Heebie-jeebie thrills at castle

Ghosts and ghouls will be offering an evening of spooky entertainment for families at Stafford Castle this Halloween.

The popular Halloween Heebie-Jeebie, now in its third year, will provide some thrills and spills at the ancient monument in Newport Road.

It will be taking place on October 30 and 31, from 6.30pm to 9.30pm.

There will be spine-tingling tours through the haunted woods, leading to the Gothic Keep and into the Medieval Towers.

As well as the scary tours, visitors can go to the Witches' Fair and the All Hallows Bazaar to meet fortune tellers, have their tarot cards read or buy Halloween souvenirs and refreshments.

The nights will culminate with a spectacular firework display, provided by Jubilee Fireworks of Cannock.

Stafford Borough Council's heritage site manager Mark Hartwell said: "We have arranged some very spooky activities to keep people on their toes, and expect this year's event to be the best yet.

"Last year, the event attracted more than 2,300 visitors and it is growing each year."

He said the start of the event and the fireworks display had both been brought forward half-an-hour, following requests from parents who did not want to keep their children out as late as previous years.

He said there was the "pumpkin tour" for younger children and the "skull tour" for older visitors.

Tickets have now gone on sale and people are urged to book early. They cost £6 for adults, £3.50 for children or with concessions, and £15 for a family ticket.

Visitors are urged to wear suitable clothing and, if possible, to arrive on foot to avoid car parking problems.

For more information – or to book tickets – telephone 01785 257698 or 01785 619131 or visit the website: www.staffordbc.gov.uk/heritageevents