The dreaded day is drawing closer, as on the 27th October Douglas town centre will be transformed into a haunted haven for Hop-tu-Naa.

Sponsored by Celton Manx and organised by the Douglas Development Partnership, the day is sure to be spook-tacular with events starting from 3pm.

The Jurassic Experience, a life-sized animatronic dinosaur, will start proceedings in Regent Street at 3pm. There will also be creepy crafts, turnip carving, face painting and street performers as well as a competition for the scariest local business where there will be the chance to win an advertising package from Manx Radio worth over ?1600.

At 5pm there will be a call for all goblins, ghouls and creatures of the night to creep over to Castle Street for the lantern-lit fancy dress parade which will lead to North Quay as the witching hour approaches. The fancy dress competition will be judged and winners announced at 6.30pm. For the scariest boy and girl under 6 there will be the prize of a wash, cut and style donated by Sharkey’s Cuts for Kids, for the spookiest boy and girl under 12 and 18 there will be WHSmith vouchers donated by Britannia International. The most awful adult will win Sunday lunch for four and a bottle of wine from The British and the most dreadful dog will be awarded a ?25 voucher for Vanity Fur.

The Quay will be dressed for the occasion with ghastly green lighting and spooky smoke, children’s rides, entertainment and a frightful food and craft fair will be starting from 5pm. The Jurassic Experience will make another appearance followed by the public trial of Jinny the Witch as you have never seen it before. There will be ghost walks starting on the quay at 6pm and live music and entertainment on the stage before the grand finale of the evening, a fireshow performed by The Play People.

Bill Mummery, Executive Director of Celton Manx said: ‘Douglas Fright Fest is fast approaching and momentum is really building ahead of what is sure to be a very successful and popular event. There are so many activities taking place throughout the afternoon and evening, there is bound to be something for everybody to enjoy.’

Town Centre Manager Gill Anderson said: ‘Once again we would like to express our thanks to Celton Manx for agreeing to be the sponsor of the first Douglas Fright Fest. Interest is building day by day and we are sure that with all the fantastic entertainment and prizes on offer it is definitely worth getting your costume on and visiting us in Douglas town centre.’

For more information find ‘Douglas Town Centre Management’ on Facebook.
 
Photo caption: Families getting involved in the recent Douglas Development Partnership Zombie Walk.