Andover families set for spooky half-term activities

Families can expect a thrilling half-term break this October with a packed programme of activities across Andover.

The events, many with a seasonal and Halloween theme, promise to keep children entertained throughout the school holiday.

Chapel Arts Studios will showcase The Angel in the House, a free exhibition by artist Marian Obando, which runs from 11am until 4pm, until October 31.

The Museum of the Iron Age will offer the Samhain Family Activity Trail, on October 24, from 10am until 4pm. This event explores the ancient festival that inspired many modern Halloween traditions. It is free with a ticket to the Museum of the Iron Age, and there's a prize upon completion. Families can also take part in the Medieval Monster Hunt, searching for mythical beasts hidden throughout the museum, which runs until Sunday, November 1, cost £3.

For creative youngsters, the museum's Spooky Craft Club: Halloween Fizzers! on Wednesday, October 28, provides an opportunity to make bubbling potion-inspired creations to take home. It will take place between 11am to 3pm, and costs £2.

The Kitten's Emporium in George Yard will continue the Halloween-themed fun with games, workshops, and creepy crafts running throughout the half-term break.

Music lovers can look forward to The Eras Experience, a tribute to Taylor Swift at The Lights on Tuesday, October 27, at 2pm and 7pm. Tickets cost £25, or VIP/meet and greet £30.

Young people aged 11 to 18 can enjoy live music from a range of punk, rock, and pop acts at Andover Anarchy at The Lights. The night will feature a wide variety of music from established punk, rock, and pop bands, as well as solo artists. It will be held on Wednesday, October 28, from 4pm to 10pm and costs £5.

Harmony Woods offers outdoor adventures, including interactive storytelling inspired by Room on the Broom and an autumn celebration with pumpkin carving, games, and seasonal activities. A magical hour of interactive Room on the Broom storytelling from Amanda Kane-Smith of Merry-Go-Round Storytelling will be held on Tuesday, October 27 at 10.30am, costing £8 per child with an accompanying adult, £2 per additional sibling. Free for Andover Trees Members.

For more thrills, head to Riverside Activity Zone for its Bats and Blasters Halloween laser tag event, featuring unlimited games, a pizza buffet, and spooky entertainment on Friday, October 30 and Saturday, October 31, arriving from 5pm; it costs £12 per child.

The holiday programme will conclude on Halloween itself, when the Museum of the Iron Age will transform into The Ghastly Funfair. The fun starts at 4.30pm, until 7pm, and is free.

Andover High Street will host a free trick-or-treat party complete with fancy dress, music, and a Halloween disco, from 6pm until 8pm. With free activities, affordable events, and plenty of spooky entertainment on offer, families in Andover are spoilt for choice this half-term.