A GIANT pumpkin trail and mystical beasts will take over Chester Zoo this Halloween

A trail of giant animals, made with pumpkins, and the UK’s first fully animated 360-degree mythical experience will be among the highlights at a huge new Halloween festival at Chester Zoo this October.

As part of its biggest ever Halloween celebrations, the zoo is set to be transformed into a spine-tingling ‘Super-Natural’ spectacle this spooky season.

Visitors will come face-to-face with giant animal sculptures made with pumpkins, including dragons, bats and wolves - all before encountering untamed creatures found inside the zoo’s brand new BEASTS experience.

In what is the first of its kind in the UK, the fully animated 360-degree digital experience takes guests on a journey through unexplored lands to discover mythical beasts in the prequel to the fantasy novel ‘Beastlands: Race to Frostfall Mountain’ by children’s TV presenter, zoologist and acclaimed author, Dr Jess French.

Conservationists say that many of the creatures in the experience have been inspired by animals found at the zoo.  

Elinor Trigg, Senior Customer Development Manager at Chester Zoo, said: “This Halloween we’re challenging our guests to complete a giant pumpkin trail where wolves, spiders, frogs, owls and more, can be discovered around every corner. Visitors will also need to complete the trick or treat trail challenge to win a tasty, sweet treat and sticker!

“As part of our Halloween spectacular, we’ve also partnered with the amazing author Jess French to bring her mythical creatures to life in what is the first of its kind in the UK. A new experience, called BEASTS, uses immersive floor projections and stunning 360° visual displays to tell the story of brave protagonist, Thaddea, as she embarks on an epic journey into a world where fantastical creatures roam. It’s inspired by many animals right here at the zoo and it’s something that’s not to be missed.

“Halloween also gives us the chance to throw a spotlight on some species which can sometimes be a little misunderstood but are incredibly important to ecosystems. And crucially, whenever anyone comes to the zoo this Autumn to join in with the festivities, they’ll be supporting our charitable conservation efforts to protect many of the world’s most at-risk species.”

A special book signing event will also take place on Halloween, Thursday 31 October, where author and co-creator of BEASTS, Dr Jess French, will be reading her children’s fantasy book ‘Beastlands: Race to Frostfall Mountain’ from 10am in the zoo’s main gift shop – with a meet and greet planned for visitors who would like to get their books signed afterwards.

Dr Jess French, added: “I am thrilled to be collaborating with Chester Zoo on this hugely exciting project and I’m over the moon that they have selected the world of Beastlands: Race to Frostfall Mountain as the setting for this first-of-its-kind digital experience. It’s every fantasy writer’s dream to see their world and creations brought to life in this way and I cannot wait to step into the virtual Beastlands!”

All activities are free to all visitors who purchase normal zoo tickets, with no timeslot booking needed. Visitors can complete the giant pumpkin trail and enjoy BEASTS at any time throughout the day between 28 September and 3 November 2024.

For more, visit: www.chesterzoo.org/super-natural/

Super-Natural Event Highlights:

Giant Pumpkin Trail: Marvel at giant animal pumpkin sculptures including wolves, owls, spiders, dragons and cats – 28 September until 3 November.

Immersive BEASTS Experience: Step into a captivating digital world featuring mystical creatures – running until December 2024.

Special book signing with Jess French: Enjoy a reading of the book ‘Beastlands: A Race to Frostfall Mountain’ by its author, Jess French, on Thursday 31 October.

Half-term family fun: Create your own BEAST and enjoy animal ‘myth busting’ talks during school half term (26 October – 3 November).