Tue. Dec 24th, 2024

The National Marine Aquarium will be hosting a special ‘quiet’ event this month for families with sensory needs.

Taking place on Saturday 18 November, the afterhours event will invite visitors to enjoy the Aquarium’s surroundings without the noise and distraction of the daily shows, enabling them to appreciate the true beauty and calmness of the marine environment. The exclusive evening is tailored for people on the autistic spectrum and other sensory needs to experience the exhibits in a relaxed and stress-free atmosphere – as well as provide an opportunity to see the Aquarium’s 4,000 ocean animals at night.

Helen Gowan

Public Engagement Coordinator at the National Marine Aquarium, commented: “Our Quiet at the Aquarium event offers a unique opportunity for families and anyone with sensory needs to enjoy the Aquarium in a peaceful environment. Our researchers here at the Aquarium have studied the therapeutic effects of viewing an aquarium and how it can improve people’s moods, so we want everyone to be able to visit us for a fun and relaxing time.

“We’ll be keeping the Aquarium quiet as possible throughout the event, to create a serene and tranquil atmosphere so fellow visitors can focus on the beautiful marine life that surrounds them.”

Previous Quiet at the Aquarium events have proved very popular, with one customer commenting: “Thanks for putting on these quiet evenings. My daughter wouldn’t be able to come otherwise and she loved it.”

Quiet at the Aquarium will take place on Saturday 18 November from 17:00 – 19:00. Tickets cost £5:00 for children, and £6:50 for adults with carers and under three year olds admitted for free. To book tickets, please visit www.national-aquarium.co.uk or call 0844 893 7938.

 

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By Penny McCarthy

Penny McCarthy is a seasoned entrepreneur and co-founder of Parents News UK, a pioneering publication launched in 1993 to serve the needs of busy parents in Southwest London. Alongside her husband, Fergus McCarthy, Penny played a crucial role in the rapid expansion of the printed edition, which grew from a local startup to a widely circulated monthly publication with a reach of 192,000 copies across Kent, South London, and beyond. Under Penny’s leadership, Parents News quickly became a trusted resource for families, providing valuable information on education, entertainment, sports, and family-friendly events. Her vision helped the publication extend its influence with franchises in Northern Ireland and Cornwall, catering to a growing demand for accessible, family-oriented content. In 1997, recognising the importance of digital media, Penny spearheaded the launch of Parents News UK Online. The website initially mirrored the content of the printed editions and has since evolved into a comprehensive online resource for parents, achieving significant popularity with up to 700 daily hits. In 2017, the publication transitioned fully to an online platform, continuing to inform and engage families across the UK. Today, Penny remains deeply involved in the ongoing success of Parents News UK, focusing on innovative advertising opportunities and future growth plans. Her dedication to supporting families through accessible and practical content has made Parents News a cherished name in households across the country.

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