Swansea set for spooky Halloween fun

VISITORS to ancient Oystermouth Castle may catch a glimpse of the White Lady this Halloween.

Activities including creepy crafts, gory games and ghastly ghost stories have been organised for the historic attraction on Saturday October 31.

Children aged between three and 11 are being encouraged to don their Halloween outfits and make the most of the fun at one of four sessions between 1.30pm and 9pm.

Swansea Council is behind the event.

Oystermouth Castle is said to be haunted by a spectral white lady who many believe to be Alina de Mowbray’s lost soul. Alina, the eldest daughter of William de Braose, Lord of Gower, lived in the castle in the 14th Century.

Other events on Halloween include Spooks in the City in Swansea city centre and Swansea Market from 10am to 4pm. This free event will include live music, face painting, games, treats and the chance to join a human ghost train.

Two nights of Halloween fun will also be taking place at Parc Tawe’s Plantasia on October 30 and October 31 from 5.30pm to 7pm, complete with creepy crawlies and games.

The Swansea Bay Land Train will be transformed into the Halloween Ghost Train on October 30 and October 31 as well. The train will leave Southend Gardens at 4.45pm, 5.30pm, 6.15pm and 7pm.

A free zombie apocalypse organised by Swansea BID (Business Improvement District) is also being held in Castle Square. The event, which lasts from 9pm till late, will include free make-up.

Cllr Robert Francis-Davies, Swansea Council’s Cabinet Member for Enterprise, Development and Regeneration, said: “Oystermouth Castle, which has undergone extensive preservation work in recent years, is a terrific venue to hold fun activities on Halloween and many other occasions. All the fun that’s been arranged there will combine with everything taking place in the city centre on the day to generate a fantastic atmosphere.

“The added benefit of these events is that they attract a level of footfall that inevitably boosts local businesses too. They’re just several of many events being organised in Swansea Bay in the build-up to Christmas that give local residents and visitors so many opportunities to be entertained.”

Tickets for the Oystermouth Castle activities are £5, but the event is free for children under three. You can buy tickets from www.swansea.gov.uk/spooktacula or by calling 01792 637300.

Tickets are also available from Swansea Tourist Information Centre on Plymouth Street, with a limited number being made available on the gate as well.