Halloween is all about scares and spooks, but it’s also a chance for families in Leeds to enjoy some frightful fun. Environmental charity, Groundwork, is hosting a free, three day Halloween extravaganza.
For the first time ever, the charity has lined up a whole host of spell-bounding events at three housing estates across Leeds; Hemmingway Garth in Hunslet, Cottingley Hall estate and Clydes estate in New Wortley. Activities include, pumpkin carving, giant games, spooky gazebos, apple bobbing, and not for the faint hearted, but you can even try body painting in order to create fake wounds!
Renowned local charities, Leeds Play Network and Barca will also be on hand offering a selection of haunting games for the whole family to participate in.
The Halloween events are inspired by the Mears Urban Oasis project which works closely with communities to help make their local areas greener and nicer places to live, through practical activities such as clean ups, planting and food growing, to encourage a healthy and educated lifestyle.
The project is part of a two-year initiative and has benefitted six housing estates in Leeds over the last year. These three estates have all been privy to significant regeneration. Clydes now features a brand new entrance into the main estate area, over 1000 homes in Cottingley have been fitted with new kitchens and bathrooms and the flat towers now have new lifts. Cottingley has also benefitted from extensive planting and a gardening programme, which has improved access to the main bus route. Hemingway has undergone major external improvements including new fencing and walls around the perimeter of the estate.
Nicola Ramsden, Community Co-ordinator at Groundwork Leeds, explains;
“We’ve got a really good relationship with the residents on these three estates and we want to acknowledge that by running experiences that the whole family can enjoy, as well as introducing ourselves to new residents for the first time. We also want to encourage families from all over Leeds to come and take part in our spooky sessions and see for themselves how important it is to take ownership and pride in their community. We’ll have lots of refreshments for parents including spooky food, like hotdog fingers, while enchanting games and activities will keep the kids entertained.”
All events are free and take place at the following times:
Tuesday 28th October – 4pm – 6.30pm -New Wortley Community Centre – Clydes Estate
Wednesday 29th October – 1pm – 3pm – Hemmingway Garth
Thursday 30th October – 1pm – 3pm- Cottingley Community Centre
For more information contact Nicola Ramsden on (0113) 238 0601.
