12 things to do in the Chester area this weekend

1. Dick Whittington

Dick Whittington is being staged at the Forum Studio Theatre in Chester

Tip Top Productions present Dick Whittington at the Forum Studio Theatre in Hamilton Place in Chester at 11am and 2.30pm on Saturday and at 1pm and 5pm on Sunday. Tip Top Productions have been celebrating Christmas in Pantoland since 1996. This year it has launched its first professional company of performers. Join them for Peter Swingler’s 33rd pantomime and as always it’s been written especially for local audiences of all ages. Make yourselves comfortable as we follow a young man and his cat on the road to fame and fortune. Featuring everything you have come to love about the Tip Top pantomime - silly comic, daft dame in outrageous frocks, a talking cat, custard pies, and much more. Adults £10, concessions £9, family ticket £34. Call 01244 341296 or visit www.tiptopproductions.co.uk.

2. Don't Be A Grinch

Chester Music Society's youth choir Preludes

Chester Music Society Youth Choirs presents Don’t Be A Grinch at All Saints Church on Hoole Road at 7.30pm on Saturday featuring Preludes and Alumni Choir for a concert of songs and readings to celebrate the lighter side of Christmas. Conductors Helena Thomas, Katie Cade and Helen Rowlands. Accompanists Fiona Rushforth and Will Hay. Admission £7. Call 01244 300717 or visit www.chestermusicsociety.org.uk.

3. Cinderella

Phylip Harries (left) as Baron Hardup and James Haggie as Buttons in Cinderella, Theatr Clwyd's 2015 panto

Cinderella - The Panto With Soul by Peter Rowe in the Anthony Hopkins Theatre at Theatr Clwyd at 2pm and 7pm on Saturday. A heady cocktail of traditional panto, laced with a string of smash hits – rock ‘n’ roll, soul and pop favourites – all played live by a multi-talented cast of 10 actor/musicians. A Wicked Stepmother, Ugly Sisters, Prince Charming and a beautiful slipper are the catalyst for lashings of audience participation, a bundle of laughs and a generous helping of slapstick, mixed with all the traditional ingredients that make up the best in festive fun and served up with more than 20 classic hits including Will You Still Love Me Tomorrow?, It’s Raining Men and Try a Little Tenderness. Tickets £23-£14. Call 01352 701521 or visit www.clwyd-theatr-cymru.co.uk.

4. On Christmas Night

At 7.30pm in Chester Cathedral on Saturday, the Cathedral Choir presents On Christmas Night, a concert for the Christmas period. Admission £10-£17.50, children £5.

5. Christmas Welcoming Event

Christmas Welcoming Event at 2pm at Oddfellows Hall, 65 High Street in Saltney on Saturday. A free Christmas social afternoon including a free buffet, bottle draw and a history display. Everyone welcome. To find out more about similar events or becoming a member, telephone Denise on 01244 675757 or email denise.turner@oddfellows.co.uk.

6. Santa Cruises

Santa Cruises at the National Waterways Museum at 11am, 12.45pm and 2.30pm on Saturday and Sunday. The museum's ever-popular Santa Cruises provide families with the chance to take a boat trip on the canal with Santa before following him to his grotto to listen to a tale and receive a present. Adults £8, children £10. Call 0151 355 5017.

7. Jack and the Beanstalk

Jack and the Beanstalk at the Civic Hall at 2pm and 5.30pm on Sunday. Anne Hegerty from ITV’s The Chase headlines the cast for a rollercoaster ride through panto land. See stunning costumes and dazzling special effects. Adults £10, concessions £9, children £8, family £32. Visit theatrebooking.brioleisure.org.

8. Richard Durrant

Richard Durrant comes to Clwyd Theatr Cymru in Mold

Richard Durrant’s Candlelit Christmas Guitars in the Anthony Hopkins Theatre at Theatr Clwyd at 7.30pm on Sunday. Richard Durrant is not only a world class, virtuoso guitarist, he is a creative force and his Christmas shows are amongst his most beautiful creations. Amy Kakoura, a singer with Greek Irish roots and an almost indescribably stunning voice, joins Richard for their third consecutive Christmas tour. Tickets £19, £16. Call 01352 701521 or visit www.clwyd-theatr-cymru.co.uk.

9. Dreamer in concert

Telford's Warehouse (Image: Rachel Flint)

Dreamer in concert at Telford’s Warehouse on Saturday. Free before 9pm, £4 thereafter. Call 01244 390090 or visit www.telfordswarehouse.com for details.

10. Open mic session

Molly and Ellie lead the open mic session at Telfords Warehouse in Chester

Open mic session with Molly and Ellie at Telford’s Warehouse in Tower Wharf on Sunday. Free entry. Call 01244 390090 or visit www.telfordswarehouse.com for details.

11. Comedy Live!

Comedy Live! featuring Matt Richardson and Ste Porter at Alexander’s, Rufus Court on Saturday. Call 01244 340005 or visit www.alexanderslive.com.

12. Sunday afternoon chill-out

Sunday afternoon chill-out at Alexander’s, Rufus Court, with Deportees from 2-5pm on Sunday. Free entry. Call 01244 340005 or visit www.alexanderslive.com.