Extra special spooky goings-on are taking place throughout Mid and East Antrim this Halloween.
There will be plenty of tricks and treats for families in Larne, Ballymena and Carrickfergus, with a number of ghoulishly great events offering residents the chance to eat, drink and be scary.
Mayor of Mid and East Antrim, Alderman Gerardine Mulvenna, said: “We have a packed Halloween programme for all our citizens to enjoy and I am really looking forward to what promises to be a brilliant few days of fun and entertainment.
“Events are taking place in all three towns and I trust all those who attend will have a great time, soak up the atmosphere and support our local businesses in Larne, Ballymena and Carrickfergus.”
The eerie-sistible action gets under way with Hallowena at the People’s Park in Ballymena on Friday 27 October from 6pm until 8.30pm.
The free event will thrill and chill with a packed programme of spooktacular activities for all your little monsters to enjoy.
With a fire juggling display, a fancy dress competition, spooky walkabout characters, a kiddies’ funfair and live music, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
Follow the extended spooky illumination trail throughout the park and bump into some familiar characters along the way.
You can sink your fangs into some sweet treats or tasty hot food to beat those Halloween hunger pangs. The fun and festivities will finish with a fabulous fireworks finale at 8.15pm.
On Monday 30 October, dust off the broomsticks and fly into the Halloween Hooley at Town Park in Larne.
Meet some of your favorite Halloween characters as you make your way around the event. Watch in awe as the sky lights up with mesmerising fire performances that’ll send shivers down your spine – as well as a fireworks display!
Join the ‘broomstick jiggle’ dance workshops and learn moves that’ll make the ghosts and ghouls groove. Keep an eye out for a roarsome dino-mite guest, during what promises to be a Jurassic Halloween adventure.
The Halloween DJ will be hosting a monster mash on stage, including a live performance from the Swingtime Starlets. Get your creative cauldrons bubbling at the arts and crafts stations, and don’t be afraid to get a little messy in the play areas. Dressing up is encouraged for all of you little and big pumpkins.
Show off your style by arriving in your most BOO-tiful costumes and you take part in the costume catwalk.
CarrickFEARgus, which has already sold out, returns for its second year, with Shaftesbury Park hosting a fang-tastic trail!
The three town centres will also be staging daytime Halloween events, with Starlight Entertainment providing music at the Harmony Hub Bandstand in Ballymena on Saturday 28 October between 1pm and 4pm. Face painters and balloon modellers will be in the Tower Centre from 2pm and 4pm. Two Halloween walkabout performers will be patrolling the streets at the same time.
On Friday 13 October the Paranormal Pumpkin Patch will go live in Larne town centre. Running for four weeks, this virtual game will have you tracking down 10 spooky characters who have taken up residence at the following locations. It’s your job to find and release them, but they won’t go easy!
On Monday 30 October, a Children’s Halloween Craft Workshop takes place in the Town Hall in Larne. Tickets available through Eventbrite. Keep an eye on social media for booking details.
Sounds Good Music will be at Broadway between 1pm and 4pm, with two Halloween walkabout performers present from 2pm until 4pm.
On Tuesday 31 October, a Children’s Halloween Craft Workshop takes place in Carrickfergus Town Hall, with bookings again through Eventbirte. Keep an eye on social media for booking details. Entertainment will be providing music outside the Town Hall between 1pm and 4pm, with walkabout characters in the area between 2pm and 4pm.
For the very latest information and updates, keep an eye on Council’s social media channels or visit midandeastantrim.gov.uk/Halloween