Spine-chilling Halloween fun comes to Ashton!

Make Ashton Great Again will be hosting a week of ghostly walks, vigils, and haunted thrills.

Ashton-under-Lyne is set to come alive with frightful fun this Halloween, as Make Ashton Great Again unveils a full week of spooky events designed to celebrate the town’s eerie past and chilling legends.

From Thursday 24th October through to Friday 1st November, residents and visitors alike can take part in a series of free ghost walks, creative Halloween workshops, and supernatural vigils, all leading up to the terrifying main attraction, “The Theatre of Screams – Part 2.”

Ghost and history walks – daily from 6pm

Get ready for a haunting journey through Ashton’s dark history. The daily ghost and history walks will run each evening at 6pm, starting from To the Moon & Back bar on Market Avenue.

Led by a team of ghost hunters and historian Laura from Twilight Ghost Hunts, these twilight tours promise to bring Ashton’s past to life, or perhaps, afterlife. Participants will hear tales of phantom horsemen, mischievous market traders, eerie poltergeist activity, and even whispers of a possible Jack the Ripper connection.

With Ashton’s roots stretching back to the Domesday Book, there’s no shortage of chilling stories lurking in its alleyways and old buildings. One highlight includes a visit to the town’s haunted theatre, where the team themselves have reported unexplained activity and spine-tingling encounters.

The walks are free of charge, but spaces are limited. To secure your spot, email: twilightghosthunts@outlook.com.

Spooky vigils and Halloween workshops - daily between 3pm and 5pm

For those who prefer their scares with a creative twist, the spooky vigil and Halloween workshop sessions will take place every afternoon at 3pm and 5pm at To the Moon and Back.

Each session begins with an atmospheric mini vigil before diving into a hands-on workshop where participants can craft eerie decorations, create creepy trinkets, and learn hauntingly fun creative skills.

These events are also free, with only a £2 donation suggested to cover materials. Booking is required via twilightghosthunts@outlook.com.

The Theatre of Screams – part 2

When night falls, the brave can enter Ashton’s ultimate haunted experience: The Theatre of Screams – Part 2.

This terrifying walk-through attraction promises an immersive plunge into a labyrinth of phobia-fuelled horrors, designed to test even the most fearless visitor. Expect confined spaces, moments of total darkness, and no early exits. Once you step inside, there’s only one way out, through every scream and shadow that lies ahead.

Tickets for The Theatre of Screams are available now at: www.ticketquarter.co.uk/online/article/theatre-of-screams-2025

Welcome to Santa Carla… murder capital of the world!

Market Avenue will become a slice of cult cinema history as Make Ashton Great Again brings the world of The Lost Boys to life for Over Street Life 3: “A Nightmare on Market Avenue”.

Visitors can step into the neon-soaked world of Santa Carla and grab the ultimate Halloween photo under a full-size “Welcome to Santa Carla – Murder Capital of the World” sign, recreated as an exclusive cinema prop display.

The night continues with a special Savage Screening of The Lost Boys and more horror classics to be announced. Expect vampires, 80s vibes, and nostalgia in abundance. Whether you’re a lifelong Fang Gang member or new to the cult classic, this is your chance to sink your teeth into Halloween movie magic!

Gamesmania – daily 10am until 4pm

For gamers young and old, Gamesmania brings retro fun to Ashton throughout the Halloween week. Open daily from Friday 24th October to Saturday 1st November, this arcade paradise features everything from 8-bit classics to 90s favourites, and all for just £3 entry with unlimited play.

And that’s not all, a Mario Kart Competition is rumoured to be racing into town soon, so prepare for some high-speed action, power-ups, and plenty of bragging rights.

Gather your crew, pick your character, and get ready to press Start on a week of nostalgic gaming fun at Gamesmania.

With a jam-packed programme of free and ticketed events, Make Ashton Great Again is set to transform the town into Tameside’s ultimate Halloween destination. From eerie history walks to creative workshops, haunted attractions, movie magic and retro fun, there’s something for everyone - young or old, brave or faint-hearted.

More events for the week will be announced soon, follow Make Ashton Great Again Facebook page to stay up to date.