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”.
ADVERTISEMENT
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.
ADVERTISEMENT
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.
ADVERTISEMENT
“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.”
Peter Kay announces four intimate charity shows in Greater Manchester – but only for these postcodes
Emily Sergeant
Peter Kay has just announced four intimate shows to raise money for a very worthy cause… but you can only get tickets if you live in these particular postcodes.
Comedy legend Peter Kay is set to return home to the Bolton Albert Halls for four very special hometown shows in this summer, marking his first performances at the venue more than two decades.
Taking to the very stage where he recorded the UK’s biggest-selling stand-up DVD, it’s set to be a proper nostalgic homecoming for one of Britain’s most beloved comedians.
The summer shows – which are taking place from 9 – 11 July 2026, even including a matinee performance – this is a rare chance for local fans to be part of something incredibly special, with all funds raised going to Bolton Hospice.
But, there’s a bit of a catch… you’ll only be able to get tickets if you live in Bolton (and some parts of Bury), as it’s strictly limited to BL postcodes.
Peter Kay Live at the Bolton Albert Halls – 2026 Dates
Thursday 9 July (Evening)
Friday 10 July (Evening)
Saturday 11 July (Matinee)
Saturday 11 July (Evening)
Tickets officially go on sale Friday 24 April at 10am, and you can get your hands on them here.
Featured Image – Supplied
What's On
You can now have dinner in the actual dressing rooms at Co-op Live
Daisy Jackson
Co-op Live has now launched exclusive backstage dining experiences – which means you could be having dinner inside the very dressing rooms that have hosted music megastars.
These new groundbreaking new Backstage Private Dining experiences feature menus curated by Simon Rimmer.
This will be the first time that the arena’s most exclusive artist areas have been open to guests.
There’ll be 10 selected dates from May 2026, where ticket-holders can eat dinner in dressing rooms that were previously occupied by the likes of Lady Gaga and Bruce Springsteen.
Guests will be able to choose from several packages, from intimate receptions and private three-course dinners inside the dressing rooms, to lavish extras like a Bentley chauffeur-driven arrival, live entertainment, and extended backstage access.
The most premium package will also offer access to Co-op Live’s adidas Originals recording studio.
Proceeds from the Backstage Private Dining will go towards supporting Co-op Live’s official charity partner, the Co-op Foundation, which tackles inequality and supports communities across the UK.
Chef Simon Rimmer commented: “Having worked with Co-op Live for some time, it’s incredibly exciting to now be involved with this unique series of Backstage Private Dining.
“It’s a rare opportunity to further combine the world-class music venue with exceptional food, and I can’t wait to showcase how these experiences can come to life together, creating truly unforgettable evenings for our guests.”
Becci Thomson, Chief Commercial Officer at Co-op Live, said: “From day one, our ambition has been to challenge expectations of what an arena can deliver, and we’re now delighted to introduce a new dimension of premium hospitality at Co-op Live.
“This collaboration unlocks new creative potential within the venue, offering experiences that have not previously been possible. It reflects our commitment to innovation and meaningful impact within the communities we support.”
Designed and delivered in partnership with Taylor Lynn Corporation (TLC), Founder and CEO Liz Taylor said: “Opportunities like this are rare. Co-op Live is a venue built for scale, spectacle and ambition — and that’s exactly how we are approaching these events.
“Whether it’s an intimate milestone celebration or a brand hosting at the highest level, these will be immersive, one-night-only experiences designed to deliver real impact. We are proud to have been chosen to help shape this next chapter, bringing creativity, precision and bold thinking to a space that demands nothing less.”
Emily Sergeant -
6th September 2023 
