Essex is gearing up for another thrilling Halloween season, and 2024 is set to be bigger and better than ever.

From haunted rides and ghostly parades to family-friendly festivals and fright nights, here are some of the most popular events planned for this Halloween across the county.

1. Halloween Parade along Southend seafront:

Returning for its fourth year on October 26, the Halloween Parade in Southend promises to be spine-chilling for the whole family.

Last year, the parade attracted an impressive crowd of over 30,000 people, and this year promises to be even bigger and better.

With a mix of returning favourites, including giant puppets and inflatable creatures, alongside exciting new music, dance acts, and entertainment that will keep the audience thrilled from start to finish.

For more, visit https://www.visitsouthend.co.uk/event/southend-halloween-parade/

2. Halloween Festival at Marsh Farm:

Held at Marsh Farm, in South Woodham Ferrers, this family-friendly festival runs from October 12 to November 1.

Families can expect spooky entertainment, pumpkin picking on their hugely popular patch, funfair rides, and even a new dinosaur adventure park.

Visitors are also encouraged to come in fancy dress For more, visit https://www.marshfarm.co.uk/events/halloween-festival/

3. Colchester Zoo Shriek Week:

Between October 26 to November 3, families can enjoy a week filled with spooktacular daytime activities suitable for children of all ages.

This is from creating crafts at the Witches’ Coven to practicing your scaring skills as a monster at St Anway’s Scare School.

There is even a Halloween Trail, where families can journey around the zoo and complete the trail for your chance to win a prize.

For more, visit https://www.colchester-zoo.com/event/shriek-week-2024/

4. Clacton Pier Halloween Festival:

Clacton Pier is gearing up for a Halloween to remember.

The popular Halloween Festival is back and bigger than ever, offering a host of spine-tingling thrills and delightful chills for the whole family.

With plenty on offer from face your fears in the Creepy-Crawly Cabin, to a Misery Mansion, and pumpkin patch.

For more, visit https://www.clactonpier.co.uk/events/halloween-festival/

5. Fright Fantastic at Adventure Island:

Prepare for a spooktacular week of Halloween thrills at Adventure Island as Fright Fantastic returns between October 26 to October 31.

There is a line-up of activities from trick-or-treating to a Halloween treasure hunt, to eerie entertainment, and free face painting.

And of course, all your favourite rides will be open for a frightfully fun adventure.

For more, visit https://adventureisland.co.uk/events/halloween-fright-fantastic/

With so many exciting and eerie events on offer, Essex promises an unforgettable Halloween season in 2024.

Whether you are looking for a family-friendly day out or a night of horror that will leave your heart racing, there’s something for everyone in this spooktacular county.