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Chester Zoo’s Lantern Festival returns this year and you can grab tickets now

Chester Zoo is inviting you to "discover the magic" as The Lanterns returns for 2020.

Emily Sergeant Emily Sergeant - 31st August 2020
The Lanterns at Chester Zoo

The Lanterns are returning to Chester Zoo later this year and it’s ready to bring a much-needed festive feeling to what has been a turbulent year.

Chester Zoo is inviting you to “discover the magic” as its famous lantern festival returns for 2020.

Now in its ninth year, The Lanterns – a popular wintertime celebration which has previously received widespread public acclaim – lets visitors experience the zoo in an after-hours setting on a trail in the dark, taking in illuminated wildlife, colourful lanterns and enchanting costumed characters along the way.

According to the Chester Zoo website, this year’s starlit Christmas is set to be “more enchanting than ever before”.

“Escape to our eleven fantastical worlds, each different from the last, that will take you on an illuminating adventure like no other! Be immersed in this magical and uniquely Chester Zoo evening event that’s inspired by some of our favourite festive family tales, giving you the chance to see the zoo in a whole new light.”

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“This year’s route will take you on a journey to discover faraway lands that will have your imagination running wild, each filled to the brim with colourful lanterns, spectacular costumed characters and Christmas scenes.”

The Lanterns at Chester Zoo

If you want to be sure you’ll secure your tickets though, you’ll need to book in advance as this year, as is to be expected, demand for tickets to The Lanterns is set to be even higher with visitor numbers having had to be reduced to comply with necessary social distancing measures amid the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.

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Tickets are currently on sale now.

Jon Turley – Head of Guest Experience at Chester Zoo – said: “Events that help us to bring some additional income into our charity will be absolutely crucial in securing the future of our zoo and our species-saving work.

“That’s why we’re so, so excited to be able to bring The Lanterns back again this year.

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The Lanterns at Chester Zoo

“With safety and social distancing firmly at the forefront of our minds, far fewer tickets have been made available for our event this time around, which might just make it an even more magical experience for those who secure a ticket.

“We’re planning to transform the zoo into a spectacular winter wonderland, featuring 11 fantastical worlds. Guests will be welcomed into an exotic world of colour and movement, where larger than life illuminations and animal characters await.

“Making a return this year will be our popular ‘Underwater’ world, which will transport visitors to the bottom of the sea where they’ll discover a giant show-stopping octopus.”

He continued: “We’ve made a few adjustments so that there will be less physical interaction with visitors this time, but we’re sure that our array of never-before-seen features will ensure guests will make memories that last a lifetime.

“We can’t wait to welcome people back to The Lanterns, see lots of big smiles on faces and, at the same time, raise valuable funds so we can continue our mission of preventing extinction as a wildlife conservation charity.”

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As a charity zoo, all tickets purchased for The Lanterns are “vital” to Chester Zoo’s survival.

Tickets are now on sale for selected dates from Friday 13th November – Wednesday 23rd December. Children’s tickets start from £13.50, adult tickets start from £16 and you can book online via the Chester Zoo website here.

You can find more information about The Lanterns at Chester Zoo here.

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Inside the luxury hotel suite inspired by a Christmas light trail

Thomas Melia Thomas Melia

Located right next to Piccadilly Station, Manchester Marriott Hotel Piccadilly have curated a new hotel stay which is inspired by one of the region’s biggest light trails.

The new Christmas-themed room has been created as a continuation of Freight Island’s ‘Twilight Trail’, so you don’t need to leave the magic of the event behind in Mayfield Park.

This huge hotel, which recently underwent a £33m refurb, has been setting out to provide guests with incredible experiences and this new Christmas themed room is certainly no different.

As well as a stunning room decked out with festive decor, you can also see immaculate views of the city centre, and even the neighbouring Twilight Trail, thanks to the room being situated on the top floor of the eight storey building.

Initially launching last year, the festive-themed Twilight Trail attraction by Freight Island is only a short three-minute walk away from the all-new Christmas room at Manchester Marriott Hotel Piccadilly.

The converted ‘Deluxe Family Room’ is sure to put you in the festive spirit with everything from mood lighting to a real Christmas tree frocked in red and gold baubles.

Comfy beds in Manchester
How many reindeers could you count before you fall asleep effortlessly?
Christmas room in Manchester
It’s Christmas central at Manchester Marriott Hotel Piccadilly.
Hotel rooms in Manchester
The Deluxe Family Room has had a festive makeover.
Credit: The Manc Group

Once you’ve unpacked your matching PJ’s and chosen where you’ll be sleeping for the night, you can head out the door knowing you get to come back to your own personal winter wonderland.

Next on your itinerary is a trip to the Twilight Trail itself, 6.5 acres of illuminations, interesting structures and fascinating displays.

If you’re not walking round this outdoor venue with a boozy hot chocolate fixed firmly in one hand then you’re definitely doing it wrong.

As you walk through the first tentacle-like tunnel, you’ll be greeted by an on-site refreshments truck serving generous helpings of hot chocolate.

After picking up your sweet drink, you’ll be plunged into a glittering world with a dramatic Christmas tree at the centrepiece of the illuminated park.

Light trail in manchester
The opening tentacle-like tunnel which spans out across the floor.
Hot chocolate in Manchester
You can never go wrong with a hot chocolate.
Christmas tree in Manchester
The grand Christmas tree towering over the various light features.
Credit: The Manc Group

You can walk over a brightly lit bridge that constantly changes colours and makes you feel like you’re walking on a rainbow, literally.

This makes for a great sensory experience for all ages as you feel as though you’re a part of the trail, walking over the light displays instead of just seeing them from a distance. Class!

The twinkling tunnel lit with fairy lights makes for the perfect Instagrammable moment and is honestly core-memory worthy.

Whether you’re celebrating the occasion with your family or your loved one, really take a second to admire these LEDs.

Twilight Trail at Mayfield Park
Lighting up the city centre with the Mayfield Depot sign adding some character.
Fairy lights in Manchester
Look at those lights! The fairy light tunnel which are part of the Twilight Trail.
One of the best light trails in Manchester
Take a walk over the rainbow bridge as you soak up all this light trail has to offer.
Credit: The Manc Group

Whether walking makes you hungry or you can just smell the delicious flavours of the street food vendors from next-door neighbours Freight Island, it would be rude not to pay them a visit.

It’ll probably take you just as long to decide what food you want as it did to complete the light trail thanks to the wide variety of cuisines on offer.

From 22 inch pizzas at Voodoo Ray’s to desserts on a stick at Oh My Cheesecake, you can grasp how exciting and mind-boggling the meals here are.

Burgers were the craving of the night and we left our foodie fate in the hands of the trusty Burgerism with their ‘Veggied’ and Pattersons ‘Salt ‘n’ Pepa’ single stack chicken burger.

This is one of three plant-based options from their menu and its packed with a selection of topping greats like pickles, tomatoes and a cheese slice.

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Best veggie burgers in Manchester
Burgerism’s veggie offering was absolutely gorgeous.
Pattersons chicken burger in Freight Island
Pattersons flavoursome single stack chicken burger.
Burgerism Freight Island
The veggie has officially been ‘Veggied’.
Credit: The Manc Group

This little Christmas themed adventure and stay is in the heart of Manchester city centre meaning it’s close to all amenities like trains, trams, bars, pubs and those all important Manchester Christmas Markets.

However when you’re sleeping in a room that has pillows galore, a built-in TV and Christmas decorations, a quiet night in was next on the agenda and you really do feel right at home.

Read more:

Manchester Marriott Hotel Piccadilly may just be one of Santa’s many little helpers and you can create your own priceless memory by staying in this gorgeous Christmas suite.

Cleanest hotel bathrooms in Manchester
The bathroom in the Marriott Christmas room.
Beautiful hotel views Manchester
Waking up out of bed to those stunning lights and cute tree.
Relaxing things to do in Manchester
After your activity-filled day, fill up the tub and relax.
Credit: The Manc Group

For all the latest news, events and goings on in Greater Manchester, subscribe to The Manc newsletter HERE.

Featured Image: The Manc Group

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The Black Keys are coming back to Manchester for their Castlefield Bowl debut

Danny Jones Danny Jones The Black Keys Castlefield Bowl Manchester tickets

Legendary blues band, The Black Keys, are heading back to Manchester next year, set to play Castlefield Bowl for the very first time. This one’s a biggie.

As the latest headliner announced for Sound of the City 2025, the soulful Ohio rock and alternative duo are returning to 0161 for the third year running, having swapped the AO Arena for Co-op Live this past May, but now they’re set to tick another huge Manc venue off their list.

Confirmed amongst plenty of other big music news released on Monday, 2 December, The Black Keys will be heading to the Bowl as part of a new UK and European tour, with many of the dates including festival slots all over the continent.

While Manchester’s annual outdoor festival has seen some big names in the past, getting an act that boasts this kind of prestige and influence is a huge coup for Sound of the City (SOTC), the lineup for which already looks pretty stacked as it is.

The Black Keys released their 12th studio album, Ohio Players, back in April: a record heavily inspired by the vibe of band members Dan Auerbach and Patrick Carney’s ongoing ‘record hang’ parties, which have become just as big a deal as their live shows themselves.

Hailed by Rolling Stone, who wrote, “Whether they set their retro-rock wayback machine to Memphis in the Sixties, the Midwest in the Seventies, or Manchester, England, and L.A. in the Nineties, it all flows together like a beautifully paced DJ set”, their latest here took place at YES over on Charles Street.

The album itself – met with vast critical acclaim (including Audio North‘s humble opinion) – was re-released as an expanded Trophy Edition on 15 November and features collaborations with everyone from our very own Noel Gallagher to Beck, Greg Kurstin, Juicy J and more, earning another Grammy nod too.

Even more excitingly, their latest collab on tour will see the mighty Miles Kane join them on the road for all three UK dates, meaning Castlefield Bowl will welcome the Birkenhead-born solo artists and Last Shadow Puppets star too. What a billing that is.

The other two shows held here on British shores will be at Alexandra Palace Park in the capital and over at Millenium Square as part of Leeds’ Sound of the City lineup for next year.

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With a new music video for their latest single ‘Sin City’ having just debuted too, it’s well and truly going to be a Black Keys-heavy day on the office playlist.

General admission goes live this Friday, 6 December at 9am but fans can also get exclusive presale access which will begin at the same time on Wednesday morning (4 Nov).

You can get ready to grab your tickets to see The Black Keys at Castlefield Bowl and what will no doubt be one of the biggest shows of the summer on HERE – we’ll see you there.

Meanwhile, Manchester’s month-long music series over at its iconic amphitheatre just keeps getting better, with a whole host of UK and global favourites now confirmed for SOTC 2025.

Dance legends Basement Jaxx are coming to Castlefield Bowl next summer

For all the latest news, events and goings on in Greater Manchester, subscribe to The Manc newsletter HERE.

Featured Images — Larry Niehues/Press Image (supplied)/The Manc Group

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