If you were in the city centre last Saturday, you could be forgiven for thinking you'd walked into the middle of a real-life 'Walking Dead' situation.
In reality, you probably just encountered entrants to the Birmingham Zombie Walk. You'll also be relieved to hear that, rather than being out for your brains, these hordes of howling undead were actually after donations.
The Birmingham Zombie Walk was set up by Jamie Chapman of Sutton Coldfield seven years ago, in order to raise money and awareness for the Birmingham's Children's Hospital. The funds collected go towards creating child-friendly environments within the hospital, purchasing brand new equipment and funding research into treatments. Since the first walk in 2009, the event has raised over £26,000 for the hospital.
This year, more than 1,500 zombies descended on Victoria Square, ready to cause chaos in the name of charity. Zombies raised money by buying a ticket to take part and then taking advantage of the makeup artists stationed at the march's starting point to get them looking especially gruesome.
Siobhan Harper
There were plenty of special guests at the event this year. Along with a a recently married couple (who entered the walk moments after getting hitched), the walk was lead by Rafe Walker, a long time patient of the Children's Hospital and neurosurgery fundraiser.
All in all, it was a fantastic day and the zombies had a great time scaring people throughout the city centre.
Siobhan Harper
Although the walk's over, there's still the chance to donate to the cause. Either text 'ZOMB88', followed by how much you want to donate (£2, £5, £10, or £20) to 70070, or visit Just Giving to donate on the Zombie Walk's page.
This isn't the first time Birmingham has seen a sudden influx of the undead, thanks to the 'She Who Brings Gifts' film crews dropping in recently.