What's On
UK’s first fully animated 360-degree ‘mythical experience’ set to take over Chester Zoo this Halloween
There's also a giant pumpkin trail.
Emily Sergeant -
9th October 2024 
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.
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.
A meet and greet is also planned for visitors who would like to get their books signed afterwards.
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.”
Read more:
- A pop-up indoor pumpkin patch is coming to Greater Manchester this Halloween
- Chester Zoo named best zoo in the UK thanks to more than 11,000 ‘excellent’ ratings
- ‘Spectacular’ lights trail returns to Chester Zoo this winter
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
