Ness Islands Halloween Show
The Inverness Winter Festival returns this weekend with thousands of spectators expected to attend one of Scotland’s biggest annual community fancy dress events - The Highland Council’s Halloween Show on Ness Islands.
The theme for this year’s show on Saturday (26 Oct) and Sunday (27 October) is “Alien Invasion” and spectators of all ages will be invited to boldly go when no Highlander has gone before and be transported to a 'zoo' which houses the most dangerous aliens and predators that the galaxy has to offer. The 'zoo' will stretch for 1300 metres around two islands in the middle of the River Ness; and visitors can expect to find surprises and screams around every darkened corner.
Visitors to the 'zoo' will see first-hand how alien eggs and larvae are cared for in the zoo’s state-of-the-art nursery, and despite the fact that in space no one can hear you scream, hopes are high that none of the hungry creatures on display will find a way to get too close to the spectators. As usual the only thing keeping the Aliens from overrunning Inverness is the fact that the children of Inverness know how to dress up and look even scarier – so everybody is invited to do their bit to by helping the wee ones save Inverness by dressing up and making sure that the Aliens don’t even attempt to cross the bridges.
Saturday’s show will commence at 6.30pm and Sunday’s Show at 5.30pm thanks to the clocks being turned back on hour earlier in the day to mark the arrival of Winter.
The show is sponsored by the Inverness Common Good Fund and is organised by the Inverness Events and Festivals Working Group in partnership with Eden Court Highland, Arts in Motion and Limelight Events Service.
Drivers are asked to allow themselves plenty of time to find a parking spot well away from the Ness Islands and walk to the site. Parents of a nervous disposition are asked to hold the hands of the younger members of their family at all times.
Lucy McGlennon, Head of Engagement, Eden Court said: “The Halloween Show on Ness Islands is a unique performing experience because it enables the performers to get creative and shape the final show with their own ideas.”
Councillor Calum Smith said: “With thousands in attendance and hundreds of families dressing up for the occasion our Halloween Show always ensures that our Winter Festival gets off to a spectacular start. The event is one of Scotland’s biggest outdoor theatrical experiences and a wonderful showcase for the talents of the many young performers from Eden Court Highland who are taking part."
The Halloween Show on Ness Islands is sponsored by the Inverness Common Good Fund.
Admission to the event is free.
The Winter Festival will continue with
- Civic Bonfire and Fireworks Display Nov 5th
- Christmas Lights Switch On Nov 17
- Ding Dong Merrily Old High Nov 17
- Winter Wonderland Dec 13-15
- Red Hot Highland Fling Dec 31