Manchester’s Halloween in the City events confirmed for 2019

The spooky line-up for the 2019 Halloween in the City event has been confirmed – and it is shaping up to be the biggest event yet.

The ever-popular monster invasion of huge inflatables across the city are back, as well as a new trick-or-treat trial and a skeleton parade among the highlights for all the family.

The mind-bending inflatable monsters, courtesy of Bristol-based artist Filthy Luker, will return from Friday 25th – Thursday 31st October, ready to invade the city’s rooftops.

Meanwhile there will be a host of free family friendly activities taking place across the weekend of 26th and 27th October.

Here’s more on the main events.

Trick or Treat trail

Prepare to scream with excitement at the Trick or Treat Trail as you discover trick or treat houses scattered across the city, with a monster at each, waiting to greet you.

Pick up a map and discover trick or treat houses scattered across the city – there’s a different monster at each, waiting to greet you. Check off each point and collect a special treat.

Dates and times: Saturday 26th October and Sunday 27th October, 10am to 6pm

Location: across the city

Dr Mancenstein and the Poisonous Maze

Meet Manchester’s mad-for-it scientist, Dr Graphena Mancenstein (and her monster, Liam) in the ruins of their exploded Mad Science Castle.

Don’t be afraid to take a walk through the grounds and explore the Poisonous Maze, where you can expect to be quivering in your boots at the sight of creeping vines, enchanted statues, monstrous creatures and deadly, walking, talking bushes too…

Dates and times: Saturday 26th October and Sunday 27th October, 10am to 6pm

Location: St Ann’s Square

Monster invasion

 

Look out, look up, beware. The ever-popular giant inflatable monsters will be back in Manchester for Halloween in the City. Climbing up buildings, peeping from windows and hiding in the trees.

Dates and times: from Friday 25th October to Thursday 31st October

Location: across Manchester – exact buildings TBC – we’ve spotted them so far at Kendals on Deansgate, at the Manchester Arndale, on Selfridges Exchange Square, on the Royal Exchange building at Mayfield Depot and at The Printworks.

Julia Donaldson storytelling

Witches and creatures are welcome as Z Arts offers up a taste of the hugely popular exhibition A World Inside a Book – Gruffalos, Dragons and Other Creatures, dedicated to popular children’s author, Julia Donaldson.

Head to Manchester Arndale to meet some of her best-loved characters and enjoy magical storytelling sessions of Room on the Broom.

Dates and times: Saturday 26th October and Sunday 27th October, 10am to 6pm

Location: Manchester Arndale

Creepy carnival

Try not to tremor with terror as Grimm Rita’s Creepy Carnival takes spectral twists and turns along New Cathedral Street. This family-friendly freakshow will be bursting with ghoulish delights including street performers, sideshow stalls and a traditional Helter Skelter.

Dates and times: Saturday 26th October and Sunday 27th October, 10am to 6pm

Location: New Cathedral Street

Skeleton Parade

An unmissable, bone-jangling roaming performance from Walk the Plank – the creative minds behind the city’s Manchester Day parade.

Catch their procession of skeleton puppets, stilt walkers, unicycle performers, five-piece band and dancers all led by the delectable Grimm Rita.

Dates and times: Saturday 26th October and Sunday 27th October at 1pm, 2pm and 3pm both days.

Location: Exchange Square to St Ann’s Square

CBBC Halloween specials screening

Get into the Halloween spirit and catch a screening of CBBC and CBeebies’ Halloween specials inside a spooky tent. Take part in exclusive workshops and snap a creepy photo with popular children’s TV characters over the weekend.

Dates and times: Saturday 26th October and Sunday 27th October, 10am to 6pm

Location: Exchange Square