CHORLEY & LEYLAND WHAT’S ON & WHERE TO GO COMPETITIONS & AUTUMN DEALS CLUBS & CLASSES MAGAZINE & WEBSITE THE GO-TO GUIDE FOR YOU AND YOUR CHILD raring2go.co.uk AUTUMN 2026
raring2go.co.uk Raring2go! CLUBS & CLASSES 2
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raring2go.co.uk Raring2go! Ihopeyou'vealhad a lovelysum m erand m adesom ewonderfulm em orieswith your fam iles.Now it'stim e to getbackinto routines and m akethem ostofeverything autum n has to ofer! Thisautum n isa specialoneform e,asI'venow been bringing Raring2go!to localfam ilesfor over15 years -som ething I'm realyproud of. It'sbeen quite a journey,and whilstlotshave changed overtheyears,m yaim hasalways rem ained thesam e-helping fam ilesfind great thingsto dorighthereon theirdoorstep. Asalways,thisediton ispacked with ideasto keep thewholefam ilybusythroughoutthe season.From clubsand clas esto pre-school activities,eventsand daysout.Ihopeyou'l find plentyofinspiration inside. Ofcourse,autum nalso bringsplentyof seasonalfun!W e'vegotideasforpum pkin picking,Haloween and BonfireNight,along with lotsm orehappening in and around Chorleyand Leyland. I'd also liketosaya huge thank you to our readers,advertisers,schoolsand everyone who supportsRaring2go! Yoursupportrealy doesm eansom uch and helpskeep the m agazinegoing. Ifyou'reorganising an event for localfam iles, we'd lovetohearfrom you too.You can add youreventto ourwebsite com pletely FRE and shareitwith localfam ilesin the area. raring2go.co.uk/area/chorley-and-leyland/ So havea browse,seewhattakesyourfancy and hopefulyyou'ldiscoversom ething new to enjoytogetherthisautum n! Bestwishes,Angela x Autumn isue Autum n Contents FrontCover-Puddleducks 2-3 Clubsand Clas es 3-EditorsLeter 5-8 Placesto go and W hatson 9-21 Clubs,Clas es& W hat’son 22-25-Autum n BucketListand Daysoutin the Lakes 26-29 Haloween Fun & It’sourPlanet 30-31Com petition and Autum n Deals 32-BusyBodiesNursery 4
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PLACESTO GO OUR ADDRESS OUR PRODUCTS Family Friendly Dog Friendly Dog Ice Cream PASSION MADE WITH MILKSHAKE Milkshakes Fresh Milk Ice Cream Hot drinks for parents Boys Farm, Leyland Lane, Leyland, PR26 8LB Open 24/7 Natural 100% FAMILY RUN 7
September 2026 Blackpool Illuminations On until January 2027 Have you seen them? The sort of spectacle that everyone should see at least once. For generations, children and adults alike have been entranced by the spellbinding seafront spectacle which bathes the promenade with more than a million magical bulbs in a shimmering sea of light. The greatest free light show on earth has been a major part of Blackpool’s attraction scene since 1879 when they were described as ‘artificial sunshine’.. It’s a wonderful opportunity to experience miles of festoon, larger-than-life tableaux, illuminated trams, instagrammable features, laser technology and stunning projection shows during the dark winter months. Masked Magician Chorley Little Theatre 19th September An entirely new Sherlock Holmes story created for a family audience featuring magic and comedy. After a month Scotland Yard is completely baffled (obviously) and call in Sherlock Holmes to help solve the mystery of the Masked Magician’s disappearance. Holmes (with an excitable Watson in tow) plunges into the secret world of Edwardian Magic only to find that the Masked Magician’s identity is Magic’s best kept secret. As they meet, and question, the Magician‘s peers (seeing a lot of Magic), the mystery of his identity and fate deepens. As they unravel clue after clue, Holmes comes to share Watson’s wonder and discovers that it can sit alongside his logical outlook. When Holmes finally uncovers the startling and surprising secrets of the Masked Magician he, Watson and the audience have to decide… are some mysteries best left as… mysteries! Time 1.30pm To book www.ticketsource.com/ chorleytheatre/t-oelvgpe We suggest you check with all events or venues before you travel in case anything changes to the details below. Visit https://raring2go.co.uk/whatson/ for more events! A Taste of Leyland 19th September The brilliant A Taste of Leyland is BACK! Taking place once again in Leyland Town Centre, the great day will see the local best food and drink traders on display with entertainment and things to do for all the family! Macmillan Coffee Morning 25th September Macmillan Coffee Morning is a Nationwide fundraising event to support people living with cancer. People all over the UK host their own Coffee Morning and donations raised on the day are made to Macmillan. A Coffee Morning can be whatever you want it to be. It could be at home, on your driveway, a hall or online, whatever suits you best. You can hold a garden get together and throw a barbecue, or treat your colleagues to some homemade bakes, or even get together with friends for a takeaway. In 2024, they raised over £12 million and hope to top that this year. For further details of an event near you visit https://coffee.macmillan.org.uk/ MIA - Murder Mystery at Hoghton Tower 19th September Hoghton Tower is delighted to welcome back PantoCrime to perform the brand new ‘Murder Mia!’. Each time they join us, our visitors have told us what a fantastic time they have had! The tickets always sell out quickly so book yours now! The Upper Fandom ‘Abba Fest’ Committee, are making final preparations for their biannual event, when the body of Fern Andoe, the owner of the Dancing Queen Dance Academy, is found dead on the premises. Your job is to discover how she met her Waterloo and did anyone send out an SOS? Interview the suspects and discover if the motive was Money Money Money, before your Arrival at your conclusion. Will you be the winner that takes it all? For further details and to book https://www. hoghtontower.co.uk/special-events/murdermystery-murder-mia-hoghton-tower/ Themed Tours at Hoghton Tower Hoghton Tower’s themed tours are the perfect way to experience the ancient tower in an entirely new light and discover previously unrevealed secrets of the historic house. Join the talented team of tour guides as they transport you through the fascinating timeline of Hoghton Tower. As well as tales of the tower itself, the guides also bring the stories to life of the incredible people who have visited and stayed at the venue. For further details and updates visit https://www.hoghtontower.co.uk/special-events/
PLACESTO GO sorycubs.co.uk Themed multi-sensory baby class with music, instruments, bubbles, parachute time and prop boxes. SENSORY CUBS MESSY CUBS An edible, immersive messy play class exploring tastes and textures to support the weaning process. MESSY PLAY WORKSHOPS Personalised messy workshops supporting the Early Years Curriculum to allow exploration and experimentation. find us on 9
Help your child learn to read in 30 days for FREE with Reading Eggs! Created by experts and loved by over 20 million children worldwide, Reading Eggs is designed to develop early essential literacy skills such as phonics, sight words and vocabulary, planting the foundation for a life-long love of reading. Here’s why you’ll love our programs: FREE 30-DAY TRIAL in 30 Days Learn to Read FREE! readingeggs.co.uk/bts21 Scan QR code for 30-Day FREE trial This 30-day free trial offer allows you to add up to 4 children. You will be charged at the end of the trial period unless you cancel before this time. You can cancel any time by selecting the ‘Cancel Subscription’ option located on the ‘Manage My Subscription’ page in your family dashboard. Offer is valid for new UK customers only. Hundreds of fun learning games Exciting rewards keep your child motivated See results from just 15 minutes of play a day! Positive screen time that’s KidSAFE & Ad-free Automated progress reports Log in across multiple devices at the same time, with no restrictions!
CLUBS& CLAS ES Est . 2016 Find your place! Join us now www.willpowerdance.co.uk Confidence. Creativity. Belonging. "I love how passionate the teachers are and how much confidence and happiness the classes have given to my daughter. She absolutely adores coming every week — thank you for creating such a wonderful place to learn and shine! ✨ " Parent 11
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October 2026 Autumn half-term: October 26th - 30th 2026 Chorley Live 2nd - 3rd October The entertainment event of the year is back and it promises to be another fantastic weekend of live entertainment. If you’ve been before, the event needs no explanation, but if you haven’t, it is well worth a visit. Chorley Council organises the event alongside the Creative Network and will be taking over 35 venues each night. Entry is via a wristband. The performances cover all genres of music and also include magicians. Time: 7pm-11pm. For more information visit www.chorleylive.com Shakespeare’s Starcrossed - Hoghton Tower 16th - 17th October What if your first true love was someone you had been told to hate? William Shakespeare shall be your guide for this beautiful and interactive retelling of his famous eternal love story: Romeo & Juliet.Travel back in time to Elizabethan England, and uncover the inspiration Shakespeare found within the walls of Hoghton Tower for his timeless tale of romance, hate and revenge which spiralled towards tragedy. For details and to book https://www. hoghtontower.co.uk/special-events/romeo-andjuliet-immersive-tour-hoghton-tower/ North West Birdwatching at Martin Mere 17th - 18th October Open from 8am, watch the spectacle of thousands of geese leave the roost before heading for breakfast in Mere Side Café. From guest speakers and exhibitors to photography workshops and guided reserve walks, there’s a whole range of activities for you to enjoy for a full day out from dawn till dusk. For further information. www.wwt.org.uk/ wetland-centres/martin-mere The Farmers’ Market at Hoghton Tower Sunday 18th October The ‘Merchants of Hoghton’ – fresh local produce and more LOCATION: The Great Barn at Hoghton Tower TIMES: 10am-2pm. One of the original markets in Lancashire. A celebration of fresh ingredients grown or reared locally. Some of the traders have been with us since day one. Farmers and growers are joined by bakers, confectioners and craftsmen and women to make it a great day out for all the family. Lightpool Festival, Blackpool 21st - 31st October Blackpool's award-winning Lightpool Festival is returning this October half-term with extraordinary free entertainment. The programme features a spectacular mix of extraordinary light installations, live performance and 3D projection shows. The festival is free to access and staged across a range of indoor and outdoor venues, and complemented by the world-famous Blackpool Illuminations. For further details www.visitblackpool.com Rivington Festival of Light 22nd - 25th October Join them for four magical nights at the Rivington Terraced Gardens Festival of Light. Wander through breathtaking illuminations, vibrant sculptures, and interactive experiences set around the stunning Japanese Lake and woodlands. Enjoy live music, dazzling laser displays, and delicious food and drink from local vendors - including treats from Northern Monkey Brewery. Perfect for families, this festival offers a spectacular, firework-free celebration of light and creativity. Don’t miss the surprises we have in store! For more info and to book www.rivingtonterracedgardens.org.uk/fol Checkout Blackpool Pleasure Beach throughout October Lots of freaky fun for all the family plus entertainment at the hub. For further details visit https://www. blackpoolpleasurebeach.com/show-events/ Halloween Special at West Lancashire Light Railway 31st October West Lancashire Light Railway, Station Road, Hesketh Bank, Preston, Lancashire, PR4 6SP Take a ride on the Halloween express – if you dare! Lots of scary fun for all the family! Booking essential. For further information and to book www.westlancsrailway.org/special-events
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raring2go.co.uk Raring2go! CLUBS & CLASSES Call 07846 619547 or email chorley@kipmcgrath.co.uk Get ready for the new school term with personalised lessons 16
CLUBS& CLAS ES Horwich Call 01204 773440 horwich@kipmcgrath.co.uk Leyland Call 01772 453145 leyland@kipmcgrath.co.uk Get ready for the new school term with personalised lessons 17
CLUBS& CLAS ES Stagecoach Performing Arts schools are operated under franchise and are independently owned by their Principals. Stagecoach and Creative Courage For Life are registered trademarks of Stagecoach Performing Arts Limited. Singing, dancing and acting classes for 4 - 18 year-olds Giving children and young people the Creative Courage to stand up on stage for over 35 years. enrolling for the neW term stagecoach chorley www.stagecoach.co.uk/chorley 01204 301320/ 07780676266 chorley@stagecoach.co.uk 19
Pumpkin Patches! Get in the spooky spirit and grab your wellies! Wrap up warm, and get ready to pick the perfect pumpkin straight from the patch. We’ve found a few places to pick your own in and around Lancashire... Croston Pumpkin Open every weekend throughout October from 10am - 4pm. There is no need to book, you can just turn up! Highfield Road, Croston, Lancashire PR26 9HH Pick your own pumpkin is coming to Farington Moss Don't forget your wellies! For further updates visit https://www.facebook.com/ pickyourownpumpkinfaringtonmoss Windmill Animal Farm Farmer Matt and Team, planted over 23,000 plants in their pumpkin fields, and they will be ready for your Halloween harvest this October. Open everyday but booking is essential. Fish Lane, Burscough, L40 1UQ Roby Mill Pumpkin Patch Open in October and as is booking only, as previous years. Dogs are welcome, but must be kept on leads and any mess cleaned up. Wellies are recommended and it's cash only. You can book via their Facebook page at www.facebook.com/robymillpumpkinpatch Johnsons Farm, Lafford Lane, Upholland, WN8 0QY Bradshaws Farm Shop Just off the A6, Bradshaws Farm Shop is hosting a pick your own pumpkin throughout October. They have grown a few thousand pumpkins and squashes in a number of varieties on their three patches. Book online at https://www.bradshawsfarmshop.co.uk/ book-online Wheel barrows are available and wellies are recommended. Prospect Farm Garstang By Pass Road, Preston PR3 0LP Church View Farm Families are invited to the farm's annual pick your own pumpkin field. Dogs are welcome too as long as they are kept on a lead and you clean up after them. There will be a hot food and drink truck, ice cream van and fairground. Book online at http://www.churchviewfarm.co.uk/ Southport Road, Lydiate, L31 4HJ Brockholes Pram Walk at Brockholes Nature Reserve November until 17th December Join for a brisk 1 hour walk around the reserve on pram friendly paths. A great way to get out in the fresh air, get some exercise and improve your own health, as well as meet and chat with other new parents and carers. You are then welcome to join walkers for a coffee. Time 10.15am. Free event. Visit www.lancswt.org.uk/brockholes for details. Children in Need/Macmillan Coffee Morning at West Lancashire Light Railway 1st November Pudsey Bear visits the railway. All the train rides are free. Just put a donation in one of the collection buckets and support the BBC's Children in Need charity. All income from the tearoom will go to Macmillan Cancer Support. To book visit www.westlancsrailway.org/special-events Bonfire Night... Bonfire and Fireworks Astley Park, Chorley Enjoy the spectacular bonfire and fireworks display in Astley Park. Join Chorley Council in Astley Park, Chorley, for a spectacular bonfire and fireworks display with the magnificent Astley Hall as the backdrop. Watch one of the country’s best fireworks display teams light up the Chorley skies with a splendour of colour. The event will take at Astley Park’. There will be some food stalls for people to grab a quick bite to eat and attendees are being encouraged to come dressed for the weather and ground conditions – wellies and boots are recommended. For updates and times visit www.checkoutchorley.com/whats-on Worden Park Leyland Annual Bonfire Fireworks and Lights will bring the skies above Leyland to life as Leyland Round Table celebrate Guy Fawkes Night with their annual Bonfire and Fireworks Spectacular. With more than 14,000 visitors, the event has become one of the most popular public shows in the North West. It's held in the grounds of Worden Park, Leyland, with a large Bonfire, Fair Ground Show, Live DJ Road Show and a large food court. Continued What’s On Guide...
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RARING2MAKE Quick& easyHaloween recipesforthekids M aking Haloween recipesisa fun wayforkidsto getcreativein the kitchen with spookytreatsand colourfulingredients. Theycan practice sim ple cooking skilswhile decorating fun snackslikeghosts,pum pkinsand m onsters. 1.Banana ghosts Peelbananasand cutthem inhalf. Add two chocolatechipsforeyes and a few m orefora spookym outh. Sim ple,cuteand no baking needed.. 2.M onstertoast Toasta sliceofbread and spread with cream cheese orchocolatespread. Add sliced strawberies,blueberiesor banana tom akesilym onsterfaces. Letchildren createtheirown designs. 3.SpookyPiz as Top a piz a basewithtom atopuree and grated cheese.Add stripsof pepper,chorizo & olivesto m ake spiders.Bake untilthe cheese is bubbling. 4.Haloween fruitcups Filsm alcupswith chopped fruitsuch asgrapes,strawberies,banana and m elon.Add a litleyoghurton top and decoratethecup with a drawn-onpum pkinface.A handy optionfora Haloweenpartytable. Pleasedo alwayscheckingredientsforalergiesand cutfood appropriately foryoungerchildren.W ehopeyou havea spooktacularHaloween with these lovely treats! 26
ACTIVITIES The bestHaloween partiesaren’tneces arilythe biggest. They’re the oneswhere everyone getsinvolved,the snacks disappearand nobodym indsiftheliving room getsa litle spooky. 27
ACTIVITIES Autumn has a magical way of turning ordinary places into extraordinary adventures. A familiar park becomes an expedition, a pile of leaves becomes a treasure trove, and even the walk to school is filled with seasonal discoveries. The best adventures aren't always the biggest - they're the moments spent collecting colourful leaves, spotting squirrels, finding conkers or simply listening to the wind in the trees. This autumn, slow down and see the world through your child's eyes. You might be surprised how much wonder is waiting right on your doorstep. Together, can you... THE BEST AUTUMN ADVENTURE ISN'T VERY FAR AWAY Why children don't need expensive days out to make magical memories. Find 5 different shaped leaves Listen for birds instead of looking for them Build a tiny home for a bug Collect nature's colours Watch the sunset together Jump in a leaf pile Find something that makes you say "WOW!" Finish with hot chocolate! If your curious little one loves nature, take a look at our activity boxes - our TOOL KIT FOR ECO HEROES - use GO15 for 15% discount www.itsourplanettoo.co.uk 28
Totally Locally Christmas Market - Chorley 22nd November In conjunction with Chorley Town Centre Christmas Light Switch On. Totally Locally Chorley propose to host the very popular Christmas Market. For further updates www.facebook.com/totallylocallychorley Chorley Christmas Light Switch On Chorley 22nd November Chorley's Christmas celebrations will get underway in style, with a brilliant festive and party atmosphere in the town centre, plus the Totally Locally Chorley Christmas Market will return for another year, with excellent arts,crafts and gifts taking place on the same day with lots of independent traders and stalls featuring a wide range of delicious food and drink. For further details of this popular event check for updates to www.checkoutchorley.com/whats-on/ Aladdin the Pantomime at Globe Theatre - Blackpool Beach Resort 21st November - 24th December A Stageworks Production for Christmas 2026. For further details visit www.blackpoolpleasurebeach.com/shows/aladdin/ Leyland Christmas Light switch on Leyland Date to be confimed - November Hough Lane, Leyland, will be at centre of this year’s Leyland Christmas Festival, take a stroll around the craft stalls where you can pick up some lovely handmade presents for the family. With special guest. For further details and updates visit www.facebook.com/leylandtownteam Christmas Fair Weekend at Samlesbury Hall, Preston 28th - 29th November Wander through the Hall and browse a variety stalls displaying local products from across our beautiful county. The Garden Room Eatery will be open serving delicious Christmas Lunches. Mulled Wine will be available alongside plenty of mince pies, and hot turkey sandwiches (and other Christmas treats!) Free Entry / Free Parking. For more info www.samlesburyhall. co.uk/event/christmas-fair-weekend/ December 2026 Breakfast with Santa - Harvester Buckshaw Link, Chorley 5th - 6th December Children can enjoy breakfast, a festive activity pack and meet Father Christmas. £12.99 per child. Booking advised. https://www.harvester.co.uk/#/ Chorley’s Santa Express Chorley’s Santa Express will be back to whisk families on a magical journey from Chorley town centre through Astley Park to meet Father Christmas at Astley Hall. The Santa Express will be running regularly from its new stop on Market Street in Chorley town centre, opposite the town hall, every Saturday and Sunday in December to take families to meet Father Christmas as he takes up residence in Astley Hall’s Inlaid Room in the run up to Christmas. Every child who meets Father Christmas will receive a special Christmas gift and there will be some festive fun too. Keep an eye for more information and specific dates. www.checkoutchorley.com/christmas There will be lots of events in Chorley in the lead up to Christmas. For further updates visit www.checkoutchorley.com/whats-on. Santa Specials 2026 West Lancashire Railway December 6th/12th/13th/19th/20th Join us in a short ride on a Santa Special steam train to Toyland, and meet Father Christmas! Children receive a present from Santa, and adults can enjoy a glass of mulled wine and a mince pie. Booking is essential. For further details visit www.westlancsrailway.org/special-events Continued What’s On Guide...
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