THE return of the popular Paisley Hallowe'en Festival has been announced by Renfrewshire Council. 

As the Scottish Government eases restrictions on indoor and outdoor events, the local authority has announced plans – but with new formats, as health protection measures remain in place.

The Spree, a popular music and arts festival, will also return and is scheduled for October 8-16. Music artists will be announced later this month.

The Wee Spree programme will also return for the October week with a fun schedule of activities and arts for kids and families taking place in a range of venues across Paisley.

Meanwhile, the Paisley Hallowe'en Festival, which was recognised as Best Cultural Event or Festival at the Scottish Thistle Awards 2019/2020, will take on a very different format this year.

 

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A series of spectacular installations that are "out of this world" will be popping up across the town centre over five days from October 28 - November 1. 

Louisa Mahon, of Renfrewshire Council, said: “It’s great to be looking forward to in-person events again, but we are always mindful that public safety is the number one priority while we’re still living with coronavirus.

“Live music has been much-missed these past 18 months and it has been great to see its return locally in recent weeks. We’re very happy to be working with Regular Music again to bring some top Scottish and UK artists to the festival.

"With the Wee Spree and events coinciding with the school holidays, we’re aiming to offer some fun, safe family activity that we can all enjoy locally.

“Paisley Hallowe'en Festival has become our most popular event in recent years and one of Scotland’s favourites. Together with our event partners Cirque Bijou, I’m confident everyone who visits our town centre will enjoy an ‘out of this world’ experience.

“Like other local authorities, we are ensuring our plans for hosting events are in keeping with the latest guidance from the Scottish Government.”

Both events have received funding support from EventScotland’s Scotland’s Events Recovery Fund and the Year of Coasts and Waters 20/21.

Paul Bush OBE, VisitScotland’s director of events, said: “Scotland is the perfect stage for events and with the easing of restrictions it is great to see their return.

"Events are such an important part of our communities and EventScotland is delighted to be supporting The Spree through Scotland's Events Recovery Fund and the Paisley Hallowe'en Festival in celebration of Scotland's Year of Coasts and Waters 20/21.”