ddd We may be under the spell of X Factor fever at the moment but Britain's Got Talent is already gearing up for its new season. The top talent show is holding its biggest-ever open audition tour visiting a total of 11 cities across the UK and Ireland. The Irish auditions will take place in Dublin on Sunday November 9 at The DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel on Burlington Road between 11am and 6pm.

ddd Halloween is getting closer and those looking for a fright should check out the IFI's Horrorthon 2014. Now in its 17th year, the festival offers the best and worst films of the horror genre. The festival will be held from October 23-27 and there will 38 features across the five days, including many Irish premieres. Individual tickets for the Horrorthon are on sale now at the IFI Box Office in person or online at www.ifi.ie/horrorthon and there are a variety of passes available ranging from one to five days.

ddd Music fans should note that Elvis Costello will play one night only in Dublin as part of his solo European tour. Costello will take to the stage at the Bord Gais Energy Theatre on October 16, and promises fans that will hear all of his classic tunes mixed in with what he hopes will be future hits. Tickets are €60.45 and are on sale now from Ticketmaster outlets nationwide and www.ticketmaster.ie.

ddd For those looking for a night out at one of Dublin's trendiest spots this Halloween, revellers should check out the Fancy Dress Ball at Pygmalion in the Powerscourt Centre on South William Street. The ball is being organised is conjunction with RTE Pulse's new Garage club night, which is now running at Pygmalion every Friday night. For more details tune to RTÉ Pulse or check out their Facebook page.