Locals urged to help with the return of Halloween hay sculptures

by Gráinne Connolly

People around the Strabane area are being urged to take part in this year's Halloween celebrations by creating themed hay sculptures. 

They'll be part of a Halloween trail Derry City and Strabane District Council is planning. 

Last year, visitors and local people traveled across the district to look at "spooky figures" which emerged in the countryside and in towns; including oversized spiders, bats, aliens and skeletons.

The Council is now hoping community, youth groups and businesses will get on board with the Halloween Sculptural trail, which take place in several locations across the region.

(Halloween hay sculpture near Strabane, 2017)

Festival and Events Officer at Derry City and Strabane District Council, Ashleigh Devine said:

“We are delighted to be bringing the Hay Sculptural Trail back for Halloween 2018. 

"Last year was the first year we did this and it was a great success attracting thousands of visitors over the month of October. 

"We are encouraging local people to get involved, we are looking for any community groups, farmers, businesses etc or anyone who wants to get creative, and this is your chance to get involved!   

"It’s a fun initiative and great opportunity to promote your area or business while also bringing the community together, as visitors flock in!

“Last year was a huge success and a lot of effort and creativity was put into the creations so we are very keen to get as many people involved and help us add some additional monsters to the excitement to this year’s celebrations. 

“If you are interested in getting involved all you will need is a hay/straw bale, spray paint, some junk which can be turned into something unique, put it all together and you will have an amazing hay sculpture.

"Council can offer support through an artist, which can go out to your area and help with ideas and the creation of your sculpture if required”

The following locations are currently being considered for inclusion in the trail: 

• Plumbridge
   
• Newtownstewart
   
• Castlederg
   
• Sion Mills
   
• Strabane
   
• Ballymagorry
   
• Bready
   
• Domenana
   
• Artigarvan