Spook-tacular! All you need to know ahead of the annual Halloween show in Inverness
THOUSANDS of people are expected to get into the Halloween spirit early this weekend when Inverness hosts its annual Halloween show.
The event on the Ness Islands kicks off Highland Council’s Inverness Winter Festival programme.
The theme for the free show on Saturday and Sunday is Alien Invasion and spectators of all ages are invited to boldly go where no Highlander has gone before as they are transported to a "zoo" which houses the most dangerous aliens and predators that the galaxy has to offer.
The zoo will stretch around the islands and visitors can expect to find surprises and screams around every darkened corner.
Visitors will see first-hand how alien eggs and larvae are cared for in the zoo’s state-of-the-art nursery, and hopes are high that none of the hungry creatures on display will find a way to get too close to the spectators.
A council spokeswoman said: "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 help 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 starts at 6.30pm and Sunday’s event begins at 5.30pm.
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.
The spokeswoman added: "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 at Eden Court, said: “The Halloween show on the 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."
