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.”
Sportsbet.io Tour Championship 2026: Manchester welcomes some of snooker’s best
Danny Jones
This Monday marks the start of the World Snooker Tour’s 2026 Sportsbet.io Tour Championship, which is back in Manchester once again– and there are some big names on show.
Returning to our city for a third consecutive time, this year’s Tour Championships began at 1pm, with the likes of world number one Judd Trump playing some of the opening frames against Northern Ireland’s Mark Allen, along with Barry Hawkins taking on 2026 World Open winner, Thepchaiya Un-Nooh.
These are just the first two opening fixtures in what is set to be an eventful week-long tournament that will span a total of 19 matches, concluding in the final on Sunday, 5 April.
Hosted once again over at Manchester Central, this elite field of in-form players is basically only missing Ronnie O’Sullivan, who the aforementioned Thai tour start beat in last week’s final.
Only the top 12 players from this season’s highly competitive rankings earned a place in the draw, so all pretty much all the greats and the next generation are shooting for the title.
Defending champions John Higgins – a four-time world champion – will be breaking off against Mark Williams on Tuesday, 31 March.
Meanwhile, other names on the schedule of play include World Champion Zhao Xintong, Mark Selby (who Higgins beat in Manchester last year), Shaun Murphy, Neil Robertson and Mark Allen.
Put simply, this isn’t just another big sporting event landing in our city centre, but a showcase of some of the very best talent in the discipline.
With tickets starting from just £25, these games are also some of the most affordable premium sports you can enjoy in central Manchester.
Better still, it’s also worth noting that the official Fanzone over in the foyer of the venue is open to all, even without a ticket.
There’s completely free coaching for players of all ages, interactive games, and even the chance to try a proper full-sized professional table – a perfect day out for the Easter school holidays.
The event itself is being aired on Channel 5, but if you’re interested in going along to see the action up close and personal, you can grab your seats right HERE.
Featured Images — Press shot (supplied via Manchester Central)/The Manc Group
What's On
Salford’s popular women’s running race is returning for 2026
Danny Jones
The popular women’s only five-mile race in Salford is back for another year, and it’s set to be one of the biggest yet.
Returning for its 34th iteration this spring, the 2026 edition of the Swinton Ladies Race is a mix of trail, gravel and road running.
It’s also remained a great entry-level run since it began, perfect not only for all ages and experience levels, but for those looking for a step-up in ability level and challenge with the mixed terrain.
Last May saw one of the best turnouts in the event’s history, and the Swinton Running Club founders are hoping for another big showing.
Now boasting a total of 400 places, the Swinton Ladies Race has remained a long-established cult favourite among locals over the past couple of decades.
Founded back in 1991 (then under the Worsley Woods Trail Race banner), it’s only grown in reputation but has still stayed true to its community-driven roots.
A one-lap course of lasting five miles, the course itself takes you through the aforementioned woodlands, as well as sections of trail and more defined paths.
Other notable sites featured include the Old Warke Dam, parts of the Bridgewater Canal and said Woods, which help make up a good chunk of the largest conservation area in Salford.
As they put it: “Whether you’re training for a new challenge or looking for a sociable jog in the fresh countryside air, join us and enjoy a trail race through Worsley.”
In addition to promising chip times, bespoke medals for all finishers, free parking and plenty of other little perks, it’s also just super accessible and good value-for-money.
As for the race route itself, there are drinks stations at the halfway point and finish line, first aiders on hand should anyone need help, and, of course, toilet facilities; it’s just a very well-run event all-round.
The organisers – who are teaming up with run promoters SheRACES for 2026 – do advise trail shoes where possible, especially if it’s been raining in the days leading up to the starting gun, but road trainers will still do you just fine.
Road or trail shoes are suitable for the course; we would advise trail shoes if the days leading up to the race have been extremely wet.
The price for affiliated runners is just £15, while unaffiliated participants can sign up for £17 plus a booking fee of £2 entry on the day (subject to availability). It’s also worth noting, however, that this is very much first-come, first-served. You can grab your race ticket and bib for Sunday, 3 May, right HERE.
Emily Sergeant -
6th September 2023 
