What's On

Tickets now on sale for spooky steam train rides through Greater Manchester this Halloween

Brave enough to lend Zombie Bob and the 'Monster Squad' a helping hand?

Emily Sergeant Emily Sergeant - 13th August 2024

One of Greater Manchester’s most-popular Halloween events is back again this spooky season, and tickets are now on sale.

What’s Halloween without East Lancashire Railway‘s (ELR) eerie ghost trains at this point?

Generally selling out each year, and with 2024 expected to be no different – especially as there’s set to be “fresh twists and new surprises” to celebrate ‘Year of the Pumpkin’ this year – the heritage railway’s Halloween Ghost Trains always prove to be top of the Halloween bucket list for people looking for “loads of spooktacular fun” once the scariest time of year rolls around.

Those brave enough at lending Zombie Bob and the ‘Monster Squad’ a helping hand at banishing ghosts and ghouls will be whisked away on a haunted steam engine through the atmospheric Greater Manchester countryside.

In this year’s event, the railway will be transformed with elaborate decorations and eerie lighting, and visitors are encouraged to ensure that “no ghouls fly under the radar”.

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Got the guts for the ride of a lifetime?

You’ll first start off the experience with a pumpkin-themed haunted house walkthrough over the ghoulishly-decorated footbridge at Bury Bolton Street Station, all before you hop on a 60-minute spooky steam train ride to the Irwell Vale and back.

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As you take in the autumn sights and delights of the local countryside out the historic steam train’s windows, there’ll be lots of spooky entertainment and music along the way, and, as it always is each year, screaming and singalongs are to be expected too – and encouraged – as this is all part of the experience.

Families are also encouraged to “show off your spookiest fancy dress” on the day, and if you make it to the end, then a goody bag for every child “full of tricks and treats” awaits.

“We are incredibly excited to welcome visitors back to our Halloween event,” commented Mike Kelly, who is the Chairman of ELR. “This year promises to be our best yet, with new themes and surprises that will delight and frighten guests of all ages. 

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“It’s a fantastic opportunity for families to create unforgettable Halloween memories together.”

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The Halloween Ghost Trains are happening over the October half term from 24-26 October, with special trains running on Halloween itself (31 October), and tickets are now on sale starting from just £14 per person.

Find out more and grab your tickets here.

Featured Image – ELR