This website uses cookies by default. Find out more on our Information about Cookies page.

You can update your cookie preferences in Cookie Settings

Downpatrick families enjoy spooktastic Halloween

A spooky family affair… Winners of the family fancy dress prize at Downpatrick Community Collective’s spooktacular Halloween event are members of the McMullan and Lane families from Downpatrick pictured with Dan McEvoy (right) from Downpatrick Community Collective and Ashley Leach and Sean Murphy, Housing Executive.
A spooky family affair… Winners of the family fancy dress prize at Downpatrick Community Collective’s spooktacular Halloween event are members of the McMullan and Lane families from Downpatrick pictured with Dan McEvoy (right) from Downpatrick Community Collective and Ashley Leach and Sean Murphy, Housing Executive.

Halloween celebrations went off with a bang in Downpatrick this year with a dazzling fireworks display, fancy dress parade and more for local families.

Downpatrick Community Collective organised the spooktacular free event with the help of over £6,000 from the Housing Executive’s Community Safety budget and funding from Newry, Mourne and Down District Council. 

Dan McEvoy, from Downpatrick Community Collective, said: “Our annual Halloween event was once again a great success and enjoyed by residents of all ages.

“Families were well entertained with storytelling, dance displays, bonfires and all topped off with a brilliant firework display.

“We’ve been organising this event for the last 10 years to address the traditionally high level of antisocial behaviour during the Halloween period and it has gone from strength to strength.

“Thanks to support from the Housing Executive, Newry, Mourne and Down District Council and other local groups our event continues to make a real difference in the community.”

Claire Crainey, the Housing Executive’s Area Manager for South Down, added: “We are delighted to continue our support for Downpatrick Community Collective’s annual Halloween event.

“In the past the organisation of local bonfires encouraged the use of illegal fireworks and an increase in antisocial behaviour.

“We have seen a significant reduction in these incidents since Downpatrick Community Collective started working with us, council staff and the PSNI to create a free Halloween event for all.

“Not only that, this event has become a real highlight of the year for local families and creates a real buzz in the town centre.”