Phantoms of the Priory, Culture 26 and the Bookends Festival fill the month with exciting free things to see, do and discover across Runcorn and Widnes. From family friendly creative workshops and atmospheric evenings at Norton Priory, to live gigs, heritage celebrations, mindfulness activities, theatre performances and sporting fixtures, March brings a line-up that showcases the very best of local talent and culture in Halton.

This month also offers the chance to explore Halton’s rich musical and industrial history through Beyond The Tracks, walk to the beat of Halton at your own pace on a 4.6 mile trail celebrating the area’s unexpected musical heritage, including an iconic appearance from local legend, Melanie C. Paired with weekly events at The Catalyst, a museum dedicated to the science and innovation that shaped the region, visitors can experience the stories that define Halton.

Whether you’re looking to support local artists and performers, enjoy family-friendly days out or dive into something completely new, there’s something for everyone in Halton.

Key Highlights

Event of the Month – Bookends Festival

With the national year of reading underway, in collaboration with Halton Libraries and Norton Priory Museum & Gardens Bookends Festival is turning the page on our love of literature. Between 3^rd March and 2^nd April expect a range of Culture 26 activities, gigs and events that’ll celebrate and ignite lifelong passion. We’d love you to show your support by  popping-in to Halton’s only independent bookshop Curiosity Bookshop.

Beyond the Tracks Gig

The Derby, Widnes, WA8 6BA

Join Zen Baseballbat & Greg Oldfield at The Derby on Friday 20^th March at 7pm for a free live event that celebrates Halton’s new Beyond the Tracks music trail. Get your free ticket here!

Mondegreen and Catherine Hardman Gig

Victoria Square, Widnes, WA8 7QT

Free live music at Widnes Library from local trio Mondegreen and singer songwriter Catherine Hardman on 28^th March at 12pm.

Launch of Unlock Runcorn’s new community-named boat

Top Locks, Runcorn, WA7 1JH

In celebration of English Tourism Week and the 250-year anniversary of the Bridgewater Canal, Unlock Runcorn will launch its new community-named boat, Fraeda, on 21^st March, a vessel inspired by Æthelflæd, Lady of the Mercians; a ruler closely associated to the area. The event promises far more than a boat unveiling with visitors invited to enjoy live music and entertainment, art installations, heritage activities, tours of the Wat Phra Singh UK temples, great food and an exclusive one-off ale brewed specially for the occasion by Small Batch Brewing, all topped off with a special choir performance.

Family & Kids Activities Happening in Halton

The Catalyst Science and Discovery Centre

Mersey Rd, Widnes, WA8 0DF

Discover Halton’s chemical heritage through immersive galleries, hands-on interactive exhibits, live science shows, ICI Collections and take in panoramic views of the Stone Roses Spike Island from the rooftop observatory.

During National Lottery Open Week (7^th – 8^th March) National Lottery players can gain free entry to The Catalyst by presenting a physical or digital lottery ticket, giving one adult complimentary admission. Throughout March, visitors can explore the science behind bath bombs and make their own in the Fizzing Bath Bombs – Weekend workshop (11am & 2pm every weekend).

Norton Priory Museum & Gardens

Tudor Rd, Runcorn, WA7 1SX

This month, Norton Priory Museum & Gardens is bringing a full season of mystery, music, creativity and community events as part of the new Phantoms at the Priory art installation, running until 31^st March. Throughout March, visitors can dive into a rich programme that blends history, performance and immersive storytelling.

Celebrating Culture 26; Made in Halton, are you brave enough to attend in the company of the Phantoms of the Priory? On 6^th and 7^th March, VML Drama will transform the museum’s atmospheric atrium into a world of shadows, jump scares and spine-chilling entertainment for The Haunting at Norton Priory. While on 8^th March inspired by the Phantoms of the Priory art installation, join the Liverpool String Quartet & Friends for an intimate and atmospheric night of classical music.

If you prefer after hour frights, explore Norton Priory after closing time and encounter characters of its 900-year history in their best light, with Phantoms After Dark! This special event is on Friday 13^th March and Tuesday 31^st March from 4pm – 7:30pm and includes free entry for up to three children per adult ticket, making it an exciting family adventure.

Treat her this Mother’s Day (Sunday 15^th March) to a tranquil relaxing Afternoon Tea, set within the serene surroundings of the medieval Undercroft.

On Saturday 21^st March, Norton Priory hosts a trio of engaging events. Families can drop into the free Phantom Crafts workshop from 11am to 3pm, where children can get creative with Still Life activities and easy ghost-themed pop-ups. For nature and wildlife lovers, at 1pm, Louise Bentley leads A Summer Wings: Saving Swifts, Swallows and Martins, an interactive talk celebrating the Priory’s new Swifts Project. Learn how to identify these endangered birds, understand the challenges they face and discover what is being done to help restore their populations. The day concludes at 7pm with The Haunted Book Club, hosted by Gav Cross and John Reppion, promising an evening of eerie storytelling, and spine-tingling tales inspired by the Priory’s Phantoms. To recover, head back to the museum in the morning for meditation with Mima Cornish.

At the end of the month, make a Spring/Summer inspired fabric wreath, and attended the Annual Collective Agatha Christie Awards Ceremony for an interactive Murder Mystery Evening: Death or Denial, featuring France’s foremost amateur detective Hercule Parrot and a three course dinner.

Entertainment, Art and Culture Events in Halton

The Brindley Theatre

High St, Runcorn, WA7 1BG

Offering a vibrant mix of live music, drama, theatre and live entertainment. Immerse yourself in unforgettable experiences with your friends and family at the Brindley this March.

Book your tickets today

March arrives with a spotlight shining bright at The Brindley, and you’re invited to experience a month packed with show-stopping performances, big emotions and stories that stay with you long after the curtain falls.

Kick things off on 8^th March with a dose of pure magic as Shrek the Musical JR brings everyone’s favourite ogre to the stage, for a family-friendly adventure that’s the perfect excuse to gather the kids and embrace the chaos of Far Far Away.

Feel like stepping back in time? Travel straight to the heart of the Rock & Roll revolution with Elvis The Ultimate Experience. Starring the phenomenal Ben Thompson, one of the world’s finest Elvis tribute artists, this high-energy show captures the raw electricity of The King’s early years. Backed by a live band, for a nostalgic, night filled with charisma and hip-shaking brilliance.

As part of Culture 26, rediscover a timeless fight for justice with a bold reimagining of George Orwell’s Animal Farm on 12^th March, its message remains as powerful and relevant as ever with gripping performances from the young performers of A Place of Us Theatre.

However, if pop anthems are more your thing. Have you tried this one? Get ready for The Ultimate Tribute to Olivia Rodrigo & Sabrina Carpenter, arriving at The Brindley with a live band, dynamic dancers and stunning visuals that light up the theatre. Expect punchy hits, soaring vocals and all the heartbreak, attitude, and energy of two chart-topping icons. You’ll be singing, dancing and reliving every bittersweet moment.

On 13^th March, the stage belongs to a true legend: David Knopov. Known for performing at the late Queen’s Golden Jubilee and adored by audiences around the world, he returns to celebrate 40 years of Perfectly Frank – A Salute to Frank Sinatra. After previous sell-out shows, he’s ready to fill the room once again with timeless charm, swing classics and effortless style.

Later in the month, let the warm glow of country music sweep you away with A Country Night in Nashville on 18^th March while between 18^th – 21^st March, prepare for Life Raft, a truly gripping story adapted from Georg Kaiser’s haunting 1945 play which plunges audiences into a powerful story written during exile from Nazi Germany.

Celebrating some of the most iconic music ever recorded, March continues to to shine with standout shows including Gary Murphy’s Guitar Legends and Yesterday Once More – The Carpenters Songbook, celebrating some of the most iconic music ever recorded.

Then, from 21^st – 29^th March, the stage bursts into colour as local academies and dance shows showcase their incredible talent in a series of vibrant, energetic performances.

End the month with a dash of childhood wonder, step into the clever, chaotic and magical world of Matilda, Roald Dahl’s beloved story retold with heart, humour and just the right amount of mischief.

Hazlehurst Studios

71 High Street, Runcorn, WA7 1AH

On 1^st March at 10am, join a relaxed social photo walk around Daresbury Village, birthplace of ’lice's Adventures in Wonderland, and enjoy mindful moments while socialising. On Saturday 7^th March (10am-3pm), Hazlehurst Studios hosts a free Small Sustainability Festival at All Saints Church, featuring hands-on upcycling workshops, repair skills, creative reuse activities, bee-hotel building for adults and mini-robot making for younger visitors. Then on Sunday 8^th March (10am-1pm), beginners can try Lino Printing, learning to carve and print their own designs using a press, with materials and light refreshments included.

…. SPACE Runcorn

50 Regent St, Runcorn, WA7 1LJ

Located in the heart of Runcorn, SPACE offers a welcoming environment focused on mindfulness, creativity and connection with yoga, meditation, creative workshops, peer-support groups and wellbeing events for all ages. Alongside SPACE’s regular weekly sessions, March has a range of soothing events that’ll help you escape to your happy place.

On the 3^rd March, share your talents and listen as a community at SPACE’s monthly Open Mic Night which starts at 7pm. Relax with morning adult yoga sessions, guided meditation and Shamanic Drum Healing, or for those looking for something new to do, throw and let go with a fun clay workshop. If you’re looking for something more spiritual don’t miss out on Movement and Meditation with Zenful Moments at The Catalyst and receiving a private tarot reading with Ripley.

Are you ready to unwind and discover your moment of calm? Book your March wellness activities here.

Halton’s March Sports Fixtures

Widnes Vikings

DCBL Stadium, Widnes, WA8 7DZ

Widnes Vikings vs Goole Vikings | Sunday 1^st March at 3pm

Widnes Vikings vs Hunslet RLFC | Sunday 8^th March at 3pm

Get your Widnes Vikings tickets today.

Widnes Wild

Planet Ice, Widnes, WA8 0TA

Widnes Wild vs Billingham Stars | Saturday 7^th March at 7pm

Widnes Wild vs Hull Jets | Sunday 22^nd March at 5:30pm

Get your Widnes Wild tickets here.

Runcorn Linnets FC

APEC Taxis Stadium, Runcorn, WA7 5JQ

Runcorn Linnets vs Stafford Rangers | Saturday 7^th March at 3pm

Runcorn Linnets vs Wythenshawe Town | Saturday 21^st March at 3pm

Runcorn Linnets vs Bury | Saturday 28^th March at 3pm

Get your Runcorn Linnets FC Tickets here.

Plan Your Visit to Halton

Halton is a vibrant borough in the Liverpool City Region, located in-between the major cities of Manchester and Liverpool. The borough consists of six distinct towns and villages, each offering a unique experience

• Runcorn and Widnes
• Hale and Moore
• Preston Brook and Daresbury

Heritage and Attractions

Historically known as the beating heart of the UK’s chemical industry, Halton is rich in cultural landmarks, industrial heritage and beautiful nature reserves. It is home to the world-famous Creamfields Festival in Daresbury and Norton Priory, one of the largest excavated monastic sites in Europe.

Daresbury also holds literacy significance as the birthplace of Lewis Carroll, author of Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland. It is well documented that the area influenced many of his ideas and characters in his world-renowned series, most famously the iconic Cheshire Cat.

Halton also holds royal significance; it was from here that the last Baron of Halton, Henry Bolingbroke, ascended the throne as King Henry IV.

How to Find Halton

Getting to Halton is easy via major UK transport links, including Liverpool John Lennon Airport, the West Coast Main Line and Motorway Network.

Travelling by Train

• Runcorn Railway Station: Managed by Avanti West Coast, provides direct trains to Halton from London Euston, Birmingham New Street, Chester, and Liverpool.
• Widnes Railway Station: Offers regular services from Manchester, Warrington, and Liverpool Lime Street. Notably, this Grade II listed station is believed to be where Paul Simon wrote his iconic song ‘Homeward Bound’.

Driving Cycling and Walking

• If you are driving, you will find free parking and EV charging points conveniently located throughout the borough.
• For a more scenic journey, the TransPennine Trail provides a perfect walking or cycling route from the centre of Liverpool, passing through famous landmarks with incredible views.

Explore More of Halton

Looking for more local guides and things to do?

• Taste of Halton: Discover the best places to eat and drink.
• RE:Wild: Explore the borough’s most beautiful green spaces and nature escapes.
• History & Culture: Learn more about Halton’s rich heritage.
• Culture 26: Learn more about Culture 26.
• Beyond The Tracks: Discover stories from Halton’s unexpected musical heritage