Southbourne is revving up for this year’s Halloween extravaganza. This free, annual event, run by the ‘Friends of Fisherman’s Walk’ in conjunction with ‘Southbourne-on- Sea Business Association’ (SoSBA), has become a much anticipated date in the Halloween calendar in Bournemouth.
This year’s event is also being supported by the Bournemouth Coastal BID (Business Improvement District). This has allowed the organisers to publicise the event more widely and also to creatively decorate the bandstand in Fisherman’s Walk to add to the event’s Halloween atmosphere.
The Halloween celebrations start at 5pm on Southbourne Green where members of the public meet ready for a procession through Southbourne Grove, ending up at the bandstand in Fisherman’s Walk at 5.30pm. This year’s procession will be led by the Mayor of Bournemouth, Cllr Chris Mayne.
Over the years, the Halloween event has captured the imagination of local businesses as well as members of the public. Many businesses on The Grove join in the fun by handing out sweet treats as the people pass and appearing in fancy dress too.
Local hairdressing company, Cortex Hair Design will be present creating Halloween-esque hair do’s for children with multi-coloured hair gels and hair extensions. Southbourne based, ‘Create It All’ will be adding to the entertainment by encouraging Halloweeners to produce themed decorations, including candles and glass painting with a spooky twist. ‘Travels with My Aunt World Café’ will be offering food and drinks.
Southbourne Library is an important partner in the spooky celebrations. Each year members of the team dress up and become the ‘Witches of Southbourne’ telling spooky stories to the crowd in Fisherman’s Walk.
Connie Rothman of Southbourne Library cackled, “Our witches actually do more of a panto act than story-telling and they go through the crowd looking for ingredients for their pot to conjure a spell. They are practising their cackles with a vengeance!”
Chris Anderton, Chairman of the ‘Friends of Fisherman’s Walk’ said, “We are hugely grateful for the support of the Coastal BID and their involvement will hopefully mean that our Halloween event becomes an even bigger success than it already is and that little bit more special.”
Manager of the Coastal BID, Alun Williams, responded, “We’re pleased to work with the Friends of Fisherman’s Walk and the Southbourne-on-Sea Business Association as they continue to work to not only increase the impact, but also the quality of this event.“
Chris concluded, “We are looking forward to welcoming as many people as possible. It’s a fantastic free event for all the family and we are urging everyone to just turn up and join in the fun! Fancy dress is encouraged not only for children but for adults too. Age is not a restriction! Last year we even had several of the Borough councillors dressing up and getting involved.”
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Kate Shaw
