It’s that time of year again where the evil spirits come out to play, and after two years of lockdowns, the monsters are ready to make up for lost time. No matter what your vibe is, you deserve a fun, and most importantly, safe Halloween. We’ve rounded up the best spooky events and ideas to ensure you have a great Halloween 2021.
Daytime
Pumpkin Picking
Pumpkin picking is one of the purest activities to do on the most sinful of days, and a vital part of the night is seeing the orange orbs lit up in a blaze. Both Krnyon Hall Farm in Warrington, the biggest pumpkin patch in Britain, and Dunham Patch offer a plethora of pumpkins for your carving pleasures. After picking your perfect gourd, you can relax at the cafes and restaurants situated on the grounds or explore the local area. It’s the perfect day out for families, just be sure to bring an umbrella and good coat, and hope the weather is on your side.
SPOOKFEST
The Trafford Centre is home to SPOOKFEST, an all-encompassing spectacle to satisfy every one of your spooky desires. With tickets priced at £3, and all ages welcome, this is the ideal way to get everyone in the freaky spirit. Expect everything from a haunted house to a ghost train. Get lost in the horrifying maze and if you are able to escape, treat yourself to the goodies on offer. The attractions are based on a token system so be sure to bring extra cash to explore every aspect of this year’s event. There is still time to secure your spot but be quick as the big day is approaching and SPOOKFEST is always the scariest hotspot.
For those more adventurous and stable, Scared Skate may be for you. Cathedral Garden has transformed into the largest outdoor ice rink, adorned with terrifying decorations for those who dare to step in the rink. Perfect for the experienced skater or pure beginners, you can dance, spin and fall under the (hopefully) full moon. While on the slightly pricey side at £13 per adult, it is guaranteed be a cute Halloween date-night and a laugh-inducing evening for all of your mates. Put on your deadly skates here and after the month is over, Cathedral Gardens will be ready for the Winter Holidays.
Who doesn’t love fun free stuff? Halloween in the City is just that! Situated in various spots around the city centre, there is an abundance to do on the Halloween weekend. Check out the petrifying parade with circus acts and a live band, the evil, Northern-based scientist ‘Dr Mancenstein’, the Carnival of Monster and so much more. Fearsome freak show not quite for you? Enjoy a daytime walking tour exploring the city and finding all of the massive inflatable monsters scouted around followed by a creature themed pub crawl. This should get everyone ready to trick and treat and dressing up is encouraged, so put on your outfits and bask in the great city of Manchester.
You can’t do Halloween without watching at least one scary movie, and even though this year’s picking is slimming, it should be a good time with the right company. Out in cinemas right now, there’s Halloween Kills, the continuation of the beloved classic, Venom 2 – Let There Be Carnage and The Addams Family 2. For film fans with a car, you can visit Scare City 2.0 for their drive-in movies. HOME cinema is also returning for its sixth year with FilmFear 2021 and ODEON are streaming The Rocky Horror Show Live if you’re looking for a a campy extravaganza.
Nightlife
TheWarehouse Project
The notorious Warehouse Project is hosting a two day ‘Halloween at the Warehouse Project’ featuring a number of talented acts including SOA, PACH and Obskür. With DJs performing in all three rooms on Friday and an equally intense night for Saturday, WHP is going to be the Halloween event of the year. Expect great music, captivating atmosphere and memorable costumes to say the least. But as usual, tickets are sold out but if you are dying to come, look on Twitter and Instagram for resale.
Now from the outside, bingo doesn’t initially scream scary but Bongo’s Bingo is a completely different realm. The iconic night of games and drinks will be going on tour and will end up at the Manchester Albert Hall with the Irish pop band sensation ‘B*witched’. Fancy dress is most definitely encouraged and the boozy bingo will be the perfect night out, either as pre drinks or as the main event. If you are unable to go on Halloween night or just not a fan of ‘C’est La Vie’, Bongo’s Bingo will be hosting nights throughout the year which should be just as good and intoxicating.
Manchester’s go to place for an indie night out, 42s is putting on a Halloween All Nighter, running from 10:30pm to 6am. £7 at the door and £5 for online ticket, the venue will be filled with all the classic indie, pop and rock hits and with vodka mixers starting at £1.90, it will surely be a night to remember… or not. Dance the night away with a group of trusted friends, all dressed in your best costume in one of the city’s most iconic clubs.
If you are going out out for Halloween, ensure you stay with your mates and keep an eye out on your drinks. As campaigners call for action from the police, bars, and nightclubs to protect people on nights out following reports of a rise in drink spiking incidents, it’s important to be aware of the signs and how to stay safe.
For more information on how you and your friends can have a safe Halloween, check out:
For honest advice about drugs call FRANK anytime on 0300 123 6600 for confidential advice.
If you suspect you have taken a drink that has been spiked, you should call 111 or visit A&E or your nearest health centre. If you do receive medical care, ask them for a record of what they found in your body.
In solidarity of the victims and to raise awareness/protest, students are boycotting clubs this Wednesday 27th October as part of the #GirlsNightIn campaign. So keep this in mind when planning your week.
Halloween is a spooky time, but shouldn’t be actually scary for people. Be aware, look out for each other, know your limits and when it’s time to call it a night.
Writer | Student Editorial Assistant - aAh! | English Literature and Creative Writing Student | Just Happy To Be Here | Not Sure How To Change My Profile Picture |
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