HALLOWEEN parties are likely to be a no-go this year if stricter social distancing measures remain in place, but there are still a host of spooky events due to go ahead in Wyre Forest.
It's impossible to say whether Covid-19 rules will be eased - or perhaps even toughed - by the end of October, but it certainly won't be Halloween as we know it.
But from ghost tours to fancy dress contests and even a witch and wizard school, there are still a range of events still scheduled to take place in and around Kidderminster, Bewdley and Stourport.
We've put together a round-up of the most frighteningly fun events for children and grown-ups which are set to go ahead across the district.
People are advised to check with the organiser before booking as plans may change in response to coronavirus guidelines.
Ghost tours and spooky woodland walks at Witley Court
Do you dare explore Witley Court in the dark this Halloween?
One for the grown-ups - Witley Court and Gardens, not far from Stourport, is inviting spook-seekers to join its storytellers on a bone-chilling journey through the past.
With tales of ghosts, supernatural sightings and horrors from history, this is not a night for the faint-hearted.
These tours are suitable for those aged 16 plus. Don’t forget to bring a torch as things are going to get dark!
Tours will be held between October 28 and October 31 at 7pm and 8.30pm.
Tickets must be booked in advance at a cost of £10 for English Heritage members, or £15 for non-members.
Witley Court will also be hosting a ghoulishly good day out for youngsters between October 24 and November 1.
Families are invited to follow the trail to solve creepy clues and listen to spooky stories.
There will also be a fancy dress competition every day - just come in your scariest outfits to be in with a chance of winning!
A series of spooky woodland walks will be held at the mansion between October 29 and October 31, at times between 5.30pm and 7.30pm.
These child-friendly walks will take families on a trip through the shadows of the Witley Court Grounds.
With well-told tales full of spooky, strange and silly goings-on, this Halloween walk is sure to get you into the spirit of the season.
Click here for more information or to book.
Witch and Wizard School at Hartlebury Castle
Budding witches and wizards are invited to family-fun lessons in potion mixing and making your own wizard school badge at Hartlebury Castle's Witch and Wizard School.
Visitors will then follow a Spell Hunt around the castle, and can carve a pumpkin to take home to continue the Halloween celebrations.
Additional charges of £2 per child apply on top of the usual whole site admission.
Events will be held between 11am on October 27 and 4pm on October 30.
For more information, click here.
Pumpkin Walk at Bodenham Arboretum
From October 24 to November 1, Bodenham Arboretum will be hosting its annual Pumpkin Walk.
The dog-friendly event will be a little different this year due to social distancing restrictions, however the arboretum has promised the same carved pumpkins and spooky staged scenes.
Three time slots are available - 10am to 12pm, 12pm to 2pm and 2pm to 4pm. Tickets must be booked in advance at a cost of £6.50 for adults and £3.50 for children. Under-fives go free.
Click here for more information and to book tickets.
Spooky Spectacular at West Midland Safari Park
West Midland Safari Park will once again be brimming with Halloween decorations including illuminated, themed scarecrows and hundreds of pumpkins for its Spooky Spectacular event from October 10 until November 1.
Visitors are invited to take part in the brand new Scratchcard Trail to see if you can solve the Mystery of the Pumpkin Thief. Those who complete the trail will earn a sweet treat!
Click here for more information.
Dippy's Outdoor Halloween Extravaganza at Bewdley Museum
Take your little monsters along to an outdoor show in the Green Theatre at Bewdley Museum this Halloween.
Two performances will be held on October 31 at 4.45pm and 6.15pm, lasting 45 minutes.
The outdoor shows will be followed by fancy dress and bring-your-own carved pumpkin contests.
Visitors are advised to bring along picnic chairs and be prepared for all weather. People must sit in their family bubbles in a clearly marked out area to adhere to social distancing.
Click here for more information and tickets.
Nosferatu – A Symphony of Horrors at The Civic, Stourport
Nosferatu (1922) is arguably the film that gave birth to the horror genre.
Notable as the first cinematic interpretation of Bram Stoker’s Dracula, its combination of expressionistic acting and unforgettable images render it just as powerful and unsettling today as when it first thrilled cinema goers nearly 100 years ago.
Chris Green’s new score was commissioned by English Heritage for a live outdoor screening of the film at Dracula’s spiritual home of Whitby Abbey.
The music is a haunting blend of electronic and acoustic instruments performed by the composer and combined with FW Murnau’s iconic images makes for a genuinely remarkable and unique cinematic experience.
This event at The Civic, Stourport, on October 25 at 7.30pm is a showing of the classic film with a live performance by Chris Green of his new score.
Tickets cost £10. Click here for more information.
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