He joins Sheffield’s legendary, award-winning Dame, Damian Williams, who is returning for his 19th year. This year, the panto duo becomes a trio, as Matt Daines joins the cast to play the Dame’s “sister.” Produced by the team behind the 2024 “Best Pantomime” winner Snow White, the production promises the usual mix of high-quality music, lavish sets, and laugh-out-loud comedy.

Due to significant demand, the run has been extended by an additional week, allowing more families to experience the festive tradition. The show is once again written and directed by Paul Hendy.

Cinderella opens on Saturday 28th November 2026 and runs until Sunday 3rd January 2027. Tickets are available via the Box Office at 0114 249 6000 or online at sheffieldtheatres.co.uk. Please note that Andy Day will not appear in the final performances on 2nd and 3rd January.

The event, which runs from Friday 1 May to Sunday 31 May, encourages families to capture photos and videos with the AR characters. To participate, visitors can pick up a trail map and a free Shaun the Sheep headband from the Guest Services team. Upon completion, children will receive a sticker prize, while adults can enter a draw for a £100 gift card by signing up for the centre’s PLUS+ reward programme.

The month-long trail will be complemented by a series of May half-term activities. On Wednesday 27th May, Shaun the Sheep will make personal appearances at the centre. This will be followed on Thursday 28th and Friday 29th May, by official Aardman clay-modelling workshops, where fans can learn to sculpt their own characters. PLUS+ members will be given priority access to tickets for these sessions.

Ashleigh Kellett, Deputy Centre Director of White Rose Shopping Centre, said: “The Shaun the Sheep AR trail will be a fun, quirky adventure, and we’re excited to partner with Aardman to bring it to the city. As well as the trail, guests will also be able to enjoy interactive art workshops, character meets and stunning art sculptures of Shaun the Sheep.”

“Together with our family-favourite brands across fashion, dining and entertainment, White Rose is the perfect destination for a fun-filled family day out this half term – and beyond.”

To take part in the digital experience, guests can download the ‘Fun with the Flock’ app and enter the location code 2503. Alternatively, visitors are welcome to complete the trail manually by exploring the centre to find the physical markers and sculptures.

The event, delivered in partnership with award-winning florist Leafy Couture, features floral installations that transform the State Floor of the house into a celebration of spring. Highlights include handcrafted paper flower displays and seven arrangements in the Gallery, each designed by a different award-winning florist. Outside, visitors can witness the rare flowering of the Davidia involucrata, also known as the pocket handkerchief tree, which draws botanical enthusiasts for its brief early May bloom.

The grounds will feature sweeping new displays of camassias and alliums alongside wild garlic, bluebells, and heritage apple blossoms in the Walled Garden. Creative workshops led by Leafy Couture and artists including Lola Design will offer hands-on experiences in floral arranging and botanical painting, while younger visitors can enjoy flower crown making and seed planting with the Harewood gardening team.

Trevor Nicholson said: “Our first ever Harewood in Bloom will amplify what makes the Gardens extraordinary. In early May, from the glory of the Terrace to the tranquillity of the Lakeside and the Walled Garden, there are so many floral delights to discover. Much of what visitors will see can’t be planned weeks in advance. From the pocket handkerchief tree, to the bluebells, the cobra lilies and the wild garlic, they are all seasonal, making the bank holiday weekend an unmissable opportunity to discover what makes the Gardens so special.”

Zoë Hughes said: “We are delighted to be launching Harewood in Bloom this May bank holiday. May is one of the most exciting times to experience them, as the landscape bursts into colour and fragrance. Harewood in Bloom brings this to life through workshops, trails, interactive experiences and artistic displays, designed to inspire creativity and spark a sense of joy for all ages.”

To mark the occasion, the railway will operate diesel loco-hauled passenger services across the entire weekend between Scruton and Leyburn. Visitors can make use of a £25 all-day Ranger ticket to ride the heritage trains as often as they like, while children aged 3 to 15 can travel for just one pound when accompanied by a paying adult.

The show will be based at Leeming Bar Station, where refreshments including hot drinks, light snacks, and beer will be available from the static buffet coach and platform. For those looking to explore the local history, the railway’s award-winning restored station museums at Leeming Bar and Scruton will offer free guided tours with costumed living history interpreters, providing a glimpse into rural railway life from the early 1900s.

Nick Keegan said: “Our model railway show returns for its 5th year at Leeming Bar Station and will be bigger than ever! We will have 14 layouts on display, a selection of trade stands and model-making demonstrations in attendance and our heritage diesel locomotives will be running all passenger services.”

Nick Keegan said: “Our £25 Ranger ticket is the perfect way for visitors and railway enthusiasts alike to spend the whole day riding our heritage diesel trains. Combine this with our ‘kids-for-a-quid’ travel – where children aged 3 to 15 travel for only £1 on our trains with a paying adult – and you have a great value day out for the whole family at our volunteer-led heritage railway!”

The event runs from 10am to 5pm on Saturday and 10am to 4pm on Sunday. Entry to the model show costs six pounds for adults, while children enter the exhibition for free. More information and tickets can be found at wensleydale-railway.co.uk.

The event challenges breweries from across the UK to delve into their heritage and recreate historic recipes, transporting drinkers back in time. This year’s lineup features a mix of “traditional titans” and contemporary craft pioneers, including Timothy Taylor, Allsopp’s, DEYA, Marble, Anthology, and Lost Cause. Attendees will have a rare chance to sample local recipes, some hundreds of years old, brought back to life specifically for this exhibition.

Kirkstall Brewery plans to utilise the entire historic building along with the large outdoor space in Aire Park, transforming the area with bars, independent food vendors, and live music. The event will also see the return of the Prize Medals, where a panel judges the “best of the best.” Last year’s overall champion was the legendary Theakston’s Old Peculier, served traditionally “from the wood.”

Chris Hall, Brand Manager at Kirkstall Brewery, said:

“Bringing The Great Exhibition of Prize Ales to The Tetley feels very fitting indeed. The wonderful news that our lease of The Tetley has been extended offered an amazing opportunity to bring a celebration of historic beer to the home of brewing history in Leeds. Now in its fourth year, we are thrilled to bring this festival of beer, food and live music to the centre of Leeds, and shine a light on amazing brewers from across the UK who are bringing their A-game this year.”

Beyond the beer, the festival will host local food favourites like Niko’s Comfort Kitchen and The Aire Fryer, with live entertainment from acts including Alligator Gumbo and The Old Time Rags. For the first time, the festival’s new home also means the event will be dog-friendly.

Each ticket includes unlimited entry for a designated session, a commemorative glass, a festival programme, and a complimentary beer token. Following each session, attendees can head to a nearby Kirkstall Brewery venue for an official after-party, where showing the festival programme secures 20% off the first round of drinks.

Tickets are available now.

The production has become a global phenomenon since its Australian premiere, touring the UK, US, Europe, and beyond to reach millions of fans. The story, written by Bluey creator Joe Brumm, follows a familiar family dilemma: Dad wants a bit of a relaxing afternoon, but Bluey and Bingo have much more active plans. To get him off that bean bag, the sisters pull out every game and bit of cleverness at their disposal.

For fans of the Emmy® award-winning series, this is “Bluey, For Real Life”. The show features:

• Original Voices: The production uses the instantly recognisable voices of Dave McCormack and Melanie Zanetti as Bandit and Chilli.
• Authentic Music: The score is provided by series composer Joff Bush.
• Impressive Puppetry: A talented team of puppeteers and actors brings the Heeler family to life on stage.

The show is produced by Andrew Kay, Cuffe & Taylor, and Windmill Theatre Co for BBC Studios. Tickets are expected to sell quickly and can be booked through the Sheffield Theatres Box Office in person, over the phone at 0114 249 6000, or online at sheffieldtheatres.co.uk.

The move comes as leisure operators look for new ways to promote family togetherness during school breaks. By asking visitors to keep their phones in bags or on airplane mode, the park creates an environment where both children and parents can fully immerse themselves in the physical challenges on offer.

While the focus is on uninterrupted quality time, the venue has confirmed there are exceptions for those with caring responsibilities or life demands. Parents who choose to stay in the café rather than join the course are also welcome to use their devices as normal while their children play.

The “phone-free” environment is set to help children burn more energy as they tackle dozens of obstacles, giant inflatables, and the famous Warped Wall. To support families during the break, the venue is also running a Ninjas Eat Free promotion to help everyone refuel after their session.

The special Ninjas Eat Free ticket includes two 1-hour sessions and a sharing pizza for the group. This deal is priced at £26 during off-peak times and £28 during peak holiday periods, providing a budget-friendly option for a full afternoon of entertainment.

Stephen Brown, Chief Operating Officer of Adventure Leisure, said: “We’re so pleased to bring the No Phone Zone back to Ninja Warrior UK Sheffield and our other venues for the Easter break. School holidays offer families the chance to spend real quality time together, so we would love to encourage our guests to ditch the devices and make some memories this Easter. We hope to see you soon!”

Bookings for the Easter holidays can be made through the official website, with regular updates available on the park’s social media pages.

This performance marks a unique addition to the local holiday calendar by offering a sensory experience designed to captivate children and adults alike. By combining fluid dynamics with stagecraft, the event provides a calming alternative to screen time and has been noted for its ability to engage neurodivergent children through its mesmerising effects.

The showcase features cutting-edge artistry, including LED effects, fog, and fire. Highlights of the performance include an indoor storm made of millions of bubbles and a massive bubble wall that the artist manipulates in ways that have been described as astonishing.

Bubbles LaFae, the first artist of her kind endorsed by the Arts Council, said “I’ve had mums of neurodivergent little ones tell me their child literally never sits still. Yet they’ll happily watch my entire hour-long performance, good as gold.”

She commented, “It captivates the imagination – a pure, innocent form of joy that reminds people of all ages how to play.”

Following the main event, a separately ticketed workshop allows children to step onto the Friargate Theatre stage. Here, they can learn the science behind the bubbles using illuminated light tables and get the chance to stand inside a giant bubble for a holiday photo.

The artist recently returned from a keynote speech at an international conference regarding her specialised bubble recipe. She said “I’ve spent two decades honing my bubble recipe so it can do things people have never seen before. There are no illusions in my show. It’s all real magic.”

Tickets for the live show are priced at £12.50, and the performance begins at 2pm.

This reopening marks the return of major outdoor tourism to the area as the park debuts significant investments in its facilities. By launching a mix of physical challenges and mental puzzles, the venue aims to provide a high-energy adventure hub for the region throughout the Easter break.

Visitors can start the holidays in Adventure Wood with activities like archery and axe-throwing. For those who prefer a team challenge, there are outdoor laser tag battles and immersive escape rooms where groups work together to solve clues and beat the clock.

The adrenaline levels stay high with the popular zip line and climbing wall both open for the holidays. These attractions give families a chance to try something active at great value before the water activities fully join the lineup.

The massive Wipeout Aqua Park officially returns on Saturday 4th April with a fresh wave of action. Following a major investment in brand-new inflatables, the floating playground is now one of the largest courses in England and features giant slides, swings, and balance beams.

For a slower pace on the lake, kayaking and paddleboarding will also be available for all ages and abilities. This allows guests to explore the water and find their balance at a more relaxed speed.

Once the adventuring is done, guests can refuel at the newly refurbished on-site café, Forge Valley Roasters – Waterside. The café serves hot drinks, seasonal treats, and hearty meals for those needing to unwind after a day of activity.

Jack Vinson, Activities Manager at North Yorkshire Water Park, said “We’re really looking forward to welcoming everyone to North Yorkshire Water Park this Easter holiday. The Easter school break is the perfect time to get outside, try something new and enjoy a bit of adventure together as spring begins. With so many land-based and water-based activities on offer, there’s plenty for everyone to get involved in and have fun.”

All Easter activities are ready to book now through the park website.

The festival, held at the Don Valley Bowl from 27th to 30th August, features a mix of indie icons and high-profile newcomers. Fronted by Peter Doherty, Babyshambles join Friday’s bill alongside The Streets, who are set to perform their classic album A Grand Don’t Come For Free in full.

This year’s event also highlights a “next generation” of talent with famous musical roots. Spanish Horses, featuring Albert Cocker (son of Pulp’s Jarvis Cocker), and Cruz Beckham and The Breakers have both joined the Thursday line-up. On Sunday, Villanelle, fronted by Gene Gallagher, will also take to the stage.

Peter Doherty said:

“There’s something about Rock N Roll Circus that sticks with you. It’s not just the music, it’s the whole world they build around it. We’ve had some brilliant moments there before, so bringing Babyshambles into that tent feels like coming back to something special.”

Sheffield legend Jon McClure of Reverend and The Makers also praised the event, noting that it represents the city “stepping up” and celebrating its rich music culture.

The four-day festival is packed with landmark performances:

• Thursday: The Kooks and Milburn perform their debut albums in full.
• Friday: The Streets and Babyshambles lead a day of indie and UK rap.
• Saturday: A guitar-focused day headlined by Wunderhorse and Baxter Dury.
• Sunday: A closing night featuring Richard Ashcroft, The Fratellis, Cast, and the newly added Embrace.

Beyond the music, the event lives up to its name by featuring aerialists, fire performers, and immersive circus acts throughout the site. All headline sets take place within the festival’s signature “Big Top,” ensuring the shows are weather-proof.

Festival Director Ali O’Reilly said:

“This is exactly what Rock N Roll Circus is about – bringing together iconic artists, celebrating huge records, and giving a platform to the next generation coming through. Sheffield has always backed us, and this year’s line-up feels like a real moment for the city.”

Tickets and VIP upgrades are currently available via the official festival website.