Coventry prepares for spooktacular October half term

Coventry is gearing up for a spooktacular October half term as venues and attractions from across the city host a wide range of Halloween-themed events.

Venues and attractions from across the city will be transformed to give visitors a fright while others will be hosting hands-on activities to keep families busy in the autumn half-term break.

Visit Coventry, the city’s destination management organisation, has been working with venues and providers in the city to curate a catalogue of events for thrill seekers and families.

St Mary’s Guildhall will be opening its doors for a series of Halloween events which delve into the history of the Guildhall and its ghost stories. Gertie the Guildhall Witch will be telling spooky tales to visitors, who are invited to help find her missing cat by following a Halloween-themed trail around the medieval building.

Visitors will have the chance to tread the same ground as historical figures such as Mary Queen of Scots, with youngsters also getting the opportunity to learn about unpleasant punishments from centuries gone by.

Coventry Transport Museum will be inviting guests to upcycle waste and create their own junk-model monsters, while visitors to the city can enjoy a less spooky experience at The Herbert Art Gallery and Museum with a range of daily activities at the Wildlife Photographer of the Year exhibition.

Halloween is also set to star on the stage and screen across Coventry during half-term, with EGO Arts bringing Mortal to the stage at London Road Cemetery, and the Belgrade Theatre welcoming Dracula: Mina’s Reckoning from October 18 to 21.

Chilling performances will also take place at Coombe Abbey for the Gunpowder Gala, which will see actors reveal the story of the Gunpower Plot and its threat to Coombe Abbey, alongside a fireworks display and three-course meal for guests.

Coombe Abbey is also hosting its Haunted Halloween Afternoon Tea from the 29 to 31 October.

And in preparation for Halloween, people are being urged to visit The Barn at Berryfields to pick their own pumpkin, and enjoy its skating rink and street food.

Other outdoor experiences for Halloween include an adventure through the woods at The Heart of England Conference Centre with a festival village with activities for children.

At Fargo Village independent businesses will be out in force for its Halloween Makers Market, with everything from candles and needle-felted pumpkins, to jewellery and sweets on sale for visitors.

Paul Jones, Managing Director of Visit Coventry, said: “Venues and attractions across Coventry have been thinking outside of the box for October half-term this year and that is resulted into a fantastic, varied offer for visitors.

“There is something for all the family, whether you are a Halloween fanatic or prefer to steer clear of spooky activities at this time of year.”

To find out more about Halloween, October half-term and autumn activities in Coventry visit www.visitcoventry.co.uk