Spooky fun in Tameside this half-term

Children and adults alike are sure to be spellbound by the range of activities Tameside Cultural Services have organised for autumn half-term.

As befits a holiday that covers the last week of October, which ends with Hallowe’en, there’s a suitably spooky theme.

From crazy drawing activities and mysterious tales, to a spellbinding outdoor audio trail and interactive Zoom family theatre performance, there are lots of ways for people to join in. 

The arts and engagement team are also supporting magical travel emporium Phantasmagoria with their spaceship trail around Ashton town centre. See if you can find all 12.

Our magical journey starts on Monday, October 26, with a Zoom performance of “Spark the Goblin Wizard” with poet Dommy B, who has won several prestigious awards as well as performing on “Rhyme Rocket” on BBC CBeebies.

Spark’s magic rhymes can turn anything into anything, but when something terrible starts to happen in the enchanted forest, maybe not even he can help. That’s why Dommy B needs you to join in with the lyrics and laughs.

The show, which starts at 11am, is suitable for children aged five and over. To register, email events@tameside.gov.uk

“Spellbound” is a walk in the park with a difference. Our spellmaster has decided to share his secret Hallowe’en potion recipe but the ingredients are hidden around a short family-friendly trail in Stamford Park.

The instructions, map, craft activities and audio trail are available from October 24 to October 31 at www.tameside.gov.uk/outdooractivities

Our spooky craft activities include how to make a wizard wand and potion bottles at home so you’ll be ready for the last part of the spell which is only available on Hallowe’en.

At 1pm on Thursday, October 29, storyteller John Kirk will be on Zoom with Story Hunt to take children aged four to eight on an interactive 30-minute scavenger hunt based on Michael Rosen’s famous verse. For free tickets visit www.eventbrite.co.uk/o/tameside-libraries-7825613505

“You don’t know me but” is an innovative piece of theatre for adults. Directed by Olivier Award-winner Gwenda Hughes, it is performed over the phone by its writer, Sophia Hatfield.

Although fictional, it is inspired by interviews with the residents of a Stoke care home. It focuses on themes and issues that are too often overlooked and offers a unique perspective on a sector that has faced huge challenges during the pandemic.

The play will be available from Tuesday, October 27, to Saturday, October 31. Book you place by calling 0800 689 0018.