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Alton Towers announces return of ‘Scarefest’ for Halloween 2020 – including two new attractions

Alton Towers ,which reopened to thrill-seekers back on July 4, is draping its park in spooky fancy dress for October for Scarefest.

The Manc The Manc - 24th August 2020

Alton Towers has confirmed the return of its terrifying Halloween extravaganza for 2020.

The Resort, which reopened to thrill-seekers back on July 4, is draping its 500-acre Theme Park in spooky fancy dress for October – giving guests an entirely new way to experience Alton Towers.

Running from October 9 to November 1 on selected dates, the latest edition of ‘Scarefest’ will feature two new attractions.

These include the ‘Freak Show: Toxic Junkyard’ – an outdoor maze that dares guests to venture into the Freak Show hidden den to ‘discover the secret of the psycho clowns’ next big show.’ 

A new family-led attraction, ‘Garden Lights Walk: Whispering Souls’ , is another new experience which will be free to enjoy as part of the Halloween live entertainment – including the Freaky Five and CBeebies Land Monster Ball.

Scarefest 2020 also sees the return of old favourites including:

  • The Attic: Terror of the Towers: A chilling experience set in the eaves of the Theme Park’s famous and historical Tower ruins.
  • Darkest Depths; where guests board the infamous ghost ship ‘The Mutiny’ and journey into the darkest depths to earn their piece of eight.
  • Altonville Mine Tours: Uncover The Legend of the Skin Snatchers; which sees ticket-holders explore a damp, disused mine believed to have once been home to a family of village outcasts.

Scarefest will also see extended opening hours – giving guests the chance to experience thrill rides and rollercoasters in pitch black darkness until 9pm.

James Walker, Marketing Director at Alton Towers Resort, said: “We are really excited to be able to offer something brand new for our guests in 2020, as well as stage the return of our much-loved Halloween event.

“This year marks the theme park’s 40th anniversary and it was always the plan to make it a year of celebration for our guests. 

“…the much-anticipated return of Scarefest will provide ongoing fun and thrills for  thrill-seekers and families later into the year, with two brand new exciting attractions never seen before.” 

Oktoberfest is also returning to Alton Towers for 2020 – with Bavarian entertainment dancing into the theme park from 11 September to 4 October.

Alton Towers Resort has implemented a wide range of new measures to keep people safe on site.

Capacity will remain at a level where social distancing can be maintained, including in entertainment spaces and scare mazes. 

For tickets and more information about the events visit the Alton Towers website.

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Manchester Arndale is hosting FREE workshops to help you ‘rework, restyle, and recycle’ your wardrobe

Emily Sergeant Emily Sergeant

Is your wardrobe feeling a little bland? Need to make some changes, but your bank account isn’t quite on the same wavelength? This event is here to help.

Those looking for some new ways to get creative with their style and put a spin on the clothes they already have are invited to head down to Manchester Arndale this weekend, as the Reimagine Your Fashion event is set to be a fun hands-on weekend celebrating personal style, smart choices, and sustainable ideas.

Whether you’re into upcycling, love yourself a styling session, or you just fancy doing something different in the city this summer, there’s something for everyone to get stuck into this weekend.

You can expect creative workshops, curated fashion rails, live styling tips, and a chance to give your pre-loved clothes a second life.

Oh, and did we mention it’s all free to take part in? Perfect.

There’s a collection of free ‘REWORK’ workshops taking place over the two-day event on Saturday 5 and Sunday 6 July, where you can learn how to turn old into gold – from patchwork denim makeovers, to scrunchie making, custom tote design, and loads more.

There’s no need to be a sewing pro either, as the workshops are beginner-friendly and designed to be relaxed and creative with all tools provided, so all you have to do is bring along the clothing items you want to upcycle.

Clothing rack
Sewing machine
Manchester Arndale is hosting free workshops to help you ‘rework, restyle, and recycle’ your wardrobe this weekend / Credit: Priscilla Du Preez | Ashley Diane Worsham (via Unsplash)

At the ‘RESTYLE’ sessions, Rosie, who is the stylist behind Manchester Arndale’s summer campaign, will break down this season’s biggest trends and show you how to style what’s in store now, as well as being on-hand for styling tips and outfit advice.

And finally, there’ll also be a ‘RECYCLE’ station and drop-off point where you pass on your clean pre-loved clothes to two brilliant local charities doing vital work right here in Manchester – MASH, which supports women involved in sex work and those facing homelessness or gender-based violence, and Mustard Tree which works to tackle poverty across Greater Manchester.

“Your clothes could be someone else’s fresh start,” a spokesperson for Manchester Arndale said ahead of the event.

Read more:

Reimagine Your Fashion is taking place at Exchange Court in Manchester Arndale on Saturday 5 and Sunday 6 July running from 12pm, and you can find out more information and the times of the free workshops online here.

Featured Image – Sarah Brown (via Unsplash)

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New immersive Race Across the World Experience comes to Manchester this summer

Thomas Melia Thomas Melia

Hit BBC TV show Race Across the World is launching an interactive experience in Manchester this summer, inspired by the series.

After five original series and two celebrity spin-offs, it was only a matter of time before the huge TV show materialised into ‘Race Across the World: The Experience’.

Just like the real programme, you will be sent on a mission across the heart of the city centre where you will have to complete tasks and reach various checkpoints to be crowned champion.

The missions will see players visiting Manchester hotspots, lesser known locations, renowned pubs, and distinctive landmarks across three hours.

Teams will rely on our trusty Bee Network as they take a trip on our vibrant yellow trams and buses to get around the city as they make their way to each puzzle and activity.

At each puzzle destination, participants will complete a challenge to guide them to their next location, all of which is pre-planned and spread across a five kilometre city-wide voyage.

For Mancs and anyone further afield, ‘Race Across the World: The Experience’ offers a whole new way to explore Manchester and gives you the chance to see some of the city’s best hidden gems, even if you are on a time limit.

This sounds like a great idea for friends and family alike, and based off the amount of times we’ve had to sprint down to Platform 14 at Manchester Piccadilly, I think us Mancs were born for this challenge.

In true Race Across the World style, the team who manages to finish not just with the fastest time but with the most budget remaining too, will be the ultimate victor.

Cast of BBC's Race Across the World / Credit: BBC / Studio Lambert
Cast of BBC’s Race Across the World / Credit: BBC / Studio Lambert

Tom Rymer, Founder of CityDays, said: “Following an outstanding debut month in London that has thrilled fans of the show, both old and new, we are bringing the Race Across The World Experience to Manchester.

“New puzzles, new characters, new decisions and new discoveries, all coming soon over three new thrilling legs. Manchester, are you ready for your race?”

Read more:

A launch date for ‘Race Across the World: The Experience’ is yet to be released but eager entrants can sign up to the official waitlist and find out even more information HERE.

For all the latest news, events and goings on in Greater Manchester, subscribe to The Manc newsletter HERE.

Featured Image – BBC / Studio Lambert

Thumbnail – @richardstorey_photography (via Instagram)

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