Halloween in the City 2023
Shekina Rose, Families Editor
Looking for some fearsome family fun? Halloween in the City is back to haunt Manchester over Halloween weekend, with a petrifying programme of suitably spooky events and activities taking place across Manchester city centre.
Manchester’s streets will be overrun by fearsome but friendly monsters, with audiences encouraged to dress up and meet the beasts as they make their way through the city, causing fright and delight.
In its eighth year, Halloween in the City is pulling out all the stops, bringing back the iconic MCR Monsters – a vibrant invasion of inflatable creatures that will take over city rooftops throughout the week from 25-31 October during the half term break, along with a thrilling two-day family-friendly festival right in the heart of Manchester’s shopping district on 28 and 29 October.
Crafted by the imaginative minds of artists Filthy Luker and Pedro Estrellas, the MCR Monsters, both familiar and new, will descend on locations such as the Arndale, Selfridges, Harvey Nichols, Corn Exchange, The Royal Exchange, New Century Hall, AO Arena, and a new addition for 2023, Castlefield Viaduct, in a colossal art trail. As night falls, the city will transform via eerie green lighting, and thousands of pumpkin lanterns will illuminate the streets, setting the stage for Halloween 2023.
On 28 and 29 October, the Halloween in the City lineup promises a monstrous music festival that will reverberate through the city. The festivities include a fancy dress challenge and a monster procession, organised by the Manchester City Centre Business Improvement District on behalf of the city’s retailers, restaurants, and businesses.
Expect hair-raising live bands, electrifying DJs, exhilarating rides, jaw-dropping circus acts, and even monstrous portable loos as the Monsters Rock! Music Festival returns to the city, spanning New Cathedral Street, St Ann’s Square, Market Street, and Exchange Square.
The beloved Monsters Rock Out Procession, brought to life by Walk the Plank, also makes a return in 2023, featuring giant puppet monsters, towering stilt walkers, and a live band that will bring the party to Manchester Arndale and Market Street.
Join thousands of families as they line the streets, clad in their spookiest costumes, and engage in fun games during the Team Trick v Team Treat challenge. Collect a wristband, pick your side, and earn points for your team. The spookiest team of the day will be revealed at 4pm on the Main Stage!
And that’s not all – spooky ice skating is back for 2023 at Scare Skate in Cathedral Gardens.
This Halloween, Manchester is the place to be, and Halloween in the City promises a monster-sized celebration like no other.
