Packed line-up includes a giant inflatable, spooky street theatre, a Halloween hunt, an autumnal farmers market, Yayoi Kusama’s giant polka dot pumpkin at Kensington Gardens, a rampaging Godzilla in the Japan House – and the launch of the World of Tim Burton exhibition at the Design Museum
High Street Kensington (highstreetkensington.co.uk/halloween/) is set to become London’s Halloween capital this half term with a week-long, spook-filled programme (25-31st October). A mega-sized inflatable looming over the tube station, a free, ‘win-a-treat’ Halloween hunt through the streets and a family-inspired Farmer’s Market filled with autumnal food, crafts, pumpkin decorating and face painting (on Sunday 27th October) are all part of the line-up. Then on the 31st, Hallow’s Eve itself, there will be a free extravaganza of spooky street-theatre with entertainers galore and trick or treating.
Alongside the special events, and throughout half term week, visitors will be able to view a stella show of spook-filled displays – with the destination’s streets renown for showcasing some of London’s most elaborate Halloween installations. More macabre creativity will take place in the key attractions and nearby Royal Parks which are hosting their own Halloween inspired events, enabling visitors to enjoy a full day’s out.
Highlights include:
Hot on the heels of the release of Beetlejuice Beetlejuice, experience the works of the filmmaking master at the Design Museum’s new The World of Tim Burton exhibition
Whether you’re a Beetlejuice fan or not, the Design museum is the place to be this autumn. From 25th October the venue will unveil The World of Tim Burton exhibition – a celebration of the design of his unique aesthetic and madly grotesque films from the last four decades (tickets £22 adults, £11 children and under 6yrs free). Alongside the exhibition, children can join a number of ‘Design Camp’ workshops associated with the exhibition throughout half term week. For more information: www.designmuseum.org
Two-metre Godzilla invades Japan House London
On display in the Japan House London until the 31st October is a two-metre tall statue of Godzilla. Originally created as a giant, destructive creature rampaging around post-war Japan, Godzilla has since become a beloved cinematic legend starring in 37 Japanese and American films. The statue, created using one of the original moulds from producers Toho’s ‘Heisei’ series of films in the franchise, is part of the venue’s event series celebrating the 70th anniversary of the 1954 film Godzilla. For more information www.japanhouselondon.uk
Yayoi Kusama’s six-foot polka dot pumpkin at Kensington Gardens and Hyde Park’s hair-raising discovery days headline the Royal Parks’ Halloween line-up
For quirky Halloween must-sees, schedule time to visit the Royal Park’s of Kensington Gardens and Hyde Park. Artist Yayoi Kusama’s striking yellow and black polka dot ‘Pumpkin’ installation will remain in situ beside the Round Pond at Kensington Gardens until 3rd November. While Hyde Park’s Hair-raising Halloween Discovery Days (29-31st October from 11-3.30pm) will run throughout half term. For more information https://www.royalparks.org.uk/whats-on/discovery-days-hair-raising-halloween-271024
Victorian-style Spooks at Sambourne House
Halloween family fun is also on offer at Victorian family home Sambourne House, which has a variety of craft activities for children aged 5-10yrs on 28th October (2-4pm, tickets £5 per child. Accompanying adults (1 adult per child) free with admission to the historic house included). On 31st October adults can join Mrs Sambourne for an evening of intrigue including a ghostly tour, a short film and a welcome drink (Tickets £20 per person). www.rbkc.gov.uk/museums
For more information about the Halloween line-up visit: highstreetkensington.co.uk/halloween/
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