Frightful sights in Leeds as half-term holidays take a spooky turn

The pumpkins are being carved and the finishing touches are being made to all manner of creepy costumes as families across the city count down to Halloween next week.
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And there’s been plenty of fiendish fun to be had this half-term after shopping centres, libraries and museums in Leeds entered into the spirit.

St John’s shopping centre helped parents to keep their little monsters entertained with free craft, face painting and children’s comedy on its own Wicked Wednesday.

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Gruesome twosome Mr Trick and Mr Treat from the Victorian Ghost Busting Society entertained visitors with ghoulish comedy, tricks, magic and silly Halloween tunes throughout the day.

Benjamin Walker, 12, of Chapeltown, has his face painted at the St John's shopping centre event. Pictures: Steve RidingBenjamin Walker, 12, of Chapeltown, has his face painted at the St John's shopping centre event. Pictures: Steve Riding
Benjamin Walker, 12, of Chapeltown, has his face painted at the St John's shopping centre event. Pictures: Steve Riding

Leeds Play Network hosted a ‘make and take’ workshop, while facepainters helped to transform youngsters in pumpkins, ghosts and zombies.

Meanwhile, libraries in Leeds have hosted sessions involving storytelling, shadow puppets, arts and craft, and Lego building – all with a spooky twist.

Visitors to Lotherton Hall have spent the week following clues around the house and estate since the Spooky Scarecrow Trail returned on Saturday.

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The trail is open to those who dare until November 5, but this weekend there will also be ghostly characters, face painting, crafts and prizes for the best fancy dress.

Kaitlin Richardson, four, of Belle Isle, was winner of the fancy dress competition at St John's shopping centre.Kaitlin Richardson, four, of Belle Isle, was winner of the fancy dress competition at St John's shopping centre.
Kaitlin Richardson, four, of Belle Isle, was winner of the fancy dress competition at St John's shopping centre.

Attractions at the Royal Armouries include a ghost hunters tour, gruesome medical talks with The Surgeon, pumpkin carving, and ‘awful animation’ sessions with InspirEd.

Tomorrow night (Friday) the venue will also host Ghostly Gameshow, an interactive family event, as part of the national Museums at Night festival. Booking is essential via Eventbrite.

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