BOO! VIVA’s Halloween round up
| 20th October 2021
BOO! VIVA’s Halloween round up: Whatever your trick or treat, there’s plenty of Halloween fun to be had and lets’ face it we could all do with some of that.
VIVA has rounded up seven of the best spooktacular events for the young and old:
1.The Ivy Spinningfields embraces the changing seasons and much-anticipated ‘Día de Muertos’ festivities
With a show-stopping installation across its entrance, as well as a limited-edition cocktail menu created in collaboration with PATRÓN tequila, available from until Sunday, 7 November.
On arrival, diners will be met with a striking floral installation spanning across the restaurant’s entrance. Featuring bold bursts of colour and breath-taking blooms, including the iconic marigolds (Cempasúchil), guests will be transported from the heart of Manchester to the colours of Mexico.
Once inside, diners will be able to summon up the joyful spirit of the festivity with a series of carefully crafted creations, including the Paloma Rosa (£10.50), a devilish blend of PATRÓN Silver, St. Germain Elderflower Liqueur, hibiscus, lime, grapefruit, and Fever-Tree Soda Water. The signature Buena Muerte Margarita (£10.25) features PATRÓN Silver, agave, grapefruit, and coriander, whilst the El Cementario (£14.75) blends PATRÓN Anejo Tequila, Cointreau, lemon juice, egg white and orange bitters.
What’s more, those dining at the restaurant on Saturday, 30 October will be able to enjoy a series of live entertainment and DJs.
BOO! VIVA’s Halloween round up
2. The monsters are coming….to Manchester!
Manchester will be overrun by monsters this Halloween as the city prepares to welcome a frightful number of fearsome (but friendly) beasts to the city’s streets.
And Manchester citizens (both big and small) are being encouraged to dress up and come out and meet them as they descend on the city in their dozens.
Now established as one of the biggest Halloween celebrations in the UK, this year’s Halloween in the City festival, organised by Manchester Business Improvement District, aims to be the most monstrous yet! A monster line-up of new activities and experiences over the Halloween weekend (30 & 31 October) include a welcome procession of roaming monsters, a monster carnival, top monster bands, monster DJs, a monstrous photo trail across the city and even some Halloween ice skating at the outdoor ice rink in Cathedral Gardens. 2021’s event will also see the return of the city’s popular giant rooftop monsters created by artist Filthy Luker from the 25 – 31 October.
Guaranteed to lift your spirits, there’ll be monsters galore at the Welcome Monsters Procession created by Walk The Plank. Brave the city centre and check out the collection of fun and friendly monsters who’ll be letting their fur down as they party through Manchester Arndale and Market Street on both days. Dress up as your monster of choice and bring your own ‘We Love Monsters’ banner to show Manchester really is mad for monsters.
Creepin’ it real in the city’s St Ann’s Square will be Dr Mancenstien’s Castle and Gardens – explore the eerie ruins of Castle Mancenstien if you dare! The gardens and family cemetery are home to dragons, crows, creepy groundskeepers and man-eating plants…watch out!
Children can find out mind-bending facts about monsters, get close to them and experiment in Exchange Square at The Monster Lab – Dr Mancenstein’s special pop-up lab run by radioactive assistants and a few friendly aliens and on New Cathedral Street, families can enjoy a frightful time at the Carnival of Monsters – the freakiest of fairgrounds run by monsters including a monster ring master and monster jugglers!
Where there’s monsters, there’s music. Market Street’s Monster Truck Stage will see the DJ From The Black Lagoon and DJ Ghostman take centre stage – get ready to do the monster mash!
For event updates follow @halloweenMCR
Halloween in the city in partnership with CityCo
3. Printworks is taking part in Halloween in the city in partnership with CityCo.
They are installing a monster within the venue from Monday 25th October, which will be a key visiting point of the Halloween Monsters Trail.
For the weekend of Saturday 30th – Sunday 31st, they’ll also have a Stay Puft Marshmallow Man and Slimer over the weekend for photo opportunities, along with the Greater Manchester Ghostbusters on site covering Saturday and Sunday afternoon.
4. Join Selfridges this Halloween for fun, festivities and activities at Trafford and Exchange Square
Between 27th October – 30th October, there will be plenty of in store activities including make-up masterclasses with Charlotte Tilbury, M.A.C and Urban Decay, along with family friendly events such as Halloween tattoos and crafting sessions for little ones. Whether you’re looking for spooky décor, frightful costumes or the ultimate Halloween make-up look, Selfridges has you covered.
You could spend the night at The Trafford Centre this Halloween... if you dare!
5. You could spend the night at The Trafford Centre this Halloween… if you dare!
Ever wanted to spend the night in a shopping centre? On Friday 29 October, four lucky participants will be the first ever people to spend the night at the Trafford Centre for a spooky sleepover – but beware of things that go bump in the night and creatures from the crypt.
This exclusive prize package includes a VIP evening of horrifying Halloween fun, and an exclusive, access all areas tour with your ‘friendly’ Trafford Centre guide – before getting tucked up into bed and staying overnight in the centre itself. The experience consists of: Free entry and unlimited rides at SPOOKFEST.. To enter, simply visit the Trafford Centre’s Instagram @thetraffordcentre page and follow the competition instructions.
6. Street food stall Oh My Glaze, renowned on the Manchester street food scene for its sticky chicken wings and fiery sauces, is coming to the Trafford Centre.
From 29 October, Oh My Glaze will take centre stage in the new ‘hanger’ event space outside The Great Hall, which is being transformed into ‘SPOOKFEST’ for Halloween before undergoing a festive transformation for Christmas.
Oh My Glaze will be offering a mouth-watering menu, from their famous wraps to burgers and chicken wings, all coated in their famous glazes to create an unexpected taste – including Mexican Chipotle Chocolate and Spicy Banana Reaper. There will also be a specially created ‘Dome Burger’, exclusive to the Trafford Centre.
7. The ultimate scary movie experience at King Street Townhouse
The ultimate scary movie experience at King Street Townhouse
From Friday 29th October to Sunday 31st October, the Manchester hotel’s luxury cinema will show a collection of Halloween films – from scary cult classics including IT and a Nightmare on Elm Street, to family favourites Hocus Pocus and Beetlejuice.
Hidden underneath the city’s streets, King Street Townhouse’s boutique screening room is the perfect destination for a ghoulish night in, with spooktacular films fit for all ages.
And, as no cinema trip is complete without delicious snacks, guests will also enjoy Pick’n’Mix, popcorn and a choice of cocktail, mocktail or soft drink as part of the package. Tickets cost £30, call 0161 667 0707 to book.
So, take a seat, get cosy and prepare to be spooked!