Nottingham not only braced itself for some miserable weather last Friday, but also for the scariest Halloween yet as the Old Market Square was once more transformed into the Old Market Scare for October half term.
Bought to the City by The Mellors Group, I was invited along to have a sneak preview of the new Horror Hotel, a live scare maze in the style of a haunted Victorian hotel.
In groups of four we tentatively enter the creepy hotel which sits above a themed bar below, where a welcome cup of hot chocolate warmed up a damp October day.
Hotel Proprietor, Vincent Ravenghast checks us in, just one of the many actors you will meet dressed as spooky characters providing the shocks and surprises as we navigate our way around the twilight world of Victorian faded grandeur maze toward ‘Room 13, where a good night’s rest is the last thing you can expect. I don’t want to give too much away, but be prepared for some shocking surprises.
Warm PImms and Apple Juice was a welcome way to calm the nerves when we finally escape back downstairs to the bar.
It is the first time the Horror Hotel has visited the City, but an attraction which the Mellors Group have also ran successfully, at Fantasy Island in Ingoldmells, and something which they plan to build on if enjoyed by Nottingham folk this year.
Those who enjoy being scared can also catch a ride on the UK’s biggest mobile ghost train which is back to provide the thrills and for the younger Halloween-goers, with a further array of spooktacular family rides and attractions.
For folk who prefer to keep their feet firmly on the ground there are various food stalls all centred around a huge lit-up Halloween pumpkin.
On Halloween night itself, live entertainment and costumed characters will also take to the streets from 6.00pm to 9.00pm, adding to the spooky celebrations. Visitors to Old Market Scare are encouraged to dress up for the occasion and share their Halloween selfies to @OldMarketSquare using the hashtag #ShareYourScare .
Entry to Old Market Scare is free, but charges apply for the various rides and activities.
Entry to the Horror Hotel is £7.00 per person. Family tickets are available for 2 adults & 2 children at a cost of £25.00. (Advisory age for entry to the Horror Hotel scare maze is 12+, children below the age of 12 must be accompanied by an adult.)
Visit : https://mellorsgroupevents.com/portfolio/old-market-scare to book the Horror Hotel attraction.
