Spooktacular Fright Night
More than 300 thrill seekers descend on park
More than 300 people descended on Stonehouse Park for a Fright Night Halloween event at the weekend.
The Friends of Stonehouse Park group hosted the spooky night filled with scares and thrills on Saturday (October 29).
Now in its second year, the community group promised a bigger and better Fright Night this year, with 320 people falling victim to frights from local amateur dramatic group The Acting Bairns of Stonehouse.
The actors regaled ancient folklores from local historian John Young.
It came after months of preparation, and was boosted by a funding boost of £450 from Forestry Commission Scotland’s Community Fund.
The fund aims to support community groups and organisations that encourage greater use of the woodlands to improve people’s health and wellbeing, as well as generate wider community benefits.
Karen Kelly, Fright Night organiser, said: “The funding from Forestry Commission Scotland was invaluable.
“It allowed us to purchase more costumes, props, materials and lighting, to make the event bigger and better for the whole community.
“Last year we had 150 people come down for a fright and this year we doubled our numbers and more with 320 people.
“Without the funding we would be unable to make the event happen.”
Hugh Mcnish, social programme manager at Forestry Commission Scotland, added: “Forestry Commission Scotland was delighted to support Friends of Stonehouse Park’s event.
“We recognise their ambition as a community to get people outdoors and enjoy our woodlands and greenspaces in a unique way.
“The Community Fund provides a great deal of support for community groups and organisations that have a keen interest in how the outdoors and woodlands can positively impact on individuals and communities.
“Our fund enables the creation of opportunities that may be just out of reach for some groups and projects due to financial issues.”