Hallowe’en night will be a particularly spooktacular one in Belfast this year as the Metro Monster Mash takes place on Friday 31 October.

Metro Monster Mash is organised by Belfast City Council and sponsored by Translink Metro with the support of Cool FM.

The annual spectacle gets underway from 5.30pm-8.30pm at The Slipways, Titanic Belfast with haunting street theatre featuring fire and glow performers, children’s rides and a performance by local band Peach on stage with Cool FM’s Pete Snodden and the Cool crew. The event will close with one of the biggest fireworks displays in Northern Ireland.

A free Metro Ghostbus will be operating to The Slipways leaving Chichester Street in the city centre at regular intervals from 5.15pm-8pm with return journeys until 9pm from Queen’s Road in the Titanic Quarter.

This year, the council is holding a special #spookyselfie campaign in the run up to the event where people can send in their ‘spooky selfies’ via the council’s Facebook and Twitter pages to be in with the chance to win a prize on the night as the audience vote for the spookiest photo. Deadline for entries is Monday 27 October.

Launching the event at Titanic Belfast, Lord Mayor Councillor Nichola Mallon, said: “The Metro Monster Mash is one of the highlights of our events calendar. It’s a spooky night of fun and all for free.

“Holding the event on Hallowe’en night and on a Friday evening this year is an extra bonus for families who can come along and enjoy the night with no early start for school the next day. It’s also great for those who want to come down to enjoy the festivities before heading out in Belfast for other Hallowe’en celebrations taking place in the city.

“I would encourage all from near and far to come down and soak up the spooky atmosphere and enjoy Hallowe’en in Belfast this year.”

Damian Bannon, Translink Belfast Area Manager, said: “With large crowds expected at this excellent family event, we are pleased to once again team up with Belfast City Council and provide a free, convenient and reliable Metro ‘Ghost’ shuttle bus service between Belfast city centre and The Slipways for all those spooky characters heading to the Metro Monster Mash. We would encourage everyone to take advantage of this special service for a hassle-free journey.”

Pete Snodden said: “The Cool FM team are absolutely delighted to be involved in this year’s Belfast City Council Metro Monster Mash. It is always a great event for all the family and we can’t wait for what promises to be a ‘spooktacular’ evening.”

For more information on the Metro Monster Mash, visit www.belfastcity.gov.uk/events or call Visit Belfast on (028) 9024 6609.