Let's get spooky
With Halloween comes trick or treats, pumpkin spice, and the cherry on top… raving. It’s probably my favourite thing about Halloween – the chance to dress up in too-cold outfits, head down to XOYO, and get spooked by the price of sambuca shots with my friends. Last year I was Hermione Granger, and I haven’t yet decided who I’ll be dressing up as this year… to be honest, once I’ve had a few G+T’s I don’t usually care who I’ve come as.
There’s so much on at this time of year – it’s like the party people know that no one wants to be outside anymore, so they start taking the parties inwards and giving them a dark, haunted twist. Last year, it was difficult to party hard at this time of year. We had to make do with buying up all the M&S Halloween choccies and playing trick or treat with our flatmates as to who had the last spooky Colin cupcake (just me??). This year will be different. We promise. Take a look at this list of the best Halloween club nights to start the festive season with a bang… or a boo.
1. Trapped in Wonderland, The Clapham Grand
When: Friday 29th October 2021
Where: The Clapham Grand, Saint John's Hill, London, SW11 1TT
What makes it so great: The Clapham Grand is a legendary venue, hosting variety shows from some of the greatest performers since 1900. A true Victorian spectacle, the venue is bedecked in ornate cornices and plush furnishings, all ready… to get absolutely smashed in. Join the Mad Hatter in this bonkers retelling of the classic Alice in Wonderland myth. Jump down the rabbit hole and wander through a haunted fairy-tale, complete with crazy characters, confetti showers, live DJs, and oversized Wonderland props.
Buy third release tickets here!
Credit: The Clapham Grand
2. i am a raver: halloween edition, Gorilla
When: Saturday 30th October 2021
Where: Gorilla, 54-56 Whitworth Street West, Manchester, M1 5WW
What makes it so great: Nestled deep in the Manchester nightlife scene, Gorilla is a much-loved club and live music venue that is throwing the *best* Halloween rave you’ll find in the UK’s second… or third city. It’s been rescheduled twice since covid first happened, but this has only made us thirstier for a stellar line up including DJ Rankin, DJ Cammy, DJ Zitkus, and Dillon James. From the UK’s most in-demand rave group ‘i am a raver’ comes a Halloween night you’ll never forget… or never remember, depending on your alcohol tolerance.
Buy tickets here.
Credit: Gorilla
3. Folamour’s Fright Night, Lakota
When: Friday 29th October 2021
Where: 6 Upper York Street, Bristol, BS2 8QN
What makes it so great: This gigantic Bristol venue with three floors and an outside space to match will be undergoing a complete transformation in honour of the spookiest weekend of the year. With literally “wicked” decor and non-stop party hits that'll have you and your fellow ghosts and ghouls – dressing up is absolutely essential dancing 'til the witching hours, this really is the place to be west of Clifton Bridge.
See what all the fuss is about here.
Credit: Wicked Club Crawl
4. Twisted Circus Halloween Festival, indigo at the O2
When: Saturday 30th October 2021
Where: indigo at The O2, Peninsula Square, London, SE10 0DX
What makes it so great: Twisted Circus has resurfaced for its eighth year, bringing you high-octane Halloween drama with a brand-new show and it’s largest ever cast! Witness incredible acts, crazy characters, and a heart-pumping soundtrack as they invade Greenwich with the spookiest, most haunted night of the calendar year. Welcome to the dark side… we have cookies.
Check it out here.
Credit: Twisted Circus
5. Club Coco Halloween Party, Coco
When: Friday 29th and Saturday 30th October 2021
Where: Club Coco, Maitland House, Warrior Square, Southend-on-Sea, SS1 2JY
What makes it so great: Down at Southend-on-Sea, something spooky is going down… it’s Club Coco. Coco is a cabaret and burlesque venue that is swapping the thigh-high boots and corsets for the night, in favour of something a bit creepier but equally as glamourous. Free spooky shots will greet you on arrival, and you’ll be taken into the darkest, eeriest night on the east coast. You will be refused entry if you’re not wearing fancy dress. Consider yourself warned.
Find out more here.
Credit: Coco
6. Black at the Mansion,???
When: Saturday 30th October 2021
Where: Nobody knows!!
What makes it so great: It’s been called one of the biggest events in London by Cultural Whisper, one of the spookiest events around by Elle, and has even been voted the no 1 Halloween party in the UK by The Telegraph. If that’s not good publicity, then I don’t know what is. Set in a haunted mansion at a secret location, this might just be the most immersive, hectic, and extra, Halloween party you will ever attend. Better bring your A-game.
Get a hint here.
Credit: Design my Night
7. Festival of the Dead, Forum
When: Saturday 30th October 2021
Where: Forum, 52-54 Dale End, Birmingham, B4 7LS
What makes it so great: After a two-year hiatus, the extravagant Festival of The Dead is finally back in all its candy skull glory. Set in one of the best late-night cabaret venues in the country, these seasoned pros will be bringing together a wealth of live performers - from fire eaters and aerialists to guitarists and giant puppet shows - to keep you entertained until dawn. This fully immersive experience will see you and 3,000 fellow revellers treated to the night of your lives, complete with a soundtrack that spans metal, dark drum and bass, classic rock, and electro.
See for yourself.
Credit: Birmingham Mail
Words by Rebecca Clayton