Chester Zoo is all set to be transformed into a ‘super-natural spectacle’ this spooky season, and there’s loads of exciting events planned.
Halloween is right around the corner, and thousands of kids across the north west will also be breaking up for the October half term too, so of course the UK’s biggest charity zoo is getting into the scary spirit by announcing a lineup of themed events all throughout this month especially for the occasion.
A trail of giant animals made out of pumpkins, and a fully animated 360-degree ‘mythical experience’ will be among the highlights at Chester Zoo‘s huge new Halloween festival.
The UK’s first fully animated 360-degree ‘mythical experience’ is taking over Chester Zoo this Halloween / Credit:
Visitors will get to chance to come face-to-face with giant animal sculptures made with pumpkins, including dragons, bats, and wolves, all before encountering untamed creatures found inside the zoo’s brand-new BEASTS experience – which is the first of its kind in the UK.
The fully animated 360-degree digital experience takes visitors on a journey through unexplored lands to discover mythical beasts in the prequel to the fantasy novel, ‘Beastlands: Race to Frostfall Mountain’, which is written by children’s TV presenter, and acclaimed zoologist, Dr Jess French.
Conservationists say that many of the creatures in the immersive experience have been inspired by animals found at the zoo.
A special book signing event will also take place on Halloween itself (Thursday 31 October), where author and co-creator of BEASTS, Dr Jess French, will be reading her children’s fantasy book from 10am in the zoo’s main gift shop.
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A meet and greet is also planned for visitors who would like to get their books signed afterwards.
There’s also a giant pumpkin trail, suitable for all ages / Credit: Chester Zoo
Elinor Trigg, who is the Senior Customer Development Manager at Chester Zoo, says the zoo’s Halloween festival this year “is something that’s not to be missed”.
“Halloween also gives us the chance to throw a spotlight on some species which can sometimes be a little misunderstood, but are incredibly important to ecosystems,” she added. “And crucially, whenever anyone comes to the zoo this autumn to join in with the festivities, they’ll be supporting our charitable conservation efforts to protect many of the world’s most at-risk species.”
You can complete the giant pumpkin trail and enjoy BEASTS at any time throughout the day from now up until 3 November.
All activities are free to those who purchase normal zoo tickets, with no timeslot booking needed.
Featured Image – Chester Zoo
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New CGIs released of Hilton’s fancy 144-bedroom hotel in Wigan town centre
Emily Sergeant
Some new CGIs have given us a sneak peak inside Hilton’s fancy 144-bedroom hotel soon to open in Wigan town centre.
In case this is the first you’re hearing of the development, Wigan Council announced back in March 2024 in collaboration with its development partner Cityheart that it had signed a franchise agreement with world-renowned hotel brand, Hilton, for a stunning six-storey Hampton by Hilton hotel pop up right in the heart of Wigan town centre, just off Market Street.
The new venture forms part of the Greater Manchester town’s £135 million redevelopment of the former Galleries Shopping Centre – which was approved in July 2023.
The hotel will be located directly-opposite the bus station entrance of New Market Street, and is within 500 yards of both town centre train stations.
It’s being called ‘one of the most important elements’ of the Galleries masterplan.
New CGIs have been released of Hilton’s fancy 144-bedroom hotel in Wigan town centre / Credit: Supplied
As well as the 144 bedrooms – with ‘accessible’ rooms to be built on each accommodation level – the new hotel will also house a gym overlooking the new square, a main reception area and dining space on the ground floor, meeting and conference rooms, and secure parking will be available for guests.
Dozens of staff are expected to be employed at the new hotel – which the Council says will provide a range of job opportunities for local residents.
Once complete, the hotel will form part of the exciting new town centre neighbourhood providing a new Market Hall and food court, more than 400 homes, bars, restaurants, and leisure uses, all designed to celebrate Wigan’s proud heritage and unique identity.
The new venture forms part of the Greater Manchester town’s £135 million redevelopment / Credit: Supplied
“It’s great to see the progress of this exciting Hampton by Hilton development, which not only plays a role in Wigan’s regeneration, but continues to strengthen our footprint in the North West,” commented Paul Blackmore, who is the Vice President of Development at Hilton UK & Ireland, as the CGIs were released this week.
“The ambition shown by Wigan Council and Cityheart to create a dynamic new hub for retail, leisure, business and living truly resonated with us, and we look forward to welcoming guests when the hotel opens in late 2027.”
Construction work will start on site in October 2025, with an expected opening of the new hotel in winter 2027.
Featured Image – Supplied
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Trafford Centre reveals Halloween events lineup with ‘nerve-shredding’ rides, creepy crafts, and more
Emily Sergeant
Spooky season is nearly upon us, and the Trafford Centre has now announced its lineup of Halloween activities to get stuck into.
With not long to go until schools across Greater Manchester break up for half term, and with Halloween within touching distance, the major shopping centre has revealed an exciting collection of events that’ll be happening over the next couple of weeks – and there’s activities for people of all ages.
From creepy crafts, to hair-raising rides and eerie evening entertainment, there’s something for every brave soul.
Back by popular demand from 25 October is the Halloween Fair, which will pop up outside The Great Hall featuring nerve-shredding rides, a spine-tingling atmosphere, carnival vibes, and loads more, right through until 2 November.
Brand new for 2025 is Fright Night at the fair, which is a truly immersive scare experience for daring teens and adults.
The Trafford Centre has revealed its Halloween events lineup for 2025 / Credit: Supplied
Fright Night will bring three evenings of pure horror from 30 October – 1 November, as creepy characters roam the fairground once the sun’s gone down.
For families wanting half term fun but looking for a gentler kind of magic, there’s a chance to join characters Wanda Web and Jack O’Lantern for some creepy crafts like relaxing pumpkin decorating, eerie face painting, and making your own witches and wizards hats to take home.
The legendary Big Wheel will also be returning for the festive season so you can ascend into the misty night sky high above the Trafford Centre for eerie nighttime views.
And to top it all off, Gandeys will be bringing back the fan-favourite ‘Spooktacular’ for 2025.
There’ll be ‘nerve-shredding’ rides, creepy crafts, and loads more to get involved with / Credit: Trafford Centre
“Halloween is one of the most exciting times of year for us at Trafford Centre, and this year’s lineup is bigger and better than ever,” commented Simon Layton, who is the Centre Director at Trafford Centre.
“From spine-chilling rides and late-night scares to pumpkin painting for the little ones, we’ve created an experience that everyone can enjoy. We can’t wait to welcome families, friends and thrill-seekers alike for a Halloween celebration like no other.”
Emily Sergeant -
9th October 2024 
