A truly spook-tacular Whitefield Halloween!

Date published: 03 November 2011

The first Whitefield Halloween Festival proved a huge success with up to 5,000 people having a spook-tacular time.

A 12-foot animatronic dragon. led by the Goblin Queen, had children in awe, while medieval storyteller Tom Goodale regaled them with tales of old and the Hoohaas and Harp and Monkey serenaded revelers with acoustic sets.

Youngsters got up close to Ranger Rob’s creepy creatures, South Lancashire Bat Group's resident bats, and Lancashire Hawks and Owls.

Children enjoyed a full day’s activities with the council’s rangers including pumpkin carving, lantern making, apple and doughnut bobbing. Prizes were won on the Skull Hoopla and Skull Coconut Shy, while paranormal investigators presented information on the unknown.

An impressive variety of stalls were selling New Age products, tribal ornaments, Halloween themed soaps and candles, and Fairtrade clothing.

Hunger was sated by delicacies from the Buddha Lounge (Thai), a Hot Hog Roast, Slattery's ghoulish sinful yet heavenly delights, Scoops ice (s)cream, The White Room’s Warm Cider, and custom made cupcakes.

As darkness fell the rangers led a Lantern Parade from Whitefield Library into Hamilton Road Park with spooky tales along the way.

The festival finished with a Halloween Quiz followed by a screening of the classic horror film “Halloween” at The White Room on Sunday evening and “A Nightmare on Elm Street” on Monday evening.

The event was organised by Whitefield Business Group, in conjunction with the town centres team at Bury Council.

Alex Stacey, chair of Whitefield Business Group, said: “It’s probably one of the things I’m most proud of ever doing. We are strengthening the business community and are keen to work with other groups in the area to promote our town. I believe this event shows what can be done when we work together. I am especially grateful to the town centres team and rangers for their amazing dedication."

Ruth Shedwick from the town centres team said: “I am thrilled that the event was a huge success, and everyone’s hard work really paid off. We wanted to promote Whitefield and bring the community together, and work with the police and fire service’s 'Operation Treacle' to encourage children to be responsible at this time of year. Many thanks to all our sponsors, and we’re looking forward to next year!”