Description
Something Wicked This Way Comes…
This Halloween, the gates of Doncaster Sheffield Airport will be opening for something completely different.
Halloween Howl is a brand-new family event bringing together an extraordinary mix of classic vehicles, famous characters, entertainment, activities and Halloween atmosphere, all within the unique surroundings of an international airport.
Whether you’re coming for the Vulcan, the vehicles, the characters or simply looking for somewhere very different to spend Halloween, there will be plenty to discover throughout the day. And then there’s the sound that gives Halloween Howl its name…
Feel the Howl this Halloween
The centrepiece of the event, visitors will get to experience Vulcan XH558’s four Rolls-Royce Olympus engines being brought to life during a stationary engine ground run.
General Admission visitors will watch from a designated viewing area at the engine test bay, giving you the chance to experience the unmistakable sound and atmosphere of XH558 under power.
Foam earplugs will be provided to all visitors for the engine run.Children aged 5–15 must wear the hearing protection provided.
For visitors who would prefer them, branded Vulcan XH558 over-ear hearing defenders will also be available to purchase from the Vulcan XH558 store.
The exact engine-running time will be confirmed closer to the event. Final timings and important joining information will be sent to ticket holders before Halloween Howl.
More than the Vulcan
One of the major attractions will be an extensive classic vehicle display, bringing together an impressive collection of historic, enthusiast and unusual vehicles.
You can also expect:
- Star Wars character appearances
- Ghostbusters character appearances
- Entertainment throughout the event
- Halloween activities and competitions
- Traders and exhibitors
- Food and drink available to purchase
- The Vulcan XH558 store and event merchandise
- Avro Vulcan XH558
- English Electric Canberra WK163
- And more surprises still to be revealed…
Halloween Howl is suitable for visitors aged 5 and over only.
Unfortunately, children under 5 cannot attend because of the exceptionally high noise levels associated with XH558’s engine ground run.
Advance booking is strongly recommended as event capacity is limited.
Taking part in Run the Runway?
Run the Runway is a separate event taking place later in the day and requires separate admission.
Registered Run the Runway participants will be eligible for discounted Halloween Howl admission:
Booking instructions for the discounted tickets will be issued separately by the Run the Runway organisers.
Getting here
Parking
Parking is free for Halloween Howl ticket holders in the main Doncaster Sheffield Airport car park in front of the terminal.
Accessible parking will also be available.
Entry
Entry to Halloween Howl will be via Control Point 1.
The route will be clearly signposted on the day and Vulcan to the Sky volunteers will be available to help direct visitors.
From Control Point 1, visitors will walk onto the terminal apron where the main Halloween Howl event takes place.
Later in the event, visitors will be moved from the main apron to the engine test bay for XH558’s engine run.
When should I arrive?
The gates open from 9:00am, with Halloween Howl formally beginning at 10:00am.
Opening from 9am allows visitors to arrive gradually and helps us reduce queues at the entrance.
We recommend arriving early so you can make the most of the event.
Last admission: 12 noon
Due to the operational requirements surrounding XH558’s engine run, we cannot admit visitors after 12 noon.
Please allow plenty of time for your journey, parking and entry.
Halloween Howl finishes at 2:00pm, at which point visitors should currently expect to leave the event site.
Your ticket and check-in
Your booking confirmation email acts as your event ticket.
On arrival at Control Point 1, your booking will be scanned and wristbands will be issued.
Everyone included on the same booking must arrive together.
Photo ID is not required.
Tickets can be transferred free of charge to another person, provided the ticket type remains the same for example, an adult ticket can be transferred to another adult and a child ticket to another child.
A unique airport environment
Halloween Howl takes place predominantly on the terminal apron at Doncaster Sheffield Airport.
It is a very different setting from a conventional Halloween attraction and forms an important part of the experience.
The event is mainly outdoors and an airport can be an exposed environment, so visitors should dress appropriately for the weather and wear suitable footwear.
Wheelchairs are permitted and accessible toilets will be available.
Pushchairs are also welcome. During the engine ground run, pushchairs will need to be left in the designated buggy park behind the main viewing area.
Food and drink
Visitors are welcome to bring their own food and non-alcoholic drinks.
Food and drink will also be available to purchase during Halloween Howl.
Glass containers and alcohol are not permitted.
Cash and card payments will be accepted, although payment facilities may vary between individual traders.
Important airport site rules
Because Halloween Howl takes place within an airport environment, additional safety restrictions apply.
Please do not bring:
- Alcohol
- Glass bottles or containers
- Drones or remotely controlled aircraft
- Fireworks or flares
- Balloons
- Kites
- Laser pointers
- Barbecues or cooking equipment
- Weapons or replica weapons
- Any loose or airborne object that could interfere with aircraft operations
Halloween Howl is a no-smoking and no-vaping event.
Anyone arriving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, or behaving in a way that may put themselves or others at risk, may be refused admission or asked to leave.
Dogs are not permitted due to the exceptionally high noise levels associated with the engine run.
Visitors who use an assistance dog should contact us before booking so we can discuss their requirements and the arrangements available.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will XH558 fly or taxi?
No. XH558 will remain stationary throughout Halloween Howl.
The aircraft will conduct a stationary engine ground run, during which its four Rolls-Royce Olympus engines will be operated, but XH558 will not taxi or fly.
Will Canberra WK163 fly or taxi?
No. Canberra WK163 will be on static display during Halloween Howl.
Can I go inside XH558?
No. General Admission does not include access inside XH558 and cockpit access is not available at this event.
Can I get close to XH558?
For safety reasons, visitor access around XH558 is controlled because it remains a live aircraft.
General Admission visitors will view the engine run from the designated public viewing area.
When will the engine run take place?
The exact time will be confirmed closer to the event.
Engine-running arrangements may need to be adjusted to take account of weather forecasting, aircraft requirements and airport operations. Final information will be sent to ticket holders before the event.
As with all live aircraft operations, the engine run is subject to aircraft serviceability, weather and operational requirements.
In the unlikely event that the engine run cannot take place, Halloween Howl will continue and ticket holders will receive an appropriate partial refund relating to the engine-run element.
Are refunds available?
Tickets are non-refundable if you change your mind or are unable to attend.
Tickets may be transferred to another person free of charge provided they remain within the same ticket category.
If Halloween Howl itself is cancelled, ticket holders will receive a refund.
Halloween Howl is a live event and the programme is subject to change. Individual attractions, appearances, entertainment and activities may be altered or withdrawn and such changes will not normally entitle ticket holders to a refund.
