Ilkeston - Halloween
w/e 02 November 2024
All of this week's pictures were
taken with a Nikon D3300 camera
On All Hallows Eve, Friday
31st October 2025, hundreds of children donned fancy dress and
followed the Halloween Trail through the town centre and beyond.
Local shopkeepers, traders and other business owners, many of
them also in fancy dress, joined in the fun and handed out sweets
to the youngsters. Below are just a few images from the event
which has been held for a few years now, but is becoming increasingly
popular. Permission to photograph the children was obtained from
accompanying adults.
Many of the happy children were armed with buckets and bags to
collect their sweets.
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Shopkeepers from Purplehaze's Parlour not only wore their Halloween
costumes but were well prepared under their temporary shelter
in case of inclement weather.
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These three girls were among the hundreds that had dressed up
to join in the fun.
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Youngsters of all ages enjoyed the event.
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Halloween has its roots in pre-Christian times when Druids celebrated
the Festival of Samhain (Summer’s End) but today's celebrations
feature costumes from an entirely different era.
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At the entrance to the Albion Precinct,
Charlie Bear was welcoming everyone with a cheerful wave and
there were more fantastic costumes worn by the children.
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This group of people were also in the Albion Precinct.
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There were many scary faces dotted about like this inflatable
at Renshaw Estates but none of them proved a deterrent to the
excited children as they queued to receive their sweets.
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Even a large inflatable dinosaur at the Town Hall was in a friendly
mood.
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Other organisations such as a local bus company, the Police and
Fire Brigade also got involved and a member of the fire service
was happy to pose with children sitting on the front of a fire
engine for photographs. Despite its pagan roots, All
Hallow's Eve precedes November 1st which Christians celebrate
as All Saint’s Day. This is the day in the calendar to remember
all those who have died who aren't known personally followed
by All Soul's Day on November 2nd when all those who have died
who are known personally are remembered. St Mary's Church was
also open throughout the event and received many visitors who
were able to light a candle as an act of remembrance.
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