CityLife

CityLife's guide to half-term

The underwater tunnel at Lakes Aquarium in Cumbria

JANUARY felt like a long month... but February is finally here, bringing the half-term holiday in its wake. As always, CityLife has some handy suggestions of how to fill a few school-free days.

There's magic and circus mayhem in Blackpool: treetop climbing in Buxton; animals to see and outdoor pursuits to enjoy in Cumbria; birdwatching and walking in Lancashire; science and stage management in central Manchester; history and space in Salford; rollercoasters and rolling hills in Staffordshire and clowning and driving (though not simultaneously) in Trafford...

BLACKPOOL

All of the following are part of the Showzam festival, February 13 to 22.
More information: www.showzam.co.uk or 01253 478 222.

A World Of Wonder
Blackpool Magicians' Club
Saturday 14 and Sunday 15 February
Magic, mystery and Punch & Judy acts from John Hardman, David Plant, Alan Coventry and Martin Scott Price.

Miss Behave @ The Grand Theatre
Saturday 14 and Sunday 15 February
The infamous female sword-swallower indulges in some weapon-eating and comedy. Plus friends Ida Barr, Lady Carol, Jon Hicks, Bret Pfister, Alex Bainbridge, Marawa, Stickleback Plasticus and Ursula Martinez.

Magic Workshop
Tuesday 17 and Thursday 19 February
Led by Jon Marshall, Magic Carpet Theatre director and Gold Star Member of The Inner Magic Circle.

Variety Live Workshop
Friday 20 February
Learn from world-class performers Jeff Hobson, Charlie Frye, Robb Torres and Wally Eastwood.

Alive Inside! The Magic Of Sideshows
Friday 20 February
Talk illustrated with photographs and video, covering the restoration of some legendary sideshow illusions, made famous in the 1950s and 1960s by shoman Jon Gresham - including The Headless Lady and The Mummy.

Hot Stuff! How To Eat Fire And Survive @ The Winter Gardens
Saturday 21 February
An insight into the history of fire-eating and modern practices, with Tim Cockerill of Fire-eating.com.

BUXTON

Go Ape
Poole's Cavern
Saturday 14 to Sunday 22 February (except Tuesday 17)
Climb and swing your way through the trees and have fun on zip slides.
From £20 per person.
More information: 0845 643 2034.

CHESHIRE

Scarecrow Festival
Tatton Park
Saturday 14 to Sunday 22 February
Fancy dress with a scarecrow theme for children of all ages. Games and activities on Saturday 21 February.
More information: www.tattonpark.org.uk.

CUMBRIA

Lakes Aquarium
Ongoing
Nile crocodiles, bull sharks, piranha, marmosets, pike, seahorses, tree frogs, otters, starfish and much more - plus a virtual dive bell and underwater tunnel.
More information: www.lakesaquarium.co.uk.

Lakes Activities Week
Monday 16 to Friday 20 February
Lots of outdoor activities are available to try for £20 or less per person, including abseiling, canoeing, gorge scrambling, hill walking and rock climbing. All will be led by skilled instructors.
More information: 01539 736006.

LANCASHIRE

Birdwatching Walk
WWT Martin Mere, Ribble Coast
Wednesday 18 February
Discover the hidden treasures of the Ribble Coastland Wetlands Regional Park in this 45-minute walk, as part of the park's Walking Festival (15 to 22 February).
More information: 01704 891 220.

MANCHESTER

Braniac Live
Opera House
Sunday 15 February
The zany science television show comes to the stage in Manchester, with stand-up comedian Joe Rowntree (better known as Braniac Joe).
2:30pm. Adults £18.50, concessions £16.50. Family ticket £60. Discount for groups.
More information: 0870 401 9000.

Activity Week
Zion Centre, Hulme
Monday 16 to Friday 20 February
A selection of activities including felt making with Venture Arts; junk modelling workshops; soundtrack making; a screening of Wall-E; a story workshop with Oxfam, a stage management workshop; drama workshops with ODD Theatre Company; and Capoeira (Brazilian tradition incorporating fight, dance, game play, acrobatics and music).
More information: 0161 226 1912 or vicky@zionarts.com.

SALFORD

Ordsall Hall
Wednesday 18 and Friday 20 February
Children are invited to help tidy the historic building before its £4.1 lottery-funded renovation begins.
More information: www.thequays.org.uk.

The Lowry Outlet Mall, Salford Quays
Saturday 14 to Sunday 22 February
Out Of This World Adventures: Cosmic characters, space ace face painting, space-themed crafts and mini dalek battles.
More information: www.lowryoutletmall.com.

STAFFORDSHIRE

Alton Towers
Saturday 14 to Sunday 22 February
A discounted preview in advance of the park's main opening season.
Adult entry reduced to £13.60 when tickets are booked online.
More information: www.altontowers.com.

Thomas Land
Drayton Manor Theme Park
Saturday 14 to Sunday 22 February
Twelve rides based on Thomas And Friends characters, plus indoor and outdoor play areas, a restaurant and a shop. There is also an on-site zoo.
Tickets £14 for ages 12 and over; £12 for ages 4 to 11; free for under-4s.
More information: www.draytonmanorlive.co.uk.

Monkey Forest
Trentham Estate
Ongoing
Important historic gardens, plus the Barefoot Walk and the Adventure Trail.
Adults £6, children £4.50 (under 3s free).
More information: www.monkey-forest.com.

Peak District National Park
Ongoing
Walks, climbing, caving, cycling... visit some of the area's best landmarks, including The Roaches and Ramshaw Rocks, the Staffordshire Moorlands, Tittesworth Water and Manifold Valley.
More information: www.peakdistrict.org.

TRAFFORD CENTRE

Bubbles The Clown
Nui Sicilian Restaurant
Wednesday 18 February
Two-hour show with magic, balloon modelling and traditional party games. Lunch included.
12pm to 3pm. £7.50 per child.
More information: 07501 468 284 or info@nuipassion.com.

TRAFFORD PARK

School Of Racing
Daytona Manchester
Monday 16 to Thursday 19 February
Four days of learning all about safe and competent kart-racing, for children aged between eight and 15.
£50 per module.
More information: 0845 644 5505 or manchester@daytona.co.uk.

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