Ghost Fest, 21-30 October, Oxford Castle. The season of fright begins with events all through October at Oxford Castle. Enjoy ghost tours and talks, paranormal events, pumpkin carving, trick or treat and more from 21 October. https://www.oxfordcastleunlocked.co.uk/events/ghost-fest/
Horse of the Year Show, Birmingham 4-8 October. Britain’s largest, and one of the longest-running, indoor equestrian events, ‘HOYS’ is the grand finale to the showing year. Enjoy hundreds of equine events taking place inside Birmingham’s NEC. http://hoys.co.uk/
Dylan Thomas Festival, Swansea 27 October – 09 November. This two-week celebration of the Welsh poet begins on his birthday and ends two weeks later on the date of his death. Expect a big birthday bash, workshops, readings, tours and more. http://www.dylanthomas.com/events/
Halloween at Puzzlewood, Forest of Dean23-29 October. The perfect place to entertain your terrors during Halloween half-term. If the withered trees and imposing ‘scowles’ weren’t enough to terrify you then perhaps hunting for witches and bats around them might! http://www.puzzlewood.net/index.php/puzzlewood-news-and-events
Blackpool Illuminations, Lancashire 1 October – 5 November. It may have been going for 100 years but Blackpool Illuminations never gets old. There’s an earlier switch on time of 5pm from 29 October making it great for parents with younger children or those desperate to get to the chip shop! http://www.blackpool-illuminations.net/
The Canterbury Festival, 14 October – 4 November. One of the UK’s longest-running arts festivals offers a varied schedule of literature, fine and performing arts, pop culture and comedy events. Different prices for performances and many free events, including plenty for the family to enjoy. http://www.canterburyfestival.co.uk/whats-on.aspx?filter=date
Stratford on Avon Music Festival, 14th-22nd October. Top performers from the world of jazz, classical and world music perform in the stunning setting of Shakespeare’s hometown. http://www.stratfordmusicfestival.com/
Shocktober Fest at Tulleys Farm, West Sussex.14-29 October. 8 truly terrifying haunted attractions at the ‘UK’s No. 1 Scream Park’. For families and less-committed fright fans there’s also a daytime Halloween festival. http://www.halloweenattractions.co.uk/locations/crawley/spooktober-fest
Gwledd Conwy Feast, 27 – 29 October. Food, music, art and more in the gorgeous medieval town of Conwy. This year’s event looks set to be the best yet. http://www.conwyfeast.co.uk/
Manchester Food and Drink Festival. 28 September – 9 October. Celebrating its 20th anniversary, this huge urban food and drink festival offers indoor and outdoor events, activities, competitions and plenty of food! http://foodanddrinkfestival.com/
Falmouth Oyster Festival, 12-15 October. The Oyster Festival marks the beginning of the oyster season and celebrates the diversity and quality of Cornish seafood. Enjoy food and wine with music, marquees and children’s activities too. http://falmouthoysterfestival.co.uk/
Cowalfest, Argyll, Scotland 6 – 15 October. This 10 day walking festival takes in some of Scotland’s most stunning scenery. Choose from more than 60 walks led by local experts. http://www.cowalfest.org
