THIS year's Hallowe'en offering from Kelburn Country Centre looks to be another frightfest of thrills and spills as they bring BLIGHT to their haunted forest.

Nerves of steel will be required for the big show.

The background is as follows: "After experimental drugs were tested on prison inmates, selected public figures were exposed to a drug known as 'HOPE'. Boyle Pharmaceuticals, the shady ambassadors of the program, were held accountable for their actions and decontamination of the site took place.

"It was noted that the natural landscape around it had started to become consumed in an unknown blight. Those exposed showed worrying side effects.

"Now, one year after the first devastating effects on the economy and natural landscape, the world has fallen into a state of disarray. The blight began to mutate vegetation. Crop yields fell, and the blight gave birth to something far worse than just a viral fungal infection.

"Known as the 'Blighted', humans who are rife with the infection are turned, quickly, into a fast moving zombie like state. Within days, a rapid mutation takes place and they become even more dangerous. Highly infectious, violent and in some reports, even organised.

"After braving the wilderness, held out as long as you could and now the extraction point is in arms reach.

"There is a world of blight between you and the extraction point. Will you survive? Will your group survive? You've come this far; you can't turn back now."

A Kelburn spokesperson said: "Up until now we've always been a core team of dedicated Kelburn staff. In 2024 it's about to get scary! We've teamed up and are proud to be working with Comharra Media.

"As the producers of this year's scare trail, their understanding of a cinematic horror, coupled with our theatrical experience, is a collaboration ensured to bring the frights to your night.

"We've been striking fear into the hearts of the public for years (on purpose of course!). Six years on from our 2019 trail 'Quarantine' and we have grown from strength to strength.

"Discovering new ways to chill your bones. Rest assured; the team are working hard to provide a real scare experience for the best one yet."

The preview night and opening nights of Friday and Saturday are sold out, with tickets available on various nights up until November 3.

Tickets are available from kelburnhauntedforest.com/book.