Trafford Centre’s ‘Spookfest’ is back and bigger than ever

Published 14/10/2022 · Updated 16/10/2022

What’s On

The best things to do in Greater Manchester this week | 17 – 23 October 2022

It’s well and truly autumn, schools are soon to be out for half term across Greater Manchester, and Halloween is right around the corner. With the spooky season officially here, the events calendar is filled up with lots of different things to be getting up to this week, so we’ve cherry-picked a few of the best bits for another edition of our ‘what’s on‘ guide. As always, some of the events we’re going to mention are completely free, while others will set you back a few pounds, and many will need to be booked in advance.

Here’s our top picks. ___

Pumpkin Lanterns

Manchester City Centre Monday 17 October – 1 November

Pumpkin Lanterns / Credit: CityCo / Manchester BID

There couldn’t be a more ideal time to catch a glimpse of the pumpkins.

If you’re looking to get in the mood for Halloween, but want to keep things a little on the cheaper side this week, then you need look no further than up above in the city centre as the annual decorative pumpkin lanterns are back once again and they’re here all month. Going on a little tour to see the lanterns in the trees in St Ann’s Square, Market Street and beyond is the perfect activity for all the family, easy to plan and great for pictures. And it’s FREE too.

You can find more information here. ___

Harry Potter: A Forbidden Forest Experience

Arley Hall & Gardens Monday 17 October – onwards

The hugely popular woodland trail inspired by the forbidden forest from the Harry Potter and Fantastic Beasts franchise has officially returned. After what was undoubtedly a massive success back in 2021, with people travelling from all across the UK to see what it was all about, organisers of the Harry Potter: A Forbidden Forest Experience have announced it’s back to the Grade II-listed Arley Hall & Gardens in Cheshire. Having arrived just in time for Halloween, Potter-heads can “walk into the depths of a dark forest”, and “discover fantastic beasts and iconic Wizarding World moments illuminated like never before”.

Find out more here. ___

Escape Into Autumn

National Trust Monday 17 October – onwards

Escape Into Autumn / Credit: National Trust

The National Trust is celebrating the arrival of a new season by offering free visits to the sites it cares for this autumn.

Families will be able to visit the many stately homes, grand gardens, beaches and countryside locations that are looked after by the charity. The limited-time offer will allow people to book an autumn trip to a National Trust site of their choosing, and each free ticket will admit two adults and up to four children – with hundreds of sites taking part in the campaign.

Find out more here. ___

Spookfest 2022

Trafford Centre

Monday 17 – Sunday 30 October

Spookfest 2022 / Credit: Trafford Centre

After a successful run in 2021, Spookfest has returned to the Trafford Centre just in time for Halloween, and the outdoor space has come alive with activity.

There’s a variety of exciting family-friendly things on offer for all ages to enjoy, from thrilling funfair rides, the action-packed Spooktacular Big Top circus, and the North West’s first and only pumpkin tower, to face painting, creepy costume characters, big-screen scary movies, and Halloween-themed food and drink. Find out more and book tickets here. ___

Pokemon: Art Through the Ages

Trafford Centre

Monday 17 October – 13 November

ADVERTISEMENTPokemon: Art Through the Ages / Credit: Pokemon

A Pokemon art trail and treasure hunt-style event is taking over the Trafford Centre this week, and the best part is, it’s absolutely free to get involved with. ‘Pokemon: Art Through the Ages’ will give fans the chance to discover hidden art of the 151 Pokemon that were originally discovered in the Kanto region through an interactive trail – which event organisers say showcases “a wide variety of artistic techniques and styles” from across the ages. There’ll be cave paintings, stained glass, and more for families and Pokemon fans of all ages to enjoy free of charge.

Find out more here. ___

Scare City Experience

Camelot Monday 17 October – onwards

Have you seen that Scare City Experience is back for 2022? The hugely-popular outdoor immersive horror experience has taken on a new life just in time for Halloween, and this time round, it’s taken over the derelict site of one of the North West’s most iconic theme parks. Events company Park N Party’s sell-out success Scare City has arrived at Camelot with a new walkthrough scare attraction, and it’s described as a “blood-soaked ordeal”.

For those who’ve got the guts to enter this year, a trek through “nightmarish zones” awaits.

Find out more and book tickets here. ___

Luna’s Lost Spell Halloween Trail

Chester Zoo Monday 17 October – onwards

ADVERTISEMENTLuna’s Lost Spell Halloween Trail / Credit: Chester Zoo

Tarantulas, komodo dragons, and poisonous dart frogs are just some of the creatures you can meet on Chester Zoo’s newest interactive trail.

With the spooky season right around the corner, Luna’s Lost Spell Halloween Trail has taken over the UK’s biggest charity zoo for the whole of this month up until Monday 31 October, and it looks set to be an ideal day out for families during the half term. The trail is free with the price of admission, and aims to raise awareness of all the “creepy but crucial creatures” at the zoo that are venomous and poisonous. Find out more here.

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Looking for some new restaurants and bars to try out in Manchester city centre this month?

As ever, a host of exciting new restaurants and bars are opening in Manchester in October.

Whether you’re into glitzy late-night hang outs, casual dining turnarounds or award-winning burritos, let’s just say there’s something on the list for you – from the brand new Shogun Ramen and Bar, which sees beloved Chorlton restaurant Peck & Yard give it ‘one more shot’ with a ramen and sushi concept, to Mayfair celeb haunt Mnky Hse. You can read our round-up to find out where to put on your list this month here. ___

Manchester Science Festival 2022

Science and Industry Museum

Friday 21 – Sunday 30 October

Manchester Science Festival / Credit: Science Museum Trust

Manchester Science Festival is making a glorious return this week, with events for all ages taking place at both the Science and Industry Museum and venues across the city.

This year’s event will celebrate science through immersive performances, interactive activities, and after-hours amusement, with highlights across the 10 days including a headline exhibition Turn It Up: The Power of Music, a nocturnal nature tour, and a chance to meet people who already work in STEM careers, including experts from festival sponsors Amazon. You can find out about everything happening at this year’s festival here. ___

The Art of Banksy

MediaCityUK

Friday 21 October – onwards

The Art of Banksy / Credit: Supplied

The Art of Banksy will finally arrive at MediaCityUK this week. Landing in Manchester on 21 October, the exhibit will showcase 145 iconic Banksy pieces all amassed from private collections across the globe to create the world’s largest touring collection of Banksy artworks. Visitors will have the chance to experience the infamous artist’s most well-known works alongside those rarely seen by the public, all on loan from private collectors.

Find out more and grab tickets here. ___

Scare Skate

Cathedral Gardens Friday 21 – Monday 31 October

Scare Skate / Credit: Skate Manchester

The city’s largest outdoor ice rink returns this week just in time for Halloween.

Scare Skate will see Halloween fans and fear-loving families take to the ice for some “frightfully good fun” this October half term from Friday 21 – Monday 31 October. Gearing up to be “a frightful experience to remember”, not only will the spooktacular rink see one of the iconic MCR Monsters take centre stage as part of the annual Halloween in the City event, but it will also be complete with Halloween-themed music and lighting. Find out more here.

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Backyard Cinema

Depot Mayfield Friday 21 October – onwards

Backyard Cinema / Credit: Grant Walker

Manchester’s newest cinema is set to open on the roof of Depot Mayfield this week. Coming to Manchester for a limited 10-week run, Backyard Cinema brings its immersive movie going experience to the north for the ever first time, and it will feature way more than a cosy purpose-built cinema room, as it comes complete with an Enchanted Forest, two bars, street food trucks and a live music stage to boot.

The 330-capacity indoor cinema’s upcoming film schedule for the Autumn / Winter season has some absolute crackers in there too. Find out more here. ___

PowerUP

Science and Industry Museum

Saturday 22 & Sunday 23 October

PowerUP / Credit: Science Museum Group

A huge gaming event has returned to Manchester. With more than 160 consoles and hundreds of games to play, Power UP is back at the Science and Industry Museum for the first time in three years, taking ticket-holders on a journey through five decades of gaming, with everything from retro arcade games, to state-of-the-art virtual reality, and so much more. Power UP is taking place every weekend and school holiday all the way through to December 2023, and every ticket includes unlimited play all day.

You can find more information here.

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Featured Image – CityCo | The Manc Group | National Trust