Immersive horror maze goes bust before Halloween

Organisers said it was the first time the character Leatherface had been featured in a UK scare attraction

A company that ran an immersive horror attraction has gone bust days before Halloween.

Halloween Haunt Fest, at Hertfordshire County Showground, featured a series of scare mazes based on horror movies.

In The Scenes Ltd, the company behind the event, has posted on its website that future dates were cancelled as it has ceased trading and entered into voluntary insolvency.

Nick Doherty, the company's chief executive, said: "Despite the team's best efforts to deliver this year's event successfully, unforeseen financial challenges have made it impossible for the company to continue operating sustainably."

The event started on 17 October and was advertised to continue until 1 November.

His statement continued: "A licensed insolvency practitioner is being appointed to oversee the company's affairs and will contact all affected parties, including ticket holders in due course.

"We want to express our heartfelt thanks to everyone who supported and contributed to Halloween Haunt Fest - from our talented cast and crew to our incredible audience.

"Your enthusiasm and creativity have meant so much to everyone involved."

In The Scenes Ltd has posted on its website that future dates were cancelled

The event featured actors dressed in costumes, fairground rides, bars and food stands.

Organisers said it was the first time the character Leatherface from the Texas Chainsaw Massacre franchise had been featured at a UK scare attraction.

There was also a maze based on the 2023 horror film Winnie the Pooh: Blood and Honey.

Earlier this month Mr Doherty told BBC Three Counties Radio presenter Justin Dealey that the company's key phrase for the event was "bringing Hollywood to Hertfordshire for 2025".

He admitted that although he was not a fan of horror films himself, he knew similar attractions had been popular in the US and expected 25,000 people to attend.

"We're already planning next year's event where we're planning to bring more content into it," he told the BBC.