Chrysanths Pantomime Society's Robin Hood and Babes In The Wood at The Floral Pavilion this January

THIS January, the Wirral's most cherished theatrical traditions return to the:- Floral Pavilion Theatre, in New Brighton. The Chrysanthemums Pantomime Society, affectionately known as The Chrysanths, is back with its 2026 production of:- 'Robin Hood and the Babes in the Wood' this January. It is the perfect way to beat the January blues.

Packed with:- adventure, comedy, magic and heart, this year's show promises to be a perfect post Christmas treat; and fantastic value for money at just:- £12 per child and £15 per adult. Whether you're looking for an ideal Christmas present, a family outing or simply a way to beat the January blues, The Chrysanths' annual panto is a firm local favourite.

This year's story brings together familiar faces, slapstick humour and a wonderfully whimsical retelling of a well loved tale. Harry and Holly; the young heirs of the Duke and Duchess of Nottingham; are left orphaned after a tragic shipwreck. As the only surviving children of the noble family, they stand to inherit a vast fortune on their eighteenth birthdays. What lies ahead is a thrilling battle for the inheritance!

Featuring a hilarious plot including:- the Sheriff of Nottingham, his hilariously inept henchmen Swiggit and Scoffit, the Wicked Witch, Maid Marian and of course:- 'Robin Hood and His Merry Men,' this panto is a blockbuster hit! As ever, audiences can expect:- music, laughter, slapstick antics, and magical storytelling, crafted by a company that lives and breathes pantomime.

The Chrysanthemums Pantomime Society is a multi award winning production company celebrating an astonishing 107 years of continuous performances. Incredibly, the group are 1 of the longest running pantomime societies in the UK possibly even the world.

The group's origins date back to the summer of 1918. Nearing the end of World War I, a group of amateur performers staged an out of season pantomime in the garden of a home on:- Vaughan Road, New Brighton, framed by a stunning backdrop of chrysanthemum flowers; giving the society its distinctive name.

Over the decades, The Chrysanths have performed across multiple venues, including:- long gone local landmarks such as:- New Brighton Pier, The Tivoli and the Little Theatre in Birkenhead, wning many awards along the way. They've even been invited to perform at:- Portmeirion in North Wales. Their home, however, is now at the:- Floral Pavilion, where generations of families return to their shows year after year.

Many cast members have spent years perfecting the traditions of the genre, and regular audiences love the combination of familiar performers and fresh faces. For scriptwriter and co-producer Graham Leigh, The Chrysanths' enduring success comes from dedication to the art form itself:- "Pantomime is all we do. We don't do musicals, we don't do plays, pantomime is what we know."

The Chrysanths' 2026 production of:- 'Robin Hood and the Babes in the Wood' runs from:- Thursday, 8 January to Sunday, 11 January 2026, at:- The Floral Pavilion Theatre. Tickets are an incredible value and expected to sell quickly as this is 1 of the most popular annual events on the Wirral calendar, so early booking is strongly advised.

For tickets to:- 'Robin Hood and Babes In The Wood,' at The Floral Pavilion, New Brighton, please go to:- FloralPavilion.Com.

Did you get a Drone at Christmas? Check the new UK laws before you fly...

FOLLOWING a significant overhaul of aviation safety policy, new drone regulations have officially come into force on:- 1 January 2026. These changes represent a major shift in how unmanned aircraft are governed in the UK, moving away from weight based exemptions to a more comprehensive safety net.

The updated rules affect all drones and model aircraft flown outdoors that weigh 100g or more. Under the new mandate, the user's age is no longer a factor for compliance; anyone operating a drone in this category must now complete a theory test via the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) website to obtain a Flyer ID. Previously, these requirements were reserved for heavier aircraft, but the rapid proliferation of smaller, high-performance drones has prompted this regulatory expansion.

The move follows several years of documented drone misuse, which has caused disruption at major public events and within popular tourist hotspots. By lowering the weight threshold, the CAA aims to ensure that even hobbyist pilots possess a fundamental understanding of airspace safety.

CAA Spokesperson Jonathan Nicholson commented on the timing of the rollout, noting that drones are:- "Often given as a common Christmas present and with the new drone rules coming into force this week, all drone users must register, get a Flyer ID, and follow the regulations. We want people to enjoy their drones, but it's vital that they have checked the new rules and know how and where to operate their drone safely before they fly."

Nicholson further emphasised the responsibility of families, stating:- "It's extremely important that the public, potentially parents, take notice of the change, so that users comply with the law. We also remind existing users to brush up on changes to the rules and take the test if required."

For families who gifted drones this festive season, the CAA has clarified the age-specific requirements for minors:-

• Under 18s - Can now fly and take their Flyer ID test independently.
  

• Under 13s - Must have a parent or guardian present when sitting the online Flyer ID test.
  

• Under 12s - Must be supervised by a person aged:- 16 or over at all times while flying.
  

• Operator IDs - Regardless of who is flying, any drone over 100g must be linked to an Operator ID. For pilots under 18, a parent or guardian must register for this ID and take legal responsibility for the aircraft.

The CAA believes these changes will impact approximately ½ a million drone owners across the country. The goal is to simplify the legal framework, allowing for a safer and more transparent expansion of drone technology within UK airspace.

The current fee structure is:-

• Operator ID - £11.79 (valid for 1 year).
  

• Flyer ID - Free of charge (valid for 5 years).

Failure to comply with these new regulations could result in fines or the confiscation of equipment by the authorities.

To take the test, please go to the Civil Aviation Authority website:- CAA.Co.UK.

For more information and to get help with the:- "Drone and Model Aircraft Registration Team" please email:- Drone.Registration@CAA.Co.UK or call:- 03300229930, Monday to Friday, between:- 8:30 am to 4:30 pm.

What are your thoughts on this news topic? Email our Newsroom at:- News24@SouthportReporter.Com or send us a message on:- Mastodon, Facebook, or Twitter. Please do let us know as we love to hear your views....