’s best-known children’s TV presenters, Naomi Wilkinson / Credit: Chester Zoo
“Our fabulous Wildlife Connections Festival will be bigger and better than ever before this year,” Chester Zoo’s Community Engagement Manager, Hannah Brooks, said ahead of the event’s return.
“We’re over the moon to have one of the UK’s best known children’s TV presenters, Naomi Wilkinson, headlining across both days, as she very much shares our passion for protecting all of the wonderful species found right here in the UK.
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“It promises to be a fun-filled weekend, packed with a whole host of activities”.
You can watch live wildlife shows, build dens, and create your very-own bug houses / Credit: Chester Zoo
Hannah also spoke a little more about the true meaning of the festival, and why it’s so important to the zoo, adding: “We’re in the midst of a global biodiversity crisis with species everywhere becoming ever more at risk of extinction, including here on our doorstep – but it’s not too late though to do something about it.
“There’s still hope and we can all make a difference, and we’ll therefore be giving our festivalgoers lots of ideas and inspiration on what they can do to help turn things around for nature.
“We can’t wait to welcome everyone to what’s sure to be a fantastic, wildlife-inspired weekend.”
Be part of the biggest Great Manchester Run ever
Danny Jones
Runners and regular Mancs alike, start lacing up your trainers and sorting safety pins early, because the Great Manchester Run is back for 2026, and you can be part of it.
With sign-ups flying and bibs selling out fast, we really recommend getting a move on and booking your place now to make sure you’re part of what is, without fail, not just one of the most exciting dates on the local sporting calendar, but always a great day for the city in general.
Returning for its 23rd edition and fourth year being backed by principal sponsors, AJ Bell, we can assure it’ll be as well-attended as ever.
In fact, judging by the numbers already and the increasing crowds of spectators every year, this is looking on course to be the biggest Great Manchester Run to date.
The only question is, are you going to help make it the BEST yet by joining the thousands of others already finding the perfect spot to hang their shiny new medal?
Half-marathon, 10k, junior and mini races
As ever, the Great MCR Run isn’t just limited to one event: there are multiple distances, routes and age groups that can race the route in and around the city centre.
Whether you’re a seasoned runner looking to get in a PB, looking to box off your first half, love a 10, or you’re a youngster looking to get in on the action and soak up some of that glory on the day
So, whether you’re a seasoned runner looking to get in a PB, looking to box off your first half, love a 10, or you’re a youngster looking to get in on the action and soak up some of that glory on the day, there really is fun for all ages.
In all seriousness, even watching the massive metropolitan event stood next to the roads with homemade signs promises plenty of atmosphere, but with fancy dress galore, various different activations in the middle of the city, there’s not a chance you’ll get bored.
Even in the years we’ve missed out on running it ourselves (it sold well in advance last year, for instance), the pure buzz we got from joining countless other Mancs cheering from the pavement is enough to keep us coming back time and time again.
All that being said, if you’re looking to sort the perfect Christmas present for a runner, or simply need more reason to give yourself the kick up the backside you’ve been waiting for and just put your name down, this is it.
Besides the full annual marathon in April, running events simply don’t get bigger in this region than this one, so don’t miss out.
Sign up for the 2026 Great Manchester Run right HERE.
Featured Images — Great Run Company/AJ Bell (supplied)
What's On
New Year’s Eve fireworks and special Albert Square party confirmed for Manchester city centre
Danny Jones
Manchester City Council have confirmed that a special firework and lights display will be held right in the centre of town this New Year’s Eve.
Better still, the festivities will be continuing over on Albert Square, as the recently restored ancestral home of the Manchester Christmas Markets will be hosting a celebration of its own.
Yes, for the first time ever, we’re being given the choice of two different NYE events at two of the most stunning central points in the city – the other being the Central Library.
Hosted by former presenter at The Manc, Joe McGrath, as well as DJ Jimmy the Gent, there’ll be tunes and plenty of family-friendly fun from St Peter’s Square right up until the big countdown, when the stunning light display will go off and ring in the New Year.
Credit: Manchester City Council (supplied)
The all-ages, alcohol-free event kicks off at 10pm with entry into the square through security-controlled entry points around the square and bag searches in operation.
Of course, hot drinks and food will be available as the MCR Christmas Markets proper wrap up for 2025, and the fireworks and light displays themselves will be launching right off the top of the library roof.
It’s going to be fantastic.
As for over on the other side of the Town Hall, the Markets will still be in full swing, with bratwurst, beers and cheer aplenty, and so will the truly massive Ferris Wheel – the biggest mobile wheel in the country, in case you hadn’t heard.
That’s right: in case you hadn’t put two and together quite yet, if you’re lucky enough and you don’t mind heights, you might just get to watch the NYE 2025 fireworks going off all over Greater Manchester from the top of the wheel. How magical would that be?
Honestly, it’s been so great seeing Albert Square looking back to its stunning and buzzing best.
Councillor Pat Karney, Christmas and New Year spokesperson for Manchester City Council, said of the plans: “We all know how much Mancunians of all ages love to get together and party, which is why we’re thrilled this year to give them not one but two celebrations to take their pick of this New Year’s Eve.
“Whether you’re a Ferris Wheel fanatic with a head for heights, or a music-loving feet-on-the-ground firework fan, it promises to be a brilliant night out. So get yourselves ready to have some fun and dance the night away – wrap up warm, grab your family and your friends and come down and join us!”
Promising to work closely with local councillors and therefore businesses and residents in turn, they’re promising to keep any inconveniences and nuisances to a minimum; they want everyone to be able to enjoy the night as much as possible.
You can find out more information, including timings, accessibility, road closures and parking suspensions in the full Council statement right HERE.
Emily Sergeant -
6th September 2023 
