Down
This Saturday 27th October seas the return of the hugely popular Seapark Fireworks to Seapark Recreation Grounds which transforms into a hive of activity from 4.00pm. Wrap up warm against the brisk Seapark air to enjoy the children’s funfair and live music by local band The Jukes. A selection of food stalls packed with delicious bites will be on hand to help take the chill off. The excitement culminates for the always impressive fireworks display at 8.00pm, set to a music soundtrack. Remember to bring a torch to navigate the grounds, finding the perfect spot to view the display. The fun continues until 9pm.
Armagh
Little Spooks at Navan Fort from 27th to 31st October is the perfect Halloween experience for boys and girls who aren’t afraid of enjoying some spooky surprises. A Halloween Bride & Gloom Story – Do you have the courage to be witness at the ceremony? With an undead bride and ghostly groom, join the hapless couple on the most memorable day of their lives (or afterlives). The witch’s cabin is just a short walk away along the winding path. Discover what ghastly ingredients go into a witch’s cauldron and, if you are brave enough to torture your taste buds, there will be a truly gruesome brew freshly prepared just for you. Proceed along the path to the Palace of the Pumpkin Prince. There, you will hear some startling stories sure to put a shiver up your spine.
Fermanagh
Leave daylight behind as you join a 15th century Maguire’s House Party in Enniskillen Castle this Friday 26th October. The castle doors will swing open for one night only, with live music, an on-site bar, and medieval-inspired food. Alt-rockers Emerald Armada will be headlining music on the night, with support acts to be announced. Grab a drink from The Giddy Box vintage bar and roam the castle to discover music, performance, and some 15th-century guests that once revelled in the medieval stronghold. The Castle Café will be serving a medieval-inspired menu of stew and soup served in traditional edible ‘trencher’ plates made of bread, alongside sharing platters. Get ready to party like it’s 1499. Strictly over 18s.
Tyrone
Mid Ulster Sports Arena will host their annual Halloween Fireworks Display on Saturday 27th October from 5.30pm when hundreds of people are expected to gather to enjoy some scary antics at Mid Ulster Sports Arena Cookstown, before the grand finale fireworks extravaganza at 8pm that will brighten up the dark skies into a fantastic fanfare of colour and lights. Children can get ghoulishly creative at the Halloween themed arts and crafts station, listen to storytelling by Winifred the witch, be amazed by the fire performers, have a spin in the Vortex Tunnel and get to meet our spooktastic Halloween characters throughout the evening. Children will also be able to burn off some wicked energy at the climbing wall, krazy karts and caterpillar train. There will be music, face painting and lots more to help keep your little monsters entertained. If you get hungry, there’ll be a wide range of food stalls offering sweet and savoury tempting treats.
Derry
On Saturday 27th and Sunday 28th October, Drumnaph Nature Reserve will come alive at night to celebrate the Celtic festival, Samhain. Samhain was celebrated by our Ancestors and it marked the end of the harvest and the beginning of the ‘Dark Half’ of the year. Remember to wrap up warm and wear appropriate footwear for the journey. Don’t forget to bring your own lantern too. Delicious, homemade refreshments will be available when you return to our new café at An Carn. Book your tickets online at www.ancarn.yapsody.com.
Antrim
This Thursday 25th October, The Junction, Antrim will host their Halloween Spectacular. This year’s theme is Day of the Dead and your little ghosts, goblins and ghouls are invited to come along in their scariest costumes. Join Stephen, Cate and the Q Radio roadshow to see who picks up the bag full of tricks and treats for the best dressed. We will also have fire jugglers, face painting, arts & crafts and spooky characters to keep everyone entertained. The celebrations reach a crescendo around 8.00pm, with a spectacular fireworks extravaganza. Free shuttle bus departs from Dunsilly and Market Square, Antrim to The Junction, at regular intervals from 5.45pm. Access to the event is by Ballymena Road entrance only. Firework display is subject to weather conditions.
Belfast
Enjoy a ride in a restored steam train from Belfast Central, along the shores of Belfast Lough to Whitehead Railway Museum and return this Sunday 28th October. Ghosts and ghoulies of all ages are invited to come along in seasonal costume to sample the unique steamy Halloween atmosphere. All children holding a ticket will receive a spooky goody bag from the wicked witch! Departing from Belfast Central Station at 11.00am. Book online at www.steamtrainsireland.com.
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Jacqueline McGonigle