MCR Monsters

MCR Monsters are back across Manchester city centre from Saturday 24 to Saturday 31 October, and this year they're marking a bit of a milestone. The giant inflatable creatures have landed on the city's landmarks every Halloween for a decade now, and for their tenth anniversary they're running their longest trail yet, taking over buildings, streets and public spaces over the October half term. It's free to follow, so you can pick your own pace across the eight days.

There are 12 spots to track down: Exchange Square, Manchester Arndale, Selfridges Exchange Square, Corn Exchange, Printworks, Science and Industry Museum, The Royal Exchange, Treehouse Hotel, AO Arena, KAMPUS, Mayfield Park and Medlock Square. The monsters themselves are created by artists Filthy Luker and Pedro Estrellas and brought to life by Designs in Air. The whole thing is part of the free Halloween in the City Weekender, organised by Manchester City Centre Business Improvement District and managed by The City Centre Management Company, with Swizzels as sponsor.

The weekend adds a few more things to the trail. There's a roaming monster procession by Walk the Plank, inspired by the original creatures, with dancing puppets, towering stilt walkers and a six-piece brass band. You'll find a Monster Disco in Exchange Square, a Rave-Yard at St Ann's Square, and a live storytelling show by Z-Arts that tells the creatures' origins. New for 2026 are Swizzels' Spooky Sweet Stop and The Monster Bake-Off on New Cathedral Street. If you're out and about, they're encouraging people to share snaps at @HalloweenMCR.

It's all free, and since it runs from Saturday 24 to Saturday 31 October, you've got the whole half term to work your way through the 12 spots.