The Reader at Calderstones Park has announced a full schedule of Halloween events for the October half-term, including family theatre, spooky storytelling, and a series of nine films shown in an open-air cinema. The events, running from October 24 to November 1, are designed for all ages and will take place at the historic Mansion House and its surrounding gardens.
Proceeds from the ticketed events will support the national Shared Reading charity's work in Liverpool and across the country. The programme features a mix of daytime activities for children and evening film screenings for adults, providing a wide range of seasonal entertainment.
Key Takeaways
- The Reader is hosting a week of Halloween events from October 24 to November 1 at Calderstones Park.
- Activities include family theatre, storytelling at the Storybarn, and nine film screenings.
- A large open-air cinema under a canopy will show family-friendly films at 4pm and adult-oriented classics at 8pm.
- Special events like 'Bookshop Bedtime Stories' and a live performance of 'Little Red Riding Hood' are also scheduled.
- All profits from the events will support The Reader's charitable literary work.
Family Activities and Theatre
The half-term festivities begin on Friday, October 24, with Bookshop Bedtime Stories. Held from 5:30pm to 7pm in The Reader Bookshop, this event invites families to enjoy stories in their pyjamas. Each child attending will receive a complimentary babycino. For added convenience, families can reserve a table and pre-order dinner at the Bookshop Café for 4:30pm, before the storytelling starts.
Throughout the week, from Monday, October 27, to Friday, October 31, Halloween at the Storybarn will offer sessions at 10am and 1pm. These sessions are designed for younger children and will include ghostly tales, themed games, and a craft activity where they can create a spooky item to take home.
Live Theatre Performance
On Thursday, October 30, Liverpool's non-profit theatre company, Altru Drama, will present a live stage show. They will perform a new version of the classic fairy tale Little Red Riding Hood. The show features two actors, original music, and audience interaction, with performances scheduled for 11am and 2:30pm.
About The Reader
The Reader is a national charity based in the Grade II listed Mansion House in Calderstones Park. Its primary mission is to transform lives through Shared Reading, bringing people together to read literature aloud. The events hosted at Calderstones help fund this charitable work, which supports communities in Liverpool and beyond.
Spooky Cinema Screenings
A major highlight of the Halloween programme is the Spooky Cinema season, held in an open-air setting under a large canopy in the Mansion House Garden. Following a successful summer of screenings, this new season features nine films catering to different age groups.
The cinema experience begins indoors for the youngest audience members. A 30-minute animated version of Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler’s Room on the Broom will be shown in the Mansion House Theatre Room. Screenings are scheduled for 11:30am on Tuesday, October 28, and Wednesday, October 29.
Family Films in the Afternoon
Four family-friendly movies will be screened outdoors at 4pm each day under the garden canopy.
- Hocus Pocus (PG): The popular Disney comedy will be shown on Tuesday, October 28, and again on Halloween, Friday, October 31.
- Hotel Transylvania (U): The animated film about a vampire-run hotel will be screened on Wednesday, October 29.
- The Addams Family Values (PG): This 1990s sequel will be shown on Thursday, October 30.
- The Nightmare Before Christmas (PG): Tim Burton's classic stop-motion film will conclude the family series on Saturday, November 1.
Did You Know?
The new outdoor cinema at Calderstones Park was established with the help of a grant from Livv Investment, a social investor linked to the Prescot-based Livv Housing Group. This funding has enabled The Reader to expand its cultural offerings to the local community.
Evening Films for Adults
As darkness falls, the open-air cinema will host five films for older audiences, with screenings starting at 8pm.
The schedule for evening films is as follows:
- Hocus Pocus (PG): An evening screening for adults will also take place on Tuesday, October 28.
- Practical Magic (12): On Wednesday, October 29, this cult classic starring Sandra Bullock and Nicole Kidman as cursed witches will be shown.
- Rear Window (PG): Alfred Hitchcock's 1954 thriller, starring James Stewart and Grace Kelly, is scheduled for Thursday, October 30.
- Beetlejuice (15): The Tim Burton comedy featuring Michael Keaton will be screened on Halloween night, Friday, October 31.
- The Rocky Horror Picture Show (15): The season concludes on Saturday, November 1, with a screening of this iconic film, which celebrates its 50th anniversary this year.
"After a summer of sell-out screenings at Liverpool’s newest outdoor cinema, eight hand-picked Halloween favourites... will be screened under a giant canopy during the October half term week."
Booking Information and Amenities
Tickets for the film screenings are priced at £14.50 for adults and £9.50 for children under 16. Members of Calderstones are eligible for a 10% discount on their bookings. For those who prefer comfortable seating, deckchairs can be booked for an additional £5, though guests are also welcome to bring their own picnic blankets.
Gates for the outdoor cinema will open one hour before the scheduled screening time, allowing attendees to find their spot and enjoy the atmosphere. An exception is made for The Rocky Horror Picture Show, when gates will open 90 minutes early.
Food and Drink Options
A selection of food and drinks will be available on-site, with pre-orders recommended. The menu includes:
- Hot Dogs: £8 (vegetarian/vegan option available)
- Nachos: £8 (with cheese, salsa, guacamole, sour cream, and optional jalapeños; vegan option available)
- Pizzas: £14 (Margherita or Pepperoni; vegan option available)
Drink packages can also be pre-ordered, including a bottle of prosecco for £25 or a bucket of six Peroni beers for £20. All tickets and food can be booked through The Reader's official website.