Maryport’s new Scaryport Halloween festival is going ahead soon – and its full programme has now been revealed.
The brand new family-friendly event will take place over the October half term week starting on Saturday, October 21 and ending on Sunday, October 29.
Organised by Maryport Arts and Heritage Partnership with Historic England and the town’s council as its main funders, it aims to be a creative cultural event that brings more people to the town.
Kicking off on the Saturday, spooky mosaic making will take place from 11am until 3pm in the Town Hall with artist Helen Clunes. Spooky mask and roman lantern making will also take place at the same time in Her Citi with artist Abby Kilfedder of artscool. Both activities are free to attend.
On Monday October 23 the festivities will continue with a family fun day at Tap Tavern, taking place from 12pm until 4pm featuring games like giant Jenga for youngsters, face painting and arts and crafts. Fancy dress is encouraged and entry is free.
Pumpkin lantern making will also take place at The Settlement from noon until 2pm and from 2pm until 4pm. The activity is free and children must be accompanied and supervised by an adult. Places must be booked online in advance through the event’s Eventbrite page.
At the town hall from 11am until 4pm people are also able to be part of a spooky digital bat design that will form part of a bigger community made digital art project later in the week, the activity is suitable for all ages and open to people dropping in.
From 7pm onwards a retro gaming night will then take place at Tap Tavern, pizza bites will also be on offer for customers.
On Tuesday October 24 eventgoers can start their day by making an AI monster of themselves using filtered AI technology in the town hall from 11am until 4pm. The results may also be used later as part of Scaryport’s digital art installation.
Once evening draws in, Tap Tavern will host a local tarot reader from 7pm who will be giving tarot readings at a cost on the night.
Fireside tales with Lakeland Hauntings will take place at the same time in Redby’s Café featuring local stories of ghosts and hauntings. Food and drinks will be available for purchase. The event is free and places can be booked through Scaryport’s Eventbrite page here.
Wednesday October 25 will see free creepy crafting take place in the town hall from 10am to 4pm with Bethany Gray from Gray Arts.
An adults witches and wizards quiz will then take place from 7pm onwards in Tap Tavern. People are encouraged to dress up for the Harry Potter themed quiz hosted by DJ Shaun.
At the same time, a spooky soul and motown disco will go ahead in the pub.
On Friday October 27, a Cumbrian ghost story night will take place in Her Citi at 7pm featuring author Tony Walker. Tickets cost £5 and can be purchased from Her Citi. Food and drink will also be available on the night.
An adults-only fancy dress karaoke and disco will also take place until late at the same time in Tap Tavern.
Rounding the event off on Saturday October 28, the Scaryport trail will take place. People are encouraged to head into the town for music, fancy dress and more in several venues in the town.
At 3pm, Somethin’ Brewin’ will perform at The Thomas Henry followed by Vivvie Leigh in the Labour Club at 4pm.
At 7pm, Her Citi will then host a dance of the dead disco, celebrating the Mexican Day of the Dead featuring food, drinks and music. Tickets are £8 from Her Citi and include a drink on arrival.
At Tap Tavern from 7pm until 9pm The RedHanded Sirens will perform, followed by Mojo Rising at 8pm in Butchers Arms and Barbara, who will perform at 9.15pm in the Labour Club.
Over the course of the week, a fancy dress competition will also take place. Eventgoers can enter by taking a picture of their costumes and posting it to Facebook or Instagram, using the hashtag #ScaryportFestival.
Winners will be crowned in categories including Under-fives, five to 11-year-olds, 12 to 17-year-olds and over-18s.
The UK-wide project aims to revitalise historic high streets and Maryport’s funding is specifically allocated to Senhouse Street and Crosby Street.
Karen Thompson, who is part of the heritage partnership and working on the project said: “Maryport is not a scary place, it’s wonderful. We want to take that term scaryport and turn it into something really positive that the town can be proud of.
“It’s a term that’s aimed at the town in the same way Whitehaven and Workington have the term jameater, it’s all in good humour, but we want it to turn into something different.
“A Halloween inspired event is an idea that has been floating around for a while now and we have an activity gap in the autumn, so we thought it would be great to have a new festival for the town.
“We just want to see lots of people getting involved, people getting dressed up and enjoying themselves in the heart of Maryport.”
It is hoped that Scaryport will become an annual event that celebrates and champions the town’s culture and creativity.
