Alton Towers has confirmed the return of its terrifying Halloween extravaganza for 2020.
The Resort, which reopened to thrill-seekers back on July 4, is draping its 500-acre Theme Park in spooky fancy dress for October – giving guests an entirely new way to experience Alton Towers.
Running from October 9 to November 1 on selected dates, the latest edition of ‘Scarefest’ will feature two new attractions.
These include the ‘Freak Show: Toxic Junkyard’ – an outdoor maze that dares guests to venture into the Freak Show hidden den to ‘discover the secret of the psycho clowns’ next big show.’
A new family-led attraction, ‘Garden Lights Walk: Whispering Souls’ , is another new experience which will be free to enjoy as part of the Halloween live entertainment – including the Freaky Five and CBeebies Land Monster Ball.
ADVERTISEMENT
Scarefest 2020 also sees the return of old favourites including:
The Attic: Terror of the Towers: A chilling experience set in the eaves of the Theme Park’s famous and historical Tower ruins.
Darkest Depths; where guests board the infamous ghost ship ‘The Mutiny’ and journey into the darkest depths to earn their piece of eight.
Altonville Mine Tours: Uncover The Legend of the Skin Snatchers; which sees ticket-holders explore a damp, disused mine believed to have once been home to a family of village outcasts.
Scarefest will also see extended opening hours – giving guests the chance to experience thrill rides and rollercoasters in pitch black darkness until 9pm.
ADVERTISEMENT
James Walker, Marketing Director at Alton Towers Resort, said: “We are really excited to be able to offer something brand new for our guests in 2020, as well as stage the return of our much-loved Halloween event.
“This year marks the theme park’s 40th anniversary and it was always the plan to make it a year of celebration for our guests.
“…the much-anticipated return of Scarefest will provide ongoing fun and thrills for thrill-seekers and families later into the year, with two brand new exciting attractions never seen before.”
Alton Towers Resort has implemented a wide range of new measures to keep people safe on site.
Capacity will remain at a level where social distancing can be maintained, including in entertainment spaces and scare mazes.
For tickets and more information about the events visit the Alton Towers website.
What's On
Popular grassroots music festival to return to hidden Manchester street with new fringe events
Emily Sergeant
Manchester’s much-loved grassroots music festival is back next month, and this year, there’s some new fringe events too.
Set across a handful of popular venues up on Deansgate Mews – including The Lion’s Den, Low Four Studios and The Mews Bar – Deansgate Mews Festival is returning for its sixth year this late May bank holiday weekend.
More than 40 music artists will be performing on a mix of outdoor and intimate indoor stages.
But that’s not all, as in what’s set to be an exciting new chapter for 2026, the festival is expanding beyond its core programme with the launch of the first-ever Mews Fest Fringe too.
Popular grassroots music festival Mews Fest returns this late May bank holiday / Credit: Supplied
The inaugural Mews Fest Fringe will be hosted in a large unit within Great Northern Warehouse, which will be transformed into a ‘vibrant’ hub celebrating music, art and independent culture.
Designed as a platform for Manchester’s creative community, the festival space will welcome artists, designers, collectors, and creative entrepreneurs to showcase and sell their work while connecting with festival-goers.
At the Fringe event, you can expect everything from record sellers and vinyl collectors, to vintage clothes, arts and crafts makers, independent creatives, and even bands selling merchandise.
This year there’s also the addition of the Mews Fest Fringe / Credit: Supplied
Already known for its strong grassroots ethos and growing reputation, Mews Fest continues to champion local talent and independent culture – but now with the addition of the Fringe event, the stage is set for its most ‘ambitious and inclusive’ edition to date.
Oh and the best bit? Both festivals will be free to attend, with no need to book tickets beforehand.
Mews Fest and Mews Fest Fringe will take over Deansgate Mews next month on late May bank holiday weekend from Friday 22 – Monday 26 May.
Featured Image – Supplied
What's On
Peter Kay announces four intimate charity shows in Greater Manchester – but only for these postcodes
Emily Sergeant
Peter Kay has just announced four intimate shows to raise money for a very worthy cause… but you can only get tickets if you live in these particular postcodes.
Comedy legend Peter Kay is set to return home to the Bolton Albert Halls for four very special hometown shows in this summer, marking his first performances at the venue more than two decades.
Taking to the very stage where he recorded the UK’s biggest-selling stand-up DVD, it’s set to be a proper nostalgic homecoming for one of Britain’s most beloved comedians.
The summer shows – which are taking place from 9 – 11 July 2026, even including a matinee performance – this is a rare chance for local fans to be part of something incredibly special, with all funds raised going to Bolton Hospice.
But, there’s a bit of a catch… you’ll only be able to get tickets if you live in Bolton (and some parts of Bury), as it’s strictly limited to BL postcodes.
Peter Kay Live at the Bolton Albert Halls – 2026 Dates
Thursday 9 July (Evening)
Friday 10 July (Evening)
Saturday 11 July (Matinee)
Saturday 11 July (Evening)
Tickets officially go on sale Friday 24 April at 10am, and you can get your hands on them here.
The Manc -
24th August 2020 
