It was that time again; the time of year where the veil is thin, wallets even thinner, and faces are stained with waxy cheap face paints – it’s Halloween! And what better way to spend it than at Northern Fright’s renowned HorrorCon at Paisley Town Hall. 

My last visit to HorrorCon in April, held in Glasgow’s SEC, left such a huge impression on me – I simply couldn’t resist the opportunity to visit again, ready to be cursed by the demons and monsters visiting this deliciously haunting event. Set across two days, October 31st to 1st November, Halloween was the main stage for the 18+ night. 

Night 1 was filled to the brim with spooky roaming characters, including a ten-foot tall priest and a goat man, recruiting members into some sort of cult.

I couldn’t resist dressing up for the occasion, and with the helpful theme of ‘Follow me to Hell’, I of course dressed as…The Narrator from Fight Club. 

Image Credit: Amy Brandon

It’s my favourite book of all time, and although it isn’t quite as hellish, I would say the story’s main thread of late-stage capitalism was scary enough. I can assure you there were many well-thought out, brilliantly executed and totally gruesome costumes other than what I had scrambled together. Shout out to Mr Blobby.

One of the things I took away from my first ever HorrorCon was the camaraderie and creative excellence that filled the event, this remains 7 months on. Visitors were courteous, friendly, and chatty. Vendors were thrilled to chat with anyone and let patrons try out their wares; Dr Ged’s Hot Sauce made a great impression on myself and many other patrons, as we roamed the corridors with our tongues sizzling.

Tartan Nails had a variety of quality press-on nail extensions, and as a certified getting-my-nails-done kind of girl, their selection was incredibly impressive. 

Image Credit: HorrorCon Scotland

Much like April’s convention, there were many talented guests you could chat to and snap a photo with. The incredible Barbie Wilde (Hellraiser 2, Death Wish 3, and Grizzly 2), Nicholas Vince (Hellraiser + Hellraiser 2, Nightbreed) and Simon Bamford (Hellraiser + Hellraiser 2, Nightbreed) were all in attendance, with the opportunity of a group photo with the Cenobites. Also in attendance was Leslie Hoffman, (A Nightmare on Elm Street) Marta Svetek, (Wrath of Dracula) and Paranormal Psychologist, Evelyn Hollow.

Live Q&A’s and panels were ongoing in the Digital Lounge, where there were also short film screenings. I did manage to catch a short bit of Primal Games; a film which upon entering the lounge, showed a small child holding a shotgun and blowing a guys face off.

After a wee Irn Bru break, I wandered upstairs to where I heard tales of some TTRPG shenanigans going on in ‘The Goblin Pit’. I was met by the lovely folks at Definitely Not Goblins; a live-play TTRPG show who were running sit-and-play games such as, D&D and Call of Cthulhu. Definitely Not Goblins then hosted a live-play show of Call of Cthulhu, with audience participation exclusively encouraged.

The main stage saw some amazing burlesque performances by performers Katt Wolfe, Absinthe, Verity Power and Veronica Salt, capping the night off with the Cosplay Masquerade.

Image Credit: HorrorCon Scotland

A huge congratulations to Northern Frights for another brilliantly executed convention. In all honesty, it has been a good while since I went to an event by myself. I was incredibly nervous, but stepping in those doors and seeing the friendly faces behind the event set me right at ease.

Paisley Town Hall felt like the perfect setting for what was in store. It was accessible, well laid out and signposted. There were plenty of quieter areas to chill out with an indie horror flick, a slice of pizza, or board game, but still feeling part of the fun. 

HorrorCon will be back in April 2026. Make sure to follow HorrorCon Scotland on socials to keep updated!

Visit their website to see future events, https://northernfrights.co.uk/.

Featured Image Credit: HorrorCon Scotland Via Instagram / @horrorconscotland