RSS Feed

Related Articles

Related Categories

Stratford's Victorian Halloween Festival returns

20th August 2010 Print
Halloween Festival

The annual Victorian Halloween Festival in Stratford-upon-Avon is even bigger and scarier than ever before. Now in its fifth year, the month long festival will take place at Bombay Manor in the award winning Creaky Cauldron museum in Henley Street from Friday 1 October – Sunday 31 October.

Taking visitors on a phantasm-agorical journey through the extremely weird and scary world of Dr Thaddeus Bombay and his travelling Imagiscarium, the festival is an absolute must for those interested in the paranormal.

The spectacular festival is packed with child friendly activities including free pumpkin-carving workshops, ghost stories and competitions. During half term week from 22 – 31 October, children will have the chance to meet the 7ft Pumpkin Father and be entertained by Victorian street performers and magicians in Henley Street.

However adults can look forward to a range of far more terrifying events in the haunted museum, reputed to be one of the most haunted buildings in England. Events include ‘Terrifying Tales by Candlelight’ with one of England’s most enigmatic storytellers, Tarot & Oracle Card readings, overnight Gothic Ghost Hunts, Victorian Séances and A Night at Scare School workshops.

New for the autumn and taking place every Friday evening during the festival is The Jekyll and Hyde Experiment, officially the scariest experience in town. Featuring the most terrifying story of all based on the Victorian tale of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde, the experience will take the very brave on a journey deep into the unconscious mind.

At the rear of the building is an old fashioned Victorian Tea Garden, the perfect place to relax and calm your nerves! The Taming of the Brew will be serving a range of special Halloween delicacies including Pumpkin spiced coffee, Dr Thaddeus Bombay's Original Recipe Butter Beer and Cauldron Cake.

The annual Stratford Halloween Festival was founded in 2005 by the Creaky Cauldron and has grown in popularity each year attracting thousands of people from all over the UK. The Creaky Cauldron is also home to ‘Seek The Magic’, a business recognised the world over as the leading and most traditional manufacturer of magical wares. Sold from the premises, some herbal recipes are over 350 years old whilst some of the incense blends date back over 2000 years.

Dave Matthews, CEO of Seek the Magic Org said "Our annual Victorian Halloween Festival is going to be even bigger and better than before with a host of spectacular events for all the family. Our festival is not to be missed, unless you think you might be too scared...”

Bombay Manor is open every day throughout the festival from 10:00am – 6:00pm. Tickets cost £5 for adults, £4 for concessions & students, £2.75 for those under 16 and £12 for a family (2 adults & 2 concessions). Terrifying Tales cost £7.50 and take place every Friday evening at 6:30pm, 7:30pm and 8:30pm. Please note the stories are not suitable for under 15's. Victorian Séances cost £25 and take place alternate Saturday nights. A Night at Scare School takes place at 7:30pm on Wednesday 13, 20 & 27 October. The Jekyll and Hyde Experiment costs £15 and takes place every Friday at 9:30pm. All events must be pre-booked and are subject to availability. Please note the overnight ghost hunts are already sold out but bookings are available for Halloween 2011.

For more information, visit: stratfordhalloweenfestival.com

More Photos - Click to Enlarge

Halloween Festival