CHURCHES in Huddersfield are urging children to shun the “dark side” of Halloween.
Kirkheaton Parish Church, Kirkheaton United Church, Dalton Baptist and St James’s Church, Rawthorpe, are holding “laughter and light” parties as an alternative to traditional October 31 activities.
Neil Walpole, of Kirkheaton Parish Church, said: “On an evening where, in recent tradition, there is a focus on the dark side of witchcraft, ghosts and all sorts of evil, not to mention the often relentless troubling of the neighbourhood, the churches want to offer an alternative focus on real fun, on goodness and light.
“In doing so we’ll be reclaiming some of the real meaning of Halloween, which is all Hallow’s – all saints – evening, the day before All Saints Day.”
The churches are expecting about 100 children for craft activities, games, food and theatre.
Richard Steel, rector of Kirkheaton, added: “We don’t want to take the fun out of the day. Far from it.
“We simply feel, as a growing number of people do, that encouraging children to focus on the macabre, and in ways that can frighten older members of the community, is not healthy.”
The parties, for five to 11-year-olds, are at Kirkheaton Parish Centre, Church Lane, and St James’s Church and Community Centre, St James Way.
They are from 6.30 to 8pm. The Kirkheaton party is 50p per child. The Rawthorpe event is free.
To book call 01484 531449.
