EVENTS

Chester High Road, Burton, South Wirral (tel: 0151 336 8152)

A Christmas extravaganza full of festive spirit with demonstrations in floristry, tree trimming and present wrapping and local retailers demonstrating and sampling products from the butchers, cheese shop, wine merchants and bakers along with musical entertainment.

Thursday, 6.30pm-10.30pm, admission free

The Lowry Plaza

Salford Quays (tel: 0161 778 0354)

The Plaza Christmas Cracker

Be a special guest as a mystery celebrity guest sets off the candle that lights the Christmas tree and watch a dazzing aerial performance when an angel twists and turns inside a giant candle amongst a flurry of confetti to magically illuminate the Plaza's Christmas lights and tree, then join in the musical entertainment, carols and fireworks display.

Thursday, 6pm, admission free

Martin Mere Wildfowl and Wetland Trust

Burscough, Ormskirk (tel: 01704 895181)

North West Bird Fair

Stalls and exhibits displaying a variety of goods including books, telescopes, outdoor clothing and bird food with swan feeds at 12 noon and 3.45pm each day each day.

Runs from Friday to Sunday, 9am-6pm, adults from £5.50, conc. £4.40 and children £3.50

Lancaster Castle

Shire Hall, Castle Parade, Lancaster (tel: 01524 64998)

Dark History Tour

A candlelit tour that delves into the sinister side of this magnificent building. Listen to stories about highwaymen and thieves, murderers and rebels and see the terrible fate that awaited anyone found guilty of breaking the law.

Friday, 7.30pm-9pm, adults from £4, conc. from £3 and children from £2.50

Trafford Centre

Manchester (tel: 0161 749 1629)

Fashion Shows

View the latest fashions and leading designer brands from the Trafford Centre retailers and see the best in classic and established brand names on the catwalk on the Orient main stage. Shows start at 1pm, 3pm and 5pm.

Saturday and Sunday, 12 noon-5.30pm, admission free

Rivington Hall Barn

Bolton (tel: 01254 705215)

Doll and Teddy Bear

A quality teddy bear and doll fair.

Saturday, 10am-4pm, adults from £3, conc. £2.50 and children from £1.50

Dunham Massey Hall Park & Garden

Altrincham (tel: 0161 941 1025)

Christmas is Coming

Help with the Victorian Christmas preparations in the kitchen, stir the pudding as you make a wish and take home a pomander.

Saturday and Sunday, 1.45pm-3.30pm, admission from £10

Lancaster University Conference Centre

Bailrigg, Lancaster (tel: 01744 750606)

Around 60 stalls of traditional and popular crafts with some demonstrations from the craftworkers who will be selling their distinctive products.

Sunday, 10am-4.30pm, adults from £1 and children free