The 31st of October marks an annual celebration of all things gory and gluttonous (there isn’t really any other day of the year when expecting an endless supply of free Haribo from strangers becomes the norm)...This year it falls on a Monday, but there are things happening all over the weekend as well. Here’s our round-up of all the fangtastic events and gatherings in South London that are sure to tickle your fancy.
Lewisham
Horror Films At The Rivoli Ballroom - Crofton Park
The legendary Rivoli Ballroom, in Crofton Park, is hosting a horror show like no other for those that like their scary films. First off, Michael Myers’ classic 1978 ‘Halloween’ will be showing on Thursday 27th October. Then on Friday 28th, get ready for one of Jack Nicholson’s most horrifying and captivating performances, in Stanley Kubrick’s timeless ‘The Shining’. With it’s vast great hall and looming chandelier’s, the Rivoli is the prime location to experience Halloween (barring only Dracula’s Castle, perhaps) so get down there with some friends, huddle up with some much-needed popcorn to distract you, and keep your wits about you...Book tickets here.
Halloween Monster Mash Up - The Fox & Firkin
For anyone looking for a monster party like no other, head down to the Fox & Firkin for their annual spooky spectacular, complete with cabaret, fire, face-painting, and an all night foot-stomp that’ll get you wishing you hadn’t left the house. Watch your back as you make your way around their enchanted garden, the shadows might not be as silent as you think...More info here.
Get the right outfit! Harlequin - Lee High Road
Got the perfect party lined up but stumped for that horrifying yet socially acceptable Halloween outfit? If you’re looking for some authenticity, some serious high-level-fear-factor costumes, all at a reasonable price range, head down to local party shop in Lewisham, Harlequin. Their range of stock is mind-boggling, with everything from skeletal pirates to devil divas, and people are known to spend hours at a time finding the right thing for them. Their masks are of a different calibre altogether, with some being out-and-out gruesome, and some simply too terrifying to look at. They provide all the accessories you could possibly need, from fake-blood to face paint to nails, the lot.
Hither Green
'Chills in the Chapel' - St Swinthun's Hall - Friday 30th October
With an apt setting in a large church, Hither Green residents have voted to host a halloween film classic, with accompanying pre-film activities for the kids. The Goonies is the chosen film, which will be showing from 2pm. There will be kids crafts and games, a pumpkin competition, and the best bites of a cheesy 80s halloween themed soundtrack to keep people in the mood. Fancy dress is also strongly advised. Find out more and book your tickets here.
Forest Hill
Halloween is most certainly happening in Forest Hill this year. With a variety of events going on over the weekend, there is something for everyone. Kids can attend any one of the fantastic Lantern making workshops, which are hosted by fantastic local businesses The Archie Parker and Sugar Mountain. There is the new Fearsome Philosophy Tales, where ghoulish tales will be told, with added questions for the children about courage and fear. There is then a Pumpkin Carving competition on Saturday 29th at 12pm, and the annual and well renowned Horniman Halloween Fair, happening on 29th and 30th October. Find out more here.
Pumpkin at Horniman Halloween Fair
Brixton
Great Big Kiss Halloween Party - The Windmill
Bringing a classic hip-shaking 50s rock ‘n’ roll vibe to a great venue in Brixton, The Great Big Kiss are providing their usual mix of “northern soul, Motown, 60s girl groups and rock'n'roll, with some graveyard smashes thrown in for good measure.” If you like dressing up, you're more than welcome to. If you'd rather come in your usual stylish attire, that's fine too. This is a no nonsense knees-up for those that love to dance, so make sure your Halloween gear is mobile enough to cut it out there on the floor. Order your tickets here.
Greenwich
Regression Sessions: The Red Light Apocalypse
For the fearless ravers amongst us, Halloween is being celebrated in style at Studio 38 in Greenwich, in a spooky warehouse on the peninsula. Prepare your most intimidating and scary dance moves for this House, Techno, and D&B extravaganza, happening on Friday 28th October. Book tickets here.
Dulwich
Pillows And Paintbrushes - Dulwich Picture Gallery
Down in Dulwich, the renowned Dulwich Picture Gallery is taking on a practical and proactive endeavour for this year’s Halloween. This event, aimed at kids aged 7-13, includes the visiting of a sorceress in the gallery’s haunted house, printing workshops with a vintage theme, and a prize for the best fancy dress. A good breakfast is provided and there’ll also be a classic halloween themed family film to watch in the morning. Book your tickets here.
Balham
Lunatic - The Bedford
For the theatre goers amongst here, Balham is the place to be this Halloween for an authentic experience of dramatic horror. Get down to The Bedford, on Sunday 30th and Monday 31st October, where Bram Stoker's 'Dracula' is being transformed into a nu Gothic play which aims to “examine the roots of psychotherapy through the secluded sessions between alienist Dr. John Seward and his patient R.M. Renfield in a contemporary thriller” that works as a companion to the great 19th century gothic novel. The Late performances (7:30pm) will be followed by screenings of the classic 1931 original version of Dracula, starring Bela Lugosi. Visit their website to find out more and book tickets here.
Peckham
Bump & Hustle Music Halloween Special - CLF Art Cafe, The Bussey Building
Get ready to hit the dance floor hard with some of your most ghoulish and flamboyant moves to the party bangers down at Peckham’s most renowned night-haunt, The Bussey Building. As part of the South London Soul Train’s Halloween Special, this lengthy bonanza is hosted by some of the best DJ’s South London can offer, including Paul Trouble Anderson, Phil Asher, and Johnny Reckless. If you think you’re up to the challenge, order your tickets here.
Camberwell
Outdoor Cinema & After Party with BBQ and Bar - Georgian Mansion, Belair House
Be prepared to wrap up warm for this one. Set in the stunningly beautiful Georgian Mansion, Belair House in the heart of Dulwich Village, one could hardly think of a better location to huddle together with some friends and watch a terrifying horror film in the twilight. The chosen film will be the 2013 American horror ‘The Conjuring’. With it’s bleak Rhode Island setting and gradual development of paranormal events, there’s going to be some shivers, and not just from the cold weather...Find out more and book your tickets here.
Herne Hill
Halloween Events - The Florence
Herne Hill are going all out this year to get locals as spooked as possible at The Florence. With a 4 day run of community Halloween events for families and kids, they’ve got face paint sessions and activities for the young ones; a dance night for those wanting to get their freakiest most dangerous dance moves on; a pumpkin-making competition that rewards winners with a free ‘gory cocktail’, and a movie night. Spread over the weekend from Friday 28th to Monday 31st October, Herne Hillians can dip in and out of this mini festival celebrating all things gory. More info here.
Crystal Palace
Halloween Activities for kids - Crystal Palace Food Market
Up at Crystal Palace, a community development company are hosting a range of child-friendly Halloween activities for all to enjoy, on Saturday 26th October. First up there’s a free ghoulish lolly crafts & apple munching competition. Next up is a face-painting session hosted by DoXa, known for the Crystal Palace Overground Festival. Lastly, there’s a spooky action-adventure story for kids, entitled ‘Brooke Laing of Little Supernovas’. Find out more here.
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