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!
13. Spooky storytime for youngsters in Creswell caves
Venture into a cave with the kids and enjoy a special Halloween-inspired story-telling at the Creswell Crags Musuem and Heritage Centre. 'Spooky Stone Age Storytime' comprises two sessions this coming Saturday (12 midday and 2 pm), one for younger children in Mother Grundy's Parlour and a spookier session in the depths of Robin Hood Cave. Prepare to be enthralled and excited. Photo: Submitted
14. Go along to 'Halloween Spooktacular' -- if you dare!
Dare you go along to the Park Road Resource Centre in Mansfield Woodhouse for a 'Halloween Spooktacular' tomorrow evening (4 pm to 8 pm)? The Mansfield Woodhouse Coimmunity Development Group has teamed up with Gingersnaps Parties for an event that features a scare-maze, entertainment, special guests, a parade, a live DJ, a fairground, food and drink, stalls and bouncy castles. Photo: Paul Atkinson
15. Victorian elegance with a spooky twist
Pop along to Bassetlaw Musuem in Retford tomorrow (6.30 pm to 8.30 pm) for a free event that blends the charm of Victorian fashion with an exciting Halloween twist. You can explore the museum's exquisite collection of Victorian costumes, including ornate capes, elegant outfits and luxurious silks and velvets, but also test your knowledge in a Halloween quiz and hear some eerie local ghost stories. Light refreshments will be available. Photo: Submitted
16. Reminder that Christmas is around the corner too!
Never mind Halloween, let's not forget that Christmas is just around the corner too! And Mansfield's Palace Theatre reminds us next Tuesday when veteran singer and theatre producer Neil Sands and his cast return for an all-new version of their hit show, 'Christmas Memories'. Join Neil for a heartwarming afternoon of festive nostalgia, filled with more than 60 of your all-time favourite Christmas songs and carols. Photo: Submitted