Halloween in the City will return to Manchester with giant inflatable monster trail

Manchester’s beloved giant inflatable monster trail will return to the city this Halloween, with the big colourful creatures taking over rooftops once again.

Halloween in the City is the country’s biggest Halloween celebration, with both the monster trail and a two-day family-friendly festival filling Manchester with things that go bump in the night.

The MCR Monsters, in all shapes and sizes, will be creeping and crawling over local landmarks including New Century Hall, the AO Arena, the Corn Exchange, Selfridges and the Manchester Arndale.

You’ll also find them lurking around Harvey Nichols, The Royal Exchange, and – new for 2023 – Castlefield Viaduct.

The gigantic inflatable sculptures are created by artists Filthy Luker and Pedro Estrellas.

The monster trail is now in its eighth year, transforming the city centre into a ghoulish green landscape with thousands of pumpkin lanterns dotted around the streets.

The MCR Monsters will be in town between Wednesday 25 and Tuesday 31 October.

Halloween in the City, organised by Manchester City Centre Business Improvement District, also includes a two-day family festival on 28 and 29 October, which will include a fancy dress challenge, a monster procession, and a monster music festival.

The Monsters Rock Music Festival will take over New Cathedral Street, St Ann’s Square, Market Street and Exchange Square, with live bands, DJs, rides, circus acts and even monster portaloos.

Walk the Plank’s popular Monsters Rock Out Procession is also back in Manchester for Halloween 2023, featuring giant puppet monsters, stilt walkers and a live band who will be partying their way through Manchester Arndale and Market Street.

Thousands of families are expected to flock into the city centre for the celebrations, and will take part in the Team Trick vs Team Treat challenge, where you can win points for your team.

You’ll be able to take to the ice on a spooky rink too, with the return of Scare Skate at Cathedral Gardens.

It’s all organised on behalf of city centre retailers, restaurants and businesses.

Where to find the inflatable monsters for Halloween in the City 2023

• 1. Manchester Arndale, Exchange Square, Above Next, M4 3AJ
• 2. Selfridges Exchange Square, Exchange Square, M3 1BD
• 3. Exchange Square (28 + 29 Oct Only), Festival Entrance, M3 1BD
• 4. Exchange Square (28 + 29 Oct Only), Music Stage, M3 1BD
• 5. Corn Exchange Manchester – Inside Exchange Square, M4 3TR
• 6. Harvey Nichols, New Cathedral Street, M1 1AD
• 7. New Cathedral Street (28 + 29 Oct Only), Near Ted Baker M1 1AD
• 8. The Royal Exchange Manchester, St Ann’s Square, M2 7DH
• 9. Castlefield Viaduct, Duke Street, M3 4PU
• 10. + 11. AO Arena, Victoria Station Approach, Hunts Bank, M3 1AR
• 12. New Century Hall, Miller Street, M4 4AH
• 13. New Victoria, Corporation Street, M4 4DZ
• 14. Kampus, Aytoun Street, M1 3GL
• 15. The Church, Chorlton Street, M1 3HN
• 16. Depot Mayfield, Baring Street, M1 2PY

For event updates, follow @halloweenMCR. 

Read more

• The best things to do in Greater Manchester this week | 9 – 15 October
• This hidden Manchester cinema is screening scary movies with cocktails and popcorn this Halloween
• A massive spooky outdoor ice rink is coming back to Manchester this Halloween

Featured image: The Manc Group