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Top Manchester attraction Museum of Illusions has been transformed by spooky Halloween surprises

The mind-bending tricks now have a spooky twist

Daisy Jackson Daisy Jackson - 16th October 2026

A spooky new Halloween experience has arrived at Manchester’s Museum of Illusions, and it’s perfect for half term.

The top attraction is getting a spooky makeover, with strange surprises, mind-bending tricks and plenty of photo opportunities taking over this October.

Running until Sunday 1 November, Weird Wonders is transforming some of the museum’s best-loved exhibits into a Halloween-inspired experience, making it a fun option for families, friends and anyone looking to get into the spooky spirit.

And with the whole experience taking place indoors on Market Street, it’s a dream option for those unpredictable Manchester autumn days when the weather has other plans, and a perfect spot to fill a day of the half term holidays..

Five of the attraction’s most popular exhibits are getting a Halloween transformation, giving visitors even more reasons to question what they’re seeing, strike a pose and get some seriously strange photos along the way.

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Among the spooky highlights is the Bone Throne, where visitors can take their seat on a suitably eerie chair that warps your perspective, while the Spider Clone Table promises a creepy twist on one of the museum’s classic illusions.

There’s also the Web of Faces, where a giant kaleidoscope multiplies your face (now with added cobwebs), alongside the Echo Cave, offering another opportunity to step into a world where your senses can be deceived.

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And the museum’s Hollow Faces experience features 3D-printed faces inspired by Einstein, Frankenstein and Count Dracula – bringing together science, classic horror and a little optical trickery.

Halloween at the Museum of Illusions. Credit: The Manc Group

There’s more to Weird Wonders than spooky photo opportunities, too.

Of course, it wouldn’t be Halloween without a few treats. Every child ticket holder will receive a complimentary brain puzzle from the Illusion Shop, plus a sweet treat to take home at the end of their visit.

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Adults haven’t been forgotten either, with a free treat available when purchasing two adult tickets.

Weird Wonders is running at the Museum of Illusions Manchester from 3 October to 1 November 2026.

Tickets and further information are available HERE.

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Featured image: The Manc Group

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Science and Industry Museum announces programme of FREE ‘spooktacular’ October half term activities

Emily Sergeant Emily Sergeant

One of Manchester’s best museums has announced a programme of free ‘spooktacular science’ activities for October half term.

With half term right around the corner and Halloween not far off either, it won’t be long before parents and carers are looking for ways to keep little Mancs occupied… luckily, the Science and Industry Museum has got you covered.

With only a few weeks to go until schools in Greater Manchester are out for October half term, the massively popular museum in the heart of Manchester city centre has unveiled a jam-packed lineup of free events.

Families are being told to get ready for ‘spooktacular’ science, hands-on activities, and loads of interactive fun, all inspired by the popular Horrible Science: Cosmic Chaos exhibition.

You can storyboard and then animate your own extra-terrestrial character inside the Animation Studio, let your imagination run wild and design your own alien species, or even go on a galactic treasure hunt around the museum and build your own interstellar spaceship with a giant rocket building kit.

Manchester’s Science and Industry Museum has announced a programme of free ‘spooktacular’ October half term activities / Credit: Science Museum Group

In the mornings, you can take a break from your cosmic adventures and enjoy family-friendly sci-fi screenings in Revolution Manchester.

You’ll also then be able to put your skills to the test with classic space-themed games on the big screen every day in the afternoon.

And don’t forget, this half term is your only chance to meet Albert Slime-stein – a larger-than-life monster who’ll be popping up in the Upper Yard as part of the annual Halloween in the City MCR Monsters trail.

If you’re planning on visiting on actual Halloween day itself, then the museum is inviting you to come dressed in your best costume so you can get properly stuck into all the spooky fun.

The unveiling of the October half term events programme comes after the museum also announced that its popular adults-only ‘after hours’ event would be returning for one night only later this month, also with a Halloween twist.

Museum After Hours is happening on Thursday 29 October from 7pm-10pm, with tickets setting you back £12 each or £6 for concessions. Find out more here.

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Science and Industry Museum’s October Half Term Programme is running from 24 October to 1 November. Entry to the museum (except the exhibitions) is free of charge, but it’s advised that you book your admission in advance, as it’s expected to be busier than normal.

Book admission here.

Featured Image – Drew Forsyth (Science Museum Group)

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Printworks is hosting a FREE ‘fireworks’ display on its digital ceiling this Bonfire Night

Emily Sergeant Emily Sergeant

Printworks is hosting a free ‘fireworks’ display on its digital ceiling next month.

Aiming to ‘bring Bonfire Night to life’ next month, Printworks has announced it’ll be hosting a dazzling evening of lights, music, stories, and Manchester spirit, as the iconic venue transforms Europe’s largest digital ceiling into a spectacular celebration for all the family.

Kicking off from 4:30pm, the free event will begin with an incredible display of ‘Manchester Stars’, where hundreds of stars will appear across the ceiling, each carrying the name of a real Manchester hero, creating a unique celebration of the people who make the city shine.

Members of the public can nominate someone to become a star, whether it’s a child, parent, grandparent, friend, colleague, community champion, or simply someone who deserves a little extra recognition. Nominations can be made here.

Printworks is hosting a free ‘fireworks’ display on its digital ceiling this Bonfire Night / Credit: Jason Lock (via Supplied)

Two cosy story time sessions with BBC Radio One and former CBBC presenter, Katie Thistleton, and children’s favourite, Hacker T Dog, will follow the star display, and each child will receive light-up headphones to enjoy the sessions in a dedicated chill-out zone.

Then comes the main event, Printworks’ digital ceiling will take centre stage for two firework displays between the story time sessions, including a dedicated SEN-friendly display at replacing the traditional loud noises with incredible visual effects, designed to offer a more accessible and welcoming way for families to enjoy the festivities.

The main fireworks and music experience will follow at 6:15pm, before the fun continues on into the evening with a live choir.

If you get a little peckish throughout the evening, there will also be a pop-up dessert cart serving Bonfire Night-inspired sweet treats, while Barney’s Coffee offers up an autumn drinks menu featuring seasonal favourites, such as pumpkin spice lattes and chocolate orange hot chocolates.

“We’re really excited to welcome back Printworks’ Bonfire Night event for the third year running,” explained Sophie Rooney, who is the Marketing Manager at Printworks.

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“With fewer bonfire and firework displays taking place in the city, it’s the perfect opportunity for families to come together and enjoy an evening of celebrations right here at Printworks.”

Printworks is promising an ‘immersive evening’ for all the family, free of charge. Find out more information and timings HERE.

Featured Image – Jason Lock (via Supplied)

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