Families across the borough are in for a treat this October half term as Brentwood Connected, the Business Improvement District funded by local businesses, hosts three free Halloween events in Brentwood, Ingatestone and Shenfield High Streets. With trails, activities, face painting and plenty of characters to meet, each day promises lots of community fun and spooky surprises in the heart of each high street.
The celebrations begin in Ingatestone on Thursday 30 October from 10am–4pm with a Trick or Treat Trail. Local businesses will transform into spooky stop-offs, offering goodies, activities, Halloween characters and free pumpkin painting (bring your own pumpkin to take part).
On Friday 31 October, the spotlight moves to Shenfield for the popular Shenfield Spooktacular from 3pm–6pm. Families can enjoy treats along the trail, meet colourful Halloween characters and Ghostbusters, and take advantage of free face painting in and around Hutton Road businesses.
The finale takes place in Brentwood on Saturday 1 November with the Festival of Frights, running from 2pm–5pm on Brentwood High Street. Expect creepy characters, activities and plenty of treats, all in partnership with local shops and businesses. At the same time, Crown Street will host its own Creepy Crown Street, led by Chicken and Frog Bookshop and Ridgewell and Boreham, featuring free face painting and activities funded through the Brentwood Connected Small Grant Scheme. The day ends with a grand finale performance in Crown Street’s pedestrianised area.
Costumes and fancy dress are encouraged at all three events, and families are reminded to bring something to collect their treats.
Sarah Walmsley, BID Manager at Brentwood Connected, says: “Our popular Halloween events are consistently well attended and much anticipated by businesses and the local community. They bring people together during the school holidays, entirely for free, and give families the chance to support local while having fun dressing up.”
Brentwood Connected, the Business Improvement District (BID) funded by town centre businesses, is proud to support these much-loved Halloween events, ensuring they remain free and accessible for all.
For full details on each free Halloween event in Brentwood, Ingatestone and Shenfield, visit brentwoodconnected.co.uk/halloween.
Brentwood Connected will also celebrate Christmas with events in all three High Streets. Lighting Up Brentwood, a partnership event with Brentwood Borough Council, will take place on Saturday 22 November, while the Ingatestone Festive Fair is planned for Sunday 7 December, and Festive Shenfield will take place on Sunday 14 December. Visit brentwoodconnected.co.uk/christmas.
