Halloween Happenings returns to Causeway Coast and Glens this October, bringing a week of family-friendly entertainment to towns across the Borough.
Taking place from the 24th to 31st of October, the programme will feature spooky trails, walkabout characters, amusement rides, fancy dress competitions and spectacular fireworks displays in Ballymoney, Coleraine, Limavady and Ballycastle.
The Halloween programme gets underway in Ballymoney on Saturday 24th October at the Joey Dunlop Leisure Centre for an evening of frightful fun from 6.30pm. Visitors can enjoy amusement rides, spooky characters, a fancy-dress competition and Halloween-themed activities before the evening concludes with a spectacular fireworks display at 8.30pm.
The celebrations then move to Coleraine on Tuesday 27th October, where Ulster University will host An American Halloween. Visitors can enjoy American-themed entertainment, a Johnny Cash tribute performance, sports demonstrations, historical storytelling and interactive displays. There’s also Halloween favourites including creepy characters, amusement rides, and the return of the ever-popular Spooky Trail. The event will also feature a low-noise fireworks display at 8.15pm, followed by the main fireworks finale at 9pm.
This year's An American Halloween at Ulster University is being delivered as part of Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council's USA250 programme. This aims to explore and celebrate the local connections to the 250th anniversary of the signing of the U.S. Declaration of Independence, recognising the rich historical, cultural and community links between Northern Ireland and the United States, as well as the significant contributions local people have made across America over the past 250 years.
The Halloween celebrations continue in Limavady on Thursday 29th October, with Roemill Playing Fields transformed for an evening of colourful characters and seasonal scares. Visitors are encouraged to dress up and take part in the fancy-dress competition, explore the Spooky Trail and enjoy a varied programme of live entertainment before the fireworks finale gets underway at 8.30pm.
The programme concludes on Saturday 31st October in Ballycastle, beginning with the popular Halloween parade from Dalriada Hospital through the town to Ballycastle Seafront. This is followed by a packed programme of entertainment featuring stilt walkers, fire performers, amusement rides, walkabout characters and fancy-dress competitions. The night's celebrations will culminate in a spectacular fireworks display over Ballycastle Harbour at 8.30pm.
Mayor of Causeway Coast and Glens, Councillor Dawn Huggins, said: “Halloween is always a special time for our communities, and I’m delighted to see another great programme of events planned across the Borough. There’s plenty for families to enjoy, from spooky trails and fancy-dress competitions to the much-loved fireworks displays.
“These events are a wonderful way to bring people together, and I’d encourage everyone to come along, get involved and enjoy all that’s on offer. We want everyone to feel welcome and be part of the celebrations.”
To help ensure the events are as inclusive as possible, dedicated Quiet Time sessions for children and adults with additional needs will take place from 5.30pm to 6.30pm at each location, offering a more relaxed experience with reduced noise and sensory stimulation.
All events are free to attend, although charges apply for amusement rides. Visitors are encouraged to plan their journeys in advance and check individual event pages for information on parking, accessibility arrangements and event timings.
For full event information, go to www.visitcausewaycoastandglens.com.
Halloween characters pictured alongside the Mayor of Causeway Coast and Glens, Councillor Dawn Huggins.
Halloween characters pictured alongside the Mayor of Causeway Coast and Glens, Councillor Dawn Huggins, and Jade McMurray, Conference and Events Co-ordinator at Ulster University.