October is here, and although we’re much too old for trick or treating, you spooksters will be pleased to know that there are some killer Halloween parties taking place all over the country. To make sure you don’t miss out on any of the action, we got in touch with DesignMyNight for the inside info on the UK’s most spine-tingling events. Whether you want to get freaky at a twisted circus or party at a secret mansion where cage dancers and fire breathers run riot, get ready to paint the town devil-red this Halloween.

1. Twisted Circus Halloween Festival - London

Have you got the nerve to spend Halloween in a room with a gang of evil clowns? The Twisted Circus Halloween Festival is taking place at the O2 this October and there’s going to be a weird assemblage of sword-swallowing contortionist acts, a world-class DJ line-up, confetti drops, and there’s even word of a secret centrepiece performance on the night. Like any great Halloween party, dressing up is compulsory, so invest in a bottle of fake blood ASAP.

2. Halloween Movie Ball - London

We all know Halloween isn’t Halloween without binge watching horror movies, but if you want to incorporate a bit of boo-gying into the equation; head to the Halloween Movie Ball at The Clapham Grand. Their DJs will be bashing out horror movie soundtracks until 3am, and it’s up to you to decide on what character you're going to dress up as. The Grand never do things by half, so there’s gonna be a haunted photo booth, creepy makeovers (if you’ve been a bit lax with your costume), and a mass Time Warp dance-off, obviously.

3. Theatre of Blood Halloween Ball - London

If you're looking for a spooktacular way to spend All Hallows’ Eve, the Theatre of Blood is where you need to be. Enter this haunting soiree and prepare to be transported into a mysterious maze of cornered-off areas, all inspired by classic British horror films. There will be performances from over 100 acts, including the brides of Dracula’s cabaret and a Vampire Circus, and if you have the guts - make sure to pay a visit to The Drawing Room and The Mausoleum before you return to your coffin and call it a night.

4. Overdough Hip Hop Halloween - London

Pizza and Halloween mightn’t be an obvious duo, but Overdough are hosting a spooky special this October, and Homeslice will raise the dead with their Halloween-themed slices. You’ll get an hour of bottomless cocktails and cheese-soaked slices, with a ghoulish round of Overdough’s infamous hip hop karaoke afterwards, where you can spit some spooky verses. Dressing up isn’t mandatory, but we reckon you’d be dead foolish not too.

5. Even Stranger Things Party - Birmingham

If you’re obsessed with the programme Stranger Things, the Night Owl in Birmingham is the only place for you on the 28th. This year they’re throwing an Even Stranger Things party; expect freakish visuals (we’re talking flickering lights and alphabet-covered walls), immersive dens to get upside down in, DJs blaring out 80’s tunes and an exciting list of themed cocktails. The dress code is strictly 80’s horror; (think everything from Barb to Carrie) and there’s going to be a contest for the best costume, so it’s definitely worth going all out for.

6. The Voodoo Ball - Liverpool

The Voodoo Ball is known as one of Liverpool’s most popular (and kooky) Halloween events, and it’s back this year with another epic theme. Having conquered a dystopian society and the ‘lords’ (that was last year’s ball), you’ll be welcomed into a world where the futuristic and peaceful ‘punks’ rule, but it is All Hallows’ Eve, so there’s likely to be some spine-chilling antics around the corner. The bespoke line-up of entertainment will include drum troupes, martial arts, fire performers and theatrical clowns. Intrigued? You certainly should be.

7. Halloween Movie Drive-In - Glasgow

Like we said above - Halloween just isn’t Halloween without binge watching horror movies, and the Riverside Museum in Glasgow happen to be hosting an atmospheric movie drive-in, where you can catch the creepy horror classics Scream and Ghost Busters from your car. You can kill those hunger pangs with bites from the Street Food Putter Club and Thorntonhall Ice Cream on the night too.

8. The Crazy Circus Party - London

Ever dreamt of running away with the circus? Us too. And our dreams might just come true this year, but they’ll be a tad warped. Pop Brixton are throwing a massive circus-themed bash but things won’t be all as they seem. Enter into the Gypsy Crystal where you can ride pink elephants and dance with devils to a psychedelic soundtrack from the Voodoo Love Orchestra and other vaudeville-style DJs.

9. Halloween Ball At The Mansion - London

If Halloween is your favourite time of the year, loosen your purse strings and splash out on a ticket to the Halloween Ball at The Mansion. The location of this devil-will-definitely-care event is top secret, and you’ll only find out where it is a mere 48 hours beforehand. Two huge dancefloors will be scattered with everything from fire performers to cage dancers; as well as secluded areas with casino tables, a fortune teller giving tarot readings and vintage horror movie showings. Promising 2-4-1 drinks before 10pm and an actual graveyard out back, it’s going to be the hottest place to party this year.

10. Ultimate Power Halloween - Manchester

Put together your best fancy dress costume and warm up your vocal cords - the biggest power ballad singalong in the UK is coming to Manchester, and you’re all invited. Bat Out Of Helloween will be set in the arena-style Manchester Ritz, and you’ll be required to belt your heart out (if you have one) to the scariest of songs (with a few classic ballads thrown in for good measure). Open until 3am, you’ll have hours on end to rip up the dancefloor with your ghastly gang.

For more info on the best Halloween events in London, and across the UK, visit DesignMyNight and follow them on Instagram and Twitter; @DesignMyNight.