Monsters and ghouls are set to rise as the country’s biggest Halloween celebrations return to Manchester with a Monstrous weekend of free family fun.

Embrace the Halloween spirit at The Royal Exchange with screenings from CBeebies and CBBC in a wonderful indoor woodland chill out zone featuring twinkling lights, comfy seating and family crafts. This free event is open to all ages and will feature episodes from family favourites such as Hey Duggee and Shaun the Sheep.  It will be taking place  from  10am – 7pm on Saturday 28th October and 10am – 5pm on Sunday 29th October

Keep your eyes peeled from 25th October as the MCR Monsters are returning for 2023 during half term, from Wednesday 25 – Tuesday 31 October. Created by artists Filthy Luker and Pedro Estrellas, both new and familiar faces will invade their way back into the city taking over iconic locations including The Royal Exchange, in a giant art trail. Come nightfall, buildings across the city will be turning a ghoulish green and thousands of pumpkin lanterns will once again adorn the city’s streets as the city gets into the spirit of Halloween 2023.

Can you spot the hundred of eyeballs that will appear on windows, railings, trees, lampposts and doorways across the city centre turning our hotels, shops, theatres, art galleries and city buildings into mini monsters? Keep an eye out for the specially created eyeball artwork by artist Filthy Luker and tag in @halloweenmcr #eyeballhuntmcr in your pictures in this citywide scavenger hunt across the whole of the city! Sponsored by Manchester Accommodation BID.

The Royal Exchange flower arch has had a fa-boo-lous makeover for Halloween, make sure to tag @royalexchangemanchester in your haunting photos.