The days are slowly but surely getting shorter and more and more often there’s a chill in the air – Autumn is upon us, and with it, the spookiest day of the year creeps ever closer. Manchester famously goes big and bold for Halloween, and this year there are loads of great events running not just on the day itself but during the weekends before and after too. Get these in your diary now so you can make the most of what promises to be an epic Halloween season.
To really get in the Halloween spirit, don’t miss the Creepy Carnival, snaking along New Cathedral Street accompanied by a host of family-friendly spooks and scares. Taking place the weekend before Halloween, on Sat 26 and Sun 27 Oct, the Carnival leads all the way to Dr Mancenstein’s Mad Science Castle in St. Ann’s square, combining street theatre with science, slime and all things spooky.
While you’re at the carnival, don’t forget to pick up a map of the city’s Trick or Treat trail, also taking place on Sat 26 and Sun 27 Oct. There are trick or treat houses scattered throughout the city, and prepare to scream – there’s a monster waiting for you at each house. Collect a special treat after you’ve visited every spot – if you survive.
Enjoy a luxury cinema experience on Sun 27 of Oct – Bottomless Cinema is screening Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets. A perfect opportunity to dress up like your favourite character, get your wands at the ready and face the frights with Harry, Ron and Hermione – for that extra fear factor, this one features a giant spider and a giant snake. A ticket to the screening with bottomless popcorn costs only £12.50, and you can add in a bottomless drink option. There are four screenings taking place, starting at 12pm, and tickets are available to purchase online now.
On the spookiest night of the year itself, stay up ’till dawn with the ghouls and ghosts at iconic indie club 42s, back with their legendary Halloween All Nighter. Get dressed up (there’s a prize for the best costume) and get yourself down to the basement, where from 10.30pm till 6am DJs will be blasting the wildest tunes. Tickets cost £7 on the door but £6 in advance – this fang-tastic club night promises to be absolutely wild.
For a truly terrifying night, head down to V Club on Sat 2 Nov to round off the Halloween season in a very twisted Wonderland. Expect an immersive atmosphere complete with amazing music, stunning decorations and props, and ghastly spins on all your favourite Wonderland characters. Fancy dress is required – whether that’s an accessory, some face paint, or an elaborate costume – so this night out is the perfect way for true Halloween devotees to round off the season.
- Words:
- Amy Callaghan
- Published on:
- Sun 20 Oct 2019
Halloween in the city kicks off with the arrival of a whole gang of inflatable monsters, invading rooftops, trees and buildings in the city centre from the 25 Oct. The impressive creatures are the work of Filthy Luker, a Bristol-based artist. See how many you can spot in the week leading up to Halloween!