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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Tickets go on sale for massively popular pumpkin festival near Greater Manchester this autumn
Emily Sergeant
Tickets for one of the North West’s most popular pumpkin festivals with thousands of pumpkins to pick have now officially gone on sale.
We know it’s still technically summer and the sun is still shining, but in just over a month’s time, Kenyon Hall Farm’s popular Pumpkin Festival will be back up and running for 2026.
This is an ideal autumnal activity for when the leaves start turning golden, and is always popular with families every year.
Think fields full of pumpkins of all shapes and sizes, where you can grab yourself a wheelbarrow and get searching for your perfect gourd – whether it’s a classic round orange one, or a weird and wonderful wonky one.
Kenyon Hall Farm’s popular Pumpkin Festival will be back from next month / Credit: The Manc Group | Concetta Huffa (via Unsplash)
As well as the pumpkin picking itself, Kenyon Hall Farm also has loads of photo opportunities dotted around, like a house built of pumpkins, a giant throne, a vintage tractor, a love heart frame, and even a Hollywood sign-style sign screaming ‘PUMPKINS’ as you enter.
This year, the owners are also teasing some brand-new displays for 2026, so stay tuned for what’s in store.
While you’re at the farm, you can also browse a pop-up market packed with autumnal treats, including more pumpkins, novelty homewares, and seasonal goodies, and then head on into the gorgeous on-site cafe for some pumpkin-inspired specials like spiced lattes, scones, and soup.
What could be more a perfect autumn activity than rummaging around in a field picking your perfect pumpkin with your pals?
Kenyon Hall Farm’s Pumpkin Festival officially returns from Saturday 26 September, and tickets are now on sale at £3.95 each, so make sure to book yours soon as they’re already selling fast.
Tame Impala announces another HUGE Manchester gig after chart-topping success
Emily Sergeant
Tame Impala has announced another UK and EU tour in 2027 to celebrate recent chart-topping success.
Following sold-out runs across the globe in 2025 and 2026 – including here in Manchester – and currently in the midst of a North American arena tour, Tame Impala has announced a new run of dates for next year – with a mix of headline and festival appearances.
The announcement arrives as Kevin Parker – better known by his project name, Tame Impala – continues an extraordinary run with his latest studio album Deadbeat, released last year.
On Deadbeat, Parker aimed to sculpt a collection of ‘wickedly potent’ club-psych explorations as a vehicle for some of his most direct, ear-wormy songwriting to date.
Tame Impala has announced another huge Manchester gig after chart-topping success / Credit: Julian Klincewicz (Supplied)
After recently being featured in the new Marvel film, Spiderman: Brand New Day, the lead single from the album, ‘Loser’, has just hit number one on the Global Spotify chart.
Not only that, but the remix of the hit song ‘Dracula’, featuring JENNIE, also remains in the top 10 on various global charts, and the original version has also nominated for Best Alternative at the 2026 MTV Video Music Awards.
Critics described this most recent run of gigs as ‘one of the best live shows of the year’, so it only makes sense that he’d be back for more.
Kicking off on 28 May 2027 in here in Manchester, Tame Impala will be taking to the Co-op Live stage once again, before heading down to the capital for two nights at The O2 on 1 and 2 June, and then popping over to Paris, Rotterdam, and Cologne to.
Wet Leg will open all headlining dates next year, including here in Manchester.
Tickets go on sale this week, with Co-op Member Presale kicking off at 9am on Wednesday (26 August), followed by General Sale also at 9am on Friday (28 August).
Emily Sergeant -
9th October 2024 
