Meet Skunks, Meerkats, birds of prey and more at WWT Martin Mere!

ANIMAL Magic is returning to the Lancashire based Wetland Centre, WWT Martin Mere, on the 24 September and 25 September 2022, after 3 years. Families can get closer to exciting wildlife like:- Meerkats, Sea Eagles, and Skunks and experience a weekend of wildlife related activities. The much anticipated event will be joined by local rescues and zoos showcasing everything from:- Snails to Guinea Pigs, for a fun family day out, including:-

► National Exotics - Animal Rescue Service will bring everything from slimy snails to slippery snakes.

► Cheshire Falconry will showcase its beautiful birds of prey, such as the spectacular sea eagle

► Holmes Chapel Zoo will attend with meerkats, skunks, and a guinea pig petting area.

For those wanting to dive deeper and discover what lies beneath the water, pick up a net and get involved in the pond dipping sessions to find creatures such as:- the greater water boatman, pond skater, and newt. Additionally, you can enjoy the award winning canoe safari or guided boat tours to discover more of the reserve by water.

Martin Mere will host birdwatching sessions for children in the Discovery Hide and bird ringing demonstrations in Janet Kear Hide. Their expert team will also deliver daily talks and feeds to learn more about species living at Martin Mere, including the:- Asian Short Clawed Otters and Longhorn Cattle.

Nick Brooks, General Manager at Martin Mere, said:- "We are pleased to see the return of our Animal Magic event after so long. It is 1 of our most popular events, and we know that visitors have been eagerly awaiting its return. Animal Magic is a fantastic opportunity for visitors of all ages to get a closer look at fascinating insects, reptiles, mammals, and more and learn all about them. You can see animals you probably wouldn't come across in your day to day life, and it is incredible to see so many children enjoy the experience."

Find out more about the event by visiting the WWT Martin Mere website.

Acclaimed Australian Comic heading to Southport

COMEDY fans in the UK are in for a treat this autumn as acclaimed comedian Jeff Green flies all the way from Australia for a special 1 off gig that can't be missed! The award winning comedy legend has been in Oz for the past 14 years after making a huge name for himself in the UK and beyond, with numerous TV comedy shows and stand up gigs under his belt.  On Friday, 14 October 2022 he will bring his 'Recovering Optimist' show to Southport Comedy Festival, performing in a luxury marquee at Victoria Park, Southport, Merseyside. This is a unique chance to see one of the legends of UK comedy, as he returns for this 1 off performance; but once seats are gone, they're gone.  Tickets are available on the Southport Comedy Festival website.

Jeff Green is part of an outstanding bill this year which sees Festival favourites including:- Jason Byrne, Paul Sinha, Jo Caulfield, Ed Byrne, Reginald D Hunter and Jimeoin joined by the likes of:- Al Murray The Pub Landlord, Milton Jones, Chris McCausland and Maisie Adam.

Southport Comedy Festival, in association with Hallliwell Jones BMW, takes place in a luxury heated and seated marquee in Victoria Park in Southport from:- 30 September to 16 October 2022, for 17 fun filled days of laughter.

Jeff Green said:- "I came to Australia on Christmas Day 2008, and have been here ever since! My wife is Australian, and our kids are in School here. In the past, I have played Southport loads of times, and Liverpool, Manchester, Bolton, and other venues in the North West. It feels really good to be back. Appearing at Southport Comedy Festival this October will be my 1st gig back in the UK for 4 years, and this will be a 1 off show; it's the only UK show I'm d'oing this year. I'm flying in from Australia to perform this show and then flying back again. I am so excited for it! Even if I am performing in a giant wigwam…"

Now a resident and well known TV face in Australia where he enjoys sold out seasons and rave reviews, Jeff Green is back and champing at the bit to charm and delight UK audiences once more with his trademark rapid fire observational jokes and killer punchlines.

1 of the UK's funniest comedians, Jeff has entertained audiences all over the world. With a solo West End season, best-selling books and numerous full length TV comedy specials under his belt, this world class stand up comic has enjoyed three decades at the top of his game.

Jeff Green said:- "I'm looking forward to Southport Comedy Festival. What the organisers, Bren and Val, bring to this event every year is their real passion for live comedy. Bren is a great comic himself. You really want to do your best for people like these 2. They must have had some pretty tough times during these past couple of years through the Covid pandemic, but they have kept Southport Comedy Festival thriving for everyone to enjoy, with some superb shows this year. It's great to see people coming back out to enjoy live comedy and other events again. I will never forget my first gig I did after the last lockdown. People loved it! As a comedian you could do no wrong on stage, everyone has missed being out and seeing stand-up comedy."

Book now to catch the Recovering Optimist at his belly laugh best!

Jeff Green - Recovering Optimist is at:- Southport Comedy Festival, at Victoria Park, Southport, on:- Friday, 14 October 2022. Tickets:- £17. Doors:- 7pm, Show:- 8pm, Age Restriction:- 16+ PG.