Belfast's Halloween Celebrations To Have 'A Pinch Of Mexican Spice'

Belfast's biggest Halloween celebrations to date are set to have "more than a pinch of Mexican spice" on Sunday, 29 October.

Halloween celebrations are set to return with a Día de Muertos or 'Day of the Dead' theme, and feature a host of ghoulishly good entertainment.

The 2017 Halloween Monster Mash, hosted by Belfast City Council begins at 4pm. Admission to the three hour event is free and no tickets are required. Revellers of all ages are encouraged to follow Derek de los Muertos' lead (pictured) and wear their spookiest Halloween costumes.

There'll be a real carnival atmosphere with live music from The Unusual Suspects; as well as magical entertainment from ArtsEkta's Day of the Dead dancers and Strand Extreme Scary Samba dancers, themed crafts from Young at Art and ArtsEkta, Science Starz hands on science activities and demos with plenty of gloopy slime and dry ice! There'll also be a range of hot food, soft drinks, toys, sweet treats and more on sale from a range of traders.

In keeping with the 'Day of the Dead Carnival' theme, there'll be three thrilling fairground rides, LED light show performances, fire jugglers and a wide range of walkabout acts and street theatre acts. And keep a look out for Roary the Dinosaur who'll be on the prowl.

Belfast's largest fireworks display will provide a jaw-dropping 15 minute finale at approximately 6.45pm, accompanied by a party samba soundtrack.

Launching the event at Titanic Belfast, Lord Mayor Councillor Nuala McAllister said: "I can't wait to introduce our one year old son Finn to Halloween in Belfast. And with Global Belfast as the theme for my year in office, I'm delighted to hear that we're being inspired by Mexico's Día de Muertos or 'Day of the Dead' carnival celebrations.

"We've timed our amazing firework display for 6:45pm, so it's hopefully just right for families to come along with young children, as well as people who want to get their night off to a cracking start before enjoying other Halloween celebrations taking place in the city. You certainly won't find a more spectacular firework display anywhere near here – and it's all for free!"

Free 'ghost shuttle buses' will be ready to whisk you to and from the Monster Mash. They'll leave from Chichester Street (outside SS Moore's) every 15 minutes from 3.45pm - 6.30pm, with a return service from the Titanic Film Studio, Queen's Road to City Hall between 6.30pm - 8pm. 

(MH/LM)