The countdown is on. In just one week's time, Colchester Castle will open its doors after dark for a weekend of mystery, magic and the macabre.
Taking place on Friday 9 and Saturday 10 October 2026, Moon, Magick and Mystery returns following the success of last year's sold-out Myth, Magick and Mystery event. With some experiences already fully booked and limited spaces remaining on others, early booking is strongly recommended.
Presented by Colchester Museums and Seventh Sanctum, the two-day festival invites visitors to explore the strange, supernatural and spellbinding through expert talks, paranormal investigations, psychic readings, workshops and a fascinating marketplace of independent traders.
A magical experience beneath the Moon
This year's event is inspired by the spectacular Museum of the Moon installation, currently on display inside Colchester Castle until the end of the month.
This year's event is inspired by the spectacular Museum of the Moon installation, currently on display inside Colchester Castle until the end of the month.
Created by internationally renowned artist Luke Jerram, the giant lunar artwork provides a breathtaking backdrop for a weekend exploring folklore, unexplained phenomena, lunar mythology and the enduring fascination with the unknown.
Following the recent sell-out success of Reiki Sound Bath experiences held beneath the Moon installation, demand for Chia-Yen Oh's wellbeing and spiritual workshops beneath the moon is expected to be particularly high.
Event highlights include:
- Expert talks from leading paranormal investigators, authors and researchers
- Psychic readings, spiritual experiences and wellbeing workshops inspired by the Moon
- Witchy workshops and interactive sessions
- A marketplace featuring gothic, magical and alternative traders
- Special after-hours investigations of Colchester Castle and other museum sites
- VIP experiences with exclusive benefits including all-day admission on 10 October with reserved seating at three talks of your choice, £10 of Magick Moon Money to spend on refreshments during the event, an exclusive goody bag worth £20, and a paranormal investigation. at one of Colchester’s historic venues
Featured speakers include Chris McKinnell, grandson of renowned paranormal investigators Ed and Lorraine Warren, discussing the real-life cases behind The Conjuring films, and paranormal researcher Ashley Knibb, exploring the chilling Royal Oak investigation.
Explore Colchester's most mysterious locations after dark
For those seeking a truly unique experience, special evening investigations will offer the chance to explore some of Colchester's most historic buildings after hours.
For those seeking a truly unique experience, special evening investigations will offer the chance to explore some of Colchester's most historic buildings after hours.
Led by Seventh Sanctum and guest investigators from the TV series Help! My House is Haunted, these sessions combine local history, storytelling and paranormal exploration in an atmospheric setting rarely experienced by the public.
Book now
Whether you're drawn to folklore, fascinated by the paranormal, or simply looking for an unusual night out, ‘Moon, Magick and Mystery’ offers an unforgettable journey into the unknown. With several experiences already sold out and limited capacities for workshops, investigations and readings, visitors are encouraged to book soon to avoid disappointment.
Whether you're drawn to folklore, fascinated by the paranormal, or simply looking for an unusual night out, ‘Moon, Magick and Mystery’ offers an unforgettable journey into the unknown. With several experiences already sold out and limited capacities for workshops, investigations and readings, visitors are encouraged to book soon to avoid disappointment.
Tickets start from just £6 and include entry to the Castle and access to the shop and marketplace. Advance booking is strongly recommended, particularly for workshops, investigations and special experiences where availability is limited.
Councillor Darius Laws, Portfolio Holder for Culture, Heritage and Environment, said: "With just one week to go, excitement is building for what promises to be a fascinating and atmospheric weekend at Colchester Castle. Moon, Magick and Mystery offers something truly unique, bringing together history, folklore and the unexplained in one of Britain's most historic buildings. With some activities already sold out and many others nearing capacity, I would encourage anyone interested to secure their tickets as soon as possible.”