Tameside set for a spooktacular half-term of Halloween fun

Tameside is set to come alive with a host of spooktacular activities this Halloween season, as an exciting line-up of free and low-cost events promises fun for all the family.

Over the coming weeks, including the half-term holidays, Tameside Council teams have conjured up a packed itinerary of spooky entertainment, creative crafts, and Halloween-themed adventures taking place at venues across the borough.

Hyde Market Ground will be transformed into a haunted hub of family fun on Saturday 1 November, from 11am–2pm. Visitors can step into the enchanting world of Baba Yaga’s House with Dizzy O’Dare’s immersive performances, try their hand at circus tricks with Circus Sensible, and enjoy a magical potion ingredient trail with Phantasmagoria, guided by a friendly hedge witch surrounded by giant mushrooms and umbrella bats.

There’ll also be plenty of hands-on fun, from spooky crafts such as making mushroom lanterns and bat bags, to face painting, balloon modelling and a host of (not-too-scary) Halloween characters. A family-friendly DJ will be spinning tunes throughout the day to get everyone dancing.

The spooky celebrations continue at Ryecroft Hall on Thursday 31 October, from 11am–3pm, with a free, family-friendly Halloween party packed with eerie crafts, bat trails and creative fun. Costumes are encouraged, but imagination is essential!

Tameside Libraries are also joining the festivities with a range of eco-friendly craft sessions, where families can make scarecrows and pumpkins from recycled materials. Budding artists can take part in comic-making workshops, conjure up their own Cloak of Spells, and explore the innovative Green Libraries programme.

Meanwhile, Portland Basin Museum in Ashton has a thrilling line-up of free Halloween events:

• Ashton Steampunk returns on Saturday 18 October, 10.30am–3.30pm, featuring visitors dressed in Halloween-inspired steampunk outfits.
• A Spooky Spectacular Family Fun Day follows on Sunday 19 October, from 11am–3pm, with themed performances and activities for all ages.
• The ever-popular Make, Do and Play creative sessions will run on Tuesday 28 and Thursday 30 October, from 11am–3pm.

Executive Member for Lifelong Learning and Culture, Cllr Leanne Feeley, praised the packed programme, saying: “Our teams have delivered an excellent line-up of Halloween-themed events. It’s a great offer with a wide range of activities for all ages. Again, activities are free or low-cost to help ensure they are accessible for everyone. We hope everyone makes the most of the exciting sessions and events!”

For the full list of events and updates, visit intameside.co.uk/halloween.