The Historical Halloween Ball is a historical costuming event, comprising a ceilidh, light buffet, and disco, with a spooky dress code.

Historical Halloween Ball

Doors and bar open 6.30pm, Saturday 31st October 2026

The Belgrave Rooms, 25 Goldsmith Street, Nottingham, NG1 5LB

The 2026 theme and dress code is

The Court of the Pumpkin King

This is an adults-only event. Attendees must be 18+ on the date of the Ball.

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The Event

Join us in costume at the Historical Halloween Ball in Nottingham City Centre.

​Slightly less formal than other historical dance events, the ball comprises a ceilidh, with a break in the middle for a light buffet, and disco at the end of the night, all within the historic Belgrave Rooms on Goldsmith Street.

This is a ticketed event, open to both Guild members and non-members – the only stipulation is that you must love, make*, and wear historical costume! This is an adults-only event. Attendees must be 18+ on the date of the Ball.

*non-makers, and partners and family members of makers, are welcome, but MUST adhere to the dress code and wear a high standard of costume.

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Itinerary

Timings are subject to change. Please only refer to this schedule for rough guidance.​

6.30pm - 7.25pm Doors and photo opportunities

7.25pm - 7.30pm Welcome

7.30pm - 8.30pm Ceilidh dancing - Part I

8.30pm - 9.15pm Finger-food buffet

9.15pm - 9.30pm Costume prizes and group photo

9.30pm - 10.30pm Ceilidh dancing - Part II

10.30pm - 11.30pm Disco and last orders

11.45pm Carriages

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Food & Drinks

Included in your ticket is a delicious selection of sandwiches and buffet finger-food provided by the catering team at The Belgrave Rooms, served at half-time. Alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages can be purchased from the bar throughout the night.

A selection of Vegetarian food options will be available as part of the buffet on the night, but we regret that other special dietary requirements cannot be catered to. We advise any attendees with special dietary requirements to eat beforehand. The Corinthian Restaurant occupies the same building as the Belgrave Rooms and offers fine dining at affordable prices.

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Dress Code

The 2026 theme and dress code is 'The Court of the Pumpkin King'; a fictional setting created for the Ball.

Attendees should dress as courtiers of the fictional 'Pumpkin King', wearing historical attire (pre-1910) in shades of orange, green, and/or black, or any combination of those three colours.

Attire must be of a high standard of historical dress first and foremost, but more fantastical elements (fabric choice, hair and makeup, etc) are encouraged in order to meet the theme. For full details and rules, please visit our website: https://www.historicalcostumemakers.co.uk/halloween-ball

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Getting There

The Belgrave Rooms

25 Goldsmith Street

Nottingham

NG1 5LB

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The Historical Halloween Ball is organised by The British Guild of Historical Costume Makers, a free-to-join UK based community, committed to sharing our passion for historical costume making and related hobbies. All members and non-members are welcome.

Description supplied by the event organiser.