Costumes, community and a shared love of all things dark have turned Horrorwood into one of the most exciting grassroots conventions in Greater Manchester, writes GEMMA JOHNSON
I have lived in Rochdale all my life. When we began Junior Paranormal Events five years ago, our journey into the alternative community started.
One thing we noticed is that opportunities for the community to gather were few and far between. That was until Horrorwood stepped up.
Horrorwood is the brainchild of Kim Goldie and Chris Williams. Their love for all things horror sparked an idea that would bring like-minded people together whilst supporting charity and small independent businesses.
The first Horrorwood began in 2023, taking over a small room in Heywood Sports Village where locals could come to browse stalls, chat about horror and connect with others.
Fast forward three years and the convention is bigger than ever before, and I had the opportunity to be part of it.
Conventions are everywhere, popping up like dandelions across the country. I have attended my fair share of paranormal conventions, so this was not my first rodeo.
Yet I found myself more excited about this one than any other I had been to so far. Why was that?
Well, there were no egos, which is a huge bonus for me. Kim and Chris are incredibly down to earth.
This wasn’t about them. It was about the community.
There were no popularity contests for fake awards, something that has been a bugbear for me over recent years. It was simply about providing a safe space for the alternative community to come together and truly be themselves.
I also had the opportunity to help promote Horrorwood on my radio shows. This involved Kim and I going on Facebook Live from the studio, dressed up in costumes and surrounded by horror props, playing a horror-themed ‘Would You Rather?’.
It was silly and it was strange, but it was a great deal of fun. That is the whole ethos of Horrorwood.
During the run-up to Horrorwood, I also interviewed some of the acts involved in providing entertainment. They were truly fascinating and were some of the loveliest people I have met.
On the day of Horrorwood, we arrived to find a large sports hall brimming with people in costumes, setting up stalls and greeting each other.
It was a special moment. You could feel the support right from the moment you entered.
For one day, we were all part of something special.
We were placed next to The Sophie Lancaster Foundation, which is another reason why I feel that Horrorwood is an event like no other.
Where others may make a nod towards raising money for charity, Horrorwood has it ingrained throughout the event.
There were other stalls raising money for a Comic Con. The Murderhouse Scare Team were raising money for Birmingham Children’s Hospital, and everyone was supporting them.
But the support extended even further.
A local band, Gomball Machine, from a nearby school were invited to perform their unique brand of music. It gave them a platform.
The response from the audience was overwhelming. You could see it really boosted their confidence.
There were also actors and directors from indie movies present, providing them with an opportunity to connect with their audience.
There was a hum of activity throughout the day. At no point was there a lull.
We arrived to set up at 8.30am, and before we knew it we were leaving at 5pm.
What struck me the most during the whole of the day was the number of young people and children in costume, lapping up the environment.
As someone who works with young people, it is wonderful to see them having the space to be themselves.
You may say that other horror conventions are doing similar things, but I would disagree.
There were no extortionate ticket prices here and no hidden extra charges.
This was at the heart of the local community of Heywood.
Horrorwood will be back in 2027 and I am already counting down the days.
