Visiter Life Plenty to be scared of
OCTOBER half term is looming – and there are dozens of great things for children to enjoy in Southport, Formby and West Lancashire!
There are three big festivals with lots going on – Southport Hallowe’en Festival, Kids Fest at the Atkinson and Southport Comedy Festival.
There are lots of Hallowe’en themed events too at places like Southport Pleasureland, which is running a week long Hallowe’en Festival, Farmer Ted’s, and Jollies Barn, while families can enjoy The Wizard of Oz panto at Southport Theatre.
Here are some of the great activities you and your family can enjoy.
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 20
The Dead of Night Film Festival
The Atkinson, Lord Street. Part of Southport Hallowe’en Festival.
A new addition to the evergrowing international horror film festival circuit.
This festival is made for horror fans by horror fans and will be packed with films, workshops and demonstrations and will include showcase films by local film students.
It runs Friday 6.30pm-11pm, Saturday 10.30am-11pm.
Tickets: £5.90-£13.33 from www.theatkinson.co.uk/ events/dead-night-film-festival/ Southport Comedy Festival
Mike Gun/Nina Gilligan, Bold Hotel, £12. See www. southportcomedyfestival.com Children’s Spooky Cartoon Workshop and Creation Trail
The Atkinson, Lord Street. Part of Southport Comedy Festival.
In the run-up to Hallowe’en, join cartoonist Paul Hardman and Creation Station for a morning of art and creativity. A Creepy Creation Trail, Spooky Cartoon Workshops and Ghoulish Face Painting are just some of the activities to expect at this free devilish day out.
Suitable for children aged three +. 10.30am-12.30pm. Free, just turn up. Visit www.theatkinson.co.uk Monstersaurus The Atkinson, Lord Street. A new show from the creators of Aliens Love Underpants follows young inventor Monty as he creates a whole world of wacky inventions and incredible monsters, but now he has made them all, how is he going to get rid of them?
An energetic show full of thrills and spills, magic and mayhem will delight the whole family – with original music and audience participation. 2.30pm. Tickets £10 and £8. Visit www.theatkinson.co.uk Happy Hallowe’en
Southport Pleasureland has lots of fun-packed days planned for you and your family from Saturday, October 21 until Sunday, October 29.
With an unlimited ride card for £20 enjoy as many rides as you like on its fantastic collection of thrill rides and kids rides, while also enjoying live shows such as The Twitchy Witch, Wandering Wizards and magician.
The theme park is decorated brilliantly with lots of pumpkins and other Hallowe’en features that are sure to amaze you and their fun stalls and Sega Arcade games will keep you busy while you have a go at winning some great prizes.
Visit www.southportpleasureland.com Pumpkin Fest
WWT Martin Mere Wetland Centre, Burscough.
The doors will be flying open at Martin Mere this half term with a range of pumpkin activities and the latest attraction: Broomstick Flight Training.
Half term activities run from Saturday, October 21 to Tuesday, October 31 with the pumpkin hunt continuing until November 5.
Learn to fly a broomstick before taking to the sky and flying the perilous journey from Iceland to Martin Mere, following the swans and dodging obstacles as you go along.
Can you land at Martin Mere safely to get your souvenir picture and a broomstick pilot licence?
This activity is included in admission price but pick up a free ticket from the information desk on arrival.
Activity times are 10.30am, 11.15am, noon, 1.30pm, 2.15pm and optional 3pm. See
www./org.uk/martinmere Construction Club
The Atkinson, Lord Street, Southport.
Young inventors, creators and builders are invited to build and play with Lego. Ages 5+. Part of Kids Fest 2017. 10.30am–12.30pm
Visit www.theatkinson.co.uk Southport Comedy Festival
Jason Manford, Southport Little Theatre – sold out. Supercars of the Northwest Victoria Park, Southport. Supercars of the North West return to Southport for a special Hallowe’en-themed event.
More than 600 cars will be on display for the biggest Supercars display yet.
A number of vehicles ranging from the everyday Corsa to a Lamborghini and even the Disney Pixar Cars’ Lightning McQueen will be appearing.
Hallowe’en fancy dress encouraged.
10am-5.30pm. For more see www.facebook.com/SOTNorthwest is Southport Comedy Festival
Jason Manford, Southport Little Theatre – sold out. Farmer Ted’s Halloweek
Farmer Ted’s, Flatmans Lane, Downholland.
Come to Farmer Ted’s Adventure Farm between October 23–28 for a day out you’ll be frightened to forget!
Admission to the Halloweek Festival gives you access to all Hallowe’en-themed activities including Trail of the Lost Tomb, new Wizards and Witches show and a guided tour to new Dragon Alley where you will meet the owner of the magical Owl Emporium.
There’s no need to book, just turn up on the day. Open 10am–6pm. Children under 2 free, children over 2 £10, Adult £10, Concession £9.
Visit: www.farmerteds.com David Gibb – Climb The Tree The Atkinson, Lord Street. Part of Kids Fest 2017. David Gibb is on a one-man mission to make brilliant, engaging and high quality music for families and children. Guaranteed to have both parents and children singing along in no time, this is music that the whole family can enjoy together. Ages 3–11.
2.30pm. Tickets £8 / £6 children / £24 family ticket
Visit www.theatkinson.co.uk Make It! The Atkinson, Lord Street. Get creative with a fun activity! Create and make your own fun animal mask inspired by The Atkinson’s Why Look at Animals? exhibition. Part of Kids Fest 2017. For all ages.
10.30am-12.30pm.Visit www.theatkinson.co.uk The Wizard of Oz
Southport Theatre, October 24-26.
Enjoy an all-star cast which includes Eastenders’ Cheryl Fergison as the Eva’ The Wicked Witch of the West; BBC Pitch Battle’s Maddie Hope Coelho as Dorothy; X Factor star David Heath as the Scarecrow; the charismatic Philip McGuiness playing the Tinman; and the hilarious Richard Hazlewood as Cowardly Lion.
Dorothy Gale and her dog Toto embark on a wondrous adventure over the rainbow in the magical land of Oz.
Regal Entertainments’ panto version of this classic family show.
Be sure to join Dorothy, Toto and all their new friends Scarecrow, Tin Man and Lion as they journey down the Yellow Brick Road to The Emerald City in search of the Wizard of Oz who can make all their dreams come true.
1pm and 5pm. Tickets: From £12.25
To book call 0844 871 3021 or go online at atgtickets.com/ Southport. Morgan & West: More Magic for Kids
The Atkinson, Lord Street. Part of Kids Fest 2017.
Time-travelling magicians Morgan & West return to the stage with a marvellous magic show full of crazy capers for the young, old, and everyone inbetween! Expect the unexpected, believe the unbelievable, but do not dare miss them! Ages 5+
2.30pm. Tickets £8 / £6 children / £24 family ticket
Visit www.theatkinson.co.uk Story & Rhyme Time
The Atkinson, Lord Street. Part of Kids Fest 2017. Ages 0–4. 10.30am–11.30am Visit www.theatkinson.co.uk Story & Rhyme Time
The Atkinson, Lord Street. Part of Kids Fest 2017. Ages 0–4. 10.30am-11.30am Visit: ww.theatkinson.co.uk