Halloween and Bonfire Night in Staffordshire: Our listings of what's on and where (UPDATE)
By elksie | Wednesday, October 26, 2011, 11:00
DOZENS of spooky and spine-chilling events are being lined up for families as Halloween and Bonfire Night - can you help us compile a complete list?
Tourism group Enjoy Staffordshire has compiled a list of what the bigger attractions are doing for Halloween, but we're looking to create a complete map of what's on and where as the autumn slowly turns to winter.
Just check out our listings below and click the link to add your event to our entertainment listings.
Those seeking to explore heritage as well as Halloween horrors can visit three of the county's castles.
Visitors can meet gory medieval characters including an executioner, barber surgeon and witches at Tamworth Castle during fancy dress events running between October 24 and 28.
There are also spooky craft workshops for those in search of hands-on horror.
Then on October 31 there is a Halloween Ghost Search for only the most serious ghost hunters. The event will run between 10pm and 2am, and over 16s need apply.
Elsewhere, Stafford Castle is indulging in half term hi-jinx with Halloween Hands on Horror from October 26 to 28, complete with children’s pumpkin carving workshops, ghostly guided tours and dastardly delicious refreshments.
And for those seeking Tudor terror, Tutbury Castle is hosting a ‘Poltergeist and Pies’ evening on Halloween where each brave ghost hunter gets a hearty pie and mash supper, before a chilling tour around the grounds, torture chamber and famous Kings’ Bedroom - said to be one of the most haunted rooms in England! You will also have the chance to meet Mary Queen of Scots and their very own castle executioner…
The event is open to over 18s only, and pre-booking is essential.
Of course, there's more terror to be found around the county's historic buildings.
The ShugboroughEstate is to host its annual Halloween Spooktacular on October 29 which promises an evening of spooks, spells and things that go bump in the night.
There are also ghoulish goings-on in the estate gardens, with a ghost train, trick or treating, terrifying yet tasty treats and a frightful funfair!
Beware the ghosts and ghouls of Weston Park on October 30 - board the Phantom Express for a one way train ride through the wild woods, then follow the Pumpkin Lantern Trail back to the house if you dare.
The 17th century Stables Courtyard at Weston Park will boast a bewitching array of Halloween activities including children’s craft-making sessions and a devilish disco, as well as sausage sizzlers and homemade pumpkin soup. Fancy dress is encouraged and nerves of steel are essential…
For some creepy creativity, Biddulph Grange Garden is hosting pumpkin carving workshops throughout the day on October 26, whilst Whitwick Manor is holding Wicked Willow Weaving on the 29th October…
Join a willow weaver and have a go at making a spooky spider or Halloween lantern. Booking is essential.
At Ancient High House, Stafford, bloodthirsty spectres from across the centuries await… Join a ghost tour on 31st October for a terrifying tour of Stafford Town Centre and the Ancient High House, and learn about the truly macabre history of Staffordshire’s county town. Pre-booking is essential.
Take a one-way train ride to terror with Churnet Valley Railway’s ‘Graveyard Express’ on October 29.
Departing at various times from Cheddleton or Kingsley and Froghall stations, you will be proclaimed dead on arrival at the Beetlejuice Ball. Entertainment will include sickening sideshows, a BBQ, bars, live music, spooky activities and a fairground to keep you entertained until well beyond the witching hour. (Booking is essential)
For adrenaline-fuelled frights, this year’s Alton Towers ‘Scarefest’ from October 15 until 31 promises to be more spine-chilling than ever, with rip-roaring rides, blockbusting attractions, amazing live shows, and weird and wonderful costume characters – and the park will be open until 9pm.
In the park grounds, a Boiler House found deep underground has become the grisly lair to a pair of violent and psychopathic serial killers - dare you explore the darkened corridors and risk falling victim to the gruesome games of the Hamble Twins? Truly twisted times also await in travelling funhouse ‘The Carnival of Screams’ – just make sure that you come out the other side.
Even little devils can get involved in the Halloween scares, with a huge range of family-friendly Halloween fun to be had throughout the county…
Spooktakular fun is order of the day at the Maize Maze in Lower Drayton Farm, Penkridge with a grand ‘Spooktacular' event on Saturday 29th October. Brave the Maize Maze in the dark (bring your own torch) and enjoy spooky trailer rides, a haunted wood, face painting, refreshments and pumpkin races, all followed by a spectacular fireworks display. There is also a whole range of eerie Halloween activates at the farm running through half term from 22nd October to keep little ghouls out of mischief!
Gladstone Pottery Museum is giving you the chance to create your own little creepy keepsake with ‘Spooky Pottery Painting’ throughout half term. From October 24 to 28 , anybody visiting the museum can decorate their own piece of petrifying pottery for just £1.
There will be no monkeying around at Trentham Monkey Forest this Halloween, as spooky happenings keep even the bravest souls in line…
All throughout October half term enjoy terrifying treasure hunts, frightful face painting, and scary storytime all in 60 acres of woodland. Here’s hoping that the monkeys are the only things hiding in the bushes.
Is your event above? If not, why not register to the site and add your details to our events listings. Simply click this 'add event' link. We'll be adding a map shortly to show exactly what's on, where you live.
We will be updating this story so families can prepare to plan where to watch an organised firework display. If you've got something going on, just add your listing by clicking the link above.
Here's some more activities, many halloween-related, for children to enjoy during the half-term holiday.
Clinging Bats
October 24 - 27, 1pm - 4pm
Drop in and make a scary bat that just won't let go. Watch out or you could meet the resident bat of Ford Green Hall. £1.00 plus standard admission.
The Big Draw - Slithering Serpent
Wednesday October 26
Draw a petrifying pattern on a giant spooky serpent as he slithers around the rooms of the hall.
Witches and Potions
Sunday October 30, 1pm - 4pm
Meet Ford Green Hall's very own 'witch' before she is sent to the stake and find out what torture she has endured. See what potions and spells would have been made in Tudor times to ward off evil spirits.
Standard admission charges to the hall apply.
Spooky Pottery Painting
October 24 - 28
Paint a piece of ghoulish themed pottery every day during half term.
From £1.00 plus standard admission.
A Gladstone Badge
Tuesday October 25, 11am - 3pm
Drop in to design and make your own pin badge. 50p plus standard admission.
The Big Draw - Original Tiles
October 25 - 29, 11am - 4pm
Invent your own personal tile decoration in this drop-in session. Draw it and add it to Gladstone’s Big Draw tile wall.
Free activity in the Tile Gallery.
The Potteries Museum & Art Gallery
Clay Hedgehogs
October 25 - 27 (10.30am - 12.30pm & 1.15pm - 3pm)
Drop in and model your own spiky hedgehog for just £1.00!
The Big Draw - Spooky Spiders
Saturday October 29, 10.30am - 3pm
Draw your own spooky spider to sit in our giant spiders web at this free event.
Who's Afraid Of...
Saturday October 29, 10:30am - 4:00pm
All the baddies and evil characters from your favourite fairy tales will descend on the museum to spread mischief and mayhem.
Fiery Dragon Embroidery
October 26 - 28
Stitch your own fire breathing dragon picture and follow the dragon trail at the mill.
The Big Draw - With Threads
October 29 & 30, 12.30pm - 3.30pm
Drop in and add your own “stitch in time” in our giant Etruria embroidery at this free event.
Dragon Quest
Saturday October 29, 12.30pm - 4pm
Listen to Julius Drake, the Victorian dragon hunter, visit the dragons lair and take part in craft activities.
Readers' views:
Comments
Remember you can visit Staffordshire's Halloween and Firework safety site http://tinyurl.com/5s4827p to download your no trick or treat sign or play a game.
By StaffsPolice at 21:42 on 26/10/11
ReportAnd for those of us who couldnt give a flying monkeys about halloween, what is there that we can do? Or is that answer to do nothing?
By DaveyBoi1973 at 14:49 on 19/10/11
Report