Zombie horde descends on Oxford's most famous landmarks

Almost 30 students from City of Oxford College emerged from Oxford Castle’s Norman crypt, before staggering through the city's streets.

They passed locations including the Radcliffe Camera, Westgate Shopping Centre, and Broad Street.

A 'zombie hoard' walked through Oxford city centre on Wednesday, 0ctober 9 (Image: Lili Dixon) The collaboration between Oxford Castle and Prison and the college marked the launch of the upcoming Ghost Fest season.

The castle and prison's event, which will run from October 25 to October 31, began with the city centre display on Wednesday, October 9.

Emily Denmark, operations duty manager at Oxford Castle and Prison, and organiser of the event, said: "Shoppers were amazed and terrified in equal measure at the sight of 30 undead beings roaming around some of the city’s most recognisable landmarks.

A 'zombie hoard' walked through Oxford city centre on Wednesday, 0ctober 9 (Image: Lili Dixon) "But thankfully, all was not as it first seemed.

"The zombies were being played by performing arts students from City of Oxford College who have teamed up with us to promote our upcoming Ghost Fest series of spooktacular Halloween events.

“As someone who studied at the college, organising this was all about giving performance opportunities to the next generation of creatives so hopefully being part of this gruesome spectacle inspires their next step, whatever it may be.”

The Ghost Fest season will include tours of the city’s thousand-year-old castle and prison, offering visitors a chance to explore the history of the site.

There will also be a 'potion making' event, allowing children to brew potions in the castle’s crypt.

A 'zombie hoard' walked through Oxford city centre on Wednesday, 0ctober 9 (Image: Lili Dixon) A special paranormal investigation and dinner will also be hosted by Dr Ciaran O’Keeffe.

Adam Makinson, general manager at Oxford Castle and Prison, said: "Working with City of Oxford College is a great opportunity to engage with younger generations seeking opportunities to work in competitive industries, where there needs to be a balance between qualifications and experience.

"We are delighted to partner with the college, but this also allows us to highlight a lot more that goes on at Oxford Castle and Prison."

A 'zombie hoard' walked through Oxford city centre on Wednesday, 0ctober 9 (Image: Lili Dixon) Claire Nelson, performing arts teacher at the college, added: "It's been a great experience being able to work with Oxford Castle and Prison, helping our students gain confidence, professionalism, and developing their performance skills.

"Emily and all the staff at the castle have been so generous in not only creating the opportunity for us, but in sharing their skills, advice, and experience.

"It was also so good for us as a college to be able to work with other faculties and share our expertise to put this together."