Halloween Events

Horrible Halloween at Waddesdon
It just wouldn’t be Halloween without pumpkins! Get creative and choose from 1,000 pumpkins grown especially for Waddesdon and paint or carve your spooky designs (£4 a child). To celebrate Waddesdon’s ‘Creatures and Creations’ exhibition, this year’s Horrible Halloween trail takes you through the woods in search of some creatures of the night. See how many creatures you can find as you explore the illuminated woodland trail (£1 a child). Join children’s author and illustrator Harriet Muncaster on October 25 for a special reading of ‘Isadora Moon Goes to School’, the latest book in her magical Isadora Moon series. Half vampire, half fairy, Isadora Moon is totally unique. For a fang-tastic finale, there’s Waddesdon’s Fête Worse Than Death (October 28 and 29, 10am-4pm), a two day Halloween party full of games, face painting, live music and much more including a photo booth and light-up candyfloss. Normal grounds admission applies.
21 October until 29 October, 10am, Waddesdon Manor, Waddesdon, Aylesbury.

The Inn - Scare Maze
High Wycombe’s first ever live scare attraction. Terrifying secrets lurk within and things just aren’t quite what they seem. An eerie atmosphere fills the walls as the landlord pursues you through the halls. But wait. A door, some light – escape? Alas, that door may seal your fate. Brought to you by live action attraction specialists Eerie Dawn, part of local production company Noizee Productions you can expect a fully immersive, live action scare experience. With each evening is broken down into 4 time slots and plenty of tickets available for each slot you'll have a blast. There will be hot food available on site each evening and a bar for purchasing drinks after you've visited 'The Inn'. See www.eeriedawn.co.uk for more. Tickets £9 online or £12 on the door.
24 October until 28 October, 6:30pm, Hazlemere Community Centre, Rose Avenue, Hazlemere.

Pumpkin Carve Spooktacular
Get in the spirit of Halloween at Missenden Abbey's Pumpkin Carve Spooktacular in aid of the Thomas Ball Children's Charity. Open from 12pm to 3pm, guests of all ages are welcome to put their creativity to the test and carve your most ghoulish idea. For the little ones who are too young to carve, there will be a 'creepy colouring' station with lots of spooky pictures to choose from. Feeling fiendish? Indulge in some cakes from the cauldron in a bake sale which fully contributes to the charity. The entry fee is £3 per person (under 2's go free), with all profits being donated to the Thomas Ball Children's Cancer Fund. Pumpkins and carving tools will be provided by Missenden Abbey and Halloween costumes welcome/optional. Carvers must register for their pumpkin either online or call Missenden Abbey on 01494 866811. All carvers must register by the 20th October and must be accompanied by an adult if under the age of 16.
27 October, 12pm, Missenden Abbey, London Road, Great Missenden.

Halloween Spectacular!
Bring the family for an unforgettable, unmissable evening of spooky fun for all ages in the unique and atmospheric setting of the museum’s historic buildings and woods. Pre-booking is essential for this extremely popular event. Take a trip around the spooky walk… if you dare. Discover the monsters, fire-breathers and witches. Listen to spine-tingling stories by our scary storyteller. Trick-or-treat around the museum’s historic buildings. Enjoy barbecue food, soups, snacks and drinks including cider and premium beer on the Village Green. Make Halloween souvenirs. Get your face painted, make a spooky candle or enter the frightening fancy dress competition. The museum will be closed during the day and will open at 5pm for the event. Children £12, adults £8. Call 01494 871 117 for more.
27 October, 5pm, Chiltern Open Air Museum, Newland Park, Gorelands Lane, Chalfont St Giles.

Pumpkin Carving
Carve a pumpkin to take home. Come along to Hughenden this October half-term and carve a pumpkin with a spooky design to take home. No need to book.
23 October to 27 October, 10am, Hughenden, Valley Road, High Wycombe.

Slime of the century
Get slimy with this gooey workshop. Children can add glitter and Halloween confetti to make slimy jar monsters.
23 October, 11am– 4pm, Kids Corner, Eden Shopping Centre, High Wycombe.

Science based potion laboratory
Little witches and wizards have the chance to create a potion, name it, list the ingredients then personalise their spooky labels.
24 October, 11am– 4pm, Kids Corner, Eden Shopping Centre, High Wycombe.

Frightening Food
A creepy cookie and cupcake decorating workshop featuring mummy cookies and ghoulish gingerbread men.
25 October, 11am– 4pm, Kids Corner, Eden Shopping Centre, High Wycombe.

Ghouls Rule
Children can make ghost wooden spoon puppets and ghastly paper plate characters.
26 October, 11am– 4pm, Kids Corner, Eden Shopping Centre, High Wycombe.

Family Fun at Hellfire Caves
Face Painting, colouring competitions, fancy dress competitions and more. All hosted by friendly spooks. Face painting is available for a small charge. There is no charge for the fun and games or access to the courtyard and delightfully decorated café, but normal entry times (11am to 5pm) and prices apply if you want to enter the Caves to see the amazing Halloween display. There will also be witches workshops at 10.30am, 12pm, 1:45pm and 3pm – booking required. Call 01494 533739 to book.
23 October to 28 October, 11am to 5pm, Hellfire Caves, West Wycombe.

Walk with the Ghosts
Join fellow ghoulish thrill seekers at Stubbings for dinner and a walk to remember. Included in the ticket price will be a light dinner in the cafe, along with a 20 to 30 minute walk round the grounds of the old manor house. On each of the three evenings there will be three sessions: 1st scare - walk at 5:45pm with dinner at 6:15pm. 2nd scare - dinner at 5:45pm with the walk at 6:30pm and 3rd scare - dinner at 6:30pm with the walk at 7:15pm.
26, 27 and 28 October, Stubbings Nursery, Stubbings Estate, Henley Road, Maidenhead.

Half Term Events

Sponge and Spiker Spoon Puppets
James’ loathsome aunts are terrible baddies – and some of the first nasty characters the author created! Hear more about the gruesome twosome and then make your own spoon puppet versions.  Cost: £3 per participant. Adults are welcome to pay to make their own. Price does not include Museum entry which you will also need to book to take part in the workshop. Age: suitable for 4+ years. Call 01494 892192 to book.
21 October, 11:30am, 12:30pm, 2pm and 3pm, The Roald Dahl Museum, 81-83 High Street, Great Missenden.

Nigerian Autumn Fun Day
Come along to this autumn fun day organised by the Nigerian Community Association Aylesbury. There will be stories, dance, African drumming, riddles, jokes, games and prizes. Lots to see and experience. This day of celebrations coincides with the Wazobia display of Nigerian culture at the museum. Call 01296 331441 or email museum@buckscountymuseum.org for more information.
21 October, 10am, Bucks County Museum, Church Street, Aylesbury.

Diwali Celebrations at Bucks County Museum
Join us at the museum for an afternoon celebrating Diwali, the Festival of Light, with crafts, storytelling and drummers. Visit www.buckscountymuseum.org or call 01296 331441 for more information.
21 October, 12pm, Bucks County Museum, Church Street, Aylesbury.

October Half Term Multi Activity Holiday Camp
Get Active Sports run exciting, energetic and educational children's Multi Activity Holiday Camps across the county. The camps promise fun and imaginative sports sessions combined with challenging games, activities and themed art and craft for less than £3 per hour. Email info@getactivesports.com for more information.
23 October until 27 October, 8am, Prestwood Junior School, Clare Road, Prestwood and Redgrave Sports Centre, Wycombe Road, Marlow.

Half-Term Workshops
October 23 - Pinocchio Money Box Heads with Helen Neighbour and Charlie Butters. Have fun making a real money box in the shape of Pinocchio's head. October 24 - A Little Tin of Ghosties with Pippa North. Create little ghosties, decorate their metal home, and make a midnight scene to fit inside. October 25 - cartoon workshop with John North. Age 13+. Learn new drawing techniques and create your own cartoon characters. October 26 - Jitterbugs with Pippa North. Make a glittering bug with gorgeous foil wings, attach a stick and… jitterbug. October 27 - Pottery Puppets with Elizabeth Browning. Put your imagination to the test to design and sculpt a unique puppet out of clay. Wear an apron and bring a packed lunch! Workshops must be booked in advance. Call 01296 424332 or email info@qpc.org. Tickets: £20/£18 members.
23 October until 27 October, 10am, Queens Park Arts Centre, Queens Park, Aylesbury.

Trunchpots
Miss Trunchbull, the headmistress we love to hate. Find out more on how Roald Dahl made her a bogtrotting baddy and then make your own version - as a clay pot. Cost: £3 per participant. Adults are welcome to pay to make their own. Price does not include museum entry which you will also need to book to take part in the workshop. Age: recommended for 4+ years. Under 8s will need to be accompanied by an adult (no more than two non-participating adults will be allowed in the room per group). Participants aged 2 to 4 will still be charged. Call 01494 892192 to book.
23 October, 11am, 12pm, 1pm, 2pm, 3pm and 4pm, The Roald Dahl Museum, 81-83 High Street, Great Missenden.

October Half Term Family Crafts – Lantern Painting
This October, paint and decorate your very own paper lantern to take home. Using pens and acrylic paints you can use the museum around you for inspiration and ideas. Running in Learning Zone 1 from 10am-12pm and 1pm-3pm. Cost is just £3 per lantern, no need to book. All children must be accompanied by an adult at all times.
24 October, 10am, Bucks County Museum, Church Street, Aylesbury.

Rastamouse! with Michael de Souza
Join Michael De Souza, the creator of CBeebies’ Rastamouse and da Easy Crew for a fun family time as Rastamouse does battle with baddies. Cost: £3 per person, adults and children. Everyone who attends needs to pay for a space although children under 2 who can sit on laps are free of charge. Price does not include museum entry which you will also need to book to take part in the workshop. Age: recommended for 4+ years. Under 8s will need to be accompanied by a paying adult. Call 01494 892192 to book.
24 October, 11am and 12:30pm, The Roald Dahl Museum, 81-83 High Street, Great Missenden.

Captain Beastie with Lucy Coats
Meet children’s writer Lucy Coats, author of Captain Beastie’s Pirate Party, for a rollicking god time with drawing, storytelling, lots of Yo Ho Ho and singing, but no rum! Cost: £3 per person, adults and children. Age: recommended for 4+ years. Call 01494 892192 to book.
24 October, 12pm, 1:30pm and 3pm, The Roald Dahl Museum, 81-83 High Street, Great Missenden.

Ceramic Pumpkin Tea Light Holder Decorating
These beautiful Halloween ceramic tea light holders will delight your little ones. Using water-based acrylic paints, create your own Halloween pumpkin ready for the witching hour. Just £3 per pumpkin (while stocks last). 10am-12pm and 1pm-3pm in Learning Zone 1, drop-in session, no need to book.
25 October, 10am, Bucks County Museum, Church Street, Aylesbury.

Vermicious Knid Masks
What do these villains from outer space look like? Let your imagination run wild as you make a Knid face to terrify everyone. Cost: £3 per participant. Age: suitable for 4+ years. Call 01494 892192 to book.
25 October, 11am, 12pm, 1pm, 2pm, 3pm and 4pm, The Roald Dahl Museum, 81-83 High Street, Great Missenden.

Disgusterous Dinner Plates
This disgusting duo are even bad to each other. Hear more about their revolting tricks and then decorate a disgusterous plate to take home. Cost: £3 per participant. Age: suitable for 4+ years. Call 01494 892192 to book.
27 October, 11am, 12pm, 1pm, 2pm, 3pm, 4pm, The Roald Dahl Museum, 81-83 High Street, Great Missenden.

Theatre and Comedy

Brewery Comedy
Amersham's newest stand-up comedy club live at the Mad Squirrel Amersham. Showcasing hand-picked comedians fresh off the circuit. Craft beer, fresh pizza, prosecco and comedy. Superb. Presenting Andy Gleeks, Niamh Marron, Ed Pownall and Geoff Steel. Tickets: £6. Email brewerycomedy@gmail.com for more.
25 October, 8pm, Mad Squirrel Tap & Bottle Shop, 100 Sycamore Road, Amersham.

Ruby Wax
Drop-dead gorgeous, sassy and smart, Ruby Wax brings her new five-star one-woman show to the stage, based on her number one best-seller A Mindfulness Guide for the Frazzled. She's been honoured with the title of poster girl for mental illness; once crazy, now less so, she gives a tour of the mind – how to use it, not lose it. By the way, she graduated from Oxford three years ago (at a late stage) so she should know her stuff. Tickets £23.50, call 01494 512000 or email boxoffice@wycombeswan.co.uk.
26 October, 7:30pm, Wycombe Swan, St Mary Street, High Wycombe.

Summer of Love
BMOS presents - Summer of Love. A compilation evening showcasing the best of musical theatre from musicals through the ages. Songs include: Don't Rain On My Parade, There's Gotta Be Something Better than This, Seasons of Love, Well Did You Evah, Too Darn Hot, Marry the Man Today, Therapy, Nobody Needs to Know, Song of Purple Summer, Being Alive and When I Grow Up. Tickets £15, call 01494 813518 to book.
20 October to 21 October, 7:45pm, Curzon Centre, 43 Maxwell Road, Beaconsfield.

Music

The Dung Beatles '67 Forever
It’s 50 years since the Beatles’ 1967 summer of love took them from Strawberry Fields and Penny Lane to Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club band and the Magical Mystery Tour: what a year – some say their creative peak. Join The Dung Beatles, accompanied by their 4-piece horn section, in a 2-hour golden jubilee celebration of those heady days, with a dedicated ’67 set, followed by a potpourri of hits and album classics from before and after. Hailed by The British Beatles Fan Club as “definitely not your average Beatles band”, The Dung Beatles have sold-out theatres (including The Elgiva) and played iconic venues such as Liverpool’s Cavern Club, earning high praise for their authentic musical renditions and close-harmony vocals. In short, a splendid time is guaranteed for all – book now. Call 01494 582900. Tickets: £15.
21 October, 8pm, The Elgiva Theatre, St Mary's Way, Chesham.

The Jazz Workshop
Really cool jazz and vocals from 'Soundproof'', smooth dinner jazz, from dedicated professional musicians, complimented by the superb service of the house team, vocals by BBC big band vocalist Mike Sherwood with Derek on piano. Call 01494771200 or email derek.mander@teco.net for more. Free entry.
25 October, 8pm, The White Lion, White Lion Road, Amersham.

Little Missenden Festival
The festival features promising young talents as well as nationally and internationally famous artists and composers. The programme ranges from classic masterworks through less familiar (but not less intriguing) territory. It includes something for all – early, baroque, classical and contemporary music rub shoulders with jazz, folk music, art lectures, literature and sometimes children's events. Performance times vary – see www.little-missenden.org for full details. Ticket prices begin at £8.
Until 22 October, St John the Baptist Church, Little Missenden.

Top five things to do

Spooky Orienteering at Waddesdon Manor
Join for a spooky Halloween race with a twist. It’s a race with no set route - you have to find your way around the course as fast as you can, using a special map of the Waddesdon Estate to find a series of checkpoints. They might be on paths, or hidden behind vegetation or streams. Be as competitive as you want - run, jog or just walk, there will be a 5k course for runners, plus shorter ones for families and juniors (1k to 3k). Just turn up and enter on the day, any time between 10am and 11:30am. Courses close at 1pm and normally take 30 to 75 mins to complete. Entry fees are £6 for adults and groups; £2 for solo juniors. Entry fee includes a special map to keep as a souvenir and hire of a timing chip, to record your progress at each checkpoint. Organised by Thames Valley Orienteering Club. Parking at Waddesdon Manor. The race registration tents will be in the car park - just turn up, lots of help will be available for newcomers. Visit www.tvoc.org.uk for more.
21 October, 10am, Waddesdon Manor, Waddesdon, Aylesbury.

Halloween: Woodland Sprites
This half-term children will discover the naturally-spooky side of Halloween. With wild art based deep in Cliveden's woodlands, there's something's spooky going on around the estate. Booking not needed. Children are invited to this event. Dogs on leads welcome. Normal admission charges apply.
21 October to 29 October, 10am, Cliveden, Cliveden Road, Taplow.

Bogtrotting Baddies Party
Celebrate Roald Dahl’s funny but bad characters as you play baddy bingo and other party games. Cost: £2 per participant. Price does not include museum entry which you will also need to book to take part in the workshop. Age: recommended for 4+ years. Under 8s will need to be accompanied by an adult (no more than two non-participating adults will be allowed in the room per group). Participants aged 2 to 4 will still be charged. Call 01494 892192 to book.
22 October, 11:30am, 12:30pm, 2pm and 3pm, The Roald Dahl Museum, 81-83 High Street, Great Missenden.

Requiem – Music for Remembrance
Wooburn Singers presents this concert as part of the Wooburn Festival. Colin Riley: Roads shining like river uphill after rain - this new composition for choir & solo cello sets poems by Edward Thomas, killed in action in 1917. John Tavener: Svyati. This liturgical piece is also for choir & solo cello. JS Bach: Cello Suite. Karl Jenkins: Agnus Dei (from The Armed Man, a Mass for Peace). John Rutter: Requiem (for choir & chamber ensemble). Cello soloist - Gabriella Swallow. Tickets £15 – under 18s free.
21 October, 7:30pm, All  Saints Church, The Causeway, Marlow.

The Cradle of Impressionism along the Seine
A talk sponsored by Marlow Marly le Roi Town Twinning Association on the impressionists who lived and painted around the twin town Marly-le-Roi. Carole Petipher has spent the last 15 years on a boat exploring the early haunts of the impressionists along the Seine. Her lively lecture will take you to a tiny section of the river around Marly le Roi which has been termed the “Cradle of Impressionism”. Entry £5 including light refreshments. Available from Peter Bailey - 01628 476610 or pbailey810@tiscali.co.uk, Alison Rae - 01628 482520 or alison@arr22.plus.com or the Tourist Information Centre, Marlow Library, Institute Road.
20 October, 7:45pm, Liston Hall, Marlow.