Scary movies are set to thrill Tolbooth audience
Stirling’s Tolbooth will be the perfect spot this Halloween to watch some iconic scary movies.
The former jail and courthouse was the scene of many gruesome tales, and it will showcase some modern takes on witchcraft and evil in the run up to October 31.
The movie screenings are part of a variety of witch-themed events which Stirling Council is hosting, including a free two-week exhibition dedicated to Stirling’s history with witch accusations and a family friendly lantern parade.
The Tolbooth screenings will begin with ‘Witchfinder General’ on Saturday October 26, ‘Hocus Pocus’ on Sunday October 27 and ‘The Blair Witch Project’ on Halloween night. ‘Witchfinder General’ (certificate 15) starts at 8pm on October 26.
Set during the English Civil War, and starring horror stalwart Vincent Price, it is a disturbing tale of evil.
Matthew Hopkins is appointed Witchfinder General and is empowered to travel the countryside with his henchmen and collect a fee for each witch from whom he extracts a confession - a policy which is exploited to the full.
‘Hocus Pocus’ (certificate PG) will be screened at 2pm on October 27. After moving to Salem, three teenagers explore an abandoned house and accidentally free a coven of evil witches who once lived in the house. With the help of a magical cat, the teenagers must steal the witches’ book of spells to stop them from becoming immortal.
‘The Blair Witch Project’ (certificate 15) will screen at 7.30pm on Halloween. Video footage is discovered which tells the tale of three film students who have travelled to a small town to collect documentary footage about the Blair Witch, a legendary local murderer. Their project takes a frightening turn when the students lose their way in the woods and begin hearing horrific noises.
Convenor Stirling Council’s community planning and regeneration committee, councillor Chris Kane, said: “Stirling’s own history is rich in tales of alleged witchcraft and our Halloween celebrations, from the family lantern parade through to the Witching Hour exhibition, will delve deep into our past to bring these tales back to life.” Conservative leader of Stirling Council Neil Benny added: “Hocus Pocus is a great film and one all the family can enjoy this Samhain.” of