Magazine


Days out: How to fill your spare time

by Riazat Butt
30/ 6/2005

STALLS? Knick-knacks? Foreign food? Yes, it's time to welcome another market to Manchester's Albert Square.

Until July 10 people can fill their bellies with beer, bratwurst and Bavarian cheese while admiring the magnificent Gothic splendour around them. That's the town hall, by the way.

For vegetarians there are potatoes or noodles served with vegetables, herbs or tomato sauce.

There's not much for the children to enjoy either, unless they like big sausages or have a very good dentist to cope with the aftermath of troughing on pastries and other sugary delights.

German food and drink market, Albert Square, from 11am until 9pm daily.

Don't worry if you missed out on Glastonbury or Live 8. Who wants to travel hundreds of miles to queue for toilets and drinks, anyway?

The Altrincham Festival starts tomorrow (Saturday) with a tremendous amount of activity. A grand parade makes its way from Altrincham to Timperley, with 50 floats taking part.

Beechfields Recreation ground will, from 10.30am until 5pm, be home to a fairground, a craft marquee, charity stalls, a large inflatable, golf competitions for little ones and grown-ups, a car boot sale, a penalty shoot-out, hot food concessions, an animal farm and a farmers market.

The highlight, for me, has to be the casual dog show. More Scruffs than Crufts. Ordinary folk can bring along their mutts and enter them in different classes. Organiser Tony Fishwick prefers to use the word "fun" to describe the competition.

Admission to Saturday's jamboree is free. Other events during the week include music from an all-woman swing band, a show from the Hale Light Orchestra, the grand final of Trafford young composer and poet of the year, a junior disco and light entertainment from singer Colin Paul. Information: 0161 980 3223

Every Sunday throughout summer, families can explore Stockport's air raid shelters while listening to stories and learning the history of the tunnels. Prices are £3.95 (adults), £2.95 (concessions) and £2.50 (children). Family Tickets are £11. Booking is essential. Stockport Air Raid Shelters: 0161 474 1940.

Scarecrows have made their way to the Cheshire village of Wrenbury. Some are cheeky, others are scary and a few are just plain weird. They can be seen in front gardens, up trees, on rooftops and in hedges wearing a variety of outfits.

This weekend there is a cream tea and a summer fayre. The scarecrows will be in Wrenbury, near Nantwich, until July 9. They have spread themselves over a four mile trail including three pubs - handy - and they have made a trail guide, costing £1, to help you find them. Information: Alison Philips 01270 780930 www.scarecrowtrail.co.uk

Next Thursday, at Manchester's Opera House, children can bid for fame in open auditions for the Wizard of Oz - Beyond the Rainbow.

The director of this production is looking for local children to play the following roles - poppies, goths and wing monkeys. If that's not exciting enough, the production is to feature telly heroine Tracey Beaker.

The audition will be movement-based, so youngsters should dress suitably. They don't have to prepare a song or a monologue. All the little ones need is enthusiasm and presence. Aah! Enrolment starts at 4.30pm and auditions are held between 5pm and 7pm. Hopefuls must be at least six years old and have a maximum height of 5ft, which means I can audition too. The production runs from August 30 until September 3 at the Quay Street venue.

Step back in time to 19th century rural Cheshire. Kids can play with traditional toys, enjoy Victorian songs and tunes from local musician Roy Clinging, try out household chores of the past and follow a guided tour of a working watermill. The Victorian weekend is at Stretton Watermill, off the A534 near Farndon. Admission is free. Information: 01606 41331.

Tatton Park comes up trumps again with an event that has something for everyone. Its 17th Classic American Car Show is a must for lovers of all things Stateside.

On display will be "fins 'n' chrome" cars from the 1950s and 1960s, gangster style cars from the 1930s, Corvettes, Mustangs, Cadillacs and hot rods.
The main arena hosts car stunts and motorcycle jumps. There will be trade stalls, food, refreshments, the all-important beer tent, live music and line dancing.

The Stars and Stripes American Car Show is open from 10am until 5pm each day. Normal park entry charges apply. Cheshire Auto Promotions: 01565 723863 www.tattonpark.org.uk


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