Our top tips for making the most of the week ahead, with brilliant things to do across the whole of Greater Manchester… For even more ideas, visit our What’s On page.
1. Spooky things are going on with Halloween in the City
Manchester has been taken over by terrifying monsters! Halloween in the City is back to take over the city for another year, with the MCR Monsters popping up at 11 locations around the city centre – look out for the giant inflatable monsters perched upon rooftops and hanging from buildings in locations including the Printworks, Manchester Arndale, Royal Exchange, Great Northern, Selfridges and more!
On Saturday 30 and Sunday 31 October join the crazy procession of monster puppets, stilt walkers, and a five-piece band with the welcoming Monster Procession at Manchester Arndale and Market Street. Across the two days, a family-friendly freakshow tumbles onto New Cathedral Street with A Carnival of Monsters, with sideshow stalls, roaming monsters and a traditional helter-skelter; plus Dr. Mancenstein and the ruins of her exploded castle house a menagerie of creepy characters in St. Ann’s Square.
There’s loads more happening across the Halloween in the City week, including Scare Skate at Cathedral Gardens, a Monster DJ Truck on Market Street, two giant magpie puppets stalking the streets, and The Monster Lab at Exchange Square
2. Fascinating exhibition on Cancer Revolution opens
From busting myths about the causes of cancer to exploring how the latest cancer sciences are advancing cancer care today, the Science and Industry Museum’s world-first new exhibition Cancer Revolution: Science, Innovation and Hope is now open to the public to visit for free. The ground-breaking exhibition includes the first malignant bone tumour to be found in a dinosaur fossil, on display for the very first time in the UK; a three-metre large scale tumour 3D installation; historic objects from the treatment of cancers through time; and incredible new innovations happening in Manchester to improve cancer treatments.
3. FilmFear returns to HOME with a line-up of ferocious flicks
FilmFear returns to HOME and the Film4 channel from Thursday 28 October for the sixth year, with a line-up of horror, dark fairy-tales, eerie thrillers and chilling tales for the Halloween period. With classics, a host of filmmaker Q&As and sneak previews, including the UK premiere of The Scary of Sixty-First, winner of the Best First Feature award at the Berlin International Film Festival 2021, this year’s season is not one to be missed.
4. See Steam Engines in action with Steaming Days in Bolton
Bolton Steam Museum is hosting two days of its popular Steaming Days this weekend (Saturday 30 and Sunday 31 October), as it fires up some of its 30 restored steam engines that once powered the cotton mills of the North. With engines dating back 180 years, you’ll be taken back by the power, sights and sounds of these great industrial machines that once powered Manchester’s booming cotton industry. Admission is free, but donations are welcome.
5. Have Halloween Half Term fun at the spooky Ordsall Hall
Halloween Week has arrived at the spooky and historic 750-year-old Ordsall Hall, with a Halloween Pumpkin Trailrunning all week for your little monsters to try and spot them hiding around the historic grounds. Throughout the week special events are taking place including Halloween Pumpkin Painting (Monday 25 and Wednesday 27 October), a make your own witches or wizards’ broom fun session (Thursday 28 October), or a Spooky Afternoon Tea (Sunday 31 October), complete with Halloween themed sandwiches and cakes, served in The Tudor Great Hall, home to Ordsall Hall’s resident ghost “The White Lady”.
6. Board the Ghost Train at East Lancashire Railway
Do you dare to board the Halloween Train at East Lancashire Railway? If you’re brave enough to travel on the scream steam train, you’ll be in for a spooky spectacle with specially decorated carriages, and horrible heroes like Count Brian the vampire, Veronica the witch and Zombie Bob. Not forgetting the ghoulish ghosts who are waiting to sing you some spine-chilling songs. Fancy dress is encouraged, and there are plenty of terrifying treats on offer at the station buffet. These terrifying train journeys run from Thursday 28 to Saturday 30 October – tickets are available here.
7. Free trick or treat trail comes to the Trafford Centre
Take your little ghouls and ghosts to the Trafford Centre on Thursday 28 October (11am – 1:30pm) and pick up a free Halloween bucket to collect yummy treats at hidden points throughout the centre. Look out for the pumpkins in shop windows for treat pickup points!
New opening for the week: Salt Dog Slims
Salt Dog Slims, Liverpool’s most infamous dive bar, has just opened, bringing their famous steins, brines and good times to Bow Lane near Manchester Town Hall. Known for its late-night parties, emporium of world beers, bespoke cocktails and American style chilli dogs, Salt Dog Slims is the perfect day to night spot for everything from post-work drinks to weekend celebrations. Those wishing to hit the dance floor can enjoy that most varied of beasts – the bartender’s choice playlist; famously featuring everything from indie anthems to absolute bangers.
+ Book now: Beauty and the Beast brings magic to the Palace Theatre in 2022
‘Be our guest’ and book your tickets to the enchanting musical Beauty and the Beast, returning to the UK stage in March 2022 with performances at the Palace Theatre. First premiered on Broadway 26 years ago, this spellbinding Disney production has been revived by the original creative team and is sure to be an evening like no other. Tickets have just gone on sale for the performances that run from 31 March to 4 June 2022.