Spine-chilling Halloween fun comes to Ashton!

Make Ashton Great Again will be hosting a week of ghostly walks, vigils, and haunted thrills.

Ashton-under-Lyne is set to come alive with frightful fun this Halloween, as Make Ashton Great Again unveils a full week of spooky events designed to celebrate the town’s eerie past and chilling legends.

From Thursday 24th October through to Friday 1st November, residents and visitors alike can take part in a series of free ghost walks, creative Halloween workshops, and supernatural vigils, all leading up to the terrifying main attraction, “The Theatre of Screams – Part 2.”

Ghost and history walks – daily from 6pm

Get ready for a haunting journey through Ashton’s dark history. The daily ghost and history walks will run each evening at 6pm, starting from To the Moon & Back bar on Market Avenue.

Led by a team of ghost hunters and historian Laura from Twilight Ghost Hunts, these twilight tours promise to bring Ashton’s past to life, or perhaps, afterlife. Participants will hear tales of phantom horsemen, mischievous market traders, eerie poltergeist activity, and even whispers of a possible Jack the Ripper connection.

With Ashton’s roots stretching back to the Domesday Book, there’s no shortage of chilling stories lurking in its alleyways and old buildings. One highlight includes a visit to the town’s haunted theatre, where the team themselves have reported unexplained activity and spine-tingling encounters.

The walks are free of charge, but spaces are limited. To secure your spot, email: twilightghosthunts@outlook.com.

Spooky vigils and Halloween workshops - daily between 3pm and 5pm

For those who prefer their scares with a creative twist, the spooky vigil and Halloween workshop sessions will take place every afternoon at 3pm and 5pm at To the Moon and Back.

Each session begins with an atmospheric mini vigil before diving into a hands-on workshop where participants can craft eerie decorations, create creepy trinkets, and learn hauntingly fun creative skills.

These events are also free, with only a £2 donation suggested to cover materials. Booking is required via twilightghosthunts@outlook.com.

The Theatre of Screams – part 2

When night falls, the brave can enter Ashton’s ultimate haunted experience: The Theatre of Screams – Part 2.

This terrifying walk-through attraction promises an immersive plunge into a labyrinth of phobia-fuelled horrors, designed to test even the most fearless visitor. Expect confined spaces, moments of total darkness, and no early exits. Once you step inside, there’s only one way out, through every scream and shadow that lies ahead.

Tickets for The Theatre of Screams are available now at: www.ticketquarter.co.uk/online/article/theatre-of-screams-2025

Welcome to Santa Carla… murder capital of the world!

Market Avenue will become a slice of cult cinema history as Make Ashton Great Again brings the world of The Lost Boys to life for Over Street Life 3: “A Nightmare on Market Avenue”.

Visitors can step into the neon-soaked world of Santa Carla and grab the ultimate Halloween photo under a full-size “Welcome to Santa Carla – Murder Capital of the World” sign, recreated as an exclusive cinema prop display.

The night continues with a special Savage Screening of The Lost Boys and more horror classics to be announced. Expect vampires, 80s vibes, and nostalgia in abundance. Whether you’re a lifelong Fang Gang member or new to the cult classic, this is your chance to sink your teeth into Halloween movie magic!

Gamesmania – daily 10am until 4pm

For gamers young and old, Gamesmania brings retro fun to Ashton throughout the Halloween week. Open daily from Friday 24th October to Saturday 1st November, this arcade paradise features everything from 8-bit classics to 90s favourites, and all for just £3 entry with unlimited play.

And that’s not all, a Mario Kart Competition is rumoured to be racing into town soon, so prepare for some high-speed action, power-ups, and plenty of bragging rights.

Gather your crew, pick your character, and get ready to press Start on a week of nostalgic gaming fun at Gamesmania.

Join the horde for Ashton’s zombie walk

The undead are set to rise in Ashton this Halloween as Make Ashton Great Again invites residents to take part in its frightfully fun Zombie Walk. Taking place on 24th, 25th and 26th October at 4pm and 7pm, with a special Halloween edition on Thursday 31st, the event will see ghoulish crowds of “zombies” shuffle their way through Market Avenue and the surrounding streets.

Participants are encouraged to go all out with their costumes, think torn clothes, eerie makeup, fake blood, and plenty of undead attitude. Whether you’re a die-hard horror fan or simply in the mood for some Halloween fun, everyone is welcome to join the march of the living dead. Bring your family, your friends, and your best zombie growl, and help make this year’s Zombie Walk the biggest than ever before!

Halloween cinema launch – The Lost Boys takes centre stage

The chills continue indoors as Make Ashton Great Again launches its brand-new Halloween Cinema experience with a free opening night screening of the cult 80s classic The Lost Boys. Taking place on Friday 24th October at 7pm at Savage Screenings, this special event promises a thrilling evening of vampires, nostalgia, and 80s vibes.

Guests can sink their teeth into one of the most beloved horror films of all time while enjoying popcorn, costumes, and a fun community atmosphere. Fancy dress is encouraged, so grab your leather jackets, dust off your fangs, and join the Fang Gang for a night of cinematic scares and spooky celebration. Optional donations will be accepted across all events, helping support future community projects by Make Ashton Great Again.

With a jam-packed programme of free and ticketed events, Make Ashton Great Again is set to transform the town into Tameside’s ultimate Halloween destination. From eerie history walks to creative workshops, haunted attractions, movie magic and retro fun, there’s something for everyone - young or old, brave or faint-hearted.

More events for the week will be announced soon, follow Make Ashton Great Again Facebook page to stay up to date.