30 Oct 2025
A GoFundMe page has been launched to help workers left out of pocket by the collapse of the Halloween Haunt Fest event.
Taking place at Herts Showground, the event started on Thursday October 16, and was due to run right up until November 1.
But this week, The Scenes Ltd, the company behind Halloween Haunt Fest, announced that it had ceased trading and entered into voluntary insolvency, bringing the event to a premature close and leaving customers, bar staff, operations management, production team, maze managers and actors all unpaid.
The GoFundMe page was initially only hoping to raise a few hundred pounds to pay for a meal for workers, but has smashed its inital £300 target.
It states: “In these challenging times, we find ourselves in a situation that no one could have anticipated. We are raising £300 to support our fellow actors and managers who have recently lost their jobs due to the unfortunate insolvency of Halloween Haunt Fest. This event was meant to be a celebration of our hard work and dedication, but instead, we are left feeling abandoned and uncertain.
“Halloween Haunt Fest was set to host an exciting scare attraction at the Hertfordshire Showground, but when the news broke that the company had gone under, we were left in the dark. The CEO and General Manager departed without any communication, leaving us to learn about our fate through social media. It’s disheartening to think that after weeks of effort and commitment, we still haven’t received any updates or support.
“Before we all go our separate ways, we want to come together one last time for a gathering where we can share stories, support one another, and enjoy a meal together. Your contribution will help cover food and drinks for this much-needed reunion.”
One of the workers left out of pocket is Phoebe Shergold-Willis, who said: “We set up the GoFundMe after the incredibly sudden and heartbreaking news that Halloween Haunt Fest had gone into insolvency and none of us were being paid. For so many of us, this wasn’t just a job, it was a creative community we poured our hearts into. I wanted to create a way for the cast and crew to feel supported and seen, especially those who relied on this professionally and emotionally.
“Halloween Haunt Fest brought together professional performers, young emerging talent and passionate creatives from across the UK. We built something special, so when it collapsed overnight, we didn’t just lose work, we lost a family. The fundraiser is a way of helping our team get back on their feet and reminding them that people do care.
“The response so far has been incredibly touching. We’ve already raised over and above the money. Everyone has recognised how hard this has been on everyone involved.
“As someone who runs SASA School of Performing Arts here in St Albans, I know how powerful performing arts can be for individuals and communities. I supported Haunt Fest because I believe in championing local creative opportunities, and that doesn’t change just because things didn’t go the way any of us hoped.
“Although the situation has been devastating, the solidarity has been overwhelming. It’s been a reminder of how strong the creative community is in and that we will rebuild and keep creating spaces for local talent.”
You can donate to the page here.
