Waterside Arts Centre offers a fun-packed week of family entertainment this October half-term

There's plenty to keep the young ones busy this half term down at Sale Waterside.

Puppet Masters: Celebrating Animation, Saturday 24 October
An unmissable exhibition for families bringing stopmotion animation to life. The exhibition showcases the work of world-renowned puppet makers Mackinnon and Saunders focusing on some of their most celebrated work, 'Corpse Bride', 'Mars Attacks!', 'Clangers' and 'Bob the Builder'. Visitors get a fascinating behind-the-scenes insight into the world of stopmotion animation through a series of ‘story-zones’ exploring the journey of each character from page to puppet, using original puppets, sets, props, technical drawings, character designs and concept art.

The Elves and the Shoemaker, Thursday 29 October – Sunday 1 November at 11.30am and 2.30pm
This fun filled family show comes from the Stuff and Nonsense Theatre Company (previous sell out shows include 'The Enormous Turnip', 'Little Red Hen','3 Little Pigs'). Using puppets, music and surprises this is an up-to-date re-telling of everyone’s favourite story about elves and shoes and will delight children of ages 3 and above.

16 Singers, Friday 30 October 10.30am, 1.30pm and 3.30pm 
A sparkling new production celebrating the joy of music, combining luscious sounds and movements to mesmerise little ones. This is ideal for families with toddlers and babies.

Film screenings
Waterside continues its film programme for all ages with a family-friendly theme at half-term. On Monday 26 October families can enjoy screenings of Beauty and the Beast (1992) at 11am and Big Hero 6 (2014) at 2pm.

Family Club
The lively Saturday sessions for families continue with story-telling on 24 October and shoe design on 31 October from 10.30am - 12.30pm. Sessions are £2 for non-Family Club members and just 50p for Family Club members. Families are encouraged to join Waterside’s Family Club for just £5 a year, for exclusive offers on theatre shows as well as discounted entry to Saturday sessions.

See what else is on at half term in Manchester