A family-friendly Halloween festival is coming to Gweedore this October, promising a wicked line-up of entertainment for a good cause.
‘Splanc’ is the new community festival organised by local electrician Paul Gallagher.
Taking place at Magheraroarty Beach on 29th October, there will be a parade, kids party and spellbinding fireworks display.
Plenty of tricks are in store, but the real treat will be the fundraising element.
All money raised from Splanc will go to a new community-based fund to help families in need.
“For many years I wanted to set up a local charity here in the area that would help families when a child or a parent falls ill,” Paul said.
“I would love to be in a position to immediately hand over much needed funds to the families and alleviate the financial burden so they could deal with daily life without having to worry about a mortgage payment or an ESB bill.”
Paul is in the process of formally registering the charity.
He described the fund as a small immediate support for people that can ‘extinguish a fire quickly, before it spreads’.
“It will be small, but if we can give a family a few thousand euro that can go a long way when an emergency happens.”
The Halloween Festival will have a hauntingly beautiful setting on Magheraroarty, where (weather permitting) it’s hoped the dark skies and water will be the ideal backdrop for a fireworks display. A professional company has been contracted to do the display.
Community groups from across Gweedore will be lending their talents to the festival too. Local bands and dance groups will form the beach parade. There will be face-painting, goodie bags (please pre-booked) and storytelling for kids. And for the adults, there will be an afterparty at Ostan Loch Altan with live music.
Paul said that he has been overwhelmed by the rush of support coming in from local businesses and individuals to help get the festival off the ground. Over €9,000 has been raised through sponsorship so far.
“Every contribution no matter the size will be gratefully appreciated and will contribute towards the success of our event and our charity,” Paul said.
“Together let’s create a memorable event that will assist our families for years for many years to come.”
Find out more about Splanc Feile at: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61550762522718
