Wellingborough Halloween trail delves into the history of the town with spooky story tied to old Lyric Cinema

Wellingborough locals can join in with the spooky festivities with a trip through the town’s history, courtesy of an upcoming Halloween trail on Saturday (October 28).

The trail, lasting 30 minutes, will see attendees guided through Swanspool Gardens, and have them meet some characters from the life and ‘gruesome’ death of Reginald Batch, manager of the old Lyric Cinema, which served as a cinema, a bingo hall and is now a gym and part of the Swansgate shopping centre.

Cllr Graham Lawman, leader of the Council said: “I’m delighted to tell you that, in yet another innovation for the town, we are hosting this Halloween trail through the Gardens now the nights are drawing in.

"Anyone over 12 can enjoy a spooky evening and learn about a piece of the town’s history from 6pm.”

Cllr Valerie Anslow, mayor of Wellingborough, added: “Swanspool Gardens will be a wonderfully dark place to hear about the local ghost that haunts Wellingborough. Shivers, shakes and screams are guaranteed!”

The Lyric Theatre, which was demolished in 1974, is considered by paranormal enthusiasts to be one of the most haunted buildings in Wellingborough, having been built on the graveyard of the old Congregational Chapel.

The Halloween trail is based on a true story and has been enhanced for public entertainment, but all characters are fictional and have no connection to real life people.

General admission costs £1, and bookings are available here.