GET ready for a ghoulishly good time – Halloween is creeping up on Tameside and there’s a cauldron full of family fun bubbling across the borough.
From eerie arts and crafts to spellbinding performances, a packed line-up of free and low-cost Halloween events will be taking place at venues including Hyde Market, Ryecroft Hall, Portland Basin and Tameside libraries.
The fun kicks off at Portland Basin Museum in Ashton-under-Lyne on Saturday, October 18. From 10.30am to 3.30pm, the Ashton Steampunk group returns with a Halloween twist to their fantastical outfits.
The spooky spirit continues with a Spooky Spectacular Family Fun Day on Sunday, October 19, from 11am to 3pm, featuring free performances and themed activities.
For those who prefer something hands-on, the museum’s ever-popular Make, Do and Play sessions return on Tuesday, October 28, and Thursday, October 30, from 11am to 3pm with haunted crafty creations.
Things will go bump in Hyde on Saturday, November 1, from 11am to 2pm when the market ground transforms into a haunted hub of fun.
Families can step into the magical world of Baba Yaga’s House with Dizzy O’Dare’s immersive performances, pick up circus tricks with Circus Sensible, and join Phantasmagoria’s potion ingredient trail, guided by a hedge witch and surrounded by giant mushrooms and umbrella bats.
There’ll also be face painting, balloon modelling, and plenty of spooky characters – plus a family-friendly DJ spinning monster mash-ups for everyone to dance to.
Over in Audenshaw, Ryecroft Hall is summoning all witches, wizards and tiny terrors for a free family event on Thursday, October 31, from 11am to 3pm. Expect eerie crafts, bat trails and Halloween-inspired creativity – costumes are encouraged.
Meanwhile, Tameside’s libraries are brewing up eco-friendly fun with crafts made from recycled materials, comic-making sessions, and ‘Cloak of Spells’ workshops for budding wizards.
Councillor Leanne Feeley, Executive Member for Lifelong Learning and Culture, said: “Our teams have delivered with an excellent line-up for Halloween-themed events. It’s a great offer with a wide range of activities, meaning there is something for all ages.
“Again, activities are free or low-cost to help ensure they are accessible for everyone. We hope everyone makes the most of the exciting sessions and events!”