Great Yarmouth Gears Up for a Spooktacular October Half Term

Families looking for a fun-filled October half-term can enjoy a packed programme of events, entertainment and attractions across the Great Yarmouth area.

From spooky shows and pumpkin picking to spectacular fireworks and a free drone light show, there is something for families of all ages to enjoy this autumn half term.

For an evening of free entertainment, BIG Tuesday’s Drone Light Show is planned over Hemsby Beach on Tuesday, when hundreds of illuminated drones will create a choreographed display in the night sky at 8pm.

The following evening, Great Yarmouth’s seafront will light up with a free massive triple firework display, beginning at 6.30pm.

If an outdoor activity is on the agenda the Hirsty’s Family Fun Park in Hemsby is the place to be for its Halloween Hoot.

 

Over at the Pleasure Beach there’s a whole host of activities planned with the daytime rides opening until November 2, alongside a new family friendly Halloween show – A Little Trouble Brewing – and a pumpkin trail, where children can explore the park looking for hidden letters in return for a goodie bag and a chance to win wristbands for 2027.

Live show Go Awesome is on between 1pm-4pm on Wednesday, October 28, while the evening sees the return of Fairground Frights, featuring more than 40 scare actors, 25 rides, five scare mazes, themed music and live entertainment.

The week finishes on Sunday, November 1, with Sky Spectacular, a collaboration with the Hippodrome Circus, featuring fire performers, transformers, circus acts and a drone and light show planned for 6pm.

There is more Halloween fun at Joyland, where the Spooky Snail Trail – Halloween Nights III – is designed for younger children and offers unlimited rides with entertainment and themed photo opportunities on Monday, October 26, Wednesday, October 28 and Saturday, October 31.

At the Hippodrome Circus, the much-loved Halloween Spooktacular is on until November 1, bringing comedy, circus thrills, aerial acts and plenty of Halloween magic with comedy favourites Jack Jay, Johnny Mac and CBBC’s James MacKensie, while Sealife Great Yarmouth will be transformed in Ascarium – Trick and Treats, with magical challenges to complete around the aquarium.

Children can choose their own pumpkin, carve it in the covered carving tent, tackle the Halloween-themed Mega Maze and enjoy the park’s range of activities, including the barrel train, zip wire, hay bale mountain and jumping pillows.

Great Yarmouth Stadium’s is hosting Halloween Havoc on Thursday, October 29, featuring stock car and banger racing, junior bangers and Halloween-themed competitions.

The season concludes with a Gala Night and giant firework display on November 1, offering racing and entertainment for all the family.

Thrigby Hall Wildlife Gardens will be open all week for visitors, with £10 child tickets and a Halloween wildlife mystery to solve amongst its tropical houses, treetop walkways and 250 years of landscaped garden, Merrivale Model Village is open daily and if you fancy a coastal walk there are miles of sandy beaches to explore.

Gorleston Pavilion Theatre will be home to The Addams Family Musical from Thursday, October 29 to Halloween, where the spooky, comedy musical sees Wednesday Addams introduce her ordinary boyfriend to her eccentric family.

The Ghoulish Gala, presented by the Fabba Theatre Company is at St George’s Theatre on the same day, a whodunit mystery with audience interaction, while the Arc Cinema in Great Yarmouth and The Palace Cinema in Gorleston will both be showing family friendly films.

Nathan Race, Chair of Visit Great Yarmouth said: “Great Yarmouth really comes alive during October half term, and this year families are in for a real treat. From pumpkins and spooky trails to spectacular fireworks, live shows and a drone display lighting up the night sky, there’s plenty happening right across the resort.

“Whether you’re looking for family fun, a few Halloween thrills or simply a great day out by the coast, Great Yarmouth has something to offer everyone.”

Asa Morrison, Chief Executive of Visit Great Yarmouth added: “October half term is a great opportunity to showcase everything that makes Great Yarmouth such a special place for a family break.

“There’s a fantastic range of things to see and do, with events and attractions giving visitors plenty of reasons to come, stay longer and explore more of the area. Just as importantly, that extra footfall helps support the local businesses that are at the heart of our visitor economy, so wrap up warm and enjoy everything there is on offer.”