Glasgow-based events and ticketing platform itison has announced that its annual autumn light trail, GlasGLOW, will return to the Glasgow Botanic Gardens from 16th October to 1st November 2026.
Now in its ninth year, the event transforms the West End park into the world’s first Zombie Zoo, framed as a state-of-the-art zombie containment and conservation facility. Early bird tickets go on sale on Wednesday 5th August at 7:30 am BST, with entry slots starting from 4:30 pm daily.
The 60-minute outdoor walking experience is created and scripted by itison founder Oli Norman. Standard off-peak adult early bird tickets cost £24 (£26 standard), child tickets cost £13 (£14 standard), and family tickets covering two adults and two children start at £70 (£76 standard). Peak weekend tickets start from £26 for adults (£28 standard) and £17 for children (£19 standard). Children under three attend for free, though a booking fee applies per order.
The Zombie Zoo Concept and Route Details
The 2026 production reimagines the Botanic Gardens as a secure sanctuary for rare undead species. Visitors follow a linear light and sound route featuring decontamination tunnels, observation labs, live feeding demonstrations, and actor-led interactions with “dead-friendly zombies”. Organisers emphasise that while the staging uses dramatic lighting and atmospheric audio, the story is suitable for all ages with only a few mild scares.
Along the circuit, attendees can access a dedicated street food village with local vendors, including Loop and Scoop, Dirty Bird, Mangiamo, and Hector and Harriet. The site also introduces a new Zombie Bar alongside the returning Marshmallowland area, where guests can purchase and toast campfire marshmallows.
Ticket Tiers, Timing, and Accessibility
For 2026, itison has introduced a Twilight ticket option designed for younger families. These entry times run between 4:30 pm and 5:45 pm to allow visitors to complete the route during daylight or dusk hours at off-peak rates. Visitors can also buy Fast Pass & Mallow upgrades (+£9 for adults, +£8 for children), which grant fast-track entry and include a marshmallow skewer.
Relaxed ASN (Additional Support Needs) sessions are scheduled for Friday 16th October and Saturday 17th October at 5:30 pm. These sessions operate at reduced capacity with lowered audio volume, sensory guide materials, quiet zones, and accessible changing facilities provided by Pamiloo.
Oli Norman, CEO at itison, said in a statement,
Building the world’s first ever zombie zoo has been one of the most ambitious projects we have ever undertaken. We believe zombies are fascinating and misunderstood creatures and we are so excited to bring families up close, in a safe and totally secure environment, to the zoo’s residents.”
Environmental and Local Community Impact
The event operates outside regular park opening hours to limit disruption to the surrounding neighbourhood. To address environmental concerns associated with temporary outdoor installations, itison powers the event using HVO biofuel and funds post-event turf repairs across the garden grounds.
A portion of proceeds from the event supports the itison Pumpkin Fund, a community initiative established in 2019. Previous funding rounds have provided minibuses for Ruchill LCR and Hillhead Secondary, alongside financing a dedicated sensory GLOW room at Eastpark School in Maryhill.
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