Darlington’s second ever Halloween Lantern Parade has been hailed a screaming success as hundreds of people came along to the town centre for an evening of scary family fun.
Scary street performers set the gruesome scene as “paraders” dressed to impress to take part in the trail around the town’s spooky yards. Free face painting and music added to the atmosphere – even the clock face in the famous Clock Tower joined in the fun and turned green for the occasion.
The event brought a day full of scary fun in the town to a close. Local shopping centres, the indoor market, the library, Hullabaloo, Head of Steam and the Dolphin Centre offered a range of scary family activities, many of which were free.
Councillor Paul Howell, Darlington Borough Council’s cabinet member for Leisure and local environment, said:
“The event was a huge success and built on what we did last year. Well done to our events team who worked hard to make sure it went well. Darlington has a lot to offer and our unique yards and wynds provided the perfect atmosphere for spooky happenings.
“Thanks also must go to the retailers, many of which stayed open late, and other local venues who ensured there was lots of family fun throughout the day.”
A full programme of events has been lined up for the festive season starting with the big lights switch on Sunday 24 November followed by the popular Christmas Markets from Thursday 5 – Sunday 7 December and the return of the popular Ice Sculpture Trail on Saturday 7. More details at www.enjoydarlington.com or via Facebook from #LoveDarlo