Students from Shrewsbury College are in rehearsals for the annual night-time scarefest at Shropshire’s Attingham Park this Halloween.

Now in its fourth year, the popular self-guided walks promise to be bigger, better and scarier than before.

Performing Arts and Media students will combine forces this year and take up residence in the eighteenth century mansion, which offers a fantastic backdrop for more horror delights, including spine-chilling songs, hair-raising short productions and petrifying projections. The route also takes visitors around parts of the grounds in the evening darkness, giving them a chance to discover what’s lurking in the shadows.

Gina Evans, Performing Arts Lecturer at Shrewsbury College, said: “The partnership between the College and Attingham Park gives our students a great opportunity to showcase a variety of performance skills and to create some site-specific theatre.

“This project is very challenging logistically and the students have always coped with the process so well. It is great to be able to give our students the chance to perform in the local community, and Spooky Walks is always an exciting event. The general public will not be disappointed.”

Fiona Holman, Events & Marketing Officer at Attingham Park, said: “Each year we have been over the moon seeing how much our visitors enjoy this event, and it is great to have such a wonderful partnership with Shrewsbury College.’’

‘’Hundreds of visitors are entertained each year by very talented groups of students. The grounds and house, which was utilised for the first time in Spooky Walks 2013, are just a fantastic setting for these performances. It’s a brilliant Halloween activity and the talent on show never fails to impress.’’

The Students have been working on the project since the start of term in September, and have been researching the house and characters as well as rehearsing their parts.

Dan Rowson, 17, studying Performing Arts Level 3, said:  “I took part in Spooky Walks last year and loved it. I really enjoy performing to the public at Attingham Park, because the location compliments the horror theme.

“It’s great that as part of the course we get to perform off college campus, and with Spooky Walks in particular we get to create our own characters, based on our own research of the location.”

Mattie Lefevre, 17, also studying Performing Arts, said: “This is the first time I will be taking part in Spooky walks and performing to the public. I really like the fact that with this type of production we get to improvise.”

Spooky Walks will take place at Attingham Park on Monday 27, Tuesday 28 and Wednesday 29 October from 6-8pm (last admission 7.30pm).

The walks are not suitable for under tens (at parents’ discretion) and sections of the route involve steps. Visitors must bring their own torches as it will be after dark. Normal grounds admission charges apply.

There is no additional charge for the performance, but the students will be collecting donations towards course facilities and activities.

For more information about Performing Arts or Media courses at Shrewsbury College please call Course Advice on 01743 342411 or visit www.shrewsbury.ac.uk 

For more information about Attingham Park, including opening times, events and admission charges, please visit click http://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/attingham-park/ or call 01743 708162.