PASSENGERS need to prepare for the scariest ride of their lives, thanks to Sunderland’s leading taxi company.
The city is planning its first-ever Lights Out festival from 25 October to 3 November, marking Halloween with a petrifying programme full of family friendly activities.
And now Station Taxis is going to be adding a devilish driving experience to the event, with one of its cars dressed for the occasion.
The ambitious and unique event has been organised by Sunderland BID and Sunderland City Council, with bars and restaurants getting in on the act, along with a number of venues including Sunderland Museum and Winter Gardens and the Empire Cinema.
Station Taxis has had one of its vehicles wrapped to promote the festival, which includes the Lights Out logo and even a cobweb or two.
“Everyone has really got behind Lights Out and our ever-expanding programme really has something for everyone,” said Sharon Appleby, Head of Business Operations at Sunderland BID.
“Station Taxis is always a strong supporter of all of our events so we’re delighted that they’ve come on board for our Halloween spectacular.”
Trevor Hines, Managing Director of Station Taxis, added “The taxi has definitely caught people’s attention with its spooky design and we’ve already had lots of great comments.
“As well as the spooky cab, customers who book with our app will also notice that our taxis have turned into ghosts, showing that we are fully embracing the spirit of the season.
“We hope it will encourage people to find out more about the programme of events that are taking place in the city throughout Halloween.”
One of the highlights of the festival will be giant inflatable tentacles which will take up residence at Mackie’s Corner at the junction of High Street West, while others will fly from the roof of the Bridges’ car park, near the TK Maxx entrance.
The 10-day programme will include everything from spooky bingo to a scary park run, with a huge Halloween themed community parade on Friday 1 November, with hundreds of people taking part.
Groups across the city are already preparing for the event, which will leave from the Museum and Winter Gardens, ending up at Keel Square.
Fans of Halloween don’t have to wait to get into the scary spirit however, with a number of events now being added to take place earlier in the month.
That includes an author session with horror writer David Turton at the City Library on October 15 at 2.30pm, spooky glass fusing workshops on October 14 and 21 courtesy of MBC Arts Wellbeing and Unicorn Pumpkin Painting at Katie’s Garden.
For full details of each day’s events and costs where applicable visit www.sunderlandbid.co.uk.