Manchester is getting ready to celebrate a special monster milestone this October as the MCR Monsters turn 10 and take over the city for a Halloween birthday bash. Organised by Manchester City Centre Business Improvement District and sponsored by Swizzels, Halloween in the City returns next month with a free weekend of family‑friendly fun, street entertainment and larger‑than‑life monsters.
To mark a decade of monster mayhem, the two‑day celebration will feature a giant inflatable monster trail, walkabout performers, party games, live DJs, spooky storytelling, a new birthday bake‑off and a roaming procession.
The MCR Monsters have been part of Manchester’s Halloween celebrations for ten years, and this year they will appear across iconic buildings and landmarks. Created by Filthy Luker and Pedro Estrellas and produced by Designs in Air, the giant inflatables will form their longest trail yet, celebrating eight days of monster mischief over October half term from Saturday 24 to Saturday 31 October 2026.
MCR Monster locations
Locations include:
- Exchange Square
- Manchester Arndale
- Selfridges Exchange Square
- Corn Exchange
- Printworks
- Science and Industry Museum
- The Royal Exchange
- Treehouse Hotel
- AO Arena
- KAMPUS
- Mayfield Park
- Medlock Square
Visitors can also meet Swizzels’ own MCR Monster, The Swizzeler, who will be based on New Cathedral Street as part of the trail and anniversary celebrations.
Halloween in the City Weekender
The Halloween in the City Weekender takes place on Saturday 24 October from 10am to 6pm and Sunday 25 October from 10am to 5pm. New for 2026, Swizzels’ Spooky Sweet Stop will be on New Cathedral Street, offering Halloween party bags filled with Swizzels sweets and mini surprises around the festival.
Also new this year, The Monster Bake‑Off will take place on New Cathedral Street. Hosted by Paul Horror‑wood, the bake‑off will include hands‑on activities and spooky surprises, with the chance to win a coveted Horror‑wood Handshake.
The Monsters Party Procession, designed by Walk the Plank and inspired by the original MCR Monsters, will stomp through Market Street and Manchester Arndale. Dancing monster puppets, stilt walkers and a six‑piece brass band will bring a spooktacular soundtrack as the monsters celebrate their tenth birthday.
Activites also include:
- The Monster Library: The Legend of the MCR Monsters at Manchester Arndale
- The Monsters Disco in Exchange Square
- St Ann’s Square will become The Rave‑Yard
- The Sweet Treat Eating Leech on New Cathedral Street and Exchange Street
- City‑wide Fancy Dress Takeover
With ten years of monster mayhem behind them, the MCR Monsters are preparing for a Halloween celebration filled with baking, dancing, stomping and dressing up. This is set to be the biggest and boldest monster birthday bash the city has seen.
