A free, family-friendly projection trail will unleash mischievous spirits, magical illusions, and hidden histories across the city centre for two weeks this October.
From 20 October to 2 November 2025, The Great Leicester Ghost Hunt will feature eight cheeky ghosts across public spaces and shop windows, each brought to life with projections and playful tricks.
Expect to bump into a ghostly radio DJ still on air from beyond the grave, mischievous monks who won’t stay silent, bickering Roman Centurions, and even eyeballs that follow you down the street.
Using the My Leicester app, families and ghost detectives can track down each spirit at their own pace, uncover hidden histories, and even hear their ghostly goings-on through audio clips. Participants can complete the trail in the app for a chance to win £300. Some spirits appear during the day, others after dark – so there’s always more to discover.
Running at the same time is Leicester Restaurant Week (20 Oct – 2 Nov), which will see more than 50 venues across the city offering exclusive menus and special dining deals. Together, the two BID Leicester projects promise two weeks of food, fun and family adventures in the city centre from the October half-term through to Halloween.
Simon Jenner, Director of BID Leicester, said: “After the success of Leicester Monsters two years ago, we wanted to bring something that sparks wonder and joy back to the city centre for Halloween. The Ghost Hunt is a newly commissioned trail just for Leicester city centre, and designed for everyone – fully accessible, free to enjoy, and a great reason to come and explore Leicester. We hope people will take in the trail, stop for a bite to eat, and see the city in a whole new, spooky way.”
The trail has been designed and created by MBD, the award-winning arts organisation behind the spectacular projection on Leicester Cathedral at Light Up Leicester earlier this year, with Mr Cleaver’s Monsters. It is also supported by Leicester City Council and Arts Council England.
Paul Long, Director of MBD, said: “We love transforming everyday spaces into extraordinary experiences. With projections, illusions and a cast of mischievous characters, Leicester will become a living, haunted storybook. It’s spooky, silly and spectacular – and we can’t wait for people to meet the ghosts.”
Trail maps will be available online and from the Visit Leicester Information Centre. Visitors are encouraged to share sightings and spooky selfies on social media using #LeicesterGhostHunt.
More info can be found at: www.bidleicester.co.uk/ghosthunt