Glasgow Botanic Gardens will be transformed into a Halloween attraction tonight as GlasGLOW returns to the city.
The popular after-dark event opens on Friday 16 October with a Zombie Zoo theme, turning the Glasgow West End gardens into what organisers describe as a zombie containment and conservation facility.
Visitors will follow a 60-minute outdoor trail using large-scale lighting, sound, sets and special effects, with this year’s route featuring zombie enclosures, laboratories, feeding demonstrations and an enormous eight-metre-tall zombie.
The experience begins at the flaming gates of Zombie Zoo, where visitors will be introduced to fictional zookeeper Brian Bones and given instructions on how to survive their journey.
One of GlasGLOW’s most popular features, the Pumpkin Patch, also returns. Hundreds of pumpkins have been carved this year with designs inspired by famous zombie films.
Visitors will then pass through a Human Authentication Checkpoint before taking part in interactive challenges designed to determine which type of zombie they might become in the event of an outbreak.
The trail continues into the Zombie Enclosure, where the attraction’s undead residents can be seen in specially-created habitats.
Those feeling brave enough will be able to take part in a zombie feeding experience before entering a laboratory exploring the fictional science behind the creatures.
One of the biggest additions this year will dominate the main lawn at the Botanic Gardens, where an eight-metre-high Zombie 01 forms the centrepiece of a new show.
Visitors must then make their way through a decontamination station before being allowed to leave the attraction.
GlasGLOW has become one of Glasgow’s biggest annual Halloween events since launching in 2018, with the Botanic Gardens transformed each autumn using large-scale light installations and theatrical sets.
The event is designed for families as well as older Halloween fans, with new Twilight sessions this year giving younger children the opportunity to experience the trail earlier in the evening.
Relaxed sessions for visitors with additional sensory needs will also take place on Friday 16 and Saturday 17 October at 5.30pm, with reduced capacity and lower sound levels.
Away from the main trail, Marshmallowland returns, allowing visitors to toast marshmallows around fire pits beneath illuminated trees.
A street food village will also feature traders including Loop & Scoop, Dirty Bird, Mangiamo and Hector & Harriet, alongside the event’s first Zombie Bar.
GlasGLOW runs at Glasgow Botanic Gardens from Friday 16 October until Sunday 1 November, with entry slots beginning from 4.30pm.