Tis the season!

Halloween’s just around the corner, and whether you’re a full-on horror fan or just in it for the sweets, Leicester has plenty of ways to celebrate. From nights out to flat parties, here’s how to make your Halloween fun, affordable, and sustainable.

Nights out and things to do in Leicester

If you’re in the mood to head out, Leicester’s student scene has you covered:

• Student club nights – Venues like Mosh, O2 Academy, and Fan Club usually run Halloween specials. Expect fancy dress, themed drinks, and a lot of cheesy spooky tunes.
• Cinema scares – Showcase and Phoenix often put on late-night horror screenings around Halloween. Perfect if you’d rather be creeped out than dance all night.
• Local events – Keep an eye on Visit Leicester listings; there are often ghost walks, themed escape rooms, and seasonal activities in the city centre.

Costumes on a budget (and without the waste)

You don’t need to spend a fortune or order fast fashion to pull together a solid Halloween look. Try these options:

• Charity shops – Leicester city centre has plenty of charity shops where you can pick up clothes to repurpose into a zombie outfit, witchy look, or anything else.
• DIY magic – Old bedsheets become ghost costumes, a bit of makeup can transform you into a vampire, and black clothing plus some paper cat ears = instant costume.
• Swap with mates – If you’ve all dressed up in previous years, swap around costumes so nothing goes to waste.

Decorating your flat for a party

Throwing a Halloween gathering in halls or your student house? You can get your space looking spooky without breaking the bank:

• DIY décor – Cut bats and spiders from old cardboard boxes, or string up paper chains in orange and black.
• Pumpkin carving – Cheap, fun, and doubles up as a snack if you roast the seeds. You could potentially compost the leftovers if possible as well.
• Lighting tricks – Switch off the main lights and use fairy lights or lamps for a softer, spookier vibe. A desk lamp pointed at the wall can give you those classic horror shadows.

Keep it safe (and fun)

If you’re hosting, remember not to overcrowd your flat, and always check with your accommodation rules. Tea lights and open flames are a no-go in halls, but battery-powered candles do the job just as well. And if you’re out in town, stick with your mates and plan your way home in advance.

Halloween in Leicester is what you make of it—whether you’re dancing in costume at Mosh, watching a classic horror at Phoenix, or turning your flat into a spooky den with your mates. Keep it budget-friendly, sustainable, and safe, and you’re guaranteed a night to remember.