41,000 ARRIVE IN TOWN FOR ITS PAISLEY’S FRIGHT FEST WAS THE BEST

Paisley’s spectacular Halloween festival attracted its biggest ever crowd as 41,000 people flocked to the town centre at the weekend.

One of the largest festivals of its kind in the UK, this year’s Dark Circus- themed event was staged alongside the internationallyacclaimed outdoor theatre specialists, Cirque Bijou who helped transform town centre into a Halloween playground.

More than 350 costumed performers and community groups took part in the parade through the town centre which was the centrepiece of the festival.

It also featured fantastic giant lion and elephant floats, ferocious fire performers, creepy clowns and curious creatures.

Crowds also enjoyed dazzling aerial performances from aerial artists, All or Nothing, who performed their death- defying act ‘ Into the Dark.’

The performance saw the artists take to the skies to circle and swirl around a haunted carousel over the grounds of the town’s iconic Abbey.

Live performances from Spark LED Drummers, Mr Wilson’s Second Liners and Big Grey on the Circus Stage took place alongside a funfair and screenings of popular Halloween films.

Families also enjoyed pumpkin carving and costume making workshops while the Silent Disco was a popular addition.

Kirsty Cameron from Paisley said: “It’s really well put together.

“I bring the family most years and it’s always very good with lots going on.”

Louisa Mahon, Renfrewshire Council’s head of communications, marketing and events, said: “This year’s Halloween Festival was our biggest and most ambitious to date covering the entire town centre with a jam-packed programme with something for everyone to enjoy.

“The event grows larger and more creative every year and is one of the highlights in our event calendar and has really cemented the town’s position as a key destination for visitors.

“Paisley has always had a thriving artistic community - creativity and performance is in the DNA of the town and Halloween gives the community the perfect opportunity to showcase their talents and dress up while they do it – it’s the perfect celebration.

“I’d like to thank everyone involved in making this year’s event such a huge success, whether by taking part or by coming along and enjoying the festival.”

The Paisley Halloween Festival, which was supported in 2018 through the Year of Young People event fund, was awarded £16,950 of National Programme funding from EventScotland for this year’s event.

Next up for the town centre is the Paisley Fireworks Spectacular this Saturday and the Christmas Lights Switch-On on Saturday, November 16.