After an unseasonably warm start, autumn is well and truly upon us. But as the temperatures drop, the days grow shorter, and nights feel longer, there’s plenty of fun lying in wait.
With Halloween next weekend and Bonfire Night just a few days later, there are loads of events happening around the region.
Whether you’re keen to embrace all things spooky or are looking forward to munching on cinder toffee while bonfires and fireworks light up the sky, here’s a roundup of what’s happening near each KBA office – and you.
Manchester
After-hours scares at Sea Life
For the bravest of children (over 10) and adults, enter the Ascarium after dark and discover the story of the Cursed Depths.
Step into the scariest aquarium yet and brave an underwater world of “eerie enchantment”. But beware! As you wander through the Halloween exhibits, you never know what might be waiting below the waves…
- When: 30 and 31 October, and 1 November 2026.
- Entry price: Adults £12, children £8, carers can enter for free with proof of eligibility.
- Good to know: Expect darkened pathways, live actors, and jump scares. Not recommended for those with heart conditions or those who are pregnant.
3 free firework celebrations – which will you choose?
Celebrating Bonfire Night in style, Manchester City Council is hosting not one, but three firework displays in popular parks – all taking place on Saturday 7 November.
At each park, there’ll be a 5 pm event for families and SEND audiences. With reduced noise and a low-impact display, more families can enjoy the firework fun with a more tolerable bang.
Later in the evening, the main firework displays will begin at 8 pm.
The only question now is: which park will you choose?
Manchester’s big free family-friendly fireworks will be hosted at Wythenshawe Park, Heaton Park, and Platt Fields Park in Fallowfield.
Lowton
A spooktacular Halloween experience for families
Head to Grange Farm for fearsome yet wholesome scares at the farm shop’s much-loved Pumpkin Festival.
“Bigger, brighter, and bursting with seasonal fun”, pull on your wellies and roll up your sleeves for some heavy pumpkin lifting at this working farm.
From live shows and entertainment to Halloween-themed treats and drinks, and surprises galore – the team at Grange Farm know how to throw the best outdoor Halloween party.
Be sure to pop by to meet and feed all the farm animals, including the herd of Highland cows.
- When: Saturday 24 and Sunday 25 October, and all half-term week, from Tuesday 27 October to Friday 30 October.
- Entry price: From £3.14.
- Good to know: Funfair and face painting cost extra, and there’s live entertainment at regular slots throughout the day – check the website for details.
Get your bonfire fix at Golborne
Head to Golborne Sports and Social Club for an “unforgettable Firework Display Night”.
Happening on Saturday 7 November, as well as the requisite fireworks, there’ll be family entertainment, DJ Paul will be mixing the best tunes, and a few surprise special guests will be popping by, too.
- When: Saturday 7 November. Gates open at 5.30 pm. Early-bird display at 6.45 pm and main display at 7.45 pm.
- Entry price: Pre-ticket prices start from £5. On the night: From £7.
- Good to know: Call 01942 519515 for more details.
Nantwich
Marvel at Simon McMinnis’s award-winning pumpkin carvings
Simon McMinnis is an award-winning pumpkin carver pro who will be showcasing his skills at Bridgemere Show Gardens for one day only.
Watch as he demonstrates his spooktacular skills and transforms pumpkins into works of art.
From creepy ghouls to cute children’s cartoon characters, Simon produces incredibly detailed pumpkin carvings in all shapes and sizes.
- When: Monday 26 October 2026.
- Entry price: Free.
- Good to know: Be prepared – you may get to see Peppa Pig in a whole new pumpkin light!
Head to Betley for one of the largest bonfires in the country
The annual Betley Bonfire, hosted at Betley Court Farm (What3words: ///ivory.welcome.compelled), draws visitors from far afield.
Thought to be one of the largest in the country, the bonfire will be lit at 6 pm.
As well as a spectacular fireworks display, there will be a funfair with rides for all ages, and food and drink stalls with everything from hearty meals to sweet treats and warming drinks.
- When: Saturday 7 November 2026.
- Entry price: £15 for adults and £12 for under-14s (frozen at 2025 prices).
- Good to know: Parking is free and there’s a drop-off/pick-up point at Betley Village Hall.
Bury
Climb aboard the Scream Train and discover spooky happenings along the East Lancashire Railway tracks
A series of very strange happenings have been reported along the railway tracks – odd splashing, deep growling, and terrifying screams have been sending shivers down people’s backs all around Irwell Vale.
Sightings have been noted too, with several people saying they’ve seen giant footprints and tracks of slime alongside unexplainable trails of destruction.
So, the powers that be are inviting you to join Zombie Bob and his squad of unruly monsters as they set out to discover the truth behind the Swamp Thing…
- When: Departing at various times throughout Thursday 29, Friday 30, and Saturday 31 October.
- Entry price: Adults £3.50, children £2.50 (plus a £2.50 transaction fee).
- Good to know: A shuttle service from the large car park in Heywood could save you from a parking nightmare.
A bonfire built by Bury’s finest boy Scouts
Greenmount Scouts are putting their all into building a great big bonfire in time to celebrate Guy Fawkes Night on Saturday 7 November.
Happening at Longsight Road Playing Fields, Holcombe Brook, gates open at 6.30 pm, and the bonfire will be lit at 7.15 pm.
As the fire gets started, so will the party – with food and drink stalls vying for visitors’ attention, there’ll also be a range of games and traditional stalls.
- When: Saturday 7 November, from 6.30 pm.
- Entry price: Adults £6, children £2.
- Good to know: Tickets available online or from Greenmount Butchers.
Southport
Swap spooky for a super-natural Halloween adventure
If you’re looking for some soothing Halloween fun for younger children, head to Martin Mere Wetland Centre during half-term week and get involved in a host of hands-on seasonal activities.
A scare-free way to celebrate Halloween, the wetland centre is encouraging families to get outdoors, explore nature, and uncover a wealth of natural wetlands superpowers.
Pick up your SUPER Natural logbook and embark on a self-guided adventure, discovering autumn wildlife and nature-inspired activities along the way.
Meanwhile, there’s a selection of spellbinding seasonal entertainment on offer, including magical willow wand weaving, mystical canoe adventures, pumpkin carving, and potion mixing.
- When: Daily from Saturday 24 October to Sunday 1 November, with additional afternoon activities between 12 pm and 3 pm.
- Entry price: From £11.12 for children; some activities have an additional charge.
- Good to know: Book online and enjoy a 10% discount. Gift Aid is also available.
Head to Southport Rugby Club for an extra firework fix
Having hosted the British Musical Fireworks Championship in Victoria Park in September, which attracted more than 20,000 spectators, Sefton Council (quite rightly) feels it has done its bit for pyrotechnics.
But all is not lost, because the Rugby Club have picked up the firework mantle and will be hosting Bonfire Night on Friday 6 November.
DJ Trevor Ford from Mighty Radio will be broadcasting live, and the festival atmosphere will include bouncy castles, a giant slide, children’s fairground rides and stalls, plus face painting.
There’ll be a big barbecue with all the usual favourite grilled delights, an outside bar, and a sweet stall for extra treats.
- When: Friday 6 November, gates open 6 pm.
- Entry price: Adults £9, family £28.
- Good to know: No car parking – catch the train to Hillside Station and the rugby club is five minutes’ walk away.