ScareFest 2022 at Newark Castle a success says organising charity the Children’s Bereavement Centre
A terrifyingly good time was had by all at Scarefest 2022, a Halloween-themed charity event held for the first time in Newark Castle grounds over the weekend.
ScareFest was organised by the Children’s Bereavement Centre with the aim of raising vital funds for the Newark charity and at the same time giving families a chance to have some Halloween themed fun.
Fundraising manager Rachel Wilson said “This is the first time we have organised a Halloween event and we were genuinely over-whelmed by the support we received.
“So many businesses happily donated products and expertise, volunteers gave up their time and families came to the event and bought wristbands.
“Adults and children alike really embraced the theme, turning up in incredible outfits and the atmosphere was fantastic.
“There are too many people to thank individually, but the event simply would not have been possible without everyone’s support.
“We don’t have a final figure raised yet but we will be announcing it as soon as we can. To everyone that supported and attended this event, a heartfelt thank you.”
Free to enter and hosted by Captain Jack Sparrow (Matt Colbourne) and the Joker (Paul Walker), everyone was able to enjoy the atmosphere including a spooktacular spider trail, music, and live entertainment from acts New Dimension, East Midlands Rock Choir and Starlight Theatre.
The Newark Ghost Walk took place on Saturday, hosted by Ian Gillanders, starting at Newark Castle and taking in some historical locations with ghostly connections around the town.
On Sunday, a frightening feast was laid out for visitors with the Crunchy Critters Cuisine Challenge, featuring a menu of honey roast locusts, dried crickets, and dried buffalo worms.
Other activities included pumpkin carving, doughnut eating, and face painting as well as a raffle, Halloween fancy dress competition, and lots of Halloween party games across both days.
Wristbands were also available to buy, allowing families access into the Carn-evil games area, entry to the bouncy castle and a trick or treat experience designed and built by students from Newark College, where children were tricked or treated by different characters hiding behind doors.
Rachel also spoke of the importance of community fundraising events, saying: “For the Children’s Bereavement Centre fundraising events like this are hugely important to ensure we can generate the funds we need to be able to support local children and their families through one of the most devastating times in their lives.
“But we also want to give something back and host a great event for the local community to enjoy, and I think we did that with Scarefest 2022.”
