A WOKINGHAM community group is set to host its second ‘spooktacular’ halloween celebration this September.
Spencers Wood village hall is inviting residents back after its inaugural disco proved a hit last year.
The event will see the community come together for a fun-filled evening of dancing, games and music.
Organiser Kouy Jolin-Young said: “It should be an awful lot of fun. This year, we’ve got two sessions running for children of different ages.
“The hall’s going to be decked out. There will be a DJ at both sessions; last year it went down really well. He does all sorts of games like wrapping mummies. You’ll probably see me running around applying temporary tattoos too.
“There will be various prizes available from the games. Although it’s primarily aimed at kids, the event is really open to the community.”
Preschool ‘witches and wizards’ take the 4pm-6pm slot, while ‘ghouls and goblins’ in primary school have been allocated the second session between 7pm-9pm.
Prizes will be on offer for the best fancy dress costumes.
According to Ms Jolin-Young, the idea first came about after she recognised a lack of open-to-all halloween celebrations nearby.
The initial running was such a success visitors vocalised their eagerness for more, and the organisers were only too happy to oblige.
“We had lots of people ask if we’d do it again this year,” Ms Jolin-Young explained.
“It just brings the community together. For adults, it’s a great opportunity to meet other adults and parents, and for the children, it’s a chance to meet others from different schools.
“It’s what the village hall is all about. All the proceeds from the event go towards the running of the hall.”
Given the substantial property developments in the area, the disco will also provide the perfect setting for new residents, who may not be familiar with the area, to meet their neighbours.
Ms Jolin-Young moved to the area from London just five years ago. She had her daughter shortly after moving and described feeling ‘isolated’ living away from the majority of her friends and family.
“When I first arrived here, it felt like it was us and them, and that we weren’t welcome, but it’s not like that at all, it’s just that there wasn’t a communal place for us to meet,” the event organiser explained.
“Little events like these go a long way. They’re open to everyone and it’s just good for community spirit what with the pandemic and the cost of living crisis.”
Spencers Wood village hall has stood for 111 years and currently offers a meeting place for clubs and community groups.
Regular events include needle and natter, farmers market, repair cafe and board games club.
The hall is run by a team of volunteers and Ms Jolin-Young urges anyone who’s interested in immersing themselves in the community to join them.
She said: “We can use all the help we can get. We have a tiny committee so we’re always on the look-out for volunteers. Recently, we did a working party
“I have my own personal ties to the village hall. My daughter had her christening at the church across the road and we had the party at the hall.”
In the first day since the event went live on Facebook, 70 people responded, with Ms Jolin-Young confirming around 50 tickets had been sold already.
Children’s tickets cost £5, while adults can attend for £10. These can be purchased online.
The event will take place between 4pm-9pm on Friday, October 28.
To book tickets, visit: www.trybooking.co.uk/31562
