By Jim Mcleod 
THE UK GHOST STORY FESTIVAL RETURNS THIS FEBRUARY – AND HERE’S YOUR CHANCE TO WIN A FULL PASS TO THE ONLINE OR IN-PERSON EVENT…
Introduction:
Funny thing, ghost stories. They never really clock out for the season, do they? Long after the tinsel’s packed away, that chill finds a way to linger in the bones. Maybe that’s why Alex Davis has made a proper haunt of it all these years—a real fixture, he is. Built something that sticks. You can feel that deep-rooted history in the very fabric of the UK Ghost Story Festival, this thriving beast he revives every February. It’s not just another event; it’s a proper gathering of spirits, both the telling and the told kinds.
This year? It’s spilling over. Two whole weekends of it: one in the ether, online for anyone, anywhere with a wifi signal and a taste for the eerie. Then the main event, the sixth I reckon, planting its feet firmly in Derby, one of the UK’s most haunted cities, they say, at the QUAD. A stroke of genius, that. It’s grown into this massive, buzzing thing. Talks, workshops, performances. Even sprouting a Dracula’s Bazaar market now. Success whispers, but this festival? It practically screams from the rafters. And talk about a lineup. Catriona Ward, Laura Purcell, names that carry weight. Anyway, the point is, you could win your way in. Full pass, your choice. Digital or IRL. Here’s how.
Ghouls, Gatherings & Giveaways: Your Chance to Win Pass to the UK Ghost Story Festival
With a chill in the air and the haunting spirits of Christmas still lingering, ghost stories are still distinctly in season – and this February sees the return of the UK Ghost Story Festival, with both online and in-person weekends incoming!
The UK Ghost Story Festival online takes place from the weekend of the 6th-8th February, and attendees can join us from anywhere in the world for this virtual event! With headline speakers including Delilah S Dawson, Adam S Leslie, Laura Purcell, AC Wise and many more, we’ll be serving up three days of author interviews, talks, writing workshops and more. You can check out the full schedule at https://www.ukghoststoryfestival.co.uk/online-event-schedule, with ticket info and purchasing at https://www.ticketsource.co.uk/ukghoststoryfestival
But that’s not all, as the UK Ghost Story Festival will be running its in-person weekend at Derby’s QUAD venue from the 27th February to the 1st March. This’ll be the sixth gathering of ghouls in one of the UK’s most haunted cities, with headline speakers including Catriona Ward, Steve Nallon, Jon Dear, Will MacLean, Ally Wilkes, Francesca May, Susannah Wise and many more. Expect a loaded weekend of talks, panels, interviews, performances and workshops, as well as the first running of the Dracula’s Bazaar alternative market alongside the festival at QUAD! For more info, or to pick up your tickets, visit https://www.derbyquad.co.uk/ukgsf/
And we’ve teamed up with the good folks at Ginger Nuts of Horror for an exclusive competition, with two passes to give away for your choice of the online or in-person UK Ghost Story Festival! Whether you’d like to be surrounded by your fellow spirits or enjoy some ghosts in the machine, the choice is yours…
To be in with a chance of winning, simply answer the question below…
Catriona Ward’s newest novel is released in February 2026, but what is it called?
A) Nowhere Burning
B) Everywhere Burning
C) Somewhere Burning
Send you answers to alexdavisevents@hotmail.co.uk by Friday, 23rd Jan for your chance to win!
TERMS AND CONDITIONS
Entrants will receive an email reply to acknowledge their entry. Only winning entries will receive a further email. Email addresses will not be retained or added to any mailing lists. Two winning entrants will receive their choice of one full in-person or onlinepass for the UK Ghost Story Festival. Competition closes on Friday 23rtd Jan with winners drawn and contacted the following day.
Horror Features on Ginger Nuts of Horror
If you’re a fan of spine-chilling tales and hair-raising suspense, then you won’t want to miss the horror features page on The Ginger Nuts of Horror Review Website. This is the ultimate destination for horror enthusiasts seeking in-depth analysis, thrilling reviews, and exclusive interviews with some of the best minds in the genre. From independent films to mainstream blockbusters, the site covers a broad spectrum of horror media, ensuring that you’re always in the loop about the latest and greatest.
The passionate team behind The Ginger Nuts of Horror delivers thoughtful critiques and recommendations that delve into the nuances of storytelling, character development, and atmospheric tension. Whether you’re looking for hidden gems to stream on a dark and stormy night or want to explore the work of up-and-coming horror filmmakers, this page is packed with content that will ignite your imagination and keep you on the edge of your seat.
So grab your favourite horror-themed snacks, settle into a cosy spot, and immerse yourself in the chilling world of horror literature and film. Head over to The Ginger Nuts of Horror and embark on a journey through the eerie and the extraordinary. It’s an adventure you won’t soon forget!
Kit Power