Spooky goings on

Just thought I'd do a quick round up of some of the special Halloween events taking place in Northern Ireland this week for families and children. If you're not from the area, but have an event you'd like to share, please feel free to post in the comments section as you never know who's reading.

Tuesday 26th: Downpatrick Ghost Walks led by the Down County Museum, from 7pm. Taking in the old Gaol and investigating a creepy past of famous people, historical events and even body snatching.

Thursday 28th and Friday 29th: Hezlett House National Trust Property at Castlerock provides a two day event of creepy crafts, ghost walks and stories, hot food and drinks and a family fun fair, all organised by the staff and students of Ballymoney NRC. £4 admission from 5pm.

Friday 29th: Newcastle offers two FREE Halloween Mask Workshops, where children can make their very own magical autumnal mask and join the Parade of Light on Halloween night. For times and booking call the Newcastle Centre on (028) 4372 5034.

Saturday 30th: Black Box Goblin Market from 1pm (entry £1), a magical bazaar from Trans Urban Arts, in Belfast's Cathedral Quarter. Facebook users can get more information here

Free Family Fun Day at the Pavilion Bar (pictured), Ormeau Rd, Belfast. Magic George will be all set to entertain the kids, along with face painting and lots of free treats. I went to this last year and will be going again this year as the kids had a ball. Middle Bar, from 2pm.

Sunday 31st: Belfast and Derry will both hold their annual Halloween Carnivals and Fireworks displays this night.

Belfast's Monster Mash starts at 2pm and will include live music, fire breathing shows, street theatre, puppetry and samba drum shows, with the fireworks topping things off at 6pm.

While the LengenDerry Foyle carnival departs from the City Council Offices at 6pm, with a light parade, floats, stilt walkers and fireworks display at the Riverside from 7pm. Derry will the the inaugural UK city of culture in 2013 and if you haven't been for Halloween yet, try to check it out and see the sort of thing that secured the title for them.



And for Big Kids...

Most places will be holding special nights for Halloween. My recommendations for Belfast would be the three day Halloween Weekender at the Pavilion Bar, which includes the brilliant Knee Deep on Sunday, featuring Northern Soul Troop (in my opinion one of the best live bands in Belfast), and Bop Yestrum's Hallowe'en Party at the Menagerie on Saturday from 9pm.