ONE of the finest, most influential and hugely successful horror films ever made is coming to the Royals Shopping Centre this October.

Halloween is almost upon us, so it is only fitting that its cinematic namesake is to be showcased as part of The Royals Shopping Centre’s weekend of free entertainment for children and adults.

Since its original release in 1978, the ultimate stalk-and-slash movie Halloween has become part of the spooky seasonal ritual for film buffs around the world..

The plot revolves around a brutal event. It is a cold Halloween night in 1963 and 6-year old Michael Myers inexplicably murders his teenage sister.

Fifteen years later, appropriately on October 30, the 21-year-old Michael escapes and returns to his hometown of Haddonfield, Illinois, looking for his next victim.

On Saturday, October 31, when the High Street shopping centre has closed and light has given way to darkness, a pop-up cinema will screen the classic horror film to over 200 people seated in deckchairs.

The 1978 chiller is not for the faint-hearted, so it’s strictly over-18’s only. And of course – there will be a few surprises for the audience too!

The event is a collaboration between the Royals Shopping Centre and The White Bus, organisers of Southend’s annual film and Horror-on-Sea festivals.

Entry is free but spaces are available on a strictly ‘first come, first served’ basis.

The doors open at 7.30pm, with the film starting at 8pm. Refreshments will be available throughout the evening.

Announcing this year’s movie, Royals Centre Manager Dawn Jeakings said: “After last year’s hugely successful zombie night, in which we screened ‘Dawn of the Dead’ complete with ‘actual’ zombies roaming the centre brilliantly adding to the atmosphere, we wanted to offer a similar unique experience for our older visitors.

"Halloween is a terrifically scary film in its own right but, of course, we aim to have some extra shocks in store…”

Dawn added: “We want people to come in fancy dress and the best two costumes will win a pair of weekend passes to the Horror-On-Sea Film Festival.”

Earlier in the day there’s a chance for little werewolves, witches and vampires to dress up and enjoy their very own ‘Mini Monster Mash’ – a spooktacular blend of free fun and entertainment, including; games, face painting, singing, dancing, plus arts and crafts sessions.

The Mini Monster mash runs from 11am to 3pm with Ryan the Lion entering the spirit of the occasion and leading the laughter.

For more information visit the Royals Facebook page, log on to royalsshoppingcentre.co.uk or follow @Royalsshopping on Twitter.