Fever Dreams Really Can Come True: A Spooky Night At Antwerp Mansion
On the 21st of October, Antwerp Mansion began the Halloween festivities with its very own ‘alternative halloween art and music event’. The ‘Goth’ event hosted a huge variety of spooky exhibitions including multiple art stalls, bands, DJ’s and even a tattoo artist for those brave enough. On first entry to the hidden away decrepit mansion was the warm welcome of what looked to be a slightly overweight but incredible Labrador by the name of Bear. Whilst following Bear into the gig room, my attention was drawn to an alternative viewing area for the stage in the form of a bouncy castle, because who doesn’t love watching your favourite bands whilst flying through the air in spooky attire?
Kicking off the live music downstairs was Lewis James, exhibiting his brilliantly catchy alt-pop music to an audience of whom were displaying brilliantly gothic outfits mixed with spine tingling halloween costumes. The music was continued throughout the evening firstly by the heavy rock band Pearlescent who mid set covered the Nirvana classic ‘Breed’ almost convincing the audience that Kurt Cobain had entered the room. These were then followed by Deaf Whip who presented a more indie rock atmosphere to a brilliant standard. Lastly the headliner band Pyncher captivated us with their unique surf-punk sound. Combined with the multiple d’n’b and techno DJ’s in the outside area, it is safe to say there was something for everyone.
In between the acts the mansion of course had to be explored. Following the hallway past abandoned pianos and up the winding staircase, the haunted energy said to inhabit the building was certainly felt by many. The upstairs area was the designated space for artists displaying their gothic work, including a range of almost ritualistic figures and paintings. In one of the larger rooms on this floor were multiple stalls selling pieces such as skull candles, creepy posters and beautifully dark jewellery. Never had I imagined spending my Friday night in a so called haunted mansion behind the Curry Mile, browsing such a display surrounded by a group in which at least five people were dressed as skeletons. Nonetheless it was an event that will definitely not be forgotten anytime soon.
For those wanting respite from the spooky events within the mansion, the outside area provided the perfect socialising spot. Hidden under a blanket of warm pink fairy lights were areas for seating, standing, talking and even more dancing with the DJ tent to one side. On discovery of the DJ tent I was reacquainted with Bear who was calmly sitting by the decks, appearing to appreciate the music whilst being pet by a man dressed as Jon Snow from Game of Thrones. I believe the term ‘fever dream’ would have been the perfect description for the events of this evening.
After attending this spooky event I did some research into Antwerp Mansion to find out whether or not it was truly haunted. On their website is a brief outline of the buildings disturbing history. In 1892, the first horrifying incident occurred when 6 month old Leo Pinto Leite tragically died in mysterious circumstances in the ‘Forgotten Bedroom’. This was then followed by years of nightmare inducing events including more questionable deaths, fires and accidents, such as the incident of the child that supposedly fell through the skylight. These stories have lead many people to believe that the mansion is in fact home to a paranormal presence. On the 29th of October the owners hosted a Halloween ghost hunt around the Mansion, however it has not been revealed whether any evidence was found that night.
It is safe to say I am glad I was unaware of the terrifying history of Antwerp Mansion before attending that evening, or else I may have been scared out of attending such a brilliantly unique event. It was certainly the perfect way to get into the Halloween spirit.
