Flickering firelight in the woods is the setting for a Halloween event coming to Martineau Gardens. The community garden in Edgbaston has teamed up with the Traditional Arts Team for an exciting night of ‘Stories for Halloween’ which takes place on Monday 31 October, with walks starting every ten minutes from 6.30pm –8:15pm.

Storytellers will be inviting visitors to the Gardens to take a walk through the woodland as darkness falls. To the backdrop of flickering firelight, there will be tales of ghosts, spirits and fairy-folk  told to raise fear – but not terror!

There will be hot soup available for purchase with a special ‘boots, bikes and bus bonus’ on offer  – a free soup for all who leave the car at home to travel to the event.

The two and a half acres Gardens, though only two miles from Birmingham city centre, are a green oasis with plenty to explore including woodland, glass houses, a formal garden with trees and shrubs from around the world, an orchard, vegetable beds, a wildflower meadow and a play area.

Caroline Hutton, Director of Martineau Gardens said: “This is a chance to experience the Gardens at dusk. As night falls, daylight gives way to a different atmosphere, and though some of the stories may be a little spooky, a warm welcome awaits visitors to our Storytelling Event’.

Graham Langley, Storytelling Director of Traditional Arts Team said: “On the night in which cracks are said to appear between this world and the world of the spirits, they come amongst us in the dark led by the Lord of Misrule. Only storytellers have the power to keep them at bay.”

Entry to ‘Stories for Halloween’ is £5 each (£3 concession) or £12 family ticket. Tickets available in advance (from Martineau Gardens to callers in person) or on the night (subject to availability). The Gardens are at 27 Priory Road, Edgbaston, Birmingham, B5 7UG. Located five minutes from the MAC and opposite the Priory Hospital. Information at www.martineau-gardens.org.uk or by calling 0121 440 7430.