Broadwitch Hauntfest - Broadditch Farm - 2010 review by Michael Bolton
Broadditch Farm in Kent have been successfully running Halloween events for years and constantly strive year after year to go bigger and better than previous incarnations. Since my last visit over 4 years ago, new experiences have been added to the line up and for 2010, the event will open with 5 main attractions.
Unfortunately on preview night only the indoor attractions were available but we weren't going to let this stop us. Bravely we were led to the first door:
Unfortunately on preview night only the indoor attractions were available but we weren't going to let this stop us. Bravely we were led to the first door:
The Spooky Castle
What strikes you most about the Spooky Castle is just how pretty it looks (well if you can call detailed, rundown and aging decoration, pretty!). The attention to detail throughout the maze is incredible and the team have to be congratulated on the level of theming and design apparent throughout. As you enter each room, the props, furniture and wall coverings set the scene immediately
and this often distracts you from the monster waiting to jump out! The hiding places for some of the monsters are some of the most unique and unusual ones I have experienced and as a group we jumped out of our skins a number of times as we made our way round the long and twisted pathway. And talking about the monsters: one of the most memorable things about my last visit were how physical, loud and downright scary a lot of the monsters were. Therefore it was a great relief to see that this energy and enthusiasm has continued along with the return of some of Kirsty Cripps’ amazing make up and effects. Finally, those who read my reviews know that I like to balance out my positives with a negative to show a balanced and unbiased opinion or review. Since walking out of Spooky Castle a few hours ago I have racked my brain and to be honest I can't find a negative. It is undoubtedly the best scare attraction I have seen for a long time and is going to be a hard one to beat this year. Congratulations Broadditch guys, you may just have created the "perfect" attraction. Ie the one that everyone else will have to try to beat!  Spooky Castle - this will all be torn down by Christmas! Terror Trailer Rides
The Terror Trailer wasn’t available on press night which is a shame as on previous visits it has always been fun. Utilising a nearby woodland, the trailer tour utilises a number of different scares including falling props, sudden noises and an array of actors. We hope to return very soon to see what this years trailer has in store!
 Spooky Castle |
The Vault
The Vault was new in 2006 and has seen a number of different reincarnations along the way. Much expanded from its original guise, The Vault is less about detailed theming (although every room is lushly decorated and stylish) but more about short sharp shocks and scares.
With small narrow corridors and a winding route, the attraction takes a while to complete and includes all sorts of crazy elements including strobe lighting, UV lighting, tactical and visual effects and a killer ending that actually got me in a real state of fear and confusion as I could see no obvious place to run! The Vault is completely different in style to the Spooky Castle but continues in the same vein of immersive theming and attention to detail alongside heart stopping scares and treats. Add in the scary actors and you are onto a winner! Containment
Containment is the smallest of the Broadwitch mazes but still manages to pack a pretty strong punch.
With narrow corridors, strobe lighting and a whole pyschiatric ward of strange creatures, this attraction is all about confusion and provides a short sharp shock that will leave people wondering what hit them. Unfortunately, on our run through the strobe in the final scene failed and we sort of limped out the end without a final scare. It doesnt mean the maze was in any way bad - it was just that we left on a slightly flatter note (as opposed to The Vault in which we literally ran out! and fell on the floor!)
Field of Fear
The Field wasn’t open for visitors but could be seen lurking in the darkness waiting for willing vitctms. The corn looked very creepy on it's own. We can only imagine what it will be like with live actors (especially as the crop is currently at least 8 foot high!)
 Skeleton's fishing on the local duckpond! |
One of the most impressive things about Broadwitch is the amount of detail and theming that goes into each attraction and set. Considering that the main performance venue (a very large barn) is stripped out each Halloween and re-dressed in time for Christmas and then used for other events in the year. In fact the whole Halloween product is built from scratch each year in just a matter of weeks, which is amazing as it shows more detail and quality than some permanent attractions.
It is also clear that the organisers just love Halloween and are not afraid to play with different styles of scares and effects. These attractions aren’t just a dark experience with a few scare actors saying boo, but fully thought out storylines and scenarios, something a few of the bigger theme parks could take note of.
In summary, as I left Broadditch tonight I felt slightly annoyed and upset that I had left it so long since my last visit in '06. There are other farm attractions that constantly steal the limelight each Halloween and I feel that Broadditch has in the past been slightly overlooked. This is a shame as the crew here are clearly passionate about what they do and really do put on an amazing event. So in future when we talk about the great farm attractions such as Tulleys and Farmaggedon, lets include Broadditch on that list too – it rightfully deserves its place!
For more details about Broadwitch Hauntfest - visit their website:
For more details about ScareTOUR join our growing facebook community:
It is also clear that the organisers just love Halloween and are not afraid to play with different styles of scares and effects. These attractions aren’t just a dark experience with a few scare actors saying boo, but fully thought out storylines and scenarios, something a few of the bigger theme parks could take note of.
In summary, as I left Broadditch tonight I felt slightly annoyed and upset that I had left it so long since my last visit in '06. There are other farm attractions that constantly steal the limelight each Halloween and I feel that Broadditch has in the past been slightly overlooked. This is a shame as the crew here are clearly passionate about what they do and really do put on an amazing event. So in future when we talk about the great farm attractions such as Tulleys and Farmaggedon, lets include Broadditch on that list too – it rightfully deserves its place!
For more details about Broadwitch Hauntfest - visit their website:
For more details about ScareTOUR join our growing facebook community:
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