RNCM Young Explorers: Halloween Spooktacular at RNCM

Johnny James, Managing Editor

Book now

RNCM Young Explorers: Halloween Spooktacular

15 October 2023

Always double check opening hours with the venue before making a special visit.

Image courtesy of the RNCM.
Book now

Calling all witches, goblins and ghouls! The RNCM’s Halloween Spooktacular is back with an afternoon of hair-raising orchestral music for the whole family. The show is part of the College’s Young Explorers series, which is all about introducing kids to classical music in a relaxed and interactive environment. No stiff and serious code of conduct here – expect to have a lot of fun, while celebrating the unique power of the live orchestra.

Image by Robin Clewley, courtesy of the RNCM.

Among the popular Young Explorers series, the Halloween Spooktacular is a recurring highlight, and sees the RNCM orchestra – along with mascot Phileas Fox – bring to life music from the creepiest corners of classic family films. This year, we’ll hear bewitching renditions of favourites from The Addams Family, Caspar the Friendly Ghost and Harry Potter – music that both kids and their grown-ups will know and love.

Image by Robin Clewley, courtesy of the RNCM.

As always, dress-up is heartily encouraged, so don your spookiest outfit and get ready for a magical afternoon of entertainment.

To read about more of our highlights from the RNCM Autumn season, head here. And to find more family events across Manchester and the North, check out our Families guide.

Abel Selaocoe_Spring 2026_credit Phil Sharp_sq
Until
MusicManchester
Inspirational Artists at RNCM

The RNCM launches its second Inspirational Artists series, spotlighting a huge range of touring musicians and ensembles, each bringing something unique to the stage.

From £12.50
Promotional image of Branford Marsalis playing saxophone
Until
MusicManchester
RNCM Autumn Season

The RNCM unleashes a season of daring stories, fearless players and performances ranging from jazz and opera to film scores and full-blown orchestral spectacle.

From £8
Film still
CinemaManchester
Faust: A German Folk Legend at RNCM

F. W. Murnau’s silent-era masterpiece Faust: A German Folk Legend gets the big screen treatment at the RNCM, with a live improvised organ score.

From £12.00

Where to go near RNCM Young Explorers: Halloween Spooktacular at RNCM

Manchester
Restaurant
San Carlo Fumo

San Carlo Fumo is a sun trap on St Peter’s Square, serving up traditional Italian food at its best

Utility Gift Shop
Manchester
Shop
Utility Gift Shop

Utility Gift Shop on Oxford Road is all about products that are new, unique, quirky and cool. High street shopping at its best.

exterior of Contact Theatre building
Manchester
Theatre
Contact Theatre

Following a major redevelopment, the iconic venue on Oxford Road will be reopening its doors to welcome the public back into the building this autumn. 

The Salutation pub in Manchester
Manchester
Bar or Pub
The Salutation

This traditional boozer, surrounded by imposing flats and university buildings, was taken over by Trof (of the Deaf Institute fame). The Sally, as the regulars call it, hosts an energetic, arty crowd – and its recently expanded outside area is another good reason to visit.

What's on: Music

Overmono at The Warehouse Project
MusicManchester
WHP25: Overmono at Depot Mayfield

Electronic powerhouse duo Overmono return to The Warehouse Project to curate a show featuring a huge line-up of pals at the top of their game.

From £49.50
Wisp Press Image
MusicManchester
Wisp at The Deaf Institute

Shoegaze’s unlikely resurgence has catapulted 20-year-old Wisp from iPhone demos to Coachella. In support of her debut album, she headlines The Deaf Institute.

From £19.25
the band
Music
YHWH Nailgun at The White Hotel

Laying down dizzying assaults that ricochet between math-rock chaos and primal fury, YHWH Nailgun bring their debut album to The White Hotel.

From £14

Culture Guides

Hofesh Shechter - Theatre of Dreams at Lowry
Theatre in the North

Picks this month include bold visual art, wondrous opera and cinematic dance - plus a touch of ghostly storytelling for the Halloween season.

A white mattress is burning in a black rocky landscape.
Exhibitions in the North

Galleries in the North are far from spooky this October - instead you'll find tactile sculptures, plant magic and curatorial experiments.

A Girl Walks Home Alone At Night
Cinema in the North

It's busy month across the cinemas of the north as Halloween programming leads into two of the region's biggest film festivals.

Poet Helen Mort.
Literature Events in the North

One to add to your TBR pile, our latest round-up is a bumper edition and features some amazing events in Manchester, Liverpool, Leeds and beyond...

Music in the North

From New York’s experimental underground to the most exciting sounds coming from local scenes, we're lining up a noisy autumn of gigs.