Halloween fun is not just for children in costumes! Whether it’s a proper fright you’re after, an evening of gothic theatre or just a fun night out with friends, there is plenty happening across Colchester this spooky week. 

For thrill seekers: 

If you’re brave enough to walk the Trail of Terror at Colchester Zoo, this popular annual spooktacular event is not for the faint of heart! Be sure to book ahead before places vanish. If that’s not frightening enough for you, we challenge you to step inside one of the city’s most infamously haunted locations after dark for The Red Lion Hotel Ghost Hunt to find the spirits lurking in Colchester’s city centre. 

For history buffs: 

If horrible history is more your style, the Bloodcurdling Colchester Guided Tour reveals the city’s grisly past through bloodcurdling tales of witches, ghosts and murder (oh my!). Or you can also see a familiar landmark in a very different light on the Dark Castle Tours, delving into Colchester Castle’s shadowy stories after hours. 

For theatre lovers: 

Theatre fans are spoiled for choice this year! Colchester Fringe Festival have come through with a couple of inventive short plays; a bold spin on a bloody classic with Salaryman Macbeth and on a lighter note, CSI: Crime Scene Improvisation — Halloween Special sees a comedy ensemble put on a special Halloween edition of the world’s daftest whodunnit – their words not ours! 

Over at the Mercury Theatre, The Void offers an original futuristic AI horror story for anyone who likes their scares with a science-fiction edge. Fans of gothic horror can discover The Picture of Dorian Gray reimagined as a fresh new musical, while An Evening from the West End — Heroes & Villains promises a spectacular programme of showstopping performances by West End stars for one frightful night only. 

For chills over thrills: 

If you would rather skip the tricks and have a treat, you can grab a pint at the Jack Rabbit Brewery Co. Beer Festival,  or a night of bold entertainment and big personalities, try the Dragonfly Lounge’s Halloween edition of the drag show spectacular with Halloween Cabaret. 

Whatever your idea of a great Halloween night, Colchester has something to tempt you out after dark. Put on your best costumes, gather your friends and make the most of spooky season!