HALF-TERM FUN AT DRAYTON MANOR THEME PARK
The award-winning Drayton Manor Theme Park, near Tamworth, Staffordshire, is the ideal destination for families this half-term, especially with reduced prices on offer for those who pre-book.

The highlight of the half-term week will be the park’s end-of-season firework and laser displays on Saturday 30th and Sunday 31st October. The theme for the 30-minute displays will be Films Through The Decades that Drayton Manor has been open. The displays will also be accompanied by music and will set the night sky alight with all the colours of the rainbow.

This year’s displays will be extra special as they will mark the end of Drayton Manor’s 60th anniversary year. Also, during the fireworks weekend, selected rides will operate until 9pm. The displays will start at 7pm with last admission into the park at 6pm.

Meanwhile, the park has plenty of rides and attractions for families to enjoy during the half-term week. For the brave, there are the white-knuckle rides, such as Maelstrom and Apocalypse. Younger visitors will love Thomas Land™, while the 4D Cinema and 15-acre zoo are popular with all ages.

Tickets booked online via http://www.draytonmanor.co.uk or by calling 0844 472 1960, cost just £20.95 for adults (aged 12+), £18.95 for child (aged 4-11) and £14 for over 60s. Under 4s receive free entry.

FUNDRAISING FANTASIA AT THE LOWRY OUTLET MALL THIS SATURDAY
Dr Who, Star Wars, Planet of the Apes, Winnie the Pooh and many more star-studded characters will descend on the Lowry Outlet Mall this Saturday (October 2). Once again, Hyde Fundraisers will be bringing a host of replica characters to the Mall to raise funds for BBC Children in Need and other local charities.

Lowry Outlet Mall is the place to be, with lots of family activities to keep the kids entertained. Visit the Mall this Saturday, between 11am-4pm, for your chance to meet the ‘Fundraising Fantasia’ characters! Kids, and adults too, can have a picture taken with their favourite character for a small donation. Make sure you are there early to be first in line.


The Lowry Outlet Mall is the perfect family day out, offering free entertainment and events all year round, an on-site cinema, five plaza restaurants and stores offering up to 60% off RRP including the newly opened Gap Outlet.


For more information visit http://www.lowryoutletmall.com or follow us on http://twitter.com/lowryoutletmall

Mall website http://www.lowryoutletmall.com or follow us on http://twitter.com/lowryoutletmall

SPRING INTO ACTION THIS AUTUMN! PLANTFORLIFE ENCOURAGES BRITAIN TO CHAMPION THE DAFFODIL

New research from PlantforLife reveals that more than half (56%) of people agree that daffodils in bloom officially mark the beginning of spring, with over a third (36%) ranking daffodils as their favourite spring flower. However, such strong associations with spring could be the downfall of the daffodil with nearly half (45%) of people mistakenly trying to plant their favourite spring flower in spring, when in fact autumn is the key planting time[1].

With the nation unaware about how and when to plant a spring garden, PlantforLife is championing the daffodil and encouraging Britain to start ‘Digging for daffs’. Teaming up with celebrity plantsman, Chris Collins, PlantforLife want to educate people on when to plant spring bulbs, providing simple tips for a spring garden makeover!

Bring a touch of spring back into your garden
Despite 40% of people surveyed admitting they have never grown their own spring bulbs, the research reveals that it’s not a lack of want that’s holding them back...

45% mistakenly try and buy their daffodil bulbs in spring
A fifth admit they would like to but forget until they see them in bloom and...Almost a third don’t know where or when to start, and feel they don’t have enough time

Commenting on the findings, Chris Collins says, “Spring flowering bulbs like daffodils, tulips and hyacinths are a great addition to everyone’s garden or outdoor space, not only are they easy to grow and maintain but what’s great about these spring blooms is that once planted, they will flower year on year so they are a great investment. What’s more, by planting spring flowering bulbs not only can you introduce a splash of colour to your outside space, but by cutting your own and creating beautiful flower arrangements you can give your a home a spring makeover too.”

Reaping the spring rewards...
Not only do bulbs look great when in full bloom but they can also save you money! When asked, almost a third (32%) of those surveyed admitted to buying cut daffodils every week throughout spring, with 82% spending up to £10 a month on cut flowers. So, with daffodils proving to be the popular shop choice, it’s no wonder that 81% of people admitted they wanted to save their pennies and learn how to grow these spring beauties themselves.

So why not spruce up your garden and inject some colour next spring, simply log on to www.plantforlife.info/daffodils to download Chris’ top tips on how to grow your own spring bulbs.

[1] OnePoll survey of 2000 respondents, 28th July 2010.

Please Note
All information is supplied to us by the individual organizations, or agencies acting on their behalf. Whilst every effort has been made to ensure that all information is accurate, it may be subject to change. Please check with individual organizations for the latest information about all events, products, promotions, or news items. Inclusion in a news item does not imply endorsement by Hot Brands Cool Places. Recipes have not been tested by Hot Brands Cool Places. Hot Brands Cool Places does not accept responsibility for the content of any external site