Barrhead’s Big Hallowe'en Parade returned this year to bring the community together for a day of fun despite an unexpected downpour.

The 2024 event featured the addition of a pumpkin patch in Centenary Park near the Cochrane Street car park where little ones enjoyed picking one out, taking photos with seasonal props and then carving the pumpkins.

Following the event, which 250 took part in, organisers All About Barrhead Improvement District (BID) have announced that all net proceeds from ticket sales for this will be donated to East Renfrewshire Food Bank.

(Image: Supplied) Jenny Dunlop, BID manager, said: “It was fantastic to see the Barrhead community come together with families and friends undeterred by the weather and enjoying every moment.”

At the Foundry, free magnetic crafting kits drew in 270 children.

Cherry Face Painting was also on hand, working nonstop for five hours to paint dozens of smiling faces, before The Foundry finally closed its doors for the day.

The Hallowe'en spirit continued at the Tesco car park, where children enjoyed a range of funfair rides and circus-themed entertainment, and budding circus stars joined a lively skills workshop.

When parade time rolled around, the rain intensified, but participants marched on through deep puddles regardless.

The Barrhead Pipe Band led the front of the parade with their inspiring music, while the Compact Disco Defender kept spirits high at the back with spooky tunes.

Along the route, families watched from porches and upper windows, cheering on the participants as they braved the elements.

As the parade reached its grand finale, around 2,000 people gathered to witness the fireworks Display.

Before the fireworks lit up the sky, the winners of the costume competition were announced, the shark with its victim’s severed limb, the amazing juice box, the full Simpsons family, and a TY beanie gorilla holding the family pug as its baby gorilla, each receiving £50 in cash.

Finally, the winner of this year’s Scarecrow Competition was revealed as “Marsh and Mallow the Ghastly Twins,” earning the lucky creator a £50 voucher for their favourite Barrhead business.

Barrhead’s Big Halloween Parade was made possible by funding of £3,000 from the UK Shared Prosperity Fund and £5,000 from the Lottery Community Fund.

“We were especially pleased to see new additions, like the pumpkin patch, bring so much positive feedback from everyone involved,” added Jenny.

“This year’s Halloween parade has shown that come rain or shine, our community knows how to celebrate.”