Record crowds roll up to Paisley Halloween Festival
Paisley celebrated its biggest ever Halloween Festival as 41,000 people flocked to the town to see the amazing floats, circus performers and spectacular Mardi-Gras style parade!
Article Source: Paisley Is
Last Updated: 27 October 2019 13:44
One of the largest festivals of its kind in the UK, this year’s Dark Circus themed event was delivered alongside internationally-acclaimed outdoor theatre specialists, Cirque Bijou, who helped transform the entire town centre into the perfect Halloween playground.
More than 350 costumed performers and community groups took part in the parade, the centrepiece of the festival, which wound its way through the town centre, led by the sinister Svengali ringmaster. The parade also featured fantastic, giant lion and elephant floats, ferocious fire performers, creepy clowns and curious creatures, to delight the gathered crowds.
Another spectacle of the festival was the 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.
Crowds were entertained with top-class live performances from the likes of Spark LED Drummers, Mr Wilson’s Second Liners and Big Grey on the Circus Stage. A funfair and cinema screening of popular Halloween films added to the packed programme, while families enjoyed workshops including pumpkin carving and costume making workshops.
The Silent Disco also proved a welcome addition to the festival offering plenty of dancing, singing and Halloween fun for all the family.
Amanda Clarke from Motherwell, said: “This is our first time to the event, we saw it online and wanted to come along. It’s been a great day out with the kids. We’ll definitely be back next year.”
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.”
Julian Bracey, Artistic Director of Cirque Bijou, said: “It's been an absolute pleasure getting to know the people of Paisley to put together this year's Halloween Festival. We've worked closely with local artists to run community parade workshops over the last few months and are so grateful for all the hard work they've put in.
“We're really proud of what we achieved this year, and everyone who took part or came along should be too.”
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.
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.
Paisley Halloween Festival is one of the major events in Renfrewshire Council’s winter events programme which continues with the Paisley Halloween Festival (Friday 25 and Saturday 26 October), Paisley Fireworks Spectacular (Saturday 2 November) and Christmas Lights Switch-On events in Paisley (Saturday 16 November), Renfrew (Saturday 23 November) and Johnstone (Saturday 30 November).
Paisley Halloween Festival
Event information
Paisley Fireworks Spectacular
Event information
Paisley Christmas Lights Switch On
Event information
Renfrew Christmas Lights Switch On
Event information
Johnstone Christmas Lights Switch On
Event information
For more information about Renfrewshire’s winter events, please visit www.paisley.is.
Sponsored Links
Latest Edinburgh News
GreenFox Energy powers up Party at the Palace with first solar festival stage in Scotland
Party at the Palace will host Scotland’s first solar-powered festival stage, the GreenFox Energy Breakthrough Stage, twinning clean energy and the joy of live music.
READ MORE
Gilded Balloon announce a star studded line up for special 40th anniversary shows
Gilded Balloon has unveiled a huge line-up of comedy stars to take part in a special ‘40 Years of Fringe’ in conversation series, to celebrate the venue’s 40th anniversary.
READ MORE
SAY Award opens submissions for eligible albums
Scotland’s national music prize – the Scottish Album of the Year (SAY) Award – has opened submissions for 2025’s £20,000 prize.
READ MORE
Edinburgh International Film Festival announces 2025 Festival Footprint
Ahead of its programme launch on 2 July, EIFF venues will include Filmhouse, Cameo Cinema, Vue Omni and a new pop-up screen at National Galleries Scotland: National.
READ MORE
New dining chapter begins at Edinburgh restaurant inspired by famous author
One of Edinburgh’s most popular city centre restaurants has started a new dining chapter at its famous Castle Street venue.
READ MORE
Garner Hotels Debuts in Scotland with the Opening of Garner Hotel Edinburgh in Haymarket
IHG Hotels & Resorts (IHG) today announces the opening of Garner Hotel Edinburgh - Haymarket, a 195-room flagship hotel bringing a fresh energy to the city’s West End.
READ MORE
Edinburgh pupils discover the world of beekeeping with educational day at Fort Kinnaird
Pupils from local Edinburgh primary schools swapped the classroom for beekeeping as they had the chance to visit Fort Kinnaird’s thriving beehives for a day buzzing with educational fun.
READ MORE
Magic of Christmas set to make Edinburgh sparkle this Winter
Edinburgh started to unwrap its annual Christmas present, with the announcement of this year’s festive celebration dates and a first hint of what to expect this year.
READ MORE
Nicola Benedetti brings the Edinburgh International Festival to NHS Hospital with Live Performance
Edinburgh International Festival Director and Scottish violinist Nicola Benedetti performed alongside guitarist Plínio Fernandes as part of a series of NHS Festival Sessions.
READ MORE
Cineworld announces 1 pound Family Films all summer long
Cineworld has today announced £1 Family Films, running every week from July 25, so that families can be more childish together all summer long.
READ MORE
Great value summer holiday activities at Dobbies Garden Centres
This summer, gather the whole family and head to Dobbies Garden Centres for a day of fun-filled activities that will keep costs down.
READ MORE
Plenty of summer family fun at Vue venues across Scotland
Family favourites and animated adventures are heading to the big screen this summer holiday at Vue venues across Scotland.
READ MORE
How funkiest charity shop in Edinburgh is helping homeless
The Bothy Boutique in central Edinburgh is the retail arm of The Breakfast Bothy, a small grassroots charity supporting people in the community who are experiencing homelessness.
READ MORE
Five star campsite near Edinburgh named best in Scotland
Drummohr Camping and Glamping Site at Musselburgh was named Camping Site of the Year in the 2025 Scottish Hospitality Awards.
READ MORE
Fringe Happening at Virgin Hotels Edinburgh
With the Fringe Festival right on the doorstep, Virgin Hotels Edinburgh is once again hosting a fantastic array of shows and activities!
READ MORE
Newtongrange Primary School ends academic year on a high with prestigious UNICEF UK Gold Award
Pupils at Newtongrange Primary School have even more reason to celebrate the end of a successful academic year, having just been awarded the UNICEF UK Gold Award.
READ MORE
First Look inside newly refurbished Filmhouse cinema
Edinburgh’s landmark cinema Filmhouse has today revealed images of its new screens and spaces ahead of its public reopening tomorrow Friday 27 June.
READ MORE
FREE family festival at Loch Lomond Shores returns on 5th and 6th July
Summerfest, the FREE family festival at Loch Lomond Shores, is back on the 5th and 6th of July with lots of things to see and do!
READ MORE
Widest ranging exhibition of Italian Renaissance drawings in 50 years to be staged in Edinburgh
Drawings by Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo and Titian will be among 45 Italian Renaissance drawings going on display in Scotland for the first time this October.
READ MORE
Inspiring climate action through the Edinburgh Climate Festival
Edinburgh Climate Festival returns on 28th June. A free festival that aims to celebrate & inspirate climate action in our local communities.
READ MORE
Earlybird tickets drive buzz for 2026 Scottish Caravan, Motorhome & Holiday Home Show
The biggest show of its kind in Scotland returns with Earlybird tickets and a give-away with headline sponsor Border Caravans!
READ MORE
Pret gets ready for Pride with free glow up and goodies
This weekend, in celebration of Edinburgh Pride, Pret A Manger is turning up the sparkle with an in-shop glow-up station!
READ MORE
July events at Dobbies Garden Centres
Check out July at Dobbies with it's Little Seedlings Club on rainforests and Grow How on pest control and healthy gardens!
READ MORE
Fist Look: Inside new Cafe Calton which offers stunning Panoramic views of Edinburgh
Cafe Calton, located at the top of Calton Hill and offering panoramic views of Edinburgh, has opened in Edinburgh.
READ MORE
Casting announced for the new production of Miss Saigon at Edinburgh Playhouse
Michael Harrison, in association with Cameron Mackintosh, is delighted to announce the full casting for a major UK and Ireland tour of MISS SAIGON, including a run at Edinburgh Playhouse.
READ MORE
Scottish Legend Dougie MacLean to Lead Opening Weekend Big Singalong at the Edinburgh International Festival
A lineup of world-class musicians at the forefront of their fields are today added to the Edinburgh International Festival programme.
READ MORE
East Lothian community revives woodland ecosystem with help from Loganair GreenSkies fund
A community-owned woodland in East Lothian is undergoing a remarkable transformation thanks to a grassroots replanting project supported by Loganair’s GreenSkies Community Fund.
READ MORE
Duck & Waffle Edinburgh Celebrates Pride Week in Support of LGBT Health and Wellbeing
Duck & Waffle Edinburgh is proud to announce its vibrant celebration of Edinburgh Pride, honouring the city's LGBTQIA+ community.
READ MORE
Free Surf Lessons for Kids at Lost Shore Surf Resort this July
Lost Shore Surf Resort, Scotland’s most exciting new holiday destination, is making waves for families this summer - with free surf lessons and sessions for kids throughout July.
READ MORE
EIFF to present World Premiere of NFTS Sean Connery Talent Lab Short Films
Edinburgh International Film Festival has announced that the six short films created as part of the inaugural NFTS Sean Connery Talent Lab will have their World Premieres this year.
READ MORESponsored Links
Sponsored Links