Halloween celebrations set to bring spooky fun across South Down
Families across South Down are preparing for a packed programme of Halloween celebrations, with fireworks, fancy dress, pumpkin picking and family entertainment planned in towns and villages throughout the district.
Halloween celebrations set to bring spooky fun across South Down
FROM the seaside celebrations in Kilkeel and Newcastle to the return of Newry’s Halloween Twilight Market, this year’s programme offers activities for children, young people and adults over the Halloween period.
In Rathfriland, younger children will have the opportunity to get into the Halloween spirit at Rathfriland Library on Saturday, October 31, with a special session of frightfully good stories followed by a creepy craft activity.
The event, running from 11am until noon, is aimed at children aged four to eight, with fancy dress encouraged. Children aged eight and under must be accompanied by an adult. Anyone wishing to attend is advised to contact the library on 028 4063 0661 or email [email protected] to check whether advance booking is required.
The town will also host Halloween Bounce sessions at Rathfriland Community Centre on October 27 and 29 as part of Newry, Mourne and Down District Council’s Get Active ABC Halloween half-term programme.
The one-hour indoor inflatable sessions are designed to give children an opportunity to burn off some energy during the school holidays. Inclusive sessions will also be available, with reduced music levels and dimmed lighting to provide a calmer environment for children who prefer a quieter setting.
Further south, Kilkeel will host Hallow Lights on Friday, October 30, at the Mourne Esplanade Bowling Pavilion from 6pm to 8pm.
The free event will feature a fireworks extravaganza, live music, amusement rides and a fancy dress competition, alongside face painting and balloon making. A range of food vendors and stalls will also be on site, offering visitors an opportunity to enjoy the evening’s entertainment.
Warrenpoint is also preparing for a busy Halloween weekend, with activities planned for families as well as older revellers.
The Haunted Garden at The Hidden Garden, Rath Road, will run on Friday, October 30, and Saturday, October 31, from 4pm to 8pm. The attraction will feature a Halloween trail, live characters, a spooky train journey, a children’s magic show, a disco, funfair rides, crafts and food stalls. Tickets cost £10 per person.
A special session for children with special educational needs will take place at 11am on Saturday, October 31, offering a calmer, reduced-stimulation experience.
Pumpkin picking and farm activities will also be available at Fort Evergreen Pet and Play Farm throughout the week, from Monday, October 26, to Saturday, October 31.
The Halloween celebrations in Warrenpoint are expected to culminate in a fireworks display over Carlingford Lough on Saturday evening, with the waterfront providing the setting for the seasonal spectacle.
Meanwhile, Newry will welcome families back to its popular Halloween Twilight Market on Saturday, October 31, from 5pm to 10pm.
Hosted by Newry, Mourne and Down District Council, the free event at Newry Variety Market will feature live music, street food, artisan stalls and a programme of Halloween-themed entertainment.
The Just Adam Band will perform during the evening, while a family Halloween disco, fancy dress prizes, spot prizes and walkabout characters will add to the festivities. Children will be able to take part in spooky arts and crafts, Halloween games, face painting and potion-making activities.
Visitors will also be able to browse stalls selling local crafts, gifts and produce, with food and refreshments available throughout the event.
Council Chairperson Councillor Glyn Hanna said the market had become one of the highlights of the district’s Halloween programme and a popular occasion for local families and visitors.
He said the event provided an opportunity for people to come together while supporting local traders and performers.
The Twilight Market forms part of a wider Halloween programme across Newry, with additional activities including a self-guided pumpkin trail, face painting, children’s film screenings and spooky walkabout entertainment. The programme is being delivered in partnership with Newry BID.
Along the coast, Newcastle is also preparing for Halloween celebrations, with the Hallowtides event scheduled for Saturday, October 31, featuring family entertainment and a fireworks display over the seaside town.
Seasonal activities are also planned at Mountpanther Farm Park, near Newcastle, where visitors can combine pumpkin picking with farm attractions, animal encounters and indoor and outdoor play facilities.
For families looking to make the most of the school break, the range of events across South Down offers opportunities to enjoy Halloween locally, whether through quieter library activities for younger children or larger community gatherings featuring music, rides and fireworks.
With events taking place across several days, organisers are encouraging visitors to check arrangements in advance, particularly where booking or paid admission is required.
Further information about Halloween events across the district is available at visitmournegullionstrangford.com/Halloween.