Prepare to be spooked and entertained at the castle this Halloween
- Tamworth Castle spooky and gruesome events in October and November
- Tickets available online
- Daytime and evening events available
Tamworth Castle will provide the perfect backdrop for creepy entertainment this autumn with spooky activities and performances on offer for visitors.
Tamworth Borough Council is running a series of events at Tamworth Castle this autumn. This autumn is the perfect time to explore the historic castle and have fun finding out more about the myths and legends of Tamworth’s haunted past.
Historic reports of strange noises, furniture being moved and ghostly horses running around the castle all add to the air of mystery surrounding this ancient building.
The spooky season begins on Saturday, October 22 – Sunday, October 30 with a Grotesque and Gruesome Collections Event.
This new event is a chance for visitors to see some of the more unusual and macabre items in the castle’s collection and learn about the grisly from the days gone by.
Normal admission fees apply. No pre-booking necessary but you can pre-book your general admission entry ticket online here: www.tamworthcastle.co.uk, or call Tamworth Information Centre on 01827 709618.
Plus, a special Grotesque and Gruesome Twilight Event will take place on Thursday, October 27, with a late castle opening until 7pm - Castle closes at 8pm. Normal admission prices will apply.
Do you dare visit the Castle Grounds at night for a Ghosts in the Garden performance on Saturday, October 29? For one night only join Staffordshire’s masters of mystery and intrigue, Fired Up Theatre and Tamworth Repertory Company, as they perform a unique brand-new production of gothic tales, storytelling, dance and physical theatre about ‘things that go bump in the night’.
Priced at £10 (not suitable for young children), there are three time slots to choose from:
6pm - 7pm: Meet at Tamworth Bandstand 5.45pm. Performance finishes at Market Vaults.
7pm - 8pm: Meet at Tamworth Bandstand 6.55pm. Performance finishes at Market Vaults.
8pm - 9pm: Meet at Tamworth Bandstand 7.55pm. Performance finishes at Market Vaults.
On Sunday. October 30, an atmospheric one-man show arrives at the castles’ Great Hall, as Jonathan Goodwin performs an adaption of classic stories scripted by himself, based around the Ripper theme.
Don’t Go into The Cellar present ‘Truly Jack the Ripper’, where topics around the Ripper are explored - Was the Ripper a mad doctor, an escaped lunatic, a deranged barrister - or some everyday person?
Tickets are priced at £12 (Over 16 years only), with the show starting at 8pm. Drinks and Snacks available pre-show and at the interval.
Horror film lovers are invited to the screening of a 1925 masterpiece as MINIMA MUSIC presents The Phantom of the Opera in the Great Hall of Tamworth Castle, with live accompaniment on Saturday, November 12, from 8pm. This is a must-see boutique event with limited seats available.
The Phantom of the Opera is one of the silent era’s masterpieces. Its chilling performance from beneath the sewers of the Paris Opera House where a masked figure dwells. The story follows The Phantom, a hideously disfigured composer whose dream is to turn chorus singer Christine into a diva. Lon Chaney, the “Man of a Thousand Faces”, dominates this classic adaptation of the 1910 novel. His ghastly make-up and outrageous performance made this one of the great classics of American silent film.
Tickets are priced at £12, and a cash bar will be available.
Minima are a Bristol-based four-piece group specialising in live accompaniment to screenings of silent films since 2006. Their instrumentation includes cello, double bass, guitars, dulcimer, synthesizer and drum kit, creating an uncompromising and unique live sound. This new reworking of their own original score to The Phantom of the Opera teases out the film’s grim humour, immersing the audience in a nightmare world.
To complete a spooky few weeks of events, a night ghostly walk around the Medieval Castle, with vigils conducted in reputedly haunted rooms is a must.
The Ghost Search will take place on Saturday, November 12, from 8pm to midnight.
Cameras or camcorders can be used, and it is advised to wear warm clothing and bring cushions for use during the vigils as rooms can be chilly!
Soft drinks are available for purchase on arrival. Then during a break in the evening, complimentary tea and coffee with a slice of cake are served.
Over 18-year-olds only. No concession available.
Councillor Robert Pritchard, Deputy Leader of Tamworth Borough Council, said: “There is plenty of scary events happening at Tamworth Castle this October and November.
“Be prepared to be shocked and spooked as visitors learn about the gruesome goings on of past days; be entertained by tales of the Ripper or enjoy live music accompaniment to the silent movie screening.
“Ghost vigils in the castle are always popular, so make sure you book your tickets soon!”
