Toffee apples, monkey nuts and fireworks. Just three of the many great things about the Halloween season. For more, check out these events for just a small snippet of what's going on around NI, this October. L'Derry's Famous Halloween Celebrations L'Derry's Ancient Walls became a sea of pointy hats last week as a coven of over 400 witches came together to launch the programme for this year's world famous Halloween celebration in the city. The 2018 event will run from 26th October – 3rd November, with over 100 family friendly activities at more than 40 venues, stretching over eight jam-packed days. The theme for this year's Carnival Parade is Return of the Ancients, looking back to the Pagan origins of Hallowe'en which reach far back to the times of Cúchulainn and Fionn MacCool and beyond with this year's celebrations coinciding with the 400 years of the City's magnificent Walls. Among the regular highlights which draw thousands to the city each year, is the Awakening of the Walls, which makes a welcome return for 2018 when the Walls come alive with an illuminated animation trail on and around the City Walls from October 28-30. The Guildhall will once again be at the centre of the celebrations with the magical Museum of the Moon bathing the Main Hall in its ethereal light for seven days, and where the Samhain Sessions will showcase some fantastic musical talent under its ghostly glow. Up to 1000 people will be taking part in the carnival parade which is always the main highlight of the programme and a mass community celebration for all. Following the spectacular carnival celebrations and fireworks finale on October 31st, just when you thought it was all over, on November 1st the Walls will once again become the setting for First Light, which will bring the community together for a special celebration of light, remembrance and renewal. Add to this story-telling, ghost tours, the Jack-O-Lantern Festival, the Monster Funfair, Little Horrors, Shape Shifter costume and make up workshops and the haunted Harvest Market, and you have the secret formula for the best Halloween celebration in the world. More information can be found at derryhalloween.com. A Haunting Halloween Awaits at Crumlin Road Gaol This Halloween, Belfast's infamous Prison, Crumlin Road Gaol is unlocking its doors for three weeks of intense nail biting tours which are guaranteed to make even the bravest of visitors jump. The five star visitor attraction will be pulling out all the stops for its eagerly anticipated Halloween programme which will feature the 'Jail of Horror' and the 'Paranormal Ghost Hunt'. Each night there will be haunting Halloween events to suit both those seeking a heart pounding fear fest, to those seeking a ghostly experience on a haunted prison site which witnessed the execution of 17 men over its 150 year history. The Jail of Horror, described as one of Belfast's most fearsome scare attractions is returning for Halloween 2018. Visitors, if they dare, will enter the off limits dungeon of D Wing and face all their fears on an intense scare after scare journey which only has one way out!! The one-of-a-kind 'Jail of Horror' tour through Belfast's oldest prison will offer a terrifying unparalleled experience. Sightings, noises and unexplained happenings… Are you brave enough to go ghost hunting? The chilling Paranormal Ghost Hunt gives visitors the opportunity to interact with the spirits as they get hands on experience with real life experiments using paranormal investigating equipment. The paranormal ghost hunt features a visit to various hotspots of the jail where Paranormal Activity has been reported and sighted including - the Tunnel, Gaol Circle, C-Wing, Hangman's Cell and many more... Please note both events are carried out in low light conditions and flat footwear must be worn. The events are not suitable for young children and if you are scared easily, it may not be for you either! crumlinroadgaol.com Hallowtides Festival Newry, Mourne and Down District Council has announced an action packed, family friendly, spooktacular programme of Halloween events taking place in Newcastle and Newry. The 'Hallowtides' programme is bursting with activities for everyone to enjoy, so be aware as you take a stroll down Newcastle Main Street or visit the Town Hall and Market in Newry as there may be some unexpected spooky surprises. The Newcastle Festival features a packed schedule of events with Cool FM's Paulo Ross entertaining the crowds with great music and give-aways from the festival stage on Central Promenade. The Haunted House will be making its return to the Newcastle Centre and will open from Saturday right through to Monday. On Halloween night, take part in the ever popular fancy dress competition and watch the spooky Parade. The Annual fireworks display, which has earned a reputation as one of the best in Northern Ireland, will feature as the pinnacle in the programme closing out the festival from the beach at 7.45pm. Newry will play host to a number of fantastic Halloween events for all of the family to enjoy. On Friday 28 the Twlight Market will be making its return to the city, bringing the finest food and drink the area has to offer with a wide selection of pop up restaurants, food producers, craft beers and ciders available all combined with entertaining chef demonstrations, food tastings, full bar facilities and live entertainment all kicking off at 5pm at Newry Market. Bringing the night to a close will be the firework display over the Newry Basin. More information is available here. How to Survive a Zombie Apocalypse The pandemic has begun and the zombie herd is heading towards Bangor. Your skills will be tested in North Down Museum with archery and traditional craft challenges. Can you complete the tests before the Zombies attack? Don’t worry – there will be a live DJ, 'thriller' dance moves, and a fully-stocked bar to help get you through the night. Zombie-survival dress encouraged. Strictly over-18s. The event takes place at North Down Museum on Saturday 27 October, 2018. Tickets cost £10 and are available here.