Warrington Youth Zone is celebrating a heartwarming community partnership that brought Halloween magic to dozens of local families this October.
Thanks to the generosity of Steve Birchall, owner of Magical Woodland, and the incredible support of SocialTap Marketing Agency, Warrington’s Own Buses, Warrington Housing and Home-Start Warrington and Cheshire, 50 people from across Warrington enjoyed a free visit to the Magical Woodland Halloween Trail.
The idea came about at the end of a recent fundraising event for Warrington Youth Zone, when a member of the SocialTap team offered complimentary tickets for families who might otherwise face barriers to attending.
That initial conversation quickly developed into a wonderful partnership – combining local generosity, creativity and teamwork to make a memorable experience possible.
In total, 50 tickets were donated by Steve Birchall and Magical Woodland, while Ben Wakely, managing director of Warrington’s Own Buses, kindly provided transport for the group, ensuring every family could enjoy the evening without worrying about travel.
Families who attended the event had an amazing time, with children, young people and parents all expressing heartfelt thanks for the opportunity to enjoy a special day together.
“We’re so grateful to Magical Woodland, SocialTap, Warrington’s Own Buses, Warrington Housing, and Home-Start for coming together to make this happen,” said Dave McNicholl, CEO of Warrington Youth Zone.
“Partnerships like this show the true spirit of Warrington – community organisations and businesses working hand in hand to create unforgettable experiences for local families.”
“We absolutely love giving tickets to charities every year,” said Steve Birchall, owner of Magical Woodland.
“This year in total over 250 tickets have been donated, and it’s an absolute pleasure giving the opportunity for families to come down and make memories that last forever.”
Ellie Harrison, chief executive of Home-Start Warrington and Cheshire, also shared her thanks: “We’re so grateful to everyone who came together to make this possible for the families we support.
“Seeing parents and children share laughter and create special memories together was a beautiful reminder of why we do what we do, helping families build moments of joy and connection that truly matter.”
Ben Wakely, managing director of Warrington’s Own Buses, added: “We are delighted to be in a position to support families from across the town to visit Magical Woodland and experience the Halloween Trail.”
The team at SocialTap Marketing Agency, who work closely with Magical Woodland on their marketing and community initiatives, were delighted to help make the partnership happen.
“It is one of our favourite things about working with such a generous client,” said the SocialTap team.
“Steve allows us to find new charities every year. It is so lovely to hear such amazing feedback from the charities. We know this means so much and it’s a privilege to be a small part of it.”
About Warrington Youth Zone
Warrington Youth Zone is a state-of-the-art facility dedicated to supporting young people aged 7–19 (and up to 25 for those with additional needs) across Warrington. Offering over 20 activities each evening, including sports, arts, music, and mentoring, Warrington Youth Zone provides a safe, inclusive, and inspiring space where young people can reach their potential and build a brighter future.
About Magical Woodland
Located in Blakemere Village, Cheshire, Magical Woodland offers immersive light and sound trail full of live, interactive characters- captivating the imagination of visitors of all ages. The enchanting seasonal trails and interactive family-friendly fun are dedicated to creating unforgettable moments for Halloween and Christmas.
About SocialTap Marketing Agency
Based in Warrington, SocialTap is a marketing agency working across a range of sectors to help businesses grow their presence and reach new audiences. Specialising in digital strategy, online advertising, and social media marketing, SocialTap delivers creative, results-driven campaigns that get brands noticed. The agency is proud to support long-term clients like Magical Woodland in building strong community connections and lasting visibility.
About Home-Start Warrington and Cheshire
Home-Start Warrington & Cheshire walks alongside local families when life gets tough, offering a listening ear, practical help, and a sense of hope. Our trained volunteers and staff build trusting relationships with parents, helping them find strength and confidence to give their children the best start in life. From home visits to group support and our Dad Matters project, we’re there for families across Warrington, Northwich, and Winsford – because childhood starts at home, and every parent deserves someone in their corner.
