Chester Zoo is offering visitors the chance to see its 27,000 animals when its gates are usually closed this summer.

The attraction is hosting a series of four Into the Night evenings, which will provide a rare opportunity to experience the zoo until sunset. For four nights only on Friday, July 29, Saturday, July 30, Friday, August 12 and Saturday, August 13, Chester Zoo will be open from 5:30pm until 9pm.

Along with the chance to explore the zoo's 128 acres at sunset, the events will also feature live entertainment, including acrobatics, dance and music performances.

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Tanzanian Acrobats, who have previously performed at Glastonbury, will be putting on a display of acrobatics, dance and upbeat African music, while Global Grooves are promising to bring playful puppetry and vibrant costumes to the events.

Visitors will be able to see the zoo's 27,000 animals at sunset

All parts of the zoo will be open during the events, including animal habitats, tropical houses, indoor areas and restaurants - which will be serving up a range of freshly prepared nature themed dishes.

A limited number of tickets are available for each evening, priced at £15 for adults and £10 for children aged three to 17 years old. All of the proceeds from the tickets will be used to support the conservation zoo's efforts to prevent animal extinction in the UK and around the world.

The profits from the tickets will be used to prevent animal extinction

Ellie Trigg, Chester Zoo's customer development manager, said: "Have you ever wondered what the family herd of elephants gets up to in the evening, wanted to watch aardvarks make burrows at twilight or see all of the animals in a whole new light as the sun starts to set?

"Well, for the first time ever, our special Into the Night events will give visitors the chance to spend an enchanting summer evening at the zoo and find out.

"And if seeing all of your favourite animals isn't enough, there'll also be entertainment, including acrobats, dancers and puppeteers, as well as a brand new nature-themed food and drink offering that has been specially devised for these unique occasions.”

To find out more about Chester Zoo's Into the Night events, click here

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