Spooky Halloween events galore with fun for all ages
THE leaves are starting to fall, the smell of pumpkin spice is in the air, which can only mean one thing – Halloween is almost here.
After a Halloween spent in lockdown last year, there is plenty to make up for, and whether you want to dress up in blood and gore and bop the night away to Michael Jackson’s Thriller, or simply watch a fun spooky movie with the family, there’s no shortage of events in Swansea this October. Here we take our pick of the best...
Meet some creepy crawlies What: Forget plastic spiders and rubber snakes, this Halloween at Limitless Inflata Park, you can hold real-life snakes, creepy crawlies, lizards and more – including a real 16ft python. This unique Halloween event is certainly not one for the fainthearted, but it’s open to all ages, and you can make a day of it by having a bounce in the inflatable area afterwards. Where: Limitless Inflata Park, Langdon Rd, Port Tennant, SA1 8DB. When: Sunday, October 31, 11am-3pm. How much: £12, including access to the bounce area.
Halloween balls What:
There are a number of Halloween balls for those aged 18 and above to choose from. The first is at Sin City, which will be hosting a Halloween ball filled with rock music, confetti and scary dress-up. It is on Friday, October 29, 11pm-3am.
The second is a full evening of headbopping rock ‘n’ roll shenanigans with the Patsy Mac Band. Fancy-dress is strongly encouraged. It takes place at Loughor Boating Club on Saturday, October 30, 8.30pm-10.30pm.
And there’s also a ball at Hangar 18 Music Venue in Plymouth Street featuring producer/remixer David Penn. That’s happening on Saturday, October 30, 9pm-3am.
A spooky screening of Hocus Pocus What:
Open Air Film & Chill will be holding an outdoor cinema screening of the family favourite Hocus Pocus at Pembrey Country Park. It’s an event that’s suitable for the whole family, and there will be a catering unit serving up hot drinks and snacks (you are welcome to bring your own, too). Where: Pembrey Country Park, Pembrey, SA16 0EJ. When: Saturday, October 23, either at 5pm or 8pm. How much: £34 for a family ticket (two adults, two kids), £14 for an adult and £9 per child (£4 deposit will be required via Eventbrite, the rest is due on the door). If the event is cancelled due to poor weather, your money will be fully refunded.
Watch The Addams Family musical What: Stage8 theatre has pulled together a cast to perform the family favourite Addams Family musical. It follows the funny and timeless story of Wednesday Addams, the “ultimate princess of darkness”, falling in love with a normal, handsome young man, and trying to keep the secret from her mother Morticia. It’s a play that’s fit for the whole family, and it’s perfect for a quieter Halloween celebration. Where: The Stage Y Llwyfan, Neath, SA11 1DR. When: October 26-30, 7pm nightly (2pm matinee on October 30). How much: General admission £13, programme £3.
Pick your own Gower pumpkin What: Rhosilli’s sunflower fields attract visitors from across the nation in the summer and in the autumn, the pumpkin field is no different. Pumpkin pie may not be considered much of a delicacy here in Wales, but that doesn’t mean we can’t carve them up into all sorts of impressive things. A day out at the pumpkin patch is suitable for the whole family, and while you’re there, you can tag your Christmas tree in advance and meet the reindeer. Where: Poundffald Farm, Gower Fresh Christmas Trees.
When: When: Friday, October 8 to Sunday, October 31 (you can just turn up on weekdays but need to book a parking pass on Saturday/sunday). How much: £2.50 per car, no booking required. Prices depend on size of pumpkin and usually range from £1.50 to £10.
Halloween parties What:
Glais RFC will be hosting two spectacular fancy-dress Halloween parties this October – one for adults and one for children. Children can expect a full night of Halloween fun with games and a pumpkin-carving competition, and for adults there will be a live DJ playing all of the best spooky tracks to make this Halloween one to remember. Where: Glais Rugby Club, 609 Birchgrove Road, Glais, SA7 9EN. When: Friday, October 29, 6pm (children) and Saturday, October 30, 7pm (adults). How much: Adults’ party is free. The children’s party is free to members and £2 to non-members.
Nightmare on Gwyn Street What:
Every year, Swansea local Jonny Griffiths puts on a Halloween display outside his home in Pontardawe to raise money for local charities. This year’s display is set to be his most frightening and exciting yet, with remotely controlled smoke and lightning fixtures. The brave trick or treaters who dare to knock will be rewarded with sweets, too. Where: 68 Gwyn Street, Alltwen, Pontardawe, SA8 3AN. When: Friday, October 29 to Sunday, October 31. How much: Free, but donations are gladly welcomed (proceeds will be donated to the local foodbank).
Scarecrow hunt
What: If you’re looking for a more hands-on approach for the children this Halloween, this Sketty Scarecrow hunt is perfect. Organised by Tycoch local Emma Bevan, this event gives the children – and grown-ups! – the chance to either create their own scarecrow or participate in the scarecrow hunt. Each scarecrow your child finds will reveal part of a puzzle that will be completed when all scarecrows have been found, and those who complete the puzzle will be entered into a draw to win a prize. Where: Sketty (more information can be found online). When: Scarecrows will be displayed from the first Saturday of half-term, right up until Halloween. The main event will happen on Halloween night between 4pm-8pm. How much: Free, but food donations for the local foodbank are gladly welcomed.
Halloween brunch When:
You’ve heard of the Grinch who stole Christmas. Now, you can say hello to the Grunch who stole Halloween. This Halloween brunch promises an afternoon of good food, drinks and Halloween fun, and dare I say, it’s one that will get us in the mood for Christmas. This event is one that’s fit for the whole family, with under-12s welcome. Where: The Brangwyn Hall, Guildhall Road, SA1 4PE. When: Tuesday, October 26, 2021. How much: £17.95 for adults, £11.95 for children.