Arriva buses help kids travel FREE to Sleeping Beauty at the Floral Pavilion

Children heading to the Floral Pavilion’s dazzling new pantomime Sleeping Beauty can enjoy free bus travel, thanks to Arriva.

Parents and carers bringing children aged 16 and under to Sleeping Beauty can simply show their panto tickets to their bus driver to qualify for a free child’s return journey to see the show.

The exclusive offer is just one of the ways organisers are helping make a Christmas panto trip as magical and as accessible as possible – with audiences guaranteed to be wowed by a cast of favourite TV and West End stars.

This year’s run of Sleeping Beauty will once again feature a BSL-signed performance on 13 December, with a ‘relaxed’ performance on 4 January – designed for those who might find traditional theatre settings overwhelming. Visitors to the relaxed performance can expect the same great show, but with softer lighting, reduced sound effects and chill-out spaces for anyone who needs a break.

Venue Manager Pauline Campbell said: “We are pulling out all the stops to make sure as many people as possible can enjoy the magical experience of pantomime: it’s a truly West End quality show right here in Wirral.

“We’re thrilled Arriva have introduced this offer to make bus travel free for children and we really hope it means more families will be able to join us and make panto part of their family tradition.”

Adam Marshall, Area Head of Commercial at Arriva added: “We’re delighted to support families in making magical memories this Christmas. By offering free travel for children heading to see Sleeping Beauty, we’re helping make this festive tradition more accessible and affordable for everyone. It’s all about bringing communities together and making sure the journey to the theatre complements the fun and excitement of the Panto.”

Sleeping Beauty opens on Saturday 6 December until Sunday 4 January, with the Signed Performance on Saturday 13 December at 7pm, and the Relaxed Performance at 1pm on Sunday 4 January 2026.

It promises to be the Floral Pavilion’s most incredible pantomime yet with a spectacular production, jokes for all the family, musical surprises and a fabulous cast led by pop icon and TV star Kelle Bryan and Olivier Award-winner and CBBC favourite, Cleo Demetriou.

Local favourite Sean Jones is back by popular demand as Lester the Jester with his brand of riotous comedy and Quinn Patrick is Nanny Nora, the larger-than-life dame with glittering heels.

The Arriva ‘free child travel’ offer is valid for one child aged 16 and under travelling on Arriva bus services to and from New Brighton with every paying adult. A valid ticket – paper or digital – for pantomime must be shown to the driver. The offer is valid for two hours before and after the performance for the Panto ticket shown.

Sleeping Beauty plays at Floral Pavilion Saturday 6 December until Sunday 4 January. Tickets are available here.