Belle Vue Family Fun Day at the Monastery

Whether you love reminiscing or finding out about the fascinating history of Belle Vue & Gorton for the first time, we invite you to come and enjoy a wonderful day packed with family fun right here at our modern-day Monastery!

Manchester History & Heritage

Home to a zoological garden, circus, fair, speedway, dancing, boxing, wrestling, fireworks, music, and dancing for over 150 years, Belle Vue was the ‘Showground of the World’.  Over the course of the day, you will discover just how monumental the Zoo was in its heyday in this fascinating stroll through Manchester’s history & heritage.

When?

From 10am – 4pm on Sunday 28th April, 2024, The Monastery will open its doors with a range of Belle Vue & Gorton related exhibitions, stalls and displays, plus fun activities for all the family.

Scroll down to see the full programme! 

Programme

Live Music Performances

12:00 – 12:20 – Gorton Voice Choir
12:30 – 12:50 – Glasshouse Choir
13:00 – 13:20 – Gorton Voice Choir
13:30 – 13:50 – Glasshouse Choir
14:00 – 14:30 – Andrea Pickford (singer)
14:45 – 15:30 – Stockport Ukulele Players

In the Car Park

Fairground rides for children, plus a vintage bus and stock cars exhibition.

Stalls & Exhibits in the Great Nave (all day)

Book Signing by Julia Wolfendale – The Trouble with Elephants

“A historical adventure and a heart-warming story of hope, courage and overcoming challenges. Witness the extraordinary events at Belle Vue Zoo in the Victorian era. The story features Sam, a young apprentice, Sally the only elephant in the zoo, and Mr Jennison, the founder of Belle Vue Zoological Gardens.”

Plus

Face Painting
Children’s arts and crafts (making clown hats)
Belle Vue memorabilia
Manchester Free Little Libraries giving away free books
Sea Cadets
Speedway Display
Stockport and Manchester Branch Canal Society
Clown Paintings by Pam Armstrong
Bespoke by Kerry (art)
Tombola
Tesco Community Stall
Pocket Money Toys
The launch of three brand new Monastery Projects: Monastery Memories, Men’s Shed at the Monastery and Gorton Men’s Circle.

In the Private Chapel (all day)

4D Pop Up showing archive footage from Belle Vue

In the Community Hub

1pm – a showing of vintage 65mm archive film.

In the Garden (all day)

(Weather permitting) children’s outdoor games, puppet theatre, alphabet trail & BBQ.

And…

Our lovely Welcome Café will be open all day from 10am – 4pm, with snacks and refreshments throughout the day.

Admission and parking are free of charge and there’s no need to book. Just come on down and bring the family. We hope you’ll join us!

Please note, the Monastery is a charity and a suggested donation of £5 would be very gratefully accepted. 

Directions to the Monastery here.