There is something about a heavy snowfall, twinkling Christmas lights, candles flickering in the window and the magic of the snowman playing on the TV that just seems to set a scene for the perfect Christmas image, don’t you think? We had had our first proper heavy snowfall in years. Standing from our Kitchen window I could just about see our very own snowman, dressed in an old red baseball cap (slightly lop-sided) and a multicoloured scarf. He wore a crooked smile made from twigs, had a carrot for a nose and two shells from Aberdovey beach for his eyes. Christmas had arrived and so had our very own Christmas Snowman…just ready for us to review the Snowman Tour 2017 .
The Snowman is an enchanting children’s classic written by English author Raymond Briggs and was first published in 1978. In 1982 the magical wordless book about a friendship between a little boy and the special snowman that he created was made into an animated film. For many, this enchanting and magical story of friendship, imagination and adventure is a Christmas classic, epitomising the magic of Christmas. Imagine watching the Snowman accompanied by a live orchestra. For those who follow my blog you will already know that we have been a huge fan of the Snowman Tour and have watched it for the last two years at Chester Cathedral, so when we were invited to review the Snowman Tour 2017 this year at one of their new venues, Liverpool cathedral – I knew it would be the perfect start to our family Christmas.
Stepping inside the cathedral, it cant help but make you gasp. The cathedral is home to some fascinating features. The sheer size will leave you amazed, with high Gothic arches, candles flickering away, beautiful stained glass windows, and the spectacular and imposing Great West window sure to take your breath away. What a spectacular venue for the Snowman Tour 2017.
It was 5pm and I have to say I was slightly apprehensive as we took our seats near to the front of the venue. To put it mildly our youngest (at just 15 months) has never been one for ‘sitting quietly’. The large screen at the front of the venue displayed a collection of beautiful children’s drawings and interpretations of the Snowman film and this instantly captivated our eldest who has already started sketching her entry for next year’s tour. The cathedral fell dark, the musicians entered and the orchestra began with a wonderful Christmas overture and an introduction the instruments of the orchestra….the 15 month old was instantly mesmerised and the cathedral full of children fell silent – an achievement in itself.
The Show featuring the Nutcracker followed by The Snowman was absolutely magical. The Snowman himself made an appearance and you just can’t help but feel warmth in your toes at the children’s squeals of excitement as the oversized Snowman waltzed around the cathedral in time to the orchestra. Having attended the afternoon show in previous years, I found the darkness of the later show really magical. We booked a restaurant near to the venue prior to the show and I found that this worked well with the timing of the show.
This 5pm showing had an interval which was useful for our two eldest as it gave us time for a refreshment break and a quick toilet stop before settling back into our seats to watch the second half – The Snowman.
We absolutely love this show. The venues are spectacular and make the shows that little bit more special. We are HUGE music lovers in our house so we find this show absolutely magical.
Setting off on our journey home, I turned to see three content and sleeping beauties in the back. The Snowman Tour 2017 is a beautiful tour and we thoroughly enjoyed the show. I hope it will continue to be a Christmas tradition for many years to come and will always kickstart the Christmas celebrations in our household.
If you missed the show last year, head over to The Snowman Tour for 2018 tour dates
Head over to My Boys Club to win a family ticket to see The Snowman on Tour in Durham
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