The hugely popular wizard-themed steam train will be travelling through Greater Manchester once again next week.
February half term is right around the corner, 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, dinosaur, 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.
By far one of the most popular experiences on the lineup, however, has to be the chance to go on a ‘wizarding adventure’, where little Mancs can come together for a magical day of sharing spells and getting stuck into lots of magic-themed fun.
You can ride a wizard-themed steam train through Greater Manchester next week / Credit: ELR
Aspiring witches and wizards of all ages are invited to enrol in the spellbinding school of sorcery this February half term, as they take a ‘wacky and wonderful’ whistle stop tour through the ‘Irwell Valley of wonders’.
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Little Mancs will get to learn powerful incantations and perfect their wand-waving skills, all while using their imagination and learning how to soar through the skies on a broomstick.
They’ll also get to discover the proper way to greet mystical creatures, and take care of a ‘real’ dragon egg too.
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The Wizarding Adventure is an “enchanting experience for all the family” / Credit: ELR
Aside from wizard-themed tasks, there’ll also be plenty of photo opportunities along the way.
Aside from wizard-themed tasks, there’ll also be plenty of photo opportunities along the way, and food and drink will be available to tuck into from the café on Platform 3/4 at Bury Bolton Street Station, and from the Rawtenstall Buffet too, making it a truly ‘enchanting’ experience for the whole family.
The Wizarding Adventure is back this half term, with several special journeys lined-up next month on Thursday 19 February, and tickets still available to get your hands on from £18 each for children and £20.50 for adults.
An Interstellar Live in Concert show is coming to Manchester, with a live orchestra
Daisy Jackson
Arguably the most epic film of all time – with the most epic of soundtracks – is coming to Manchester as a live concert experience.
Interstellar Live will see the Manchester Camerata performing Hans Zimmer’s iconic score on stage, while Christopher Nolan’s Oscar-winning film plays out behind them.
Demand has been so high for the show in London that there’ll be TWO performances at the Co-op Live in Manchester.
The sci-fi epic Interstellar will be presented on the big screen at the arena, accompanied by a live orchestral performance of the score.
Interstellar Live will have both a matinee and an evening performance on 9 May 2027.
The concert will bring together Manchester Camerata, acclaimed conductor Martin Gellner, as well as Roger Sayer, the organist personally selected by Zimmer to perform the original Interstellar soundtrack.
It’s set to be an arena-scale celebration of one of the most acclaimed films and film scores of the 21st century.
Interstellar Live. Credit: Supplied, Suzy Red
The plot follows Academy Award-winner Matthew McConaughey as ex-pilot-turned-farmer Cooper, as he leaves his family and planet Earth to discover whether mankind has a future among the stars.
The film also stars Anne Hathaway, Sir Michael Caine, Jessica Chastain and Casey Affleck.
Interstellar was named one of the top ten movies of 2014 and received five Academy Award nominations including Best Visual Effects, Best Production Design, Best Sound Mixing, Best Sound Editing and Best Original Score.
Interstellar Live will be at the Co-op Live in Manchester on Sunday 9 May 2027, with a matinee performance from 12.30pm and an evening performance from 6pm.
Tickets go on general sale this Friday 23 October HERE.
Manchester parks are hosting loads of FREE Halloween-themed activities this month
Emily Sergeant
Parks across Manchester are set to host loads of Halloween-themed activities this month.
With October half term right around the corner and Halloween not far off either, it won’t be long before parents and carers are looking for ways to keep little Mancs occupied… luckily, Manchester City Council has unveiled a programme of free ‘spooktacular’ activities that’ll be happening at parks across the borough this month.
Manchester’s parks will ‘come alive’ this October half-term with a packed programme community-focussed free activities for children – including a range of lantern making workshops delivered by the parks’ teams.
There will also be pumpkin carving throughout the week, with everything provided to create a suitably scary masterpiece to take home, as well ‘Hidden Horror’ trails across 13 parks with lots of spooky characters to be discovered.
Other highlights included guided walks, cycling along the Yellow Brick Road in Debdale Park, helping to create a giant haunted house using recycled materials at Alexandra Park, and a Halloween Party at Grounded Cafe in Cringle Park.
Manchester parks are hosting loads of free Halloween-themed activities this October half term/ Credit: Max Burchill | Pierre Bouyer (via Unsplash)
And fireworks won’t be the only attraction on Bonfire Night either.
Activities on the day begin from 3pm with the chance for little ones to enjoy magical storytelling experiences from Z Arts, with hands-on crafting inspired by the story.
Dazzling fire performers will light up the event with a mesmerising display of flames, fiery choreography, and captivating skills, and the Lantern Parade prior to the main fireworks display is not to be missed.
Emily Sergeant -
10th February 2026 
