A 12ft animatronics’ dragon will be led by a Goblin Queen around Hamilton Road Park at Whitefield Halloween Festival, on Sunday 30 October, at 11am.

The free event has been organised by Whitefield Business Group who have made sure that there is something for everyone. Children of all ages can get creative with pumpkin carving and lantern making or take part in traditional Halloween games, archery and bowling.

For youngsters and the young at heart, a medieval storyteller will be recounting gory stories of old, and minstrels will serenade throughout the afternoon. There’s also the chance to get up close and personal with creepy creatures, bats, hawks and owls and find out more about these magnificent animals.

A visit to the tarot reader will unlock the mysteries of your future, and the talents of Adrian Sullivan, a close-up magician, are truly not to be missed.

From across the borough, primary school children have created giant mythical creatures and secondary school children entered poetry competition, both will take pride of place on the day. There are also stalls selling new age and fair-trade products alongside a host of culinary delights from Slattery, Scoops, Buddha Lounge, Custom Made Cupcakes, Hog Roast and The White Room’s warm cider to name but a few to keep you warm throughout the winter day.

At 4.30pm, Paranormal Investigators will be presenting findings into the unknown at Whitefield Library followed by Lantern Parade at 6.30pm led by Bury Council Rangers starting at the Library and into the Park with more spooky tales from our storyteller. 8pm sees the start of the Halloween Quiz at The White Room followed by showing of a classic horror film as voted by the public.

The Festival continues into All Hallows Eve on Monday 31 October with another lantern parade at 6.30pm followed by showing of classic horror film at The White Room from 8pm. Truly a spooktacular event, come in fancy dress, there will be plenty of competitions for all ages.

At the Halloween Festival launch on Friday 14 October Coronation Street’s Maria, Samia Smith, and mother to two year-old Freya, said, “As a mother I fully support what Whitefield Halloween Festival stands for. This is a quality organised event that provides a safe environment for children to celebrate Halloween, but above all enjoy themselves.”

The amazing talents of John Slattery took centre stage at the launch with the Festival cake creation, and our close-up magician worked his magic with the crowds. But it was Jammu, the nine year old European Eagle Owl, who stole the show when she made a guest appearance courtesy of Lancashire Hawks and Owls.

Ruth Shedwick of Bury Council said , “Whilst the American market has certainly taken the holiday under its wing, the origins date back to the Roman Feast of Pomona, Goddess of fruit and seeds, which is similar to the Celtic Festival of Samhain, meaning Summers End. Contrary to popular belief Hallowe’en is not connected in any part to worshipping demons, but to celebrate the end of summer and the beginning of harvest.“

“We’ve teamed up with Whitefield Business Group and GM Police and Fire’s Operation Treacle to provide an event that not only gives an outlet for youngsters to celebrate the holiday responsibly, but will put Whitefield on the map. I’ve organised successful events such as Ramsbottom Chocolate Festival and Christmas Markets, Radcliffe Dance-off and brought specialist market to Bury Light Night. Now it is time for Whitefield to shine giving the town its own identity and sense of community pride. People will realize Whitefield is not just a stretch of road to drive through, it has true community spirit, and working with the Business Group and friends of groups has proved that there is so much more to Whitefield.”

You can find out more about Whitefield Halloween Festival by logging onto www.halloweenfest.org.uk