Manchester’s Autumn and Winter Events promise free family fun across the city

cartoon image of a carved pumpkin

As the days grow shorter and October half-term approaches Manchester City Council is rolling out a programme of free events and activities this Autumn and Winter to entertain children and families acr

Since the pandemic, the council has moved away from hosting one-off large bonfire and firework events, instead working closely with communities to understand what they want in their neighbourhoods.

The combined focus has been on delivering free, local events in partnership with communities, with a particular emphasis on children, young people, and their families. At this time of year, these include a range of autumnal and Halloween-themed activities for everyone to enjoy.

Councillor Lee Ann Igbon Executive Member for Vibrant Neighbourhoods said:

“In recent years, we’ve shifted our focus from hosting a few large-scale park events to supporting a wide variety of community-led activities throughout Autumn and Winter. These fun, free events have proven hugely popular, and this year’s programme begins during the October half term with Halloween-themed activities in our parks and neighbourhoods.

“We recognise that when communities come together to celebrate, it creates a positive energy and enriching experience for everyone involved which is why we’ll continue to review our events and activities offer, exploring new opportunities to bring more people together in our parks and green spaces to mark key moments throughout the year.

“We know that many families continue to worry about the cost-of-living which is why our activities are free and accessible to all children and young people in Manchester. Whether it’s a Halloween spooky trail, a visit to a museum or gallery or a sports session there something on offer for everyone.”

Events highlights include:

The Hidden Horrors Trail – October half term – Heaton, Boggart, Crumpsall, Platt Fields, Alexandra Park, Chorlton Water Park, Debdale Park, Wythenshawe, Cringle Park and Fog Lane. Discover Halloween-themed trails and see how many of our creepy crawly characters you can find hidden around your local park. Free checklists are available so you can tick them off as you go. 

Pumpkin carving 27 – 31 October Celebrate spooky season with free pumpkin carving sessions happening across Manchester parks. All materials are provided. Plus, you’ll receive a pumpkin to take home. Sessions at multiple parks.

Wythenshawe Park

Spooky Storytime –Scary stories ( but not too scary) for young children Wednesday 29 and Thursday 30 October – 1.30 – 2pm.Free and open access – no need to book.
Halloween Kitchen-Little ones can don their Halloween costumes and join in the Witches kitchen at the Horticultural Centre on Wednesday 29 and Thursday 30 October 1-3pm to make lots of spooky eats.Free,  open access, no need to book and come in costume. 

Halloween Party – 26 -31 October 2-5pm. Free

Join our friends at Wythenshawe Park for a spooktacular Halloween celebration hosted by Pebble and Friends. Taking place in the Park’s historic courtyard, you can expect a jam-packed afternoon with a free disco and Halloween-themed crafts, a paint-a-pot activity, spooky temporary tattoos and a special ‘Drop Dead’ themed food menu. Costumes are encouraged. Perfect for families and Halloween lovers of all ages.
 

Central Library
Welcome to the Spooky Library Central Library is getting ready to welcome little spooks and ghouls to a very creepy a fun-filled family Halloween experience. Are you brave enough to enter the world of creepy crafts, torturous treats and sinister surprises? FREE ENTRY. Drop in and Suitable for children aged 7-13. Fancy dress encouraged! Central Library, Friday 31 October, 1 – 4 pm

For more information on all the free events in parks, leisure centres, libraries, museums and galleries in the city visit Loads to Do in Manchester
 

 

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