Family summer activities in North Staffordshire

SUMMER is here and it’s time to make the most of the longer days and warmer weather. And what better way to spend your leisure time than soaking up the atmosphere at one of the many visitor attractions in North Staffordshire?

Trentham Gardens is offering visitors a Hot Summer Saturday Date this July and August.

From Mamma Mia to Motown, and the Rat Pack to Grease, it will be hard to resist making a date to enjoy an outdoor film or live music in a superb lakeside setting (pictured right) at The Trentham Estate – with all-day access to the gardens, lake-side walks and adventure play area included.

Praised as one of the UK’s must-see gardens by Alan Titchmarsh, Trentham sits at the centre of a 725-acre estate boasting a village shopping, garden centre, the remarkable Monkey Forest and high rope adventure course Aerial Extreme.

This year Trentham’s Hot Summer Saturday Dates return at the garden’s lakeside amphitheatre, offering a chance for visitors to dance their way through the decades with an outdoor film or tribute band concert in a magnificent setting.

Every Saturday evening, from July 9 until the end of August, the sweeping grassed banks of the lakeside at Trentham will host a summer spectacle with something to suit all tastes.

Launching the season with a real swing will be The Rat Pack is Back on Saturday, July 9 – the ultimate tribute to the legendary Rat Pack.

There’ll be no reason to be ‘lonesome tonight’ on Saturday, July 26, thanks to one of the UK’s top Elvis Tribute acts, while if that doesn’t quite hit the right note, how about hearing it ‘through the grapevine’ with Motown Vogue on Saturday, July 23?

For those who’d rather rock, there’s Queen Tribute on Saturday, July 30, while Grease is the word on Saturday, August 6, when one of the most popular musicals ever hits the big outdoor screen at Trentham.

Saturday, August 13 will give visitors a chance to go Back to the 80s and on Saturday, August 20 The Greatest Take That Tribute will be working their magic by the lakeside.

Bringing the Hot Summer Saturday Dates to a close, dance the night away with an atmospheric outdoor screening of smash-hit movie Mamma Mia on Saturday, August 27.

For all film and concert events, visitors can bring their own gazebo by pre-booking a pitch, but spaces are limited, and pre-booking is essential.

Advance tickets cost £10 for adults, £8 for concessions/children, and on the day prices are £13 for adults and £11 for concessions/children.

Outdoor entertainment is also booked for the Sugnall Estate.

On Sunday, July 17, Pinocchio is being performed by Heartbreak Productions, which will take place in the Walled Kitchen Garden.

Tickets are now on sale for this outdoor theatre production that will re-tell the popular classic story. Outdoor theatre-goers can bring their own picnic to enjoy while watching the performance, but barbecues and gazebos are not permitted.

Tickets cost £12 for adults, £8 for under 16s, or £35 for a family of two adults and two children. Call 07779 979415.

There is also plenty of fun to be had at Stafford Castle.

As part of Stafford Festival Shakespeare, The Comedy of Errors will be performed at the Castle between June 23 and July 9.

Set under the stars at and performed in a purpose built auditorium against the striking backdrop of the castle ruins, Stafford Festival Shakespeare boasts some of the UK’s highest production values and has achieved national critical acclaim.

In addition, bringing a new element to this year’s festival, two extra shows have been added for music lovers.

Celebrating her 51st year in music, Elkie Brooks will be at Stafford Castle on June 26, performing her hit singles. And on July 3 you will get the chance to see Dennis Locorriere, the voice of Dr Hook, in his unique solo tour.

For more information call 01785 254653.