Tarantulas, komodo dragons, and poisonous dart frogs are just some of the creatures you can meet on Chester Zoo‘s newest trail next month.
With the spooky season right around the corner, Luna’s Lost Spell Halloween Trail is set to take over the UK’s biggest charity zoo for the whole of next month from Saturday 1 – Monday 31 October, and it looks set to be an ideal day out for families during the half term.
You’ll get to see komodo dragons, a Gaboon Viper, some poison dart frogs, a blue komodo viper, a tarantula, and even the upside-down Jellyfish as you make your way along the indoor trail.
If meeting the animals wasn’t exciting enough as it is, this is also an interactive trail too.
So for those feeling brave enough, visitors are encouraged to visit the six different animal stations to learn some spellbinding facts about each hair-raising species, all while collecting letters to form a magic word using augmented reality.
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You can meet tarantulas, komodo dragons, and more on Chester Zoo’s new interactive Halloween trail / Credit: Chester Zoo
All you’ll need to do is scan a QR code with your phone to reveal each letter of the word with a fun interactive experience, and then stamp the letters onto a postcard.
You’ll be rewarded with a sweet treat at the end of the trail if you manage to work out the word.
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Of course, as Chester Zoo as place that’s as much about educating people on conservation as it is somewhere to head to for a fun day out, the theme of Luna’s Lost Spell Halloween Trail is linked to the zoo’s BIAZA Vital Venom and Practical Poisons campaign.
The campaign aims to raise awareness of all the “creepy but crucial creatures” at the zoo that are venomous and poisonous.
Luna’s Lost Spell Halloween Trail is set to take over the UK’s biggest charity zoo for the whole of next month / Credit: Chester Zoo
“We’re so excited to launch our very own Halloween themed trail around the zoo this October,” said Gemma Bamford – Admissions & Membership Manager at Chester Zoo.
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“Halloween is the perfect opportunity to shine a spotlight on some of the unknown species Chester Zoo is home too, inspiring visitors to care for our cause of preventing extinction of not only the renowned species like elephants, giraffes and rhinos, but the more unusual and extraordinary animals that may just shock, surprise or spook you.”
Stockport’s ‘captivating’ Christmas festival is back with 50 FREE shows and hundreds of performers
Emily Sergeant
Things are getting all festive in Stockport as more than 50 free shows and hundreds of performers prepare to descend the town centre.
Back by popular demand to kick off Christmas in style, especially after the inaugural event resulted in the busiest Sunday for the Greater Manchester town’s centre since 2019, Stockport’s Spectacular Sunday will be returning next month for a one-day festival packed with magical street theatre, banging brass bands, carnival fun, and loads more.
Hundreds of captivating performers will take over Stockport for the day, with another new lineup for 2025 promising something for the whole family.
Stockport’s ‘captivating’ Christmas festival is back with 50 free shows and hundreds of performers / Credit: Supplied
Think a giant carnival bee, stilt-walking Christmas Belles, comedy chefs, bouncing snowmen, cocky robins, roaming bands, and so much more – with more than 50 free shows and activities to enjoy all day long.
Produced by renowned carnival arts organisation, Global Grooves, and organised by Stockport Council, Totally Stockport, Merseyway, and Stockport Market, the town centre will be buzzing with Christmas excitement from midday right through to 5pm, as performers take over iconic Stockport locations.
Head to Market Place, the Underbanks, Merseyway, Redrock, and Suffragette Square to make the most of all the festive fun.
Spectacular Sunday always marks the start of Stockport’s festive season, and 2025 is no different.
“Stockport likes to do Christmas in its own way, and our Spectacular Sunday event is about filling the town with energy, music and performance and giving visitors something unexpected at every turn,” explained Totally Stockport CEO, Mark Ross.
“It’s a celebration of creativity, community and the independent spirit that makes Stockport what it is.
“This event shows how we kick off the festive season in a way that’s truly unique to our town, and we can’t wait to see everyone back this November.”
Stockport’s Spectacular Sunday 2025 is taking over the town centre next month on Sunday 16 November from 12pm onwards.
Featured Image – Supplied
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Festive pop-up cafe filled with hundreds of dogs in Christmas jumpers is coming to Manchester
Emily Sergeant
Are you a dog person? Love seeing lots of little pups in the same place? Looking for your dog to make some four-legged friends?
Well you’re in luck, as the Pup Up Cafe is heading back out on a tour of the UK next month, and if the concept of the popular event wasn’t already flipping cute enough as it is, this time around, it’s a Christmas-themed edition, and it’s sounding set to be the perfect festive day out in the city with your fur baby.
If you’re looking to get in the Christmas spirit early, then both the ‘Jingle Paws’ all-breeds and dedicated ‘Dashing Dachshund’ pop up cafes – or we should say ‘pup up cafe’ – are returning to Manchester in late November.
The adorable events will be filling a popular city centre venue with loads of dogs to celebrate the most wonderful time of the year.
A festive pop-up cafe filled with hundreds of dogs in Christmas jumpers is coming to Manchester / Credit: Supplied
Last year, hundreds of different dogs visited the cafe to join in on the festive fun, and this year is expected to be no different, as the event organisers have secured a large city centre space for all the dogs to roam free.
Whether you’re a dog owner yourself, or just a big fan, everyone’s free to attend to mingle with many furry little friends, take part in a range of seasonal activities, and stock up on canine-related goodies as early Christmas presents.
There’ll be ball pits, toys, and tunnels for all the zoomies, while the pups themselves can enjoy unlimited dog treats and free puppuccinos.
With up to 50 dogs allowed per session, and festive fancy dress very much encouraged, each pup will get a Christmas present on arrival at the party, and will even have the chance to win some extra prizes if they’re the best dressed.
A dedicated photographer will be getting snaps of each session and there’ll be loads of Christmas props to use in the pictures.
So, if you fancy joining The Pup Up Cafe when it arrives in Manchester for Christmas on Sunday 23 November, then tickets will set you back £12 if you’re a dog owner, and £15 if you’re just a dog person who’s keen to go along for the fun anyway.
Emily Sergeant -
29th September 2022 
