A round-up of the parties, pumpkin decorating, petrifying tales and poltergeist hunts happening for All Hallow’s Eve
Neon Moon
The Neon Moon Burlesque and Cabaret Club’s Halloween party at Cambridge Junction is an institution, without ever being predictable. This year’s show, on 26 October, promises a “dark world of wonder, as you stagger your way to Necropolis – the city of the undead”.
The world-class cabaret gets the party started, then festival favourite DJ Fizzy Gillespie keeps it going until the small hours with retro sounds of swing and soul infused with modern bass music. Featuring circus and burlesque performers to amaze on the main stage, and the chance to get glittered up, dress as your alter ego, and be on the dance floor until 2am, it’s one not to miss. Over 18s only, tickets from £20.
Halloween at Vinyl
Get the Thriller experience for Halloween at Vinyl on 31 October. Expect a seasonal curveball in among the floor fillers at the club, which has just celebrated its first birthday. There’s a tempting 50% off drinks before 11pm offer, with free entry if you enter before then, £4.20 before midnight, £5.20 after, and £6.20 after 1am.
Horror at Hinchingbrooke
Taking jumps and frights to the max is Horror at Hinchingbrooke, with new scare zones this year. Running from 19 to 27 October, it’s an award-winning interactive and realistic horror experience, featuring famous characters from the horror genre come to life. There’s a unique, terrifying atmosphere spread across 13 sets, with 80 actors lurking in the darkness. Groups of eight to 12 people, with no guide, go through a labyrinth of hair-raising shocks and surprises, complete with sound and lighting effects. Tickets from £18.50.
Pumpkin carving
Head down to Wimpole Hall to create ghoulish shapes and gently gouge out eyes from a pumpkin. Inside the farm’s great barn you can design your own lantern, with carving tools provided – just bring some ideas. Tickets are £4 and all dates from 19 October to 3 November are available.
Ghost Stories at the Leper Chapel
Catch two spooky tales at Cambridge’s oldest building, the 12th-century Leper Chapel, when in situ: theatre’s Richard Spaul performs Ghost Stories on 26 October.
He’ll perform Miss Mary Pask, by Edith Wharton, and Pink May by Elizabeth Bowen. “Both tales, as well as being deliciously scary, have remarkable twists and turns that have made me think about the ghost story genre in a new way,”
says Richard.
Audley End frightening ride
All aboard for a fiendishly fun express service at Audley End Miniature Railway, from 26 October to 3 November. Go deep into the woods on the Audley End Estate to visit the witches at their haunted house – children will receive a trick or treat bag, and the journey features a cobweb-clad clearing where witches chant spells around a cauldron alongside pumpkin friends. Away from the train, there’s creepy crafts, a dance tent and face painters. It’s spooky but never scary, so suitable for all ages. £11 to £14 per person, under-2s go free. Prior booking required.
Spooky Nights ghost walk
CJ Romer and Ross Andrews lead a spooky tour of Newmarket on 31 October, showing places to send a chill down the spine. They will explain the true hauntings and macabre histories of one of the oldest market towns. Tickets £5, over 16s only, start at The Clock Tower on High Street. Walks at 5.30pm and 7.30pm.
