RESIDENTS who fancy a little 'royal' fun should look no further that Trafford's very own 'Fun Palaces' that will be popping up across the borough on October 1.

Whether your preference is the theatre, science, hands-on animal encounters or the magic of the circus, libraries will be offering something for everyone, as part of the free, worldwide, arts, science and culture celebration - 'Fun Palaces'.

Executive member for transformation and resources, Cllr Laura Evans, said: "Trafford's libraries are already extremely popular with local people. It will be so exciting to see them transformed as part of this amazing worldwide celebration, which promises so much for all ages."

The following free events will be taking place on the day: Urmston Library, 11am-noon - Macbeth - Interactive Family Storytelling.

For families with children aged between 7 and 11, this interactive, lively performance helps children create the thrilling world of the story, engage with the dilemmas facing the characters and participate in one of Shakespeare's most famous plays.

2pm-3pm - Sublime Science - join multi-award winning Sublime Science for a fun, family afternoon of spectacular science experiments and hands-on activities including fizzing potions, flying giant smoke rings and bubbles, gooey slime-making, yummy sweet-making, flying stuff and tornado races.

Hale Library (10.30am), Stretford Library (2pm), The Wild Roadshow.

The Wild Roadshow presents the wonderful world of animals in these fun, fascinating, hands-on animal encounter workshops for all the family. Meet a bearded dragon, snake, tarantula, giant millipede, giant snail, crested gecko, leopard gecko, cockroach and scorpion. Suitable for all ages Free places on the above sessions must be booked beforehand, for booking information please visit www.trafford.gov.uk/funpalaces Altrincham Library, 11am-3pm - Lancashire Hawks and Owls.

The return of the ever popular Lancashire Hawks and Owls. Learn how birds of prey live in their natural habitat and how they are protected at the Lancashire Hawks and Owls Sanctuary. There will be plenty of chances to have your photo taken with one of the beautiful birds of prey. Suitable for all ages. No need to book, just turn up.

Sale Library, 10am-12.30pm - Circus Skills Drop-In Workshop.

Have a go at juggling, plate spinning, hula hoops, fairy sticks, unicycling and loads more at the Skylight Circus Arts circus skills workshop. Suitable for all ages. No need to book, just turn up.

Anyone wanting more information about the Fun Palaces activities can visit www.trafford.gov.uk/libraries.