Southport’s annual Halloween festival is back and things are set to get spooky. There are some hauntingly good things to see and do and the best bit is the majority are free and perfect families of all ages!Here is our pick of the spookiest things to watch out for this October half term in Southport.
1.The Dead of Night Film Festival
Fri 20th- Sat 21st
Don’t hide behind the sofa – face your fears and two nights of the very best indie horror films at The Atkinson. Dozens of independent horror films have been submitted from all over the world and international industry judges have been making the selections to bring you the best! There will be meet the film maker sessions and special effects workshops. Tickets on sale now
2. Cryptid Monster Petting Zoo
Thursday 26th from 11am
Fresh from their performance at Glastonbury – we think this is one monstrous show grown-ups and little ones alike will love! Be introduced to new and exciting animals from around the world with the Cryptid Petting Zoo. Meet with some very unusual creatures, including the extremely rare Mongolian Death Worm and the loveable Giant Beast and learn more about them from specially trained handlers and even help care for the animals.
3. Halloween Village ‘Fate’
Thursday 26th from 11am
The shops of Wesley Street invite you to their Village “Fate” featuring traditional village activities with a twist! Expect a dog show, live music, games, prizes, face painting, a BBQ and lots of ‘scare’crows. There will be something for everyone so take the whole family from grandma and granddad to toddlers in tow.
4. Little Monster’s Ball
Friday 27th 11am and 1pm
Bring spooky little monsters along to these two fun, free fancy dress parties from Starkidz. With lots of your favourite monsters and baddies and plenty of surprises, fun and games this is a brilliant party for all little Halloween lovers. Starkidz bring the squeals in their usual energetic, giggle filled way. Expect singing, dancing, ghost-busting, crafts, face painting and more
5.Circus Horror Show
Saturday 28th 12-4pm
Can you resist the urge to look away? Head to the town Hall Gardens to see the UK’s only father daughter circus sideshow double act perform all manner of vaudeville circus stunts from the Human Chopping board & knife juggling to a ladder of swords and glass walking. Grown up toes will curl, but kids will love their horrifying bed of nails finale act with concrete block smash!
6. Firewalking contest
Saturday 28th from 5pm
Watch willing participants put mind of matter and cross the hot embers! Hold your breath as participants step up to the mark and use mind control techniques to brave the walk across fire in the name of Marie Curie. Will they make it to the other side? Are you brave enough to the take the challenge yourself?
7. School of Wizardry
Sunday 11am-3pm
Head to Town Hall Gardens for an afternoon of wizardly activity. Magic fans of all ages will love meeting our famous wizard friends for wand making, wizard battles and more. Their owls will also be there along with all manner of slimy snakes and creepy crawlies. Diana Celine will be providing the opportunity to dress up as a wizard and receive a free digital print and the magic talking hat will find which house you belong to!
8. Arachnobot
Saturday 28th from 1pm
Arachnobot, the giant spider puppet, is a world first that has toured in America, Europe & Asia but is making its way to spooky Southport. An impressive lifelike creation, it wanders the streets looking for prey, or anyone brave enough to say hello. Don’t worry – it doesn’t bite (or does it?)
9. Spooky Street Characters
Look out for all the spooky characters out and about over the weekend with The Big Bad Wolf and Red Riding Hood making their way round on the Sunday. The Demon Ring Master will be in town on Friday with his spooky giant puppet and a giant Dalek will be popping up too. Dr Frankenstein will be setting his lab up for some great interactive street theatre and the Witches of Seer will also be making pop up appearances!
The festival is put together by Southport BID. Head to spookysouthport.com to hunt down all the great activities and the best Halloween nights throughout the town or enter their world @spookysouthport for lots of updates on what’s going on.
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