Peterborough’s Halloween traditions stretch back to the late 19th century, marked by mischief and community gatherings that shaped the city’s festive spirit. Candlelight Halloween events in Peterborough are a highlight to its heritage, which is celebrated with eerie ghost walks and glowing celebrations. Today, parades, costume parties, and family activities make Halloween a major community event—proving it’s never too early to plan for this spooky season.
Candlelight: A Haunted Evening of Halloween Classics
The infectious energy of Ray Parker Jr.’s Ghostbusters theme transformed supernatural encounters from terrifying to entertaining, proving that humor and horror make perfect partners. This crowd-pleaser joins Shostakovich’s emotionally devastating String Quartet No. 8 and Carpenter’s Halloween theme in exploring the full spectrum of supernatural emotions.
The chamber music collective navigates these emotional extremes with remarkable skill. Ghostbusters’ funk rhythms gain classical sophistication while Shostakovich’s profound anguish provides dramatic contrast. Carpenter’s minimalist terror builds through all four instruments, creating layers of tension that make the mesmerizing dance of candlelight seem to respond to every musical phrase.
Candlelight Halloween at Market Hall Performing Arts Centre
Market Hall Performing Arts Centre in Peterborough is transformed by the warm, flickering glow of thousands of candles, creating an enchanting and subtly eerie atmosphere that elevates the Halloween concert experience. The candlelight casts dancing shadows across the hall’s historic architecture, immersing audiences as doors open 30–45 minutes before the 60-minute performance begins.
A string quartet will perform haunting classics such as Danse Macabre by Camille Saint-Saëns, Night on Bald Mountain by Modest Mussorgsky, and Psycho (Prelude) by Bernard Herrmann. Waiting to plan your Halloween risks missing one of the city’s most memorable candlelit events.