Housing Executive funding brings a hauntingly good time to Downpatrick residents

Downpatrick Community Collective received the funding, which they used to bring some much needed, socially distanced fun, back onto the area.

Ghosts and ghouls took to the streets providing entertainment in the form of a mobile disco, a flame juggler, an area of dancing witches and demons, which passed through the streets, allowing residents to enjoy the show from the safety of their doorstep.

Dan McEvoy, Chairperson Downpatrick Community Collective said: “Dan McEvoy, Chairperson Downpatrick Community Collective said: “We usually host a community based town centre event in Downpatrick each year to celebrate Halloween, however unfortunately this year due to Covid, that wasn’t to be.

“This year has been unsettling or us all and we really wanted to bring some much needed cheer back in to the community.

“Earlier this year, we delivered a similar and hugely successful event through the Housing Executive’s Covid fund, so it made sense to bring Halloween to the people, keeping everyone safe in the process.”

Loma Wilson, Housing Executive South Down area manager added: “Covid has had a detrimental effect on so many of our plans for 2020, so we were delighted when Downpatrick Community Collective decided to continue with the festivities.

“This funding has brought something positive and a sense of normality back to our residents and helped to tackle social isolation within the community.”