Listen to this article:This Halloween, the south London venue made the most of its haunted reputation by running “BinGhost”, the world’s first-ever ghost-led bingo event. The Mecca Bingo venue, which is known for its resident spirits, hosted the event on October 28 and blurred the line between entertainment and the unexplained.
BinGhost saw the Grade II-listed former Gaumont cinema transformed into a ghost-hunting playground for this Mecca Bingo ghost event. With the help of paranormal investigators Hazel and Dean Williams from Spectrum Paranormal, players were invited to let their dabbers be guided by something otherworldly as Rosehill’s long-rumoured ghost, “Fred”, became the bingo caller.
The idea for BinGhost came from the desire of Mecca Bingo to tap into the growing fascination with the paranormal and attract some new players. Recent research commissioned by the brand found that over half of UK adults believe in the supernatural, and curiosity is greatest among younger audiences. Furthermore, around 70% of under-35s say they would enjoy more immersive and unusual Halloween experiences, and BinGhost certainly delivered.
The games were presented as a mix of a séance and a bingo session. Using electromagnetic field sensors, spirit boxes, and temperature monitors, Hazel and Dean translated supernatural signals into live bingo calls. Players reacted with nervous laughter and cheers each time the investigators announced a number apparently “selected” by Fred or one of his ghostly companions.
Dean Williams later described the experience as “remarkable”, explaining that their earlier investigations at Mecca Rosehill had uncovered “responsive knocking, unusual energy fields, and unexplained noises”. On the night itself, there were moments when equipment readings spiked just as numbers were being drawn, which added a certain kind of thrill to the occasion.
Mecca Bingo Rosehill was the ideal setting for this eerie experiment. Built in 1937, the building’s history as a cinema has long been accompanied by ghost stories. Staff and customers have spoken for decades about flickering lights, moving objects, and mysterious footsteps echoing through the empty hall. Some have even reported hearing faint organ music, despite the instrument having been removed many years ago.
Over the years, Rosehill’s “resident ghost” Fred has become a bit of a local legend. Stories suggest that he’s a mischievous but friendly spirit who is responsible for everything from mysteriously pouring pints to unexplained laughter late at night. At BinGhost, Fred was given centre stage to run the games and keep the audience on edge.
The event was completely free to attend and quickly sold out as it attracted both regular bingo players and curious newcomers. Doors opened at 9:30pm, and players entered a room where the lights were dimmed as Hazel and Dean began their introduction. The crowd was told that the evening’s numbers would be “selected with a little help from the other side”.
What followed was part paranormal, part classic bingo entertainment. Players shouted “house!” while ghost-hunting gadgets flickered nearby. Between games, the investigators spoke about their earlier findings, including cold spots near Table 666, a detail that clearly fascinated the audience.
What followed was part paranormal, part classic bingo entertainment. Players shouted “house!” while ghost-hunting gadgets flickered nearby. Between games, the investigators spoke about their earlier findings, including cold spots near Table 666, a detail that clearly fascinated the audience.
Sarah O’Neill, Mecca’s director of innovation, said the event was a chance to celebrate Halloween in a way that reflected both the venue’s history and Mecca’s inventive approach to bingo.
“We love reimagining bingo in new and unexpected ways. With interest in the supernatural booming across the UK, this felt like the perfect opportunity to work with Spectrum Paranormal and tap into the spirits at Mecca Rosehill.”
By the end of the evening, no one seemed quite sure whether Fred had truly taken control of the microphone, but everyone was certain that they’d had a fantastic night out at this Mecca Bingo ghost event.
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