Free Half-Term Spooktacular in Royston This Halloween!

Editorial Brief
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Royston is hosting a free Halloween Trail and Walkabout event from 17th to 31st October, organised by Royston First BID. Children aged 11 and under can participate in a trail to find 13 spooky characters in shop windows for a chance to win prizes, while families can enjoy a Halloween dress-up event on 29th October. These activities aim to engage the community and support local businesses during the half-term break.

EDITORIAL INSIGHT: Context, industry insight and market perspectives of this news story

Royston town centre is set to welcome families during the October half-term with a series of free Halloween-themed activities aimed at engaging local children and supporting community participation. These events reflect the ongoing efforts by local business groups to encourage footfall and community use of high street spaces, particularly during school holidays when family-friendly activities can help boost local trade.

For families in Royston and the surrounding villages, the Halloween trail and walkabout offer a seasonal opportunity to explore the town centre, with participating independent shops and public venues providing the backdrop for the themed hunt and dress-up event. Such initiatives are part of a wider pattern of local business improvement districts using themed events to draw visitors, promote local retailers, and create a sense of place, especially at times when many high streets continue to face pressures from changing shopping habits and economic uncertainty.

Story Ideas
Economic impact

Economic Boost from Royston’s Free Halloween Events

Examine how the free Halloween events organised by Royston First BID may boost local businesses by increasing foot traffic and encouraging shopping in the town centre.

Target audience
regional-news
Story potential
6/10
Local/community

Community Engagement Through Royston’s Halloween Activities

Explore how Royston's Halloween events foster community engagement and participation, focusing on the involvement of local families and businesses.

Target audience
local-news
Story potential
7/10
Press Release

ROYSTON, UK - 16th October 2026

Family trail and dress-up walkabout are ideal activities for little monsters Ghosts, ghouls and things that go bump in the night are taking over Royston this October half term with a free Halloween Trail. There’s a new treat in store too with a wicked Halloween Walkabout event bringing more frightful fun to the town centre!

Running from 17th – 31st October, young Halloween hunters are being invited to put their detective skills to the test and hunt down spooky characters for the chance to win prizes. Organised by Royston First BID, the trail challenges little monsters aged 11 and under who live in Royston or the surrounding villages to find all 13 creepy characters hiding away in shop windows. Families can download an entry form online or collect one from Kooky Mahmad, BowBooks Kids, Royston Library, Royston Town Council or Ladds. From there, they can follow the tantalising trail around the town centre and record their answers to the ghoulish questions along the way. Once the terrifying trek has been completed and the questions solved, completed forms can be handed in at Royston Library or emailed to [email protected] by 9pm on 31st October to be entered into a prize draw.

And there’s even more magic in store this year, with a brand-new Halloween Walkabout on Thursday 29th October, giving families another reason to get into their frightful finery and head into town! From 11am to 2pm, Royston town centre will invite families to dress up in their best Halloween costumes and come face to face with spooky characters for fun and games. With plenty of photo opportunities for all ages, it’s the perfect chance to show off those witches’ hats, vampire capes and monster masks – so come in costume and get ready to capture some frightfully good memories!

Paul Brown, manager of Royston First Business Improvement District, said: “Whether your little ones are budding monster hunters or simply love a good Halloween dress up, Royston’s Halloween activities offer fun, free ways to get into the spooky spirit, and enjoy our brilliant independent shops and town centre along the way. So grab your little witches and wizards, sharpen your spooky senses and have a scream in Royston this half term.”

For full details and to find out how to take part, visit roystonfirst.com/spooky.

Notes to editors

Notes to editors
  • Royston’s Halloween Trail runs from 17th to 31st October 2026.
  • The trail is free to enter and open to children aged 11 and under who live in Royston or the surrounding villages.
  • Participants must find 13 spooky characters hidden in town centre shop windows.
  • Completed entries must be submitted by 9pm on Saturday 31st October 2026.
  • Entry forms can be handed in at Royston Library or emailed to [email protected].
  • A winner will be selected at random and announced on the Royston First Facebook and Instagram pages. The winner will also be contacted via phone and/or email.
  • The Halloween Walkabout takes place on Thursday 29th October, from 11am to 2pm, in Royston town centre. Fancy dress is encouraged, with photo opportunities for all ages.
  • Further information: https://roystonfirst.com/spooky/

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