Royal Albert Dock is putting on free circus skills and Halloween workshops this half-term

Royal Albert Dock Liverpool is pulling out all the stops this October half-term, offering little ones six days of jam-packed free activities to keep boredom at bay.

The roster of family-fun will begin with the return of the hugely popular circus skills, where children can become masters of the Big Top with a series of exciting classes, before ending the week with a variety of spooktacular workshops to get into the Halloween spirit.

Taking place from 24-27^th October, the dock’s Grand Hall will be transformed into a circus school for budding performers, offering 200 spaces for the free circus skills throughout the week from 10-3pm. From flying high on the trapeze to the delicate art of ribbon dancing and a spot of juggling thrown in, youngsters from 6-14 years old can try their hand at an array of circus skills with guidance from the experts.

Credit: Jason Roberts

Plus, make sure to catch the circus professionals who will be providing entertainment around the dock colonnades each day from 11am-2pm, including ringmasters and unicyclists who will be pulling out their best tricks to entertain visitors.

With circus skills well and truly perfected, Halloween weekend will see the Grand Hall transformed into a spooky space filled with free themed workshops from 29-30^th October. On Saturday, families and children can release their inner artist by designing their own Jack O’Lantern at the pumpkin carving workshops available from 10-4pm. Recommended for children over 6 years old accompanied with a responsible adult, these fun workshops are perfect for first-time carvers or pumpkin pros, with all supplies provided and guidance throughout.

On Sunday 30^th October, children are invited to come and create their own ghoulish garlands and monster masks in The Grand Hall from 10-4pm. Hosted by artist Olga Snell, these free workshops are ideal for any little artists wanting to put their own spin on their Halloween decorations, with the masks created from pre-drawn templates and stuck onto craft sticks, with designs including bats, cats, spiders and more, providing the perfect accessory for trick or treating.

Albert Dock

A fancy dress competition will also be running across Halloween weekend, where children will be encouraged to don their best witches hats and skeleton suits with the chance for the best dressed to win a meal for four at Peaberry Coffee House & Kitchen. Parents can simply snap a photo of them in the Grand Hall and tag @albertdock on Instagram to be in with a chance of winning.

On Halloween itself, Batala Mersey drummers will be putting on a show-stopping performance outside Anchor Courtyard from 5pm. Bringing the rhythms of Afro-Brazilian samba with a twist to the dock’s waterfront, the beats will create a backdrop for the start of a memorable Hallow’s Eve.

For those looking to soak up the culture this half term, there’s a selection of captivating exhibitions and events to enjoy in the dock’s museums and galleries. Head to Tate Liverpool where children can unleash their inner artist with ‘Create Your Tate’, which challenges families to reimagine the gallery equipped with a medley of materials to draw, make and build your dream Tate Liverpool.

From 25-28^th October, travel back in time with Maritime Museum and their free, drop-in storytelling sessions. Listen to the adventures of Polar the Titanic bear which is originally written by a Titanic survivor, all about her son’s adventures on board the famous ship with his favourite toy bear.

With so much happening this autumn, the dock’s two hotels, Holiday Inn Express and Premier Inn, are ideal for visitors looking to stay, shop and explore, for the ultimate staycation in the heart of the city.