Frightful fun at Northside events

THE Northside will be transformed into the darkside on Halloween night thanks to a number of spook-tacular events taking place in local communities.

Dublin City Council has helped local residents’ groups in several areas to organise a ghoulish programme of family friendly events for all ages to enjoy.

Lord Mayor, Mícheál MacDonncha, is encouraging Northsiders to take advantage of all the free fun available on the night.

“Halloween is an exciting time of year and I’d like to encourage all young people to enjoy it safely,” he said.

“Dublin City Council organises family friendly events all around the capital and I encourage everyone to get involved and to stay safe this Halloween.

“Attendance at these events increases year on year, while attendance at illegal bonfires is on a downward trend.”

The Ballymun Otherworld Festival begins at Ballymun Regional Youth Resource on Sillogue Road at 4pm when locals can get their zombie make up done for the Escape the Zombies Parade that starts at 5.30pm at the Aisling Project on Shangan Road.

The main event takes place from 6-8.45pm on Ballymun Plaza and includes a circus, music, cafes, kiddies’ rides, refreshments and a super fireworks display at 8.30pm.

In Finglas the Fright Night Halloween Festival takes place at the Civic Centre, Mellowes Road from 6pm to 9pm.

This year the many attractions include, funfair rides, bouncy castles, stalls and music by local bands and groups. The main attraction on the night will be the fireworks display.

The Cauldron of Smithfield has two very exciting additions this year – a new 300ft zipline and a daunting bungee jump.

There’ll be plenty of family fun around the square, with tents and lots of entertainment from the main square.

The Big Scream has been created by, and for, the communities in the Sheriff Street, Ballybough, Summerhill and Sean MacDermott Street areas.

Among the many events are a main stage with a mix of local, professional performers, bungee trampolines, world-class street performers, best costume competitions and a haunted house.

 For more information on local events see www.dublincity.ie/halloween