Packed programme of sparks and scares across Great Yarmouth for half-term family fun
From ghouls to fireworks, pumpkins to the scariest aerial circus acts, sea witches to spooky snail trails, Great Yarmouth is briming with scare-tastic activities and fun for all the family for half-term.
A triple spectacular seafront firework display organised by Visit Great Yarmouth revives the summer Big Wednesdays on Wednesday (October 29) with a free mega triple pyrotechnic extravaganza at 6pm.
Free seafront street performances start at 5pm until the fireworks and again after the displays, with the giant Winter Wonderland Birds with their huge illuminated fanned tails – that change colour according to their mood – strutting among the crowds.
The birds will be joined by light-festooned stilt walkers FarenHeight who will dance and mingle with visitors at the centre of the seafront.
Asa Morrison, CEO of Visit Great Yarmouth, said: “The autumn half term offer has become bigger and bigger each year with great family days out available from the Sealife Centre to the iconic Hippodrome Circus and Thrigby Wildlife Gardens, to shows and the adult Fright Nights at the Pleasure Beach.
“Working together to make October a time when people can enjoy themselves at our attractions is part of our masterplan to attract more people to the resort and surrounding area for short breaks and day trips.”
Back by popular demand is Great Yarmouth Pleasure Beach’s Fairground Frights open for six nights on Saturday (October 25) and Sunday (26) and from Tuesday (28) to Friday (31 October) for its Fright Nights.
Terror and surprises will come from all angles as 45 actors in full Halloween costumes roam the park, lurk in scare mazes and hide around the 25 rides with a brief to terrify.
Live entertainment, unlimited rides, and five horrifying scare attractions designed to test your nerve are on the bill for the seafront attraction.
The famous Hippodrome Circus presents its annual Spooktacular until November 2 with ringmaster Jack Jay and his comedy sidekick Johnny Mac embarking on an unforgettable visit to a haunted house with a cast of world-class circus performers, jaw-dropping aerial acts and stunts designed to leave audiences spellbound.
An extra villain is making his Hippodrome debut. CBBC and Cbeebies actor James Mackenzie, the CBBC character Raven in the BBC children’s adventure TV show and currently appearing in the CBeebies series Molly and Mack, said: “I cannot wait to be performing at The Hippodrome this Halloween, it’s such an iconic venue and I’m looking forward to some Halloween fun!’
Families are encouraged to dress up in their best scary costumes ready for the “ultimate Halloween party.”
Scares and spooks happen beneath the sea too with Great Yarmouth’s Sea Life Centre’s half term fun, Ascarium: Tricks and Treats.
Until November 2, the Aquarium turns Ascarium, where visitors can help its Sea Witch and Warlock look after their ocean home by completing magical ‘spook-splash-tic’ challenges throughout the aquarium, filling in sheets along the way.
At Joyland, its iconic snails are open for the Spooky Snail Trail with four special evening on 24th, 25th, 27th, 29th and 31st October 2025 from 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM for magical family evenings of rides, treats, and just the right amount of spooky fun for little ones and families with unlimited rides, a trick or treat trail through the park, spooky photo spots for magical memories, face painting for little monsters and meeting friendly Halloween characters with a spooky marquee and disco.
At the Britannia Pier, a family-friendly Halloween Party with pumpkin carving will take place at Long Johns Bar on Thursday 30th October 6:00 – 8:30 PM with party tunes by DJ Emmo and children’s party with a dress up competition for the creepiest, funniest, or most creative costumes.
At Yarmouth Stadium, racing is on this Sunday (26) and Thursday (Oct 30).
GHalloween and Fireworks
At Hemsby, it’s a Halloween Hoot at Hirsty’s Family Fun Park where families can pick and carve their own pumpkins from Saturday (October 25) until November 2
Choose your pumpkin from the pumpkin patch and carve it in the tent, not missing out the Halloween themes Mega Maze and making the most of the onsite activities including a barrel train, zip wire, hay bale mountain, crazy croquet and jumping pillows.
Also, in Hemsby, try the Pumpkin Challenge at the Lost World Adventure Golf.
Look for the special pumpkins with letters on placed around the mini golf course. Write them down on your scorecard and rearrange them to spell a spooky word.
Get it right and receive a free gift.
At Gorleston’s Pavilion Theatre, Sleeping Beauty and the Halloween Curse runs from Thursday (October 30-November 1) by Gorleston Theatre Company.
A family show with ghosts and spooks galore. Join inventor Dame Sarah Bodge and her son Billy, as they travel in their time machine. Will they rescue Sarah’s husband Wilfred from the clutches of Onyx, the evil black fairy? Will they break the Halloween curse that she has cast over Sleeping Beauty?
At Thrigby Hall Wildlife Gardens, take part in a pumpkin hunt hidden around the park and be entered into its prize draw to win family tickets until November 2.
At St George’s Theatre, Great Yarmouth, after a devilishly successful debut tour, cult cabaret hit I Screamed a Scream returns this Halloween on Thursday (October 30) for another round of spine-tingling showtunes and villainous vocals.
For all events visit Visit Great Yarmouth’s website:
