First ever Santa Panto at Knowsley Safari's Enchanted searches for a young star

Knowsley Safari’s beloved festive event, Enchanted, is set to make a spectacular comeback this winter.

Taking place from Saturday 30 November – Monday 23 December, Knowsley Safari’s Enchanted has an exciting new addition… a Santa Panto!

And now the Safari is on the lookout for a local young star to join the cast on opening night!

Santa Panto is a mini theatre show combining the magic of Father Christmas with all the fun of a pantomime, which will run during every Enchanted event, and the Safari is looking for a local, budding performer, aged eight to ten years old, to appear in the show on the grand opening night.

Children can apply to Knowsley Safari’s Search for a Star talent competition via an online form on the website here, by the deadline of Monday 30 September 2024.

Twenty children will be invited to dazzle a panel of judges during an audition at Knowsley Safari on Monday 28 October 2024, following which the Safari’s talented Christmas star will be chosen to perform alongside professional actors to a vibrant audience.

Running several times each evening, Santa Panto is an additional ticketed event, with each attending child receiving a small cuddly toy, and it’s just one of the new exciting additions to this year’s popular Enchanted event. The whole family can have fun capturing memories on the spectacular light trail with new illuminated animals, including giraffes and a male lion with his cub, as well as family favourites such as the moving Rainbow Road, icy-blue Arctic Arcadia and of course, the Talking Tree!

Visitors can spot illuminated hippos submerged in the Safari’s natural water features, explore an Enchanted Woodland and Enchanted favourites will also return, including the Winter Village with the much-anticipated marshmallow toasting, illuminated amusements and rides.

Santa’s Grotto will be available during weekend daytimes too and families really wanting to make the most of their visit can opt for a day-to-night ticket to discover all the Safari has to offer in the daytime, before enjoying Enchanted in the evening. Santa’s Grotto tickets are in addition to the Safari admission ticket and include a large cuddly toy.

Richard Smith, Head of Visitor Operations, Knowsley Safari, said:

“Enchanted has become a Christmas tradition for so many families and this year it really is action-packed with so many ways to get involved, especially with our Search for a Star competition, where children have a chance to be even closer to the magic.

“We hope as many children as possible apply to take part and visitors can rest assured that even if they’re not on the stage themselves, there’ll be plenty of audience participation for all!”

Enchanted tickets go on sale today, Thursday 29 August, starting from £10, with special discounts for members. Under 1s and carers are free of charge.

Santa Panto tickets are available to Enchanted ticket holders at a cost of £10 per child and £5 per adult.

Access to Enchanted is from 4pm until 8pm. Santa’s Grotto tickets (weekend daytime only) are £20 per child, in addition to a regular Safari admission ticket.

Guests are advised to book early due to demand.