The weather's getting colder, the skies are getting grayer and our noses are getting runnier (eugh). It's officially our scariest month (sorry Scorpios) so get your knives out and sharpen them, it's pumpkin carving time. Here's Stranger's shortlist of the scariest, most hair-raising events being held in and around the South West:

Halloween Ghost Tours at Poldark Mine
October 31
Do you dare take a tour of the mine by candelight with your own personal paranormal investigator? Walk through the hollows of the old mine and learn its spooky secrets, sharing your own ghostly experiences.

There's also a special tour over 'witching hour' between 11am and 1am, which includes the mine museum.

Tickets available from £10. For further information and booking, call 01326 573173

A Haunted Investigation; Searching for Sarah...
Saturday 31 October at 10:30pm-2:00am
Take a tour through the bowels of the Bristol Old Vic, exploring the old areas of the building usually off limits to the public, and learn about the history of the majestic building. In the auditorium you will be taken back to 1766 to begin your investigation.

You have been warned - "Be prepared to scream!" Not for under 12s

Tickets available from £18. For more information or for booking, call the box office on: 0117 9877877

After Dark Ghost Tour round Pendennis Castle
October 24, 29 and 31. Time to be confirmed.
So scary, it's for adults only! A two-hour Halloween ghost tour around Pendennis Castle, the price includes a Cornish pasty and a hot drink.

Tickets available from £12. For more information or booking, call: 01326 316594

Hunchback of Notre Dame at Truro Cathedral
October 31
Sure to be an awesome experience, the classic silent movie starring Quasimodo gets a showing on the BIG screen at the majestic Truro Cathedral. Pull up a pew to watch Universal's most sucessful silent movie being accompanied by internationally acclaimed organist David Brigs.

Ice Skating at Eden
October 24 - February 21
The Eden Project's popular skate rink is opening again this winter. Get on the ice to practice your tricks and you'll come up a treat.

For more information call the Eden project on: 01726 811 911

The Nextmen at Sandsifter
October 31st
We're in for a treat or two as Brad Baloo from the Nextmen shimmies on down to the Sandsifter in Hayle for a night of 'ecclectic musical goodness'. Blacc Jaz and DJ Chewy support.

9-2am. Tickets available from www.stubmatic.com/blaccjazz
Tickets available on the door but pre-booking is recommended

The Aggityville Horror
October 30th 6pm till 9pm
Search the cliffs for the ghost of Mary Hellen Spooks as you navigate horrors waiting along the coastal path to Driftwoon Spars. The walk begins in St Agnes.

Tickets available from £3 with a free pint of Skinner's Ale if you make it to Driftwood Spars. Any questions, call Ernie on: 01872 554481

We Want Your Skull at Isobar St Ives
October 31st 10pm till 3.30pm
My Heroes Killed Cowboys present a Halloween special starring Jack The Disco, Stopmakingme and the eccentric Residential Dance Home. With a promise of edible meringue decor how could you turn it down?

Tickets available on the door. www.myheroeskilledcowboys.co.uk