27/10/2006

Belfast gears up for Hallowe’en spooktaculars

It’s fast approaching the time of year when witches, ghosts and their familiars come out to play - and Hallowe’en in Belfast will be the most fangtastic and spooktacular yet.

That’s the promise from the city’s Lord Mayor, Pat McCarthy, who this morning announced details of the 2006 Celebrate Belfast ‘Metro Monster Mash’, on Tuesday October 31.

“This year’s event will offer a freakishly fangtastic feast for the senses, with a crazy carnival, magical music, and a truly phantasmagoric fireworks and light show,” said the Lord Mayor.

“The area around the city’s landmark Odyssey Arena once more will provide the setting for what promises to be the most hair-raising Hallowe’en spooktacular ever staged in Belfast,” he added.

The main entertainment programme begins in the Odyssey car park, at 7pm, with live music from the The Delawares, Afrobrazilia and the Cinemagic band. More than 60 street entertainers and all sorts of surprises will keep revellers on their toes and looking over their shoulders throughout the evening, which culminates with the biggest fireworks display ever seen in Belfast, at around 8pm.

“To ensure that all the little elves and pixies as well as witches, warlocks and their familiars can make their way to and from the spooktacle, our partners Translink Metro once again will be operating their free ‘ghost bus’ shuttle service,” the Lord Mayor announced.

Buses will leave Chichester Street for Queen’s Quay (dropping off in Station Street, under the flyover) every 15 minutes from 6pm – 8pm. Return shuttle buses will operate from Station Street to Chichester Street from 8.30pm – 10pm from Station Street to Chichester Street. There is also a free shuttle service from Queen’s Road car park to Odyssey.

The Odyssey Car Park will be closed for the duration of the event, and parking restrictions on the roads around the Odyssey car park will be strictly enforced.

For further information on Belfast City Council’s Hallowe’en celebrations, sponsored by Translink Metro, contact the Belfast Welcome Centre on 028 9024 6609, e mail events@belfastcity.gov.uk or log on to www.belfastcity.gov.uk/events.

On Saturday October 28, Belfast Zoo will be holding a spooky Hallowe’en event called ‘Boo at the Zoo’ - a day for the whole family to enjoy, packed full of eerie stuff and fun things to do. Normal Zoo admission charges apply.

(SP)

Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.

09 September 2016
Man Arrested Following Arson Attacks In South Belfast
A 24-year-old man has been arrested in connection with a number of arson attacks in south Belfast. Two cars were set on fire in the Joy Street area and another vehicle was set alight in Friendly Street in the early hours of Friday morning, 09 September.
23 September 2013
Shots Fired At House In South Belfast
Shots have been fired at a house in south Belfast. The attack occurred at Eliza Street Terrace at around 9pm on Sunday. The shots were fired through the kitchen window, and no-one was injured in the attack. Police are appealing for anyone with information to contact them.
17 February 2017
Work Starts On Road Improvement Projects In Co Armagh
Contractors have started work on £170,000 road improvement projects in Tandragee, Co Armagh. The schemes are taking place at Irish Street Richhill and Gilford Street. They involve the resurfacing of 1km of roads and where appropriate the reinstatement of footways and verges. To facilitate the schemes, temporary road closures will be in place.
05 November 2015
Man Charged Following Drugs Find
A man has been charged after police seized drugs, worth a street value of between £50,000-£75,000, in Co L'Derry. Cannabis plants and herbal cannabis were discovered during search in the High Street area in Draperstown on Wednesday. A 35-year-old man has been charged with possession and cultivation of class B drugs with intent to supply.
24 August 2015
Around 20,000 LED Street Lights To Be Installed Across NI
Approximately 20,000 LED street lights are to be installed across Northern Ireland over the next eight months. The major pilot scheme, in Banbrdige and Craigavon, was announced by Regional Development Minister, Danny Kennedy.