With the first signs of a chill in the air and the leaves starting to turn golden, it feels like autumn is well underway in Gloucestershire — and the new season brings plenty to look forward to at Gloucester Quays.
From in-store entertainment throughout Halloween half term, to the county's very first roller disco venue opening, SoGlos rounds up some of the fun things to look forward to in October and November 2023...
Gloucestershire's first dedicated roller disco venue opening
The county's first dedicated roller disco venue, Roller Express opens at Gloucester Quays this autumn 2023. Run by longstanding Gloucester skate shop, Skate Factory, the 8,000 sq ft venue offers 34 skate sessions per week costing from just £5 per session — with a skate school for little ones every weekend, too.
Kids spooky trail
From Saturday 21 October until Friday 3 November 2023, little monsters can follow a spooky trail on the hunt for Ralph the werewolf and his friends, who are hiding around the centre. The trail costs just £1 per child and there's a bag of Halloween goodies up for grabs, plus the chance to win a £50 GQ Gift Card and a bundle from Hotel Chocolat, if they can find them all.
Halloween in-store entertainment
Get your best costume on and strike a pose at Gloucester Quays' pumpkin-themed photo opportunity from Friday 20 to Tuesday 31 October 2023 — and enjoy in-store entertainment like close-up magic and spooky crafts throughout the day on Saturday 28 October 2023.
New autumn menus
With the new season comes new menus — and many of Gloucester Quays' restaurants and cafes are offering delicious dishes made with seasonal produce. Dig into comforting classics like creamy baked Crottin cheese with fresh figs and toasted walnuts in a cabernet sauvignon dressing at Côte; 'Nduja doughballs and Grand Pollo Milanese at Pizza Express; spooky buttermilk pancakes topped with brownie chunks, scary marshmallows, whipped cream and syrup at Bill's; and scary sundaes and limited edition apple pie or pumpkin spice hot chocolates at Hotel Chocolat — with a Halloween-themed kids menu at Coal Kitchen, too.
Autumn movies at Cineworld
Film fans have plenty to look forward to this season at Gloucester Quays, with Cineworld providing the perfect activity for chilly autumn days. For families, Paw Patrol: The Mighty Movie was released on Friday 13 October 2023, while Trolls Band Together comes out on Friday 20 October 2023 — just in time for October half term. Horror fans have lots to choose from, too, with Exorcist: The Believer; Saw X; The Nun II; A Haunting in Venice; and a selection of classic scary movies to choose, including a special 35th anniversary screening of Tim Burton's cult classic, Beetlejuice.
Christmas arrives at Gloucester Quays
Getting the festive season underway nice and early, Gloucester Quays Winter Markets kick off on Saturday 4 November 2023 and run every weekend until Sunday 17 December 2023. With over 90 traders offering everything from Christmas gifts and decorations; artisan food and drink; a pop-up bar; and plenty of street food to dig into, it's the ideal way to get the festive season started.
