REVELLERS in Strabane are in for a real treat this year as Derry City and Strabane District Council pulls out all the stops to create some terror-ific Hallowe’en events and lots of ghostly goings on for all the family.Deputy Mayor Cllr John Boyle, speaking at the launch of the Hallowe’en Festival programme in Strabane, said the schedule of events was hugely impressive with something for every member of the family to enjoy and be part of.
Among the highlights on Hallowe’en day, 31 October will be the fireworks display at the Upper Main Street car park at 8pm, scary street performers, arts and crafts workshops, face painting and birds of prey
There will be spooky storytelling sessions at Gray’s Printing and a world record balloon modelling attempt at the Alley Theatre by Britain’s Got Talent star Ryan Tracey,Spooky Cinema shows and scary surprises throughout the day.
The Esmeralda Trick or Treat tours that will operate throughout the day from the Alley Theatre are expected to a huge draw. Bookings open on Friday 22 October at The Alley Theatre and early booking is advisable.
Those wishing to take part are encouraged to come dressed to impress and be part of a 45 minute walking tour through the town collecting festive treats and hearing ghost stories, folk tales and myths.
The tour costs £2 and departs from the Alley Theatre.
In the run up to Halloween a range of fantastic events have been included in the programme including the Castlederg Apple Fair which takes place in Castlederg town centre on Friday 27 October from 8 am to 5pm, featuring music and entertainment by Scottish Ceilidh Band Whiskey Kiss and cooking demonstrations and the famous Hoolie on the Hill that evening from 6.30 to 9pm.
The Castlederg Piping Festival returns on Saturday 28 from 1 to 5pm
The Sleepy Hollow Panto, is sure to be a huge draw and will take place at the Alley Theatre from Thursday 26- Saturday 28, while the Strabane Halloween Market at the Alley Courtyard on Friday 27 will feature local food and craft producers, as well as storytelling by local vegetarian werewolf Wooolfred.
The Riversdale Leisure Centre will host a Halloween Pool Disco on Friday 27, while the Strabane Community Library will host a monstrous Halloween fun day with workshops and spooky storytelling on Saturday 28, and the Alley Theatre will have Mr Majestic perform his fantastic Interactive Magic Show. the fantastic Spark! will perform at the Alley Courtyard at 3.30 pm, while the Tullacor Allotments will play host to a spooky family fun day.
A new addition to this year’s Halloween festivities in the Strabane area is the Hallowe’en Hay Sculpture Trail that will take place across a number of rural communities including Strabane, Donemana, Plumbridge, Newtownstewart, Victoria Bridge and Castlederg and will feature some manmade themed sculptures of hay located at iconic locations across the district created by the young farmers and community groups.
Deputy Mayor Cllr Boyle speaking at the launch says he is very impressed with the line-up and is looking forward to being part of the celebrations in Strabane and across the wider City and District.
He commented: “The Hallowe’en festival line-up is part of the Council’s hugely successful and well-established Hallowe’en celebrations in Derry that sees up to 30,000 people converge on the streets for the carnival parade and fireworks celebrations.
“I am delighted that the festival programme has been extended to include events in Strabane in the run up to and on Halloween night and I would encourage everyone to get involved and come along and be part of the Hallowe’en celebrations.
“It’s a great time of year to get out and about and get involved in some activities with the family and the local community.”
For more information on the events that take place from Thursday 26 – Tuesday 31 October in the Strabane area visit – www.strabanehalloween.com.
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