Safe, accessible, diverse parties celebrating Halloween

THE Bendigo Pride Halloween Ball, and a drug, smoke, vape and alcohol free event for young people aged between twelve and twenty five organised by Yo Bendigo headline the program for this year’s local Halloween celebrations.

Both events will emerge from the netherworld next Saturday evening, 1 November.

Yo Bendigo’s Nightmare on View Street will feature activities and games, including an interactive Haunted Maze experience, tarot reading, face painting, arts and crafts, and free lollies and treats.

It’s designed to be a safe, welcoming and inclusive environment with prizes on offer for the spookiest dressed people.

Yo Bendigo community connections officer and youth volunteer team event organiser Jesse Munzel said considering the expected age range and diversity of the partygoers, safety and accessibility will be a priority on the night.

“We’re letting all family, friends, parents, guardians and carers know that they’re definitely welcome to come along as well,” she said.

“There’ll be security and our staff are all trained in mental health first aid and first aid, and they all have Working with Children Checks.

“We always ensure our events are wheelchair accessible and supportive as well, and we’re open to receiving any other information on anything else young people might need so that we’re able to accommodate for that.”

On the same evening, the Bendigo Pride Halloween Ball will feature performances from Pizzazz and Kandy Jackzon, and the legendary scream queen, Polly Filla, plus beats supplied by DJ Tonky.

The Best Costume Contest will also crown the most fabulous look of the night.

Other unearthly local events include Halloween at Studio 66 with Deadweight 80, Artifact, Miseryguts and Lockjaw (Saturday 1 November) and a free screening of the classic horror film Nosferatu (1922) at Bendigo Library on Friday 30 October.

The Bendigo Pride Halloween Ball is happening next Saturday, 1 November at Bendigo Trades Hall, 40 View Street from 8pm.

Tickets are available at Trybooking.

Nightmare on View Street takes place on the same night from 6pm at the Engine Room, 58 View Street.

Free entry can be reserved via Gotix.