To get into the spirit of things, we’ve come up with our guide to things to do and places to go over the next few days in the Mansfield, Ashfield, Worksop, Retford and wider Nottinghamshire area.
From Mansfield Museum to Creswell Crags, from Rufford Abbey to Newstead Abbey, from Sherwood Forest to Sutton Library and from Mansfield’s Palace Theatre to Retford’s Majestic Theatre, there are Halloween-themed events for the family to enjoy.
You can meet ghosts, carve a pumpkin, go on a haunted trail, enjoy a film or panto, paint your face and even dress up as your favourite scary character.
With the half-term holiday also in full swing, there’s something for everyone – and we’ve also found one or two events and activities that aren’t necessarily dripping with pumpkin juice. How about, for instance, a bit of musical nostalgia with Kenny Rogers and Dolly Parton or disco queens Donna Summer, Rose Royce, Sister Sledge, Gloria Gaynor and Candy Staton?
It’s all here, but before you set off, please visit the website of your destination to check on admission prices and opening or starting times. Have a great weekend and a happy Halloween!
5. After-dark tour of Creswell Crags cave
This month marks the fifth anniversary of the discovery of the historic witch marks in Robin Hood Cave at Creswell Crags. So on Saturday (various times), the museum and heritage centre team is opening the cave for one day only to allow visitors to see the marks for themselves. Then, on Sunday (3.30 to 5.30 pm), visitors can delve deeper into the world of witch marks with a spine-tingling, after-dark tour of the cave to celebrate Halloween. Photo: Submitted
6. Kenny Rogers and Dolly Parton tribute show
Leave your '9 to 5' worries at the door and, for one night only at Mansfield's Palace Theatre on Saturday, celebrate the music of the king and queen of country music, Kenny Rogers and Dolly Parton. 'Islands In The Stream' is a thigh-slapping tribute show that features many of the charismatic duo's favourite hits, including also 'Jolene', 'Ruby', 'Here You Come Again', 'Lucille', 'Coward Of The County' and 'I Will Always Love You'. Enjoy a superb score and supreme musicianship from a live band. Photo: Submitted
7. Pumpkin-carving workshop for the family
Mansfield Museum gets into the Halloween spirit tomorrow (Thursday) when it hosts three pumpkin-carving workshops for all the family. The workshops have been scheduled for 10.30 am, 11.30 am and 12.30 pm, with all materials provided. Lots of fun is guaranteed, but advance booking is essential and adult supervision is required at all times. Photo: Submitted
8. Wicked Halloween panto at the Majestic
Magical illusions and things that go bump in the night form the essential ingredients for a wicked Halloween pantomime at Retford's Majestic Theatre on Sunday afternoon. 'Hocus Panto', presented by Talegate Theatre, is a story about three witches you love to hate, and the plot is sure to delight youngsters and adults alike. The theatre says: "It's the perfect treat for Halloween, and will leave you spellbound." Photo: Submitted