A pumpkin patch that’s perfect for all weather will be popping up in Greater Manchester this Halloween.
Now that autumn is officially here, the nights are drawing in, and the temperatures are dropping by the day, this means the spookiest time of year is officially around the corner, and the region’s biggest shopping centre has a whole host of events and activities for all the family to get involved with this Halloween and October half term.
The Trafford Centre has been embracing the spooky season more and more as the years have gone on, and this year is set to absolutely no different.
The shopping centre has now unveiled its lineup of “thrills, chills, and plenty of Halloween fun” for 2024.
One of the stand-out events on the family-friendly lineup this year is the indoor ‘Pop-Up Pumpkin Patch’, which is perfect for pumpkin pickers of all ages who fancy getting into the spooky spirit, all while staying dry and warm at the same time despite whatever the Greater Manchester weather has in store for us.
ADVERTISEMENT
For just £2 per child, you’ll be able to make your way to the indoor pumpkin patch on Wednesday 23 and Thursday 24 October to pick out your pumpkin to take home for carving or decorating.
Every single penny from the ticket sales of this event will go to the Trafford Centre’s chosen charity for 2024, FareShare Greater Manchester – the region’s largest food redistribution charity, which is fighting food poverty while saving nutritious food from going to waste.
ADVERTISEMENT
No booking is required for the pumpkin patch, and while dressing up in spooky costumes for the occasion is optional, it is highly recommended.
The Trafford Centre has unveiled its lineup of “thrills, chills, and plenty of Halloween fun” for 2024 / Credit: Supplied
Some of the other events on the Trafford Centre’s Halloween lineup next month is the ‘Halloween Trail’, which is kicking off on 17 October and features captivating interactive installations made up of more than 100,000 lights, and the return of the ever-popular ‘Spookfest’ on 19 October, complete with a ghastly ghost train, haunted house, five-metre-tall pumpkin tower, and lots of tasty treats.
Gandeys Circus is also back at the centre once again this autumn from 11 October, with a brand-new ‘Halloween Spooktacular Big Top Show’ for all the family.
ADVERTISEMENT
Other activities include pumpkin carving, marshmallow roasting, and a skeleton petting zoo and skeleton disco.
Halloween events begin at the Trafford Centre from 11 October, and you can find out more on the centre’s website here.
Featured Image – Concetta Huffa (via Unsplash)
What's On
Popular grassroots music festival to return to hidden Manchester street with new fringe events
Emily Sergeant
Manchester’s much-loved grassroots music festival is back next month, and this year, there’s some new fringe events too.
Set across a handful of popular venues up on Deansgate Mews – including The Lion’s Den, Low Four Studios and The Mews Bar – Deansgate Mews Festival is returning for its sixth year this late May bank holiday weekend.
More than 40 music artists will be performing on a mix of outdoor and intimate indoor stages.
But that’s not all, as in what’s set to be an exciting new chapter for 2026, the festival is expanding beyond its core programme with the launch of the first-ever Mews Fest Fringe too.
Popular grassroots music festival Mews Fest returns this late May bank holiday / Credit: Supplied
The inaugural Mews Fest Fringe will be hosted in a large unit within Great Northern Warehouse, which will be transformed into a ‘vibrant’ hub celebrating music, art and independent culture.
Designed as a platform for Manchester’s creative community, the festival space will welcome artists, designers, collectors, and creative entrepreneurs to showcase and sell their work while connecting with festival-goers.
At the Fringe event, you can expect everything from record sellers and vinyl collectors, to vintage clothes, arts and crafts makers, independent creatives, and even bands selling merchandise.
This year there’s also the addition of the Mews Fest Fringe / Credit: Supplied
Already known for its strong grassroots ethos and growing reputation, Mews Fest continues to champion local talent and independent culture – but now with the addition of the Fringe event, the stage is set for its most ‘ambitious and inclusive’ edition to date.
Oh and the best bit? Both festivals will be free to attend, with no need to book tickets beforehand.
Mews Fest and Mews Fest Fringe will take over Deansgate Mews next month on late May bank holiday weekend from Friday 22 – Monday 26 May.
Featured Image – Supplied
What's On
Peter Kay announces four intimate charity shows in Greater Manchester – but only for these postcodes
Emily Sergeant
Peter Kay has just announced four intimate shows to raise money for a very worthy cause… but you can only get tickets if you live in these particular postcodes.
Comedy legend Peter Kay is set to return home to the Bolton Albert Halls for four very special hometown shows in this summer, marking his first performances at the venue more than two decades.
Taking to the very stage where he recorded the UK’s biggest-selling stand-up DVD, it’s set to be a proper nostalgic homecoming for one of Britain’s most beloved comedians.
The summer shows – which are taking place from 9 – 11 July 2026, even including a matinee performance – this is a rare chance for local fans to be part of something incredibly special, with all funds raised going to Bolton Hospice.
But, there’s a bit of a catch… you’ll only be able to get tickets if you live in Bolton (and some parts of Bury), as it’s strictly limited to BL postcodes.
Peter Kay Live at the Bolton Albert Halls – 2026 Dates
Thursday 9 July (Evening)
Friday 10 July (Evening)
Saturday 11 July (Matinee)
Saturday 11 July (Evening)
Tickets officially go on sale Friday 24 April at 10am, and you can get your hands on them here.
Emily Sergeant -
24th September 2024 
