A spooktacular Halloween take-over is set to take place at Victoria Baths for The Silence of the Baths: Back from the Dead on Saturday 26 October. Returning after a sell-out 2023 debut, the event will resurrect three of Manchester’s legendary nightclub venues for a fright night of thrills. Travel back in time to South, Jilly’s Rockworld and The Tiger Lounge with Manchester icon Clint Boon (South) who will be joined by Mikee Diablo (Jilly’s Rockworld) and Max Oblivion (The Tiger Lounge).

The whole pool complex is set to show its darker side as the pool halls, Turkish Baths and labyrinth of spaces that make up the Grade II* listed Victoria Baths are given an epic Halloween makeover. 100 spine-tingling skeletons, 9-foot high unearthly ghosts, a cauldron of 1,500 bats, 500 watchful eyes…these are just some of the eerie encounters that lie in wait along with hidden horrors in the poolside changing cubicles! Take the music with you as you explore the Baths and discover its spooky surprises, there are loads of great photo-opps along the way, so full on ghoulish glad rags are definitely the dress code.

From the balcony above the Sports Hall (former Males 2nd Class Pool) the trio of DJs will manifest the spirit of Manchester’s past club scene in a silent disco – each with their own channel. There aren’t many people that symbolise Manchester’s passion for music more than Clint Boon; from being part of Inspiral Carpets to radio presenter and DJ. As any member of the Boon Army will know, the club nights held at Manchester’s South (1995-2023) were unforgettable. They might have ended in 2023, but will be revived for The Silence of the Baths: Back from the Dead.

Jilly’s Rockworld (1983-2010) was a Manchester institution with a reputation that went way beyond the city. Inviting an array of punks, rockers, goths, metalheads and indie kids into its hedonistic realms. Mikee Diablo promises to bring back some of Jilly’s classic dancefloor fillers along with memories of these halcyon times.

Described as more of a movement than a club night, The Tiger Lounge (1997-2017) took in a number of locations before finding its permanent home on Cooper Street in 2004. It had a legion of followers throughout; a gang that were all seeking a kooky, kitsch wonderland to escape to and who all shared a love of music and Manchester. Re-awakening the Tiger is Max Oblivion, who will be digging up the sounds of the past with a promise to expect the unexpected!

Bubbling on the Victoria Baths’ bar will be a selection of terrifying elixirs to choose from including blood-curdling beers, spooky spirits, creepy cocktails and monster mocktails. Plus, for those with the munchies there will be plenty of tuck-shop style snacks to devour.

Tickets for The Silence of the Baths: Back from the Dead are £16 (plus a booking fee) and can be booked here. The event sold out last year, so early ticket purchase is recommended. The doors creak open at 7pm and close at 11:30pm. Entry is for over 18s only and tickets must be booked in advance. Fancy dress is encouraged and there will be spooky swag bag prizes for those who impress.

It’s not just the big kids that will be having Halloween fun at Victoria Baths. Taking place on Saturday 26 October from 11am to 2pm is the Mini Monster Mash. This is a Family Friendly way for wizards and witches to enjoy the spookiest time of the year with a music channel for both kids and adults, creepy crafts, a games area and the chance to be spell-bound by the devilish Halloween décor. Tickets are £4 per mini monster or adult, including a head set, and can be booked here.

All tickets and purchases for these Halloween events support the work of Victoria Baths Trust to preserve Victoria Baths so that communities can continue to enjoy this inspiring building. For further information visit www.victoriabaths.org.uk