Ghosts and gunpowder to be centre stage in Coventry and Warwickshire this autumn

A specially created series of events are to take place across a number of locations in Coventry and Warwickshire this Halloween and Bonfire Night.

Enthusiasts can immerse themselves in a world of “all things ghosts and gunpowder” when light turns to darkness this autumn, with hospitality specialists No Ordinary Hospitality Management (NOHM) laying on Halloween and Bonfire Night themed events in October and November.

At Coombe Abbey, the 12th century venue is to kick off the spooky season in scary style with Adventure Cinema’s outdoor showings of popular retro films Hocus Pocus (PG) and The Shining (15) on Saturday 22 and Sunday 23 October respectively.

Tickets are available from £9.50 for the Hocus Pocus spooktacular, which starts at 6:30pm, and £14.50 for The Shining creeptastic, beginning at 7.30pm.

A week later, a variety of tasty ghoulish treats are available to all those who dare to attend the Haunted Halloween Banquets on Saturday 29 and Sunday 30 October.

For an evening of thrill and fright, a ghoulishly good night can be had at Coombe Abbey for £49.95 a head.

The tale of The Gunpowder Treason takes centre stage on Friday 4 and Saturday 5 November at the Gunpowder Gala Banquet, as visitors dine on the Coombe-inspired story of Guy Fawkes and his merry band of rebels.

An outdoor firework display over the lake is a highlight of the evening, which is priced at £54 per person.

Halloween and Bonfire themed dishes include ‘The Baron’s Broth’ starter, ‘The Royal Rib’ and ‘My Lorde’s Chicken’ main courses and ‘The Courte Crumble’ dessert. Vegetarian equivalents are also available on the night.

For adults wanting to maximise their seasonal experience at Coombe, other haunted highlights and flavoursome fireworks include a mead cocktail on arrival and goblets of wine and ale with the four-course feast.

A stage show and post-banquet after party are also part of both the Halloween and Bonfire Night food-based festivities, which begin at 7pm.

The newly-opened The Sundae Club in War Memorial Park and The Abbey Artisan Market at the Coombe Abbey Visitor Centre are also going to offer Halloween and Bonfire Night inspired treats.

A magic mint chocolate chip sundae and a creepy chocolate orange waffle will temporarily be available at The Sundae Club. Toffee apples and pumpkins are set to hit the Artisan Market.

St Mary’s Guildhall will also be open across Halloween and Bonfire Night, where visitors can take a step back in time by entering the Tower where Mary, Queen of Scots was detained on the orders of Queen Elizabeth I.

NOHM staff aren’t being left out of the frightful fun, with pumpkin carving sessions taking place at their leisure and hospitality outlets across the region.

Ron Terry, group operations director at No Ordinary Hospitality Management, said: “This year we’ve gone bigger and bolder with our autumn offering, and hope to create some special memories for as many Halloween and Bonfire Night lovers as possible.

“We’re keen to ensure our amazing members of staff and visitors to Coombe Abbey, Artisan Market and The Sundae Club get in the spirit of the season, and with that in mind we’re looking ahead with excitement to the events getting underway and seeing everyone enjoying themselves.”

To book a place at the outdoor cinema experience at Coombe Abbey, visit https://www.adventurecinema.co.uk/venues/coombe-abbey-park.

Tickets are available for the Halloween and Bonfire Weekend banquets at https://www.coombeabbey.com/product-category/events/.