Spooky goings on across district this Halloween

RESIDENTS and visitors are invited to enjoy a packed programme of Halloween events across Fermanagh and Omagh District this October, with a variety of family-friendly activities, creative workshops, spooky storytelling and town centre celebrations taking place throughout the season.

Organised across council venues, visitor attractions, leisure facilities and town centres, the programme offers something for everyone, from haunted tales and local folklore to arts and crafts, theatre performances and spectacular Halloween festivities.

The council is supporting two key Halloween events that will bring family-friendly entertainment, activities and spectacular fireworks displays to Enniskillen and Omagh.

Halloween Unleashed will take place in Enniskillen on October 30, featuring entertainment, activities and a spectacular fireworks display. Delivered by Enniskillen BID, the event forms part of a week-long series of activities taking place across the town as part of its Halloween programme.

Meanwhile, Hocus FOCUS Halloween will take place in Omagh on October 31. Delivered by FOCUS Omagh, the event will bring family entertainment, arts and crafts, Halloween-themed activities and a fireworks display to Omagh town centre.

Strule Arts Centre will host a range of Halloween-themed activities for younger audiences. Children can get creative during the Kids Halloween Lantern Making Workshop on October 30, creating their own paper-mâché lanterns to take home.

On October 31, families can enjoy two magical theatre productions. Teddy on a Broomstick promises plenty of fun for younger children through puppetry, music and audience participation, while The Princess and The Goblin offers an interactive adventure filled with music, magic and a touch of Halloween mischief.

Also forming part of the Strule Arts Centre Halloween programme is a talk, Burke and Hare: Body Snatchers, Serial Killers, Ulstermen, on October 28. Join dark historian Andrew Johnston as he explores the chilling true story of Ulster-born serial killers William Burke of County Tyrone and William Hare of County Armagh, whose notorious crimes shocked Edinburgh in 1828.

Meanwhile, Ghosts, Graves and Gruesome Tales on October 22 will transport visitors into a world of haunted graveyards, ghostly apparitions and chilling local legends.

For adults seeking a darker Halloween experience, Tales from the Vaults: Gallow's Green to Bishop's End at Enniskillen Castle on October 29 will reveal some of the district's most gruesome stories and historic mysteries.

Families can also embark on a spooky outdoor experience at Marble Arch Caves from October 28 to 31. The Halloween Adventure will take visitors through Cladagh Glen as they search for clues, uncover the Wicked Witch's secrets and help break her curse.

Council leisure facilities will once again provide plenty of opportunities for children to stay active over the Halloween break.

Castle Park Leisure Centre, Lisnaskea, will host Family Fun Days from October 26 to 30, offering a range of activities for primary-school-aged children and families.

At the Bawnacre Centre, Irvinestown, popular Bouncy Sessions will take place on October 25 and November 1, providing Halloween fun for younger children.

At Omagh Leisure Complex, a Halloween Camp will take place on Wednesday, October 28, 29 and 30 from 9am to 3pm daily.

Speaking on the upcoming Halloween events, chairwoman of Fermanagh and Omagh District Council, Councillor Debbie Coyle, said: “Halloween is a much-anticipated time of year across our district and we are delighted to offer a diverse programme of events and activities that will appeal to residents and visitors of all ages.

“From family adventures and creative workshops to storytelling events, theatre performances and town centre celebrations, this year's programme showcases the fantastic range of experiences available across our council venues and attractions.

“We look forward to welcoming people from near and far to enjoy all that Fermanagh and Omagh has to offer this Halloween season.”

The events featured are council-sponsored or delivered at council venues. For more Halloween activities across the district, keep an eye on the events section of the council website. For full event details and booking information, visit www.fermanaghomagh.com/events.

The council is encouraging residents to stay safe this Halloween and firework season. Whether you're trick-or-treating, dressing up, or lighting fireworks at home, make safety part of the celebration. For more information, visit: Halloween - Fermanagh and Omagh District Council