Journey on Northern’s spooktrackular ghost train is a treat for Manchester families

Families traveling from Crewe to Manchester Piccadilly had a frightfully good time on-board the train operator's spooky service as they were entertained by magicians, a balloon modeler and scary storytellers.  

There were also ghoulish goody bags on offer and prizes for the best fancy dress.  

The special service by Northern helped kick-start the countdown to Halloween and celebrate a host of monstrously good events across Manchester city centre. 

A giant rooftop monster invasion, Monsters Rock! Music Festival - with spooky DJs, live performances, gruesome games and competitions - plus carnival rides, fancy-dress and Walk the Plank’s legendary monster procession are all taking place this weekend (28 - 29 October).  

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.”  

Northern launched its new Family Fare ticket last week. The train operator is trialling the new ticket, which is valid for two adults and up to four children aged 5-15 (under 5s already travel for free with a paying adult), on six popular routes across its network. 

They are available online and must be bought seven days in advance of travel. 

Northern is the second largest train operator in the UK, with 2,500 services a day to more than 500 stations across the North of England.