Train operator Northern has treated its customers to an early Halloween celebration when it ran a spooktrackular ghost train to mark the launch of Manchester‘s ‘MCR Monsters’ and ‘Halloween in the City’ events.

The train ran from Crewe to Manchester Piccadilly, and families enjoyed a frightfully good time during their journey on the spooky service while they were entertained by magicians, a balloon modeller, and scary storytellers. To add to the enjoyment ghoulish goody bags were handed out and there were prizes for the best fancy dress.

The special service helped to get Manchester’s Halloween events off to a frightening start as a prelude to many monstrously good events across the city centre this weekend, Saturday, 28 and Sunday, 29 October.

These include a rooftop invasion by giant monsters, a Monsters Rock! Music Festival complete with spooky DJs, live performances, gruesome games and competitions, as well as carnival rides, fancy dress, and Walk the Plank’s infamous monster procession.

Last week, Northern launched the trial of a new Family Fare ticket that is valid for two adults and up to four children aged from 5 to 15 on six popular routes across its network. It doesn’t cover under 5s as they already travel for free when they are accompanied by a fare-paying adult. The new Family Fare tickets are available online and must be purchased up to seven days in advance of travel.

Craig Harrop, regional director at Northern said: “Northern is excited to support the launch of the ‘MCR Monsters’ and ‘Halloween in the City’ events.

“We have launched a new family fare ticket on our popular routes between Manchester and Barrow-in-Furness as well as between Manchester and Blackpool which is perfect for those travelling to the events from these locations.”