The popular wizard and dinosaur-themed steam trains are back travelling through Greater Manchester this summer.
The school summer holidays are just over a month away now, and that means East Lancashire Railway (ELR) is back with a whole host of immersive events that give curious Mancs the chance to step back in time by hopping on one of the historic Pullman-style steam train carriages through the picturesque Greater Manchester countryside.
Thomas the Tank Engine, Peppa Pig, and seasonal themed train rides are just a few of the events that have been entertaining families in the region over the last few years.
But by far two of the best-loved experiences on the lineup each year have to be the chance to go on a wizard or dinosaur-themed adventure… and thankfully, both are back yet again next month.
Wizard and dinosaur-themed steam trains are back travelling through Greater Manchester this summer / Credit: ELR
ELR’s Wizarding Adventure sees little Mancs come together for a magical day of sharing spells and getting stuck into lots of magic-themed fun, as aspiring witches and wizards of all ages are invited to enrol in the spellbinding school of sorcery.
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They’ll go on a ‘wacky and wonderful whistle stop tour’ of the Wizard Academy and learn to become a master of mystery and magic during their interactive 90-minute journey through the ‘Irwell Valley of wonders’ hauled by a genuine steam – and spell – powered train.
If the Jurassic period sounds more up your little one’s street though, then the Dino Adventure is the one as it’s ideal for all budding dino enthusiasts.
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This is your chance to take your little Mancs on an adventure / Credit: ELR
Step onto a specially dino-proofed steam train and journey into a prehistoric world, as you’ll get to meet ELR’s expert dino wranglers, come face-to-face with adorable baby dinosaurs, and enjoy a hands-on experience packed with discovery, excitement, and fun for the whole family.
“Whether your little ones are excited to meet dinosaurs or learn wizardry, there’s an unforgettable adventure waiting for everyone at ELR this summer,” commented Mike Kelly, who is the Chairman of the East Lancashire Railway.
“We’re proud to host events that ignite imaginations and create lasting memories, all set amidst the beautiful scenery of the Irwell Valley”.
The Wizarding Adventure and the Dino Adventure are coming to ELR next month on 20 and 27 July, respectively, as well as later dates in August, and you can find out more and get tickets from £17.50 online here.
Featured Image – ELR
What's On
The best things to do in Greater Manchester this week | 30 March – 5 April 2026
Emily Sergeant
It’s time to wave goodbye to March and welcome in April this week.
Now that a new month has arrived and it’s officially spring in the UK, there’s obviously loads of events and activities to be getting up to across Greater Manchester this week… as long as those classic ‘April showers’ don’t show their face too much, that is.
Finding it a bit tricky to pick what to do though? No worries. We’ve chosen a few of the highlights for another edition of our ‘what’s on‘ guide.
Both free things and those that’ll set you back a few pennies are featured.
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Matilda The Musical
Manchester Palace Theatre
Monday 30 March – Saturday 25 April
Matilda The Musical / Credit: ATG Tickets
Matilda The Musical has now arrived in Manchester.
The RSC’s smash-hit musical – which is based on Roald Dahl’s beloved book of the same name – is currently on a tour of the UK and Ireland, and this includes a special four-week run at Manchester’s iconic Palace Theatre that kicked off last week.
Written by Dennis Kelly, with music and lyrics by Tim Minchin, and developed and directed by Matthew Warchus, the beloved production about a determined heroine with a vivid imagination has won hearts all over the globe.
Find out more and see if you can grab yourself some last-minute tickets here.
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Horrible Science: Cosmic Chaos
Science and Industry Museum
Monday 30 March – onwards
Horrible Science: Cosmic Chaos / Credit: Science Museum Group | BBC
Horrible Science: Cosmic Chaos has made its world premiere at the Science and Industry Museum, and is inviting visitors to explore our wondrous Solar System.
Fresh off-the-back of the new BBC Children’s and Education TV show, Horrible Science, the ‘thrilling’ new exhibition encouraging visitors to ‘do science the horrible way’, and join both scientists and supervillains to unveil the secrets of space.
The new exhibition propels families up into space where mystery, intrigue, and rocket-loads of silly and surprising science await. You’ll get to venture through a series of cosmic zones, walk in the shoes of astronauts, explore the life-giving energy of the sun, marvel at mysterious moons, and discover far-off weird worlds.
A new free exhibition by Pablo Picasso is opening in Manchester this week, including works never-before seen on public display.
The new exhibition, titled Picasso: A Legacy, is comprised of more than 35 original works on paper and ceramics, all of which were created by the artist from the mid 1930s up until his death in 1973, and visitors will get to be guided through the last four decades of his life.
You’ll also get to encounter the artist’s lovers and muses, mythological alter egos, and playful zoomorphic ceramics, as well as feats of frantic artistic output that made up Picasso’s final decade.
The Really Wild Egg Trail is back at Chester Zoo for 2026.
Spring has arrived at Chester Zoo and there’s more than animals to discover this time, as visitors will need to keep their eyes peeled for giant hidden eggs as they make their way around the zoo as part of this fun seasonal trail.
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Each giant egg has been beautifully decorated to resemble some of the incredible animals at the zoo.
From feathery friends to creatures big and small, you’ll discover interesting facts about these species along the way, and you might even spot the real animals nearby and learn more about how we’re helping wildlife survive and thrive.
Europe’s most popular Banksy exhibition, The Mystery of Banksy – A Genius Mind, has officially made its UK premiere down at Depot Mayfield, and the amazing industrial space has been filled with more than 200 reimagined works by the acclaimed street art superstar.
Fans are able to step inside the mind of one of the world’s most prolific artists in an immersive and interactive exhibition that has already wowed audiences in their millions.
Expect to see recreations of his most iconic works, including Girl With Balloon, the thought provoking Devolved Parliament, a fully ‘Banksified’ London Underground carriage, and a towering seven-foot elephant installation.
Did you also know that The Christie cancer patients’ artwork is also being showcased at this exhibition too?
That’s right, The Christie – which is, at present, the only hospital in the UK that offers a dedicated art service for patient – has been invited to showcase a selection of artwork at the new exhibition, all with the aim of highlighting the role art plays in supporting cancer patients.
Patients will have a chance to prove just how powerful and transformative art can be, all while raising money for a very important cause.
Did you see that the spectacular 360° immersive experience that’s currently lighting up Manchester Cathedral has extended its run in our city?
That’s right – due to ‘overwhelming demand’ and following a roster of impressive reviews since making its UK debut earlier this year, LUMINISCENCE has now extended its run at Manchester Cathedral until the early summer.
LUMINISCENCE combines 360° video mapping, new orchestral arrangements of iconic songs, and a narrative story celebrating everything that makes Manchester and its residents so special.
Visitors are invited to step into a ‘spellbinding fusion’ of light, sound, and storytelling.
The sun has arrived in Manchester… and we’re not just referring to that one that’s popped up in the sky at long last.
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We’re taking about Helios, the amazing installation that’s now shining bright inside Victoria Baths.
Created by renowned artist, Luke Jerram, the beautiful art piece measures a whopping seven-metres in diameter and has been created using images captured by NASA, all now dangling above the former swimming baths.
Helios will be lighting up this corner of Manchester until 6 April.
Works from legendary Japanese artists Hokusai and Hiroshige have now arrived in the city.
Opening the Whitworth’s first exhibition of Japanese print in more than a century, ‘Beneath the Great Wave’, features colourful woodblock ukiyo-e prints from Edo-period Japan, dating as far back as 1700s – including the iconic ‘Under the Wave off Kanagawa’.
It’s an easy shout if you fancy something different this week, oh and even bette, it’s completely FREE to enter and look around.
You all went crazy for these at the Christmas Markets last year, and now Misu Tiramisu is back in Manchester to stay, bringing its beautiful little tiramisu drawers to Manchester Arndale in the heart of the city centre.
There’s six flavours to choose from – including classic, chocolate, pistachio, Biscoff, lemon, and mango – or you can try them all in these new variety boxes.
If you’re feeling greedy, you can grab an XL tiramisu… but whether you try to have it all yourself, or share with someone else, that’s completely up to you.
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Stuck for somewhere to have a bite to eat?
Just like we do every month, we’ve rounded up some of the best things we got to eat in February, so if you’re on the hunt for somewhere new to eat in March, then we’ve absolutely got you covered as there’s plenty of places across the city region.
It’s been another jam-packed month of insanely delicious eats, and we’ve been lucky to have loads of new openings too. From golden egg pops, to a pickle lover’s wet dream (… sorry) in pizza form, we’ve been scoffing the lot.
Are you a fan of Mini Eggs? Oh boy, do we have a treat for you then.
If you ask us, one of life’s greatest pleasures has to be Mini Eggs, and Grandpa Greene’s and Greene’s Bistro over in Diggle and Uppermill have taken this humble choccy treat to the next level – with a whole menu dedicated to them.
There’s a full Mini Egg afternoon tea, stacked pancakes, waffles, French toast, milkshakes, and gigantic sundaes (plus, their homemade Mini Egg ice cream is up there with the best).
Oh and who can forget the Slattery x Grandpa Greene’s hot chocolate. The special Easter menu is available at both sites, but the question is, how will you have your Mini Eggs?
Do you know about the ‘secret’ Italian produce cash-and-carry in Manchester city centre?
You’ve probably seen the grey trucks belonging to Amato Products all over Manchester, usually parked outside your favourite restaurants delivering premium ingredients to them, but this wholesaler has another trick up its sleeve… a miniature supermarket where you can pick up quality Italian produce for way less than your local Tesco.
Whether it’s guanciale, San Marzano tomatoes, fior di latte mozzarella, burrata, unusual pasta shapes, pizza dough, pre-filled pasta, or even octopus you’re after, you’ll find it here.
Featured Image – Chester Zoo | The Manc Group | Supplied
What's On
The Oldham Man and The Sea: the documentary about the Latics owner’s record-breaking Atlantic voyage
Danny Jones
It doesn’t matter if you’re not an Athletic fan or native to the borough; we think everyone should go along to watch the much-anticipated documentary about football club owner Frank Rothwell and his record-breaking journey across the Atlantic Ocean: The Oldham Man And The Sea.
One of the simplest and most satisfying names for a film we’ve heard in a long time.
For anyone who doesn’t know about the Oldham Athletic FC chairman turned OBE’s incredible story, Frank Rothwell has set multiple records with his impressive sea-faring feats in recent times.
This new doc, which just premiered at this year’s Manchester Film Festival, charts his latest trip across one of the biggest bodies of water on the planet in March 2024.
As you can see from the recent trailer, it’s almost as arduous a tale as the original Hemingway story.
This movie – produced by Journeyman Pictures and Chief Productions – made its full debut at the Odeon in Great Northern Warehouse for MFF 2026, and is set to have a number of other screenings in and around Greater Manchester in the coming weeks and months.
One of those is happening rather soon, in fact, over at Saddleworth’s Millgate Arts Centre on Saturday, 28 March, which is ideal for those local to the region; grab your tickets now.
ln fact, there’s also one happening even closer to his hometown the following month, with Oldham’s very own Queen Elizabeth Hall also hosting a special screening of Rothwell’s incredible achievement.
You can reserve your seats for that one right HERE.
Having not only become the eldest (70) Talisker Whisky Atlantic Challenge finisher back in 2021, but now holding the Guinness World Record for the oldest person to ever complete the crossing while rowing solo at 73 years old, he’s become nothing short of a local hero – and that’s just his stewardship of the Latics…
The film does, obviously, touch on his time at the helm of the League Two side, who finally returned to the EFL last June, but the heart and soul of this inspiring watch is the sail itself.
More importantly, it also documents not just the gruelling nature of the 64-day, seven-hour and 53-minute trek, but also how Frank has now helped raise more than £1.4 million on behalf of Alzheimer’s Research UK.
What an absolute icon.
Hopefully, this should be just about all the reason you need to watch The Oldham Man And The Sea the very next opportunity you get to do so – and, of course, all proceeds from ticket sales will also be going to charity, because just the kind of bloke he is.
And here’s hoping we get a streaming version sometime soon.
Emily Sergeant -
13th June 2025 
