Dragons and bees: kids tours of Manchester

Confidential editor Jonathan Schofield is joining the fun with the Family Friendly Film Festival this week. But not with the magic of the silver screen but with the Marvellous Manchester Walking Tour.

He’s taking a couple of family focussed tours around the city centre. This will be a curious and entertaining walking tour incorporating dragons, roses, warriors, bees, fantastical stories, spectacular sights, lavish views, giant hogweed, herons and the odd ghostly tale.

Schofield’s a father of three who's dragged his sons around the city on numerous occasions and knows how to keep them interested without resorting to bribes of ice cream.

The tours meet outside Manchester Town Hall entrance in Albert Square on Tuesday 10 August. There are two times for the tours recommended for the 5 plus age group: 12.00 - 1.30pm and 4.00 - 5.30pm. The price is £5.

All events as part of the Family Friendly Film Festival are intended to be suitable for the whole family to enjoy - adults included. All adults must have a valid ticket for the event and children must be accompanied by an adult at all times. Ticket prices are the same for both adults and children unless stated otherwise.

Organised by All About Audiences, the Family Friendly Film Festival is far more than a load of film screenings at the cinema (although there are some cinema screenings and we're not knocking those.)

“The festival aims to get more families trying out some of the excellent family friendly venues in Greater Manchester,” says Leah Byrne from All About Audiences, “There are so many great places out there and we'll be showcasing over 20 of them during the festival.”

It's not all fantasy and fairytales at the Festival: the packed programme includes educational films such as Old Moss Side – about what it was like to live in the area during the sixties and seventies and Crimson Wing, a fascinating documentary about the life of a flamingo. Young children haven't been forgotten– as well as a host of big-name animated movies, they can also sit down to watch beautiful shorts. Plus there outdoor movies such as Madagascar at Spinningfields, Greek myths at Manchester Art Gallery, while MOSI is offering a 4D cinema experience.

You don't have to live near Manchester City Centre to be a part of the action either: the Festival has events happening from Bolton to Bury and Sale to Stockport. Most of the events are free too, with none costing more than £5. Have a look at the Festival's easy-to-use website, which allows you to search for events by date, keyword and even age suitability. There's bound to be something to keep your little ones (and you) entertained.

The Family Friendly Film Festival takes place from 30 July - 15 August at venues across Greater Manchester, free or £5, book in advance.

For more information visit the website at www.familyfriendlyfilmfestival.org.uk