What's On
Alton Towers’ Scarefest is back with a new ‘killer clown maze’ and rides in the dark
As well as new mazes and features, Alton Towers will be bringing back their late night rollercoaster rides
Alton Towers has brought back its popular Scarefest event just in time for Halloween, and it features some wonderfully spooky new surprises.
The popular theme park has always gone all out for Halloween, but it was the birth of Scarefest in 2007 that really kick-started the park’s love for all things spooky – and this year could be their biggest and scariest yet.
So, what’s on the bill?
Well, brand new for this year Alton Towers has introduced its Freak Show: Toxic Junkyard, a spine-tingling maze full of ‘killer clowns’ looking for victims to feature in their next ‘big show’. Guests will be required to make their way through the maze to stop the clowns’ evil plans… though they’ll have to work very hard in order to not get caught themselves.
Alton Towers
Also on the maze front, the theme park is hosting the Darkest Depths, a nautical-themed maze telling the story of The Mutiny Ship which was pulled to the bottom of the sea by the Kracken.
Guests will have to make their way through the ‘ship’ while a number of ghoulish pirates lurk in the shadows.
Though there has also been the return of old Scarefest favourites such as The Attic: Terror of the Towers, which has made a comeback for 2021. This maze is set in the rooftops of the Alton ruins, and is based on the story of the governess who is said to haunt the ruins in revenge for the death of two young children she once cared for.
The Altonville Mine Tours are also back for another year, telling the eerie tale of the ‘skin snatchers’, who are rumoured to have lived down in the mines as outcasts from society. Guests will get a tour of the old mines, though they need to beware as, according to rumours, some of the ‘skin snatchers’ still live in the darkness…
Alton Towers
Oh, and as per tradition, Alton Towers will be operating all of its most popular rollercoasters such as The Smiler, Oblivion, The Wickerman and Nemesis until 9pm, so ultimate thrill-seekers can enjoy the unique experience of night-time rides.
There is also a number of new activities ideal for families and for those with younger children, such as the Alton Towers’ Trick O’ Treat Town, an immersive indoor walk through a fictional town featuring Treat Street, Witchy Woods, The Graveyard and The Hill.
In true trick or treating style, families can knock on doors to be greeted with either a handout of sweets or a squirt of a water pistol – the risk is yours to take.
Scarefest will be running for the rest of the month until Halloween, October 31st. For more information and to book tickets, visit the Alton Towers website here.
What's On
The new FREE Christmas night market with over 40 traders from across our region
Get in the festive spirit!
Get in the festive spirit with a brand new FREE Christmas makers night market, with over 40 traders and small businesses from across the region.
Brought to you by Renaker, the Manchester Made Christmas night market is coming to New Jackson, Deansgate Square from Friday December 6th to Sunday December 8th.
Following on from a successful summer market in May, the Manchester Made Market is returning bigger and better than before but with a Christmassy twist.
Manchester Made Market
Expect a ‘cosy and magical’ Christmas night market experience, with food, drink, live music and even a grotto for visits to Father Christmas.
There’ll be Christmas trees galore, glittering with lighting, with one huge show-stopping tree taking centre stage.
Bringing together over 40 artisanal traders and small businesses from across the region, the three-day event will showcase a plethora of food produce, homewares, crafts and creations.
Manchester Made Market
Visitors will be sure to find unique Christmas gifts that support local businesses, including from The Cole Men and their award winning sauces, Moon & Sixpence’s handmade jewellery, and fine art photography by Craig Barker.
There’ll be live music from a 20-piece choir, playing Christmas classics, cocktails from Manchester Gin and Gooey’s sweet treats.
The experts from Millington Hall Farm in Altrincham will be bringing a taste of their Wild Grill experience, including live sausage making demonstrations and an array of German sausages served from a festive BBQ trailer.
Manchester Made Market
Families with children can visit the Christmas grotto, where Father Christmas himself will be waiting in a cosy tipi – kids will get a gift from Santa, and bookings can be made online for £8.50 per child.
Manchester Made Market will be open from 4pm to 9pm on Friday December 6th, and 1pm to 9pm on Saturday 7th and Sunday 8th – pre-register for a free guest list ticket and 50% off a hot chocolate HERE, or book the Christmas grotto HERE.
What's On
Free one-day Christmas festival returning to Stockport to kick off festive season
Get in the festive spirit in Stockport!
Stockport’s free, one-day Christmas festival is returning this festive season, with 200 performers and more than 50 shows.
Spectacular Sunday will return to the town on November 17th at various sites and venues.
Following the success of last year’s event, hundreds of performers will take over Stockport, with everything from giant roller-skating presents to a living snow globe and roaming Christmas dolls.
There will also be street theatre, including grumpy Christmas grandads, a gigantic balloon man and water show.
Matthew Nichol Photography
Produced by carnival arts organisation Global Grooves and organised by Stockport Council, Totally Stockport, Merseyway and Stockport Market, the town centre will be buzzing with Christmas excitement.
Events will be happening in iconic Stockport locations like Market Place, Underbanks, Merseyway, Redrock and Suffragette Square.
A grand finale in Merseyway will bring together the brass bands of Stockport, ending the day with a huge flash mob and rendition of All You Need Is Love.
Cirq Delight
Cllr Singleton, Cabinet Member for Communities, Culture and Sport, said: “We’re so excited to bring this event back after last year’s amazing success.
“It’s such a fun way to get everyone in the festive spirit and really shows off what makes Stockport special – our sense of community and joy.
“With loads of free performances and activities, plus a chance to enjoy the newly improved areas of Merseyway, it’s a perfect day out for families.
“Stockport’s Spectacular Sunday is all about having fun, making memories, and starting the holiday season in style.”
Spectacular Sunday is happening from 11am to 5pm on Sunday November 17th – find out more HERE.
The prestigious Manchester Art Fair is back in town for its 16th year next month, bringing with it a vibrant gallery space showcasing thousands of works from over 500 artists.
One of the biggest and most significant events in the UK art world calendar, it’ll take over Manchester Central for three days, from Friday November 15th to 17th.
The city will be flooded with art from all corners of the world, championing everything from local heroes to new emerging talent, as well as international artists with worldwide acclaim.
Manchester Art Fair
A wide range of artistic disciplines will be represented at the event, from painters, illustrators, and sculptors to graffiti artists and everything in between.
Expect exhibitions, workshops, Q&A sessions, demos, book signings and parties happening across the event.
Tickets include free access to art workshops and talks from leading artists and cultural experts, and are on sale now.
You can grab them HERE.
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The VR gaming experience at airport where you can escape reality
The new FREE Christmas night market with over 40 traders from across our region
Free one-day Christmas festival returning to Stockport to kick off festive season
Simmons Bar opens first Northern site in Manchester with free drinks at launch party
The prestigious Manchester Art Fair is back in town for its 16th year
