Your ghoulish guide to spending Halloween in the Medieval Quarter
Need Halloween plans? There are plenty of Halloween events waiting for you in Manchester’s Medieval Quarter and we’ve got the perfect itinerary so you can make the most of the spookiest time of year.
Frightful film at Stoller Hall
Horror films are a Halloween staple, but have you ever seen a film brought to life by improvised live music? Northern Silents present 1924 silent thriller The Hands of Orlac at Stoller Hall, with a fully improvised score performed live by Frame Ensemble. On Halloween night, immerse yourself in this gruesome tale of a pianist who loses his precious hands in an accident, only to be given the hands of a murderer which seem to take on a life of their own…
Watch out for ghosts at Chetham’s Library
If scary films aren’t your thing, how about exploring the UK’s oldest public library after dark? Chetham’s Library’s fan-favourite event Library After Hours is back with a special Halloween edition on 30 October. Explore the Library without a tour guide and gain exclusive access to hidden passageways and mysterious rooms usually off limits to the public. What sinister secrets might you discover in a building over 600 years old? Tickets sell out fast, so make sure you book soon!
Fun for young trick-or-treaters
Young witches and wizards can also enjoy the magical atmosphere of the Library at Magic Makers on 30 October. Come along to Chetham’s Library’s Mystical Magic School and meet the magical characters of the Library, while learning all about its history. Enjoy a scavenger hunt, arts and crafts, and a chance for children aged 7 and above to explore the magnificent medieval buildings.
Our friends next door at National Football Museum will be transformed into the National ‘Frightball’ Museum with a scarily good programme of activities for families across the whole October half-term too. Expect ghost goals, mascot monsters, tricks, treats and football fortunes!
Food and drink
It wouldn’t be Halloween without the return of Manchester’s famous inflatable monsters for the tenth year. You might find something chilling hidden around the corner in the Corn Exchange – why not head there for a bite to eat after enjoying some spooky activities?
We hope you enjoy haunting the Medieval Quarter this Halloween! Make sure to tag us if you share your visit on socials @ChethamsLibrary and @StollerHall – we’d love to see what you get up to.
