THE Trafford Centre on a Saturday afternoon. Mobbed. Not my idea of fun.

But a stone’s throw from John Lewis, in the sprawling car park, stands a huge, white, inflatable dome - home to the touring In the Night Garden Live!

And after taking my young ‘uns to see the show, it made this particular Saturday trip to the Trafford Centre the most enjoyable I’ve ever had.

If you’re not familiar with In The Night Garden - well, I’ve only got 300 words here so you’ll have to remain in the dark.

Let’s just say it’s an odd, sleepy, strangely addictive TV show for tots.

Imagine Teletubbies written by Samuel Beckett.

If you are familiar, the chances are you have got young children, grandchildren, nephews or nieces who are glued to the screen every time they hear the first soft notes of the theme tune.

There are two different show to choose from and each one lasts just under an hour.

In the Ninky Nonk show, Igglepiggle loses his blanket and all his friends help him find it.

In the Pinky Ponk show, Makka Pakka washes everyone’s faces, until his sponge gets stuck in Upsy Daisy’s megaphone.

We plumped for the Ninky Nonk Show. It was essentially a live version of an episode from the TV series.

But it was brought to life wonderfully well, with costumes, puppets, an ever-changing set and projections drawing oohs and aahs, claps and cheers throughout - and that was just the mums and dads.

I have never seen so many excited, delighted children in one place - they all loved it.

And for that reason, I loved it. I think you’ll love it too - and if you have toddlers to keep amused in the coming weeks, it’s well worth the trip.

Oh, and there are plenty of loos, baby-changing facilities and buggy parking.

* Until June 11 Tickets: 0844 581 1248 or visit nightgardenlive.com.