Families are being reminded of some half-term highlights during next week’s school holidays, including activity trails and spooky happenings at the Strand.

A chance to explore

The Wombles kick off the half-term fun in Bootle, with a special trail around North Park to search for clues to help Great Uncle Bulgaria with a tricky task. Plaques, created by Bootle Tool Shed, will be placed in the park mark the trail for people to follow.

Created by local charity Ykids, in partnership with Sefton Council, the trail takes people around the park, hunting for the rest of the Wombles and learning about the importance of recycling. Activity passports and instructions can be collected from Kingsley & Co from Saturday 26^th October.

Ykids are also welcoming families to a group litter pick through North Park on Tuesday 29^th October, followed by a special Womble Tea at Kingsley & Co. The event is free for all attendees and runs from 1.30-4pm. Places can be booked on the Kingsley & Co website.

Rachel Power from Ykids said: “This initiative, in partnership with Sefton Council is more than just a local, family trail and litter pick. It's a chance for our community to come together and encourage young people to take pride in their surroundings. By promoting a cleaner, greener Bootle, we hope to inspire long-term habits of environmental care and community spirit. It's also a great way to introduce the Wombles to a new generation, teaching children the value of sustainability in a fun and engaging way.

“We hope to see families from all over Sefton take part in this fun, free event that supports both the local environment and Kingsley & Co’s mission of inspiring children through stories and creative learning experiences. Let’s make Bootle a cleaner, greener place for everyone!”

Spooky activities

On Wednesday 30^th October, the Strand is putting the ‘Boo’ into ‘Bootle’ with a special event for all the family to enjoy.

The former Bodycare unit opposite Greggs will host the Strand Spooktacular between 11am and 3pm.

Families will be able to get creative in the special Halloween craft zone or embrace their scary side with free facepainting. There’s even the chance to meet Jack Skellington and Vamperina for a photo.

And for anyone brave enough, three hour-long Creepy Crawly shows will take place at 11am, 12.30pm and 2pm.

Get creative

The same unit will reopen on Thursday 31^st October with a chance to celebrate Bootle’s past, present and future. Families can design and make the ideal building for Bootle, before adding it to a map imagining the future of the town.

Councillor Paulette Lappin, Sefton Council’s Cabinet Member for Regeneration, Economy and Skills said:

“Great things are happening in Bootle at the moment, with work to bring our ambitious plans for the town centre to life getting underway.

“While we’re planning for the future, we also want to celebrate the fantastic events and activities that are already taking place. Bootle is going to be a great place for families to come and enjoy their half term and there’s something for everyone happening this October.

“We know that people are hugely proud of their local area, and events such as the Wombles trail gives people the chance to show that pride and help to keep Bootle looking clean and litter free.

“With plenty of fantastic, free events, there’s lots to be getting stuck into. The Strand will remain open during all our transformation work, and I’d like to encourage everyone to continue shopping local.”

Looking ahead

The Strand’s events calendar extends far beyond spooky season. Plenty is yet to come, including November’s Christmas Light Switch On.

Those visiting the Strand this half term will notice new hoardings around the shopping centre. They have gone up ahead of a planned demolition which forms the next stage of the Bootle Town Centre Transformation Project.

The project, which has been made possible by £20m of Government funding, is expected to be completed in 2026.

If you are interested in doing local community work, like litter-picking in your local park, or re-wilding a local area, find your local official Wombles Group, or create your own by visiting The Wombles Community Charity website.