COVID-19 Coronavirus UK and World News Update 1st, 2nd, 3rd January 2022

UK Daily Statistics:
Cases: 13,422,815 (+157,758)
In Hospital on Wednesday 29th, which is a LONG time ago : 11,918
Using A Ventilator on Wednesday 29th: 868
Losses of Life: 148,893 (+42 - which is really not the true figure, sorry guys).
Tests: 1,507,040
Vaccinations 1st Dose: 51,800,798 (90.1% of UK age 12+)
Vaccinations 2nd Dose: 47,451,922 (82.5%)
Boosted: 34,205,472 (59.5%)

Rep. Of Ireland: 845,897 (+16,986) cases and 5,912 losses of life.

World: 291,008,224 reported cases and 5,462,688 losses of life.

"To achieve my No.1 New Year's resolution, we need all governments, COVID19 vaccine makers and partners to ACTogether to vaccinate 70% of people in every country by July 2022,
With VaccinEquity, we can end the pandemic.
But we must start now: The clock is ticking."
Dr Tedros, head of the World Health Organisation, with a reminder we in the UK are in a very privileged position. Only 8.5% of people in low-income countries have received at least one dose.

COVID-19 Coronavirus UK and World News Update 1st /2nd September 2021

UK Daily Statistics:
Cases: 6,862,904 (+38,154)
In Hospital 1st September: 7,596
Using A Ventilator 1st September: 1,030
Losses of Life: 132,920 (+178)
Tests: 1,027,201 (higher - reflecting the first of the school testing)
Vaccinations 1st Dose: 48,131,996 (88.6% of UK age 16+)
Fully Vaxxed: 43,023,372 (70.2% of UK age 16+)

Rep. Of Ireland: 354,236 cases and 5,112 losses of life (not yet reported today).

World: 219,622,854 reported cases and 4,550,511 losses of life. 

"People who refuse to accept vaccines, I think the right response for them is not to force them to, but rather to insist that they be isolated.
If people decide 'I am willing to be a danger to the community by refusing the vaccine', they should then say, well, I also have the decency to isolate myself."
Noam Chomsky, American Linguist and Philosopher.
Not a massively popular opinion, but he is being quoted out of context in the media with this. If you watch the whole interview, he's referring to an imagined scenario where COVID became as deadly as Smallpox (30% mortality, 1 in 3).
It has precedent. Quarantine islands and facilities are historical fact. Possibly the most famous detainee was Typhoid Mary, who spent a total of over 30 years isolated on North Brother Island, because she refused to stop working as a cook and killing people.  

COVID-19 Coronavirus UK and World News Update 30th July 2021

The UK added 29,622 cases today and now has reported a total of 5,830,774 positive cases of COVID-19. We completed 863,554 tests yesterday.

The counter says 46,775,525 people (88.4% of UK adults) had been given at least one dose of a vaccine in the UK by midnight last night. 37,962,407 people (71.8%) had received 2 doses.

5,916 people were in hospital yesterday 29th July (up from 5,001 a week earlier / 3,964 two weeks earlier), with 869 people using a ventilator (up from 699 a week earlier / 551 two weeks earlier).

In the 24 hours up until 5pm yesterday, we officially reported the loss of another 68 people who have tested positive to COVID-19 within 28 days, making a total of 129,583 losses of life in all settings.

Up until Friday 16th July, 153,342 people had COVID listed as a cause on their death certificate.

Rep. Of Ireland 298,048 cases and 5,035 losses of life. (Not yet reported today.)

There have now been a total of 197,703,056 reported cases worldwide. The number of people who have lost their lives worldwide to COVID-19 is 4,219,658. Already 178,754,952 people have recovered.

“Delta is a warning..
“It's a warning that this virus is evolving. But it's also a call to action: That we need to move now, before more dangerous variants emerge."
Dr Mike Ryan, World Health Organisation. 

COVID-19 Coronavirus UK and World News Weekend Update 24th / 25th July 2021

The UK added 29,173 cases today and now has reported a total of 5,697,912 positive cases of COVID-19. We completed 1,013,261 tests yesterday.

The counter says 46,563,452 people (88% of UK adults) had been given at least one dose of a vaccine in the UK by midnight last night. 37,160,659 people (70.3%) had received 2 doses.

In the 24 hours up until 5pm yesterday, we officially reported the loss of another 28 people who have tested positive to COVID-19 within 28 days, making a total of 129,158 losses of life in all settings.

Rep. Of Ireland 292,996 (+1,126) cases and 5,026 losses of life.

There have now been a total of 194,665,050 reported cases worldwide. The number of people who have lost their lives worldwide to COVID-19 is 4,172,525. Already 176,655,351 people have recovered.

"70 million doses of the #NHSCOVIDVaccine have been given across England — including over 30 million people now fully vaccinated after receiving two doses!
Thanks to #OurNHSPeople, volunteers and everyone involved."
NHS England

Compassionless Politician of the Week:
"Symptoms were mild, thanks to amazing vaccines. Please – if you haven't yet – get your jab, as we learn to live with, rather than cower from, this virus."
Sajid Javid, UK Health Secretary.

COVID-19 Coronavirus UK and World News Update 19th / 20th July 2021

The UK added 46,558 cases today ( last week 36,660 / 2 weeks  28,773 / 3 weeks 20,479) and has reported a total of 5,519,602 positive cases of COVID-19. We completed 1,074,493 tests yesterday.

46,349,709 people (88% of UK adults) had been given at least one dose of a vaccine in the UK by midnight last night. 36,243,287 people (68.8%) had received 2 doses.
(The UK population figures are being updated on Thursday, so the percentages might adjust slightly.)

4,567 people were in hospital yesterday, with 611 using a ventilator.

In the 24 hours up until 5pm yesterday, we officially reported the loss of another 96 people who have tested positive to COVID-19 within 28 days, making a total of 128,823 losses of life in all settings.

Total cases for the last 7 days:
Area: Cases / Rate per 100,000 population
Wales: 6,470 / 205.2 (1 in 487)
Scotland: 15,458 / 282.9 (1 in 354)
Northern Ireland: 5,570 / 294.1 (1 in 340)
England: 266,515 / 473.5 (1 in 211)

Rep. Of Ireland 285,581 cases and 5,018 losses of life. (Not yet reported today.)

There have now been a total of 192,033,114 reported cases worldwide. The number of people who have lost their lives worldwide to COVID-19 is 4,116,810. Already 174,756,345 people have recovered.

"It feels really surreal (and not in a good way) to be living in a country that is actively trying to infect young adults and children with Covid.
I just can't imagine ever being ok with it."
Professor Christina Pagel (indieSAGE / University College London)
Figures so far suggest that somewhere between 1-10% of children and young people will have symptoms lasting over 3 months.  

COVID-19 Coronavirus UK and World News Weekend Update 17th / 18th July 2021

The UK added 48,161 cases today and now has reported a total of 5,433,939 positive cases of COVID-19. We completed 1,177,716 tests yesterday.

The counter says 46,295,853 people (87.9% of UK adults) had been given at least one dose of a vaccine in the UK by midnight last night. 35,970,849 people (68.3%) had received 2 doses and are fully vaccinated.

People in hospital hasn't been updated since Thursday, when it was 3,964, with 551 using a ventilator.

In the 24 hours up until 5pm yesterday, we officially reported the loss of another 25 people who have tested positive to COVID-19 within 28 days, making a total of 128,708 losses of life in all settings. (There is an error in the data for Scotland, which will be resolved in the next UK Gov update tomorrow.)

Rep. Of Ireland 284,510 (+1,179) cases and 5,018 losses of life.

There have now been a total of 191,070,294 reported cases worldwide. The number of people who have lost their lives worldwide to COVID-19 is 4,103,007. Already 174,015,889 people have recovered.

"Every adult in the UK has now been offered their first dose of the vaccine. A phenomenal national effort.
Please come forward for your jab if you haven’t already - it protects you and your loved ones."
Sajid "very glad I got my vaccinations" Javid.

"At this point, you are either vaccinated or you are going to catch Delta.
And whether you are young adult or old, when you catch Delta unvaccinated, you will have the highest chance of being hospitalized compared to almost any disease you have caught in your life."
Professor Shane Crotty, La Jolla Institute for Immunology

COVID-19 Coronavirus UK and World News Update 3rd January 2021.

The UK added 54,990 cases today and now has reported a total of 2,654,779 positive cases of COVID-19. 

People in hospital in the whole UK hasn't been updated since 23,823 six days ago.
NHS England figures state that on 2nd December 24,957 people were in hospital with COVID (up from 19,277 a week earlier), with 2,181 people using a ventilator (up from 1,996 a week earlier). 

In the 24 hours up until 5pm yesterday, we officially reported the loss of another 454 people who have tested positive to COVID-19 within 28 days. We now very sadly have a total of 75,024 officially reported losses of life in all settings.

Rep. Of Ireland 101,887 (+4,961) cases and 2,259 (+7) losses of life.

There have now been a total of 85,237,889 reported cases worldwide. The number of people who have lost their lives worldwide to COVID-19 is 1,847,668. Already 60,282,568 people have recovered.

After all of the news over the past week, today started off a lot quieter - although I'm quite frustrated Gavin Williamson, the Education Secretary, hasn't done a UK Briefing to explain his reasoning behind school reopening, and maybe even gave it a shot at reassuring the UK public. You might find it easier if you read this post safely locked in your own home, and pretend you don't live in the UK...

"It may be that we need to do things in the next few weeks that will be tougher in many parts of the country. I’m fully reconciled to that."
UK PM and persistent ditherer, Boris Johnson, this morning.
The next few weeks Boris? Helloooooooo. Surprise, there's a pandemic. Remember that?
Boris, the next few days is too long. I'm sorry you didn't get a Christmas break, but you took the job. Act. NOW. Before the NHS collapses. The world is staring at us with their jaws on the floor. 

 COVID-19 Coronavirus UK and World News Update 9th / 10th December 2020.

The UK added 20,964 cases today (UP from 14,879 the same time last week) and now has reported a total of 1,787,783 positive cases of COVID-19. We completed 369,586 tests yesterday. 

15,242 people were in hospital on Tuesday 8th (slightly UP from 15,236 a week earlier), with 1,243 using a ventilator yesterday, Wednesday 9th (DOWN from 1,315 a week earlier). 

In the 24 hours up until 5pm yesterday, we officially reported the loss of another 516 people who have tested positive to COVID-19 within 28 days. We now very sadly have a total of 63,082 officially reported losses of life in all settings. Up until 27th November, 73,125 people had COVID given as a cause of death on their death certificate. 

Country / Cases / Losses of life (by death certificate):
England 1,531,761 / 62,438
Northern Ireland 56,719 / 1.382
Scotland 103,305 / 5,634
Wales 95,998 / 3,671

Rep. Of Ireland 74,900 cases and 2,102 losses of life (not yet reported today). 

There have now been a total of 69,634,913 reported cases worldwide. The number of people who have lost their lives worldwide to COVID-19 is 1,583,351. Already 48,277,159 people have recovered.

Let's start with the bad news, get it out of the way. COVID cases and hospitalisations in the UK are already going back up slightly. Ideally they'd have continued on a downward slope or plateau for another week or so, so this is a bit of a blow, and sadly it's a similar pattern throughout Europe.
When they said COVID would really flourish in Winter, they appear to have been spot on. Buckle up, we can ride this out too. 

 COVID-19 Coronavirus UK and World News update 28 August 2020.

The UK added 1,276 cases today and now has reported a total of 331,644 positive cases of COVID-19. 754 people were in hospital on Wednesday 26th (down 87 from the same time last week), with 71 using a ventilator yesterday (down 5 from the same time time last week). 

In the 24 hours up until 5pm yesterday, we lost another 9 people who have tested positive to COVID-19. We now very sadly have a total of 41,486 officially reported losses of life in all settings, within 28 days of a positive COVID test. 

Rep. Of Ireland 28,578 (+127) cases and 1,777 losses of life.

There have now been a total of 24,782,024 reported cases worldwide. The number of people who have lost their lives worldwide to COVID-19 is 838,468. Already 17,201,592 people have recovered.

Hope you aren't on a break in the Czech Republic, Jamaica or Switzerland. They'll be removed from the exempt list for arrivals from 4am tomorrow (Saturday 29 August), meaning you will have to quarantine on return to the UK.

Changes to local English restrictions announced today - these come into force on Wednesday 2nd September:
- Positive progress means 2 households can mix again in areas including Bolton, Stockport, Trafford, Hyndburn and Burnley, also parts of Bradford excluding Bradford city and Keighley town, parts of Calderdale excluding Halifax,  and parts of Kirklees excluding Dewsbury and Batley.
- Some improvements in Leicester, with current restrictions remaining in place for a further 2 weeks as cases remain high

In Ireland, extra restrictions remain in place in Kildare. 

UK Schools will have to report to Government every day to inform them of school and pupil status. This includes whether they are open, how many pupils have COVID, and if they have any students self-isolating, or living in lockdown areas with restrictions on school attendance. 

 COVID-19 Coronavirus UK and World News update 26/27 August 2020.

The UK added 1,522 cases today (highest figure since June 9th) and now has reported a total of 330,368 positive cases of COVID-19. We completed 186,500 tests yesterday. 767 people were in hospital on Tuesday 25th, with 64 using a ventilator yesterday. 

In the 24 hours up until 5pm yesterday, we lost another 12 people who have tested positive to COVID-19 within 28 days. We now very sadly have a total of 41,477 officially reported losses of life in all settings, within 28 days of a positive test..

Rep. Of Ireland 28,363 cases and 1,777 losses of life. (Not yet reported today.) 

There have now been a total of 24,477,849 reported cases worldwide. The number of people who have lost their lives worldwide to COVID-19 is 832,462. Already 16,976,141 people have recovered.

Scotland did indeed on Tuesday make face coverings compulsory for senior school pupils aged 11+, for transport,  corridors and communal areas where social distancing isn't possible, as did Northern Ireland. 

A couple of hours after I posted on Tuesday,  Boris announced that England are also following the new World Health Organisation advice, and English school pupils and staff IN AREAS WITH EXTRA RESTRICTIONS will have to wear masks, and they will be optional (as opposed to not allowed) anywhere else. This only applies to higher/secondary pupils age 11+, and doesn't apply during most classes, but whenever distancing isn't possible  - when moving through corridors, on the school bus etc. the same as Scotland. 
Personally, my son insisted on a mask to look around his new high school, so he's much happier with this ruling. We live in North Manchester, we are already under extra restrictions and cases have still gone up in our area for the last 3 weeks - the science definitely supports it. I worry for the future mental health of anyone who feels they could have passed on COVID to someone who later dies or suffers long term. It isn't their fault, and putting a child in that position is especially cruel.  

Local Authorities and individual schools will make decisions on whether students in Wales will wear masks. 

COVID-19 Coronavirus UK and World News update 6th April 2020

The UK added 3,802 cases today and now has reported a total of 51,608 positive cases of COVID-19. We had in total tested 208,837 people as of 9am this morning.

As of 5pm yesterday, of those hospitalised in the UK, we have lost another 439 people to COVID-19. We now sadly have a total of 5,373 losses of life.

Total cases are: England 42,990, Scotland 3,961, Wales 3,499 and Northern Ireland 1,158. We've so far only reported 135 of the UK's positive testing cases have recovered, but it's more likely to be in the region of 15,000-35,000, so it'll be brilliant when they do report it.

Rep. Of Ireland have 5,364 cases and 174 losses of life.

There have now been 1,323,605 reported cases worldwide. The number of people who have lost their lives worldwide to COVID-19 is now 73,608. Already 277,280 people have recovered.


Mother, Grandma and longest serving British monarch, Queen Elizabeth II, has addressed her subjects in a special message, just the 4th of her 68 year reign. She reminded us this is a fight, and that we may be apart from loved ones, but it won't be forever.
"We will be with our friends again; we will be with our families again; we will meet again."

Boris Johnson is still in hospital and has sent us this message:
"Last night, on the advice of my doctor, I went into hospital for some routine tests as I’m still experiencing coronavirus symptoms. I’m in good spirits and keeping in touch with my team, as we work together to fight this virus and keep everyone safe."
"I’d like to say thank you to all the brilliant NHS staff taking care of me and others in this difficult time. You are the best of Britain. Stay safe everyone, and please remember to stay at home to protect the NHS and save lives."

Okay, so the UK is under lockdown. Lots of people have spent months preparing to keep you busy this Easter, and they will need to hold on to some of their plans for a while until it's safe for everyone. That doesn't mean they won't still be entertaining you though - loads of artists and others have temporarily moved online, so here are some of the people you can still be entertained by....


Z-Arts might not be open to the public, but the creative teams behind their fantastic arts projects are busy behind the scenes putting together loads of things you can do at home.

LEGOLAND Discovery Centre are doing 'Build At Home' Sessions with Masterbuilder James over on Facebook. The first was at 3pm on Friday 27th March and you're invited to give it a go too.
If you have the same bricks as James you can follow his build, or work with whatever you have to create your own awesome version. Each video will be posted on LEGOLAND Discovery Centre Manchester's Facebook page. If you can't make it at 3pm don't worry - it will stay posted for you to access whenever you like!

HOME Manchester have the Manchester Open Exhibition online, and are creating a series of works "Artists In Isolation".

The Science Museum Group have put together an awesome site where you can view lots of the exhibits from National Collections Centre, National Railway Museum, National Science & Media Museum, Science & Industry Museum and the Science Museum.

Here's my Spring round up of what is happening in and around Manchester and the North West UK for families of all ages, including students and young people. Theatre, exhibitions, days out, shopping and more...


If you have anything suitable you wish me to add, please send short copy over with a photo to thebrickcastle@gmail.com. The next round up will cover Easter onwards...

As usual there is loads to do in Manchester and the North West this Autumn - here are just a few events and activities which are suitable for families with children of all ages, possibly even when they're taller than you and have a full beard...


I will add to this post as more comes in. If you have anything you'd like me to add, please email it to me, with a photo! Please don't send me anything which isn't in the North West UK...


Sunday 13 October - an accessible day of interactivity, including dance, music, and arts activities. This day is designed especially for families where one or more members may have additional accessibility requirements.




A World Inside A Book: Gruffalos, Dragons and Other Creatures
Until December 2019
Immersive Julia Donaldson and Axel Sheffler inspired world to explore. 0-8 years old and their families : £6 - £7

We love Just So Festival and my 9 and 10 year old boys were delighted when we were asked back again this year to review. We are big supporters of the team behind Just So, Wild Rumpus, who bring together nature and the arts to give families unique experiences they'll remember forever.


Just So Festival's 10th Anniversary took place in the usual Cheshire woodland location of Rode Hall and created a real festival to remember forever, and one for your CV if you work in events management!!


I've been to many, many festivals over the years and for the last 25 I've had children with me. It's really easy for it all to go wrong when the rain hits, and it hit Just So really hard. One month's rain in one day, as 5000 people arrive and attempt to start their festival weekend. It's the stuff of nightmares for any event organiser. They did fantastically.

The staff and volunteers gave everyone just enough leeway, and the festival attendees had enough common sense, to make it work safely for as many people as possible. I'm truly sorry to anyone who didn't make it in the end. For most of us at least, the festival went ahead virtually as planned.

It was a festival of the arts and the outdoors, and nature was determined to reassert the fact she is bigger than all of us.

The holidays are almost upon us again and a lot of children in the Manchester and North West area now get 2 weeks off and a slightly shorter Summer, so you'll be pleased to know there are plenty of places you can go and things you can do - and I'll add to this post as emails come in!


Here's a round up and it's really eclectic this break, so there should be something for everyone! Never forget your local Museums and Libraries, and many parks and leisure centres will arrange special events!

It's Easter and the weather is likely to be predictably unpredictable. Inside or out, here are some of the things you could be getting up to in Manchester, Liverpool and the rest of the North West UK during March, April and May - for families with children of all ages...

This half term in the lead up to Halloween, Sea Life at the Trafford Centre in Manchester (like several other Sea Life venues) has been transformed into the 'Ascarium'. From 20th October to 4th November you can take part in special activities to celebrate Halloween....


As well as all of the permanent exhibits, there are lots of special displays and activities for visitors to discover, highlighting some of the spooky creatures that lurk beneath the waves. There's also a special challenge to find the missing magic ingredients around the centre to help the Sea witch cast her spell and claim your reward!

The half term break is almost upon us and as usual there is plenty going on to entertain families in the Manchester and North West areas. Here is a round up of what's happening over the next 2 or 3 weeks.



18-21 October
Manchester Folk Festival takes place including events at HOME which will be of interest to audiences of all ages. Far too much to list and ticket prices vary, so find out more on the Manchester Folk Festival website, but including...

Sat 20 October
Family Song-Writing Workshop hosted by Manchester Sings -  on the theme of Manchester. What does the city mean to you? Whether you were born here or have made Manchester your home, the aim is to come up with a series of songs which pay tribute to our city. No musical or song-writing experience is necessary! This event starts at 3.30pm and is suitable for everyone aged nine upwards. £6.60 Per Person, book on the Home Manchester website.



20th October – 4th November - we were invited to take a look and you can find my Sea Life Ascarium Review here (ad).

Sea Life will be transformed into an Ascarium, with lots of special activities to help discover the spooky creatures that lurk beneath the waves, plus find the missing magic ingredients around SEA LIFE to help the Sea witch cast her spell and claim your reward!

Meet the Merwitch in her lair
Find the missing ingredients
Help cast the magic spell
Take part in our creepy creature twister game
Watch our spooky pumpkin show
Claim your FREE SEA LIFE reusable cup
Remember your visit with our fang-tastic photo boards

This event is included in the standard admission price and single attraction tickets start at £11.95 per child - combi tickets with LEGOLAND Discovery Centre are better value. Book online to guarantee entry and find out more on the Sea Life Events page.




20thOctober – 4thNovember
Get into the Halloween spirit with our Brick or Treat event! Always fun - we've been many times and we have reviewed Brick Or Treat this year too! Best miniland ever.

Featuring some fun spook-tacular activities such as:
Creepy creations – Add your creation to our LEGO® pumpkin patch
‘Scarevenger’ hunt
Spooky stop motion animation
Meet and greet with our new Halloween character mascot!
Scarily themed mini land
Limited Edition pop-badges and factory bricks whilst stocks last
Not only that but all little Vampires go free! - All kids who come down to this event in Halloween costume will gain free entry into the attraction! Please note; 1 free child per paying adult.




Saturday 20 October to Sunday 28 October
From spooktacular Halloween events to scarecrow festivals and autumnal welly walks, there’s an array of exciting activities to keep everyone entertained! Way too much to list here, so these are just a couple of the things on offer:

Thursday 25 – Sunday 28 October.
Annual Halloween Festival, Little monsters will be spoiled for choice with all kinds of Halloween happenings including, a Haunted Maze in the Town Hall Gardens, a visit from a Ghostly Pirate Crew on Chapel Street and a ghoulish Fancy Dress Trick or Treat Trail. And for the first time two giant Dragons will swoop and soar through the streets to the sounds of original songs, breathing smoke as they go.
For full event details and timings visit: www.spookysouthport.com

Saturday 20 – Wednesday 31 October
Super Spooky Scarecrow Festival featuring an array of locally created creepy characters that line the street to both frighten and delight the crowds!  You can even take part in a scary scarecrow making workshop on Saturday 20 October.

Thursday 25 October
Crafty’s Halloween Spooktacular at The Atkinson - the golden pumpkin, the biggest Halloween party in town and trick or treating are just some of the ingredients of this brand new family fun show.
Tickets can be booked at: www.theatkinson.co.uk

 For further information and to plan your half term visit: www.VisitSouthport.com


There is loads going on all week to keep any family busy, including:

Children's Corner / Open Daily / Suitable for all ages
Children's Corner provides activities to keep you and your little ones happy with self-guided activities and storybooks.
Mon - Sat 9am - 6pm / Sundays 11am - 6pm

Cafe & Courtyard / Open Daily
Hearty, warming, homemade food in our Espresso Cafe, with plenty of additional seating upstairs in a relaxed environment.
Mon - Sat 9am - 6pm / Sundays 11am - 6pm

Family Weekend / Sat 27 & Sun 28 Oct 1pm - 4pm / Suitable for all ages.
Roll your sleeves up for art activities inspired by our Biennial exhibition, and get moving on Saturday with Liverpool Improvisation Collective.
Free, drop in.



Saturday 20 – Sunday 28 October
Regal Entertainments are bringing their enchanting panto to audiences in St Helen's, starring Channel 5 Milkshake’s Kiera-Nicole Brennan.
This family friendly pantomime that tells the timeless story of Belle – the beautiful young woman who falls in love with the most unexpected of princes, who has been cursed to look like a hideous beast. Will the beast learn to love and be loved? Will the spell be broken in time for all to live happily ever after?

Times: Daily 1pm / Fri – Sun 1pm & 5pm, Tickets From £12*
*All prices are inclusive of a £1 per seat booking fee. On-line bookings are subject to an additional 50p per seat on-line processing fee.

For more information, please visit: www.sthelenstheatreroyal.com




Sunday 21 October, 10am-2pm.
Z-Access Free Family Fun Day
Specially designed for children and families with disabilities or additional requirements. Accessible creative activities including arts and crafts, music, drama and dance. Resources available to families on the day include a BSL interpreter, a sensory space, a quiet space, and a visual menu in Z-café.

Z-access is a free event, but booking is required to ensure Z-arts can make the day enjoyable for everyone. All those who book in advance will be sent a pre-event email which will include a map and social story of the day ahead.

Complementing the day will be a relaxed 11am performance of children's theatre show A Square World, which is all about changing the world so it is accessible for everyone to enjoy! Presented by Daryl Beeton and non-verbal. (Tickets are £6 - £9)

A Square World (Sunday 21 October) When the daily routine of three friends’ lives suddenly changes, they discover with a little fun and some mayhem how to adapt their world so they can keep playing together. Set to an original commissioned soundtrack, Daryl Beeton’s A Square World is an honest, touching and quirky story for ages 3 – 6 years looking at the unfairness of being left out in a world designed for everyone else but yourself.

Adrift (Tuesday 23 October) A poignant and important play from acclaimed children’s theatre company Action Transport Theatre and writer Beverley Hancock-Smith, Adrift tells the story of two children adrift at sea fleeing conflict, a heart-warming and touching celebration of the resilience and imagination of childhood for ages 8+ and their families.

Plink and Boo (Thursday 25 October) Some might be Plink, and others are Boo. Why does it matter, what’s the to-do? The topsy turvy world of Plink and Boo welcomes ages 2 – 5 years and their grown-ups. Using acrobatics, live music and mountains of toys, Plink and Boo is an interactive adventure exploring what happens when people don’t fit into boxes (even if it is the neatest place to put them).





Monday 22nd  October -  Friday 2nd November 
Turtle Bay’s newly revamped kids’ menu arrives 22nd October and to celebrate they’re inviting kids to eat free throughout half term. We'll be visiting as guests to review on Monday - watch this space!

Bring a bit of Caribbean sunshine into your half term with this bespoke new menu for the “Little Turtles” in your family. The new look Caribbean kids’ collection includes a Tiny Turtles and Bigger Turtles menu.
Tiny Turtles main course, side and drink for just £5.95. Dishes include Grilled Chicken with Lemony Rice, Fresh Avocado Turtle Wraps, Sweetcorn Fritters and Flat Bread pizzas.
Bigger Turtles dishes include Quarter Jerk Chicken and Sunshine Quinoa, Chicken and Cheese Toastie with Caribbean Slaw or Crispy Squid with Fries.
If they've any room left, buy them a special ‘mocktail’ from the collection and puddings include Fresh Tropical Fruit selection,  Salted Caramel Fudge Brownie or there’s the halfway house treat of two good old scoops of vanilla, coconut or vegan chocolate ice cream.
Meanwhile grown-ups can feast on Turtle Bay’s new menu of sharing platters, hearty dishes, small sharer plates, vegan specialities, salads and of course their signature Jerk Chicken.

Offer valid from 22nd October – 2nd November 2018 only
1 free kids menu main & kids soft drink with every paying adult eating from either the main menu or the set lunch menu.
This offer excludes Kid’s mocktails and puddings
Not be used in conjunction with any other offer
Turtle Bay reserves the right to amend or withdraw the offer at any time


Thursday 25 October 10am- 2 pm and Friday 26 October 10am-2pm
The annual intu Trick or Treat family event in partnership with our stores and restaurants.
Get your fancy dress outfits at the ready and descend upon the centre in hunt for goodies.
Little Trick or Treaters can pick up their free special bucket from the customer services desk and then scour the centre for specially decorated pumpkins in spooky windows... if you're lucky these will be traded for some sweet treats!
Please note, there are a limited amount of Halloween buckets so they will be given out on a first come first served basis and you must be signed up to our family club to take part.

Saturday 27 & Sunday 28 October
To celebrate the return of the hit musical Wicked to Manchester this Christmas at the Palace Theatre, join us on  to experience the magic of the show with exclusive free performances of some of the most spellbinding songs on the main stage in The Orient.
There will be two shows on Saturday 27 October at 4pm & 5pm and three shows on Sunday 28 October 1pm, 2pm and 3pm.
And from Sunday 28 October until 17 November, 3 of the iconic costumes will be on display in the Main Dome.
Wicked flies back to Palace Theatre Manchester 4 Dec – 5 Jan.




Thursday 25, Friday 26 & Saturday 27 October

The Village Screen Pop up Cinema is bringing the ultimate Halloween movie experience to Manchester’s Victoria Baths with screenings of Jaws, The Lost Boys and The Witches.

Screenings are all held in the stunning Gala Pool of this iconic Edwardian Grade II* listed building. Fancy dress is actively encouraged, with autumnal food, drink and live DJs all combining to create a spook-tacular party atmosphere!

Thursday 25 October: Jaws – doors open at 18:30, screening at 20:30. 16+ only.
Friday 26 October: The Lost Boys – doors open at 18:30, screening at 20:30. 16+ only.
Saturday 27 October: The Witches – doors open at 16:30, screening at 18:30. Suitable for all ages.




Saturday 27th October
11am – 4pm
Snazaroo will be transforming Waterstones into a Halloween haven where little ones will be able to listen to classic children’s Halloween stories and have their faces painted by Snazaroo’s dedicated team of face painters. The face painters will be able to share hints and tips so you can easily re-create the look on Halloween night too.
There will be regular storytime throughout the day as follows:
11am – Funnybones
12pm – A Werewolf Named Oliver James
1pm – Winnie the Witch
2pm – Bedtime for Monsters
3pm – Spider Sandwiches
4pm – Hortense and Shadow





Tuesday 30 October, and on Wednesday 31 October
No Gruffalo should ever set foot in the deep dark wood…so join The Gruffalo’s Child on her adventurous mission in Tall Stories’ magical, musical adaptation of the much-loved picture book by Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler.
This musical adaptation of the popular children’s book guarantees entertainment for all ages. Songs, laughs and scary fun for children aged 3 upwards and their grown-ups, in the hugely popular show that’s toured Britain and the world.

Tuesday 30 October 2018 at 2pm
Wednesday 31 October 2018 at 11am and 2pm

Tickets: £14 (each ticket is subject to a £1.50 booking fee)             

Suitable for youngsters aged 3 upwards
Duration approximately 55 minutes (no interval)

Book tickets Online at www.storyhouse.com, By Phone 01244 409 113 or in person

Further Afield (Over the border)

30th October 2018 – 28th November 2018

The groundbreaking Sea Creatures exhibition which, in a UK first, allows visitors to explore life beneath the ocean, by viewing incredible cross-sections of REAL animals including ethically-sourced whales, penguins and Great White Sharks plus show-stopping centrepiece, 3 tonne Hai Hai the Minke whale - the first ocean mammal to undergo the complex plastination process developed by Gunther von Hagens in 1997, with the process taking 23 months and costing over one million pounds to complete. Sea Creatures is an interactive and immersive exhibition that takes you on a deep dive into the anatomy of some of the ocean’s most iconic marine species.

The exhibition also features unique digital experiences, including an interactive touch table, augmented reality installations, a mini cinema and even a giant ball pit with interactive games that allow children to learn about marine conservation while they play

Tickets £13.52-£19.99 per person. Find out more on the Sea Creatures website.

Science can't explain everything, but sometimes it has a very simple explanation for something that seems impossible. If you hit yeast extract (Marmite, Vegemite etc) it appears to change colour from very dark brown to very light tan colour, almost from black to white. But why?


EQUIPMENT:
1 level teaspoon Yeast Extract - Marmite, Vegemite etc.
A spoon, fish slice or other utensil to hit the yeast extract with.
A plastic plate or shallow bowl - not a Melamine camping plate, it'll break. The softer sort of plastic.