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Original poster

Chester Zoo Lanterns

23 replies

falaff · 05/12/2018 18:22

Hi,

Not sure if this is the right place to post but I couldn' find a suitable forum apart from Cheshire which seems a bit dead!

I made some of the costumes for the Chester Zoo lantern festival and have two free tickets. I would like to give them to someone who has children and who would otherwise not be able to go because of cost etc. Would anyone like them who fits this 'category'? You'd have to choose a date and time and I will put you on the guestlist.

Quick note that as it is usually sold out please make sure you can definitely go as otherwise it's a waste. I've given loads of stuff away and people haven't turned up!

That is all... perhaps post a comment below saying why you'd like them and I will pull a name out of a hat in an hour or so?! Or something?

OP posts:
Artesia · 05/12/2018 18:27

Am nowhere near Chester, but just wanted to say what a lovely offer. I really hope you find a good home for the tickets

Brownsauce83 · 05/12/2018 18:30

This is so lovely!!! We went last weekend and had a fabulous time - really recommend it. The costumes were spectacular! My daughter especially liked the flamingo, was that one of yours op?

Original poster
falaff · 05/12/2018 18:32

Yay! Mine were the penguins and the white rabbit. I enjoyed making them, possibly knocked about 5 years off my life though.

Hope someone takes them, none of my friends can go or have already been.

OP posts:
NoSquirrels · 05/12/2018 18:34

How lovely!

We're not close enough but sounds amazing.

If you need a digital 'hat' to pick the name out of, here's one:

www.miniwebtool.com/random-name-picker/

EyUpOurKid · 05/12/2018 18:45

I need to know which you made now! We went last weekend with DS for his 2nd birthday and it was AMAZING! Absolutely loved it! The white rabbit was ace, as was the owl/squirrel/giraffe/butterfly/snail...basically everything!

It was awesome and magical, so thank you for your part it that!

Also, what an absolutely lovely offer!

EyUpOurKid · 05/12/2018 18:47

Missed your last post! You made the white rabbit?! And the penguins!! I have a picture of DS with the white rabbit absolutely enthralled, laughing his head off, loving life! You're a magic maker!

Sirzy · 05/12/2018 18:48

We have already been but what a lovely offer!

The penguins where ds favourite of them all too (even if we did nearly lose their fish in his wheelchair!)

CharlieKat · 05/12/2018 18:50

That's such a lovely idea OP. We are close by but definitely not deserving of free tickets.
I just wondered whether you would consider offering them to a local children's hospice eg clairehouse.org.uk as I'm sure they would find a really deserving recipient nearby.

Brownsauce83 · 05/12/2018 18:54

The penguins and white rabbit were incredible! The rabbit was my favourite actually. You are indeed a magic maker!

Original poster
falaff · 05/12/2018 19:08

Ha! Well the rabbit ended up being a slight afterthought after Penguin Madness but glad you liked it!

*Sirzy the penguins are very naughty. They probably hid the fish there...

*CharlieKat that's a great idea if no one picks them up here. Thanks!

OP posts:
Stabbitha · 05/12/2018 19:29

I was pricing this up last Week. Ours expensive. We are pass holders for the zoo as we live close by. Never been to the lanterns though we just can't justify the 45 pounds it would cost to get in.

Original poster
falaff · 05/12/2018 20:14

It would be great to give them to someone who hasn't been to the zoo and wouldn't otherwise go as it's a great experience. You can't see most of the animals but you can hear the flamingoes! I will ring a children's centre tomorrow :)

OP posts:
rosenylund · 05/12/2018 20:34

Can I ask how you made them, how did you get into it? They are fab by the way, just curious!

Original poster
falaff · 05/12/2018 20:52

I'm a carnival artist and make things like this periodically - they put a call out for designs and I submitted some and was lucky to get the job. It was very hard work, I think all of the other costumes were made by teams and I made 9 on my own! My parents were very supportive though and have helped out when I've needed more than one pair of hands.

They're made from loads of different things, the main body is a rod structure stretched with fabric and the performer wears them on a backpack. They have fiberglass beaks plus various random bits of scrap metal and foam that I've faffed about with! Their beaks and wings move and it's been really nice watching the performers bring them to life. The hardest bit has been making them durable enough for a performance... kids like pulling things!

Sorry, waffling :)

Chester Zoo Lanterns
OP posts:
Stabbitha · 05/12/2018 20:59

Yes, sorry I should clarify I don't actually want them. My kids go to the zoo every week so it just wouldn't be special to them (hence me not wanting to spend so much money). We have booked something else instead.

Original poster
falaff · 05/12/2018 21:01

That's great that they go to the zoo so often! I also work in conservation and they do some great work there. They're a brilliant zoo.

OP posts:
BumblebeeBum · 05/12/2018 21:09

I’d be delighted if our family was chosen, I’ve sent a message. :)

notsomumsymum · 05/12/2018 21:18

Ahh this would be so amazing! My 2 year old would be in his absolute element and we live about 45 mins away from the zoo.

I don’t know what to say about why we would deserve the tickets...we both work for the emergency services so time together as a family is extremely precious to us. I think we’ve only got one day off together in the run up to Christmas so it would be lovely to fill it with something extra special.

Original poster
falaff · 05/12/2018 21:21

Got it and have replied :)

OP posts:
Igottastartthinkingbee · 05/12/2018 21:21

Wow this looks amazing. We’re not close to Chester but that looks like such a lovely experience. Do they do it every year? If so, I might plan to do it with the kids next year, looks a good alternative to Santa visit/panto.

slithytove · 05/12/2018 21:34

I wonder if you could consider putting me in the hat? We live very close but it is just completely out of our price bracket - I have a 5 and a 4 year old but I think my mum would come to Drive and would help with the other child ticket.

and thank you for such a lovely thought.

rosenylund · 05/12/2018 21:45

Amazing !

Crossastwosticks · 05/12/2018 23:41

Am I too late?

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