The magic of Santa


The magic of Santa

by Angela Kelly
14/12/2006

VISITS to Santa make Christmas magical for children - and the famous old gentleman is happily chatting and giving out presents at a variety of local venues.

He is in his own winter wonderland at the Trafford Centre, nestling among snow-laden trees and twinkling lights in a cosy igloo situated in The Orient.

This is open at various times each day, up to and including Christmas Eve. To find out more ring 0161 749 1669.

Father Christmas is also at the Merseyway shopping centre in Stockport, sitting on a throne and walking around the centre. Ring 0161 480 2839 for more details.

And he is in Manchester's Arndale Centre with his elves, talking to young visitors and giving out presents. The great thing about the grand old man's visits here is that you can book a visit online!

Visit www.manchesterarndale.com or ring 0161 833 9851 for details.

Santa is down on the farm at Tatton Park on Sunday. He's with all your favourite animals including donkeys, pigs and horses, from 11am to 3pm when there is also storytelling and face-painting.

Normal park entry charges also apply.

Children can enjoy breakfast with Santa at The Lowry Outlet on Sunday. You can register for a free place beforehand on the website, www.lowryoutletmall.com

The fun starts at 10.30am and lasts for about 90 minutes, with a free breakfast for every child and a special Disney-style show, craft activities and free party bags as well as the chance to chat with Santa.

Father Christmas is also at Manchester's Central Library tomorrow (Saturday) at 2pm, when a Christmas music event is being held.

There is live music from noon plus children's crafts, mulled wine and mince pies. Ring 0161 234 1974 for more information.

KIDS can get Christmassy and creative at Urbis in Manchester's Cathedral Gardens tomorrow (Saturday). A series of hour-long workshops offers junior visitors the chance to design and make a cheeky urban angel to hang on the Christmas tree using an array of crazy and colourful materials.

These are at noon, 1pm and 2pm, and cost £3 for children while parents go free. You don't need to book - just turn up. For more details contact 0161 605 8200.

And there is more seasonal storytelling for children at Quarry Bank Mill, Styal, tomorrow and Sunday in the atmospheric Victorian setting of the Mill Manager's Office. Ring 01625 527468 for times and details.

FESTIVE music is on offer at events in Sale and Timperley tomorrow. Sale Salvation Army Brass Band gets together with the choir from Holy Family Primary School and soloists at Walkden Gardens, from 2pm to 4pm, for Carols Round The Dovecote.

There will be mulled wine, hot food, Christmas stalls, hot chestnuts and Father Christmas in his woodland grotto.

And, at Larkhill Community Centre in Thorley Lane, Timperley tonight and tomorrow night, the popular championship-standard Timperley Brass Band is staging Christmas concerts that are guaranteed to get you in the festive spirit. It starts at 8pm tonight and 7.30pm tomorrow. For more details ring 0161 980 0864 or visit www.larkhillcentre.org.uk

MAKE a seasonal wreath and tree decorations from natural materials at Lymefield on Tameside tomorrow (Saturday).

The enjoyable session takes place between 11am and 3pm, with just a donation towards materials asked, and is repeated on Sunday at Park Bridge Heritage Centre.

Ring 01457 765780 to find out more about the Lymefield session and 0161 330 9613 for Park Bridge details.

And enjoy a lovely meander in beautiful countryside on the way to Park Bridge on Sunday when you can discover the folklore of plants traditionally used to provide Christmas greenery.

This runs from 11am to 3pm. Meet at the John Howarth Countryside Centre in Daisy Nook Country Park.

Ring 0161 620 8202 for more information.

FANS of horror stories will love an unusual book event to be held at Manchester's Central Library on Monday.

To launch Comma Press's new anthology, Phobic: Stories from the Fear and Now, there will be readings in the half-light on the spiral staircase after the library has fallen silent.

Readers will include master of the modern horror story Ramsey Campbell (author of The Face That Must Die and Incarnate) and award-winning scriptwriter Robert Shearman, who penned the Dalek episode in the latest Doctor Who series.

Admission is £5, which includes £5 off the cost of the book. To book a place, contact Libby Tempest on 0161 234 1981 or e-mail: l.tempest@manchester.gov.uk

A FESTIVE floating lanterns workshop is being held on Tuesday at the People's History Museum in Manchester.

Families can go along from 1.30pm to 3.30pm to create sculptural, decorative lanterns to take home.

The workshop costs £1 per person at the museum, on Bridge Street, which tells the story of ordinary working people.

For more details ring 0161 839 6061.

SEE some of the world's top divers at Manchester Aquatic Centre over the weekend when the British Diving Championships 2007 take place.

It's a rare chance to watch international teams from the Czech Republic, Greece, Poland and Saudi Arabia take on the best of home-grown talent, including Commonwealth medallists Hayley Sage, Tandi Gerrard, Tony Ally, Peter Waterfield and Leon Taylor.

The events run today, tomorrow and Sunday at the centre, in Booth Street East, Ardwick. For more details, ring 0161 275 9450.


Have your say
 
Have your say Got an opinion you want to share?
Register now and have your comments heard.

Register now


 
Personal Finance
 

Customers with a 'good' credit profile
Company Typical APR
Platinum Exclusive Loan 7.8%
Halifax (Semi-exclusive) 8.6%
Bank of Scotland (Semi-exclusive) 8.6%
Alliance & Leicester 8.7%
Lloyds TSB 8.9%
HASH(0x2b5fe9b53f80)
Provider AER*
ICICI BANK
HiSAVE Savings Account 		5.50%
PRINCIPALITY BS
e-SAVER 		5.35%
ANGLO IRISH BANK
Easy Access Account Issue 2 		5.25%
FIRST DIRECT
Everyday e-Saver 		2.75%
ALLIANCE & LEICESTER
Online Tracker 		4.75%
BRADFORD & BINGLEY
eSavings 6 		4.60%
SAINSBURYS FINANCE
Internet Saver 		3.50%
ALLIANCE & LEICESTER
eSaver - Issue 2 		5.00%
POST OFFICE
Instant Saver 		3.75%
Fees may apply