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Halloween Trail brings crowds and colour to Ilkeston town centre

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30 October, 2026

Ilkeston town centre was packed with families on Friday afternoon as the annual Halloween Trail brought the community together for an afternoon of costumes, treats and activities.

Children and adults took to the streets in a colourful variety of Halloween outfits, from witches and ghosts to superheroes and wonderfully imaginative creations.

The town centre was buzzing, with busy streets, smiling faces and families making their way between participating businesses.

Local shops and organisations played a huge part in the event, welcoming families and handing out treats to young visitors. It was particularly pleasing to see new businesses joining the trail alongside familiar names that have supported it for years, including bus operator trentbarton.

Ilkeston Library and Erewash Museum also joined the celebrations, offering free activities for children and families.

For many families, the Halloween Trail has become a much-loved annual tradition. The effort that went into this year’s costumes was remarkable, and the children were a credit to their families.

The afternoon was also a reminder of the important role local businesses play in bringing people into the town centre and creating opportunities for the community to come together.

With high streets facing plenty of challenges, it was wonderful to see Ilkeston so busy and full of life.

A huge thank you goes to everyone involved in organising and supporting the trail, particularly the businesses and organisations whose generosity and enthusiasm helped make the afternoon such a success.

Every year, it seems difficult to imagine the event being as good as the last. Yet somehow, Ilkeston manages it again.

Halloween Trail 2026: Photo gallery

Ilkeston News was out and about throughout the afternoon, capturing the costumes, decorations and atmosphere around the town centre. Take a look through our photographs below to see some of the highlights from this year’s event.

A group of people in Halloween costumes, including a ghost, a cat, and a dinosaur, outside 'The Aesthetics & Skin Co.' store which has Halloween decorations and a pumpkin display.
A group of people gathered outside the Tudor Jewellers shop, looking at items in the window. The shopfront features a black awning with the shop's name and contact number.
Exterior of Prime Pizzeria featuring inflatable Halloween decorations, including orange pumpkins and a ghost, displayed in front of the shop.
A queue of children and adults in fancy dress outside a shop called Coco's, with various costumes including a purple monster, a child in orange, and others, as they wait to enter.
Exterior view of the Prince of Wales pub, featuring a red brick façade with large golden signage, two windows on the first floor, and inviting door entrance.
Exterior of Moores Flowers International shop decorated with flowers and Halloween themes, featuring two women interacting outside, one holding a broom.
Exterior view of the Spanish Bar, featuring a sign with the name in decorative lights, a flower arrangement above the entrance, and people gathered outside.
A bustling scene outside 'Totally Polished' beauty salon, featuring a crowd of people, including children in costumes, gathered around a festive balloon arch. The salon's sign highlights its services including beauty treatments and aesthetics.
A group of children and adults gathered in a square outside a historic brick building, with one child dressed in a cartoon character costume and trees showing autumn foliage.
A group of people in costumes, including a Frankenstein figure and a spooky character, gathered outside the Gladstonian Micro Bar, with some children present and a stroller. The shop displays Halloween decorations.
A festive Halloween display featuring a brightly coloured clown and a witch hanging in front of a traditional shoe repair shop. The scene is complemented by a pumpkin figure and yellow 'Danger' tape across the window.
A line of people, including children in costumes, waiting outside a shop with large windows displaying an interior. The scene captures a variety of outfits, suggesting a festive occasion. A pushchair is parked nearby.
A group of women in costumes, including one with blue hair and face paint, are seated at a table decorated with Halloween treats and decorations, while a young girl in a pink coat holds an ice cream cone.
A group of people gathered outside a building society, with some dressed in colourful outfits and smiling. Nearby, a bakery's sign is visible, and the street is paved with cobblestones.
A woman in a blue dress and crown, resembling a Halloween character, interacts with two children dressed in costumes outside a shop with a large sign reading 'Top Quality - Lowest Prices'. The shop displays promotional posters on its windows.
A busy street scene outside Emz4Massage, a holistic spa and training academy. Several people are gathered in a queue, with children and strollers present. The storefront displays the name and services offered.
A group of children in costumes, including a fairy and a striped character, are gathered in front of the Ilkeston Hub, a community building. Some adults accompany them, and they are holding orange treat buckets, suggesting they are participating in a Halloween event.
A group of children in various Halloween costumes walking down a street, with painted faces and holding orange buckets. Some are dressed as animals, while others wear spooky outfits.
Crowd of people outside Brew & Belong coffee shop, with children holding bags and pumpkins decorations visible in the window.
Children in costumes walking outside a letting agency, with one girl in a blue dress holding a large sign, others dressed in various outfits, and an 'OPEN' sign visible.
A group of people gathered outside a shop, with children in Halloween costumes and a large inflatable pumpkin and skeleton decoration.
A woman and a young girl are peering into a shop entrance adorned with an inflatable grim reaper holding a scythe. The shop name 'Renshaw estates' is visible above the entrance, with property listings displayed in the window.
A busy scene featuring a brightly decorated ice cream van named 'Mrs Whippy', surrounded by people waiting in line. The van has Halloween-themed decorations and offers various ice cream treats. Nearby shops and autumn-themed decorations are visible in the background.
A festive Halloween scene with children gathered around a pop-up attraction, featuring a clown, an inflatable pumpkin, and various spooky decorations. Adults interact with the children, creating a lively atmosphere.
A person dressed as a clown with black and red hair, wearing a black and white costume with a tulle overlay, joyfully posing outside a pub.
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A young child in a pumpkin costume stands at a library counter holding an orange bucket, while a library staff member smiles behind the counter.
A crowd of people, including children in costumes, is gathered around a decorated van featuring a clown mouth entrance and Halloween-themed decorations. An inflatable pumpkin figure with a witch's hat is visible in the foreground.
A large orange bus is parked in front of The Observatory, where a crowd of people, many in costumes, are gathering for a trick-or-treat event. Some children are holding bags, and the atmosphere is festive with autumn foliage in the background.
A storefront named 'Carter's Prestige' with a sign that reads 'where quality matters'. In front, people are gathered around a display table featuring Halloween decorations, including a person dressed in a witch's costume and others interacting with them. The scene captures a lively atmosphere with red brick buildings in the background.
A crowd of people gathered near a bus stop, with children dressed in costumes, surrounded by trees and a promotional tent.
A flower shop named 'Moores Flowers International' with a green and gold exterior. Several people, including children, are gathered outside looking at flowers and interacting with the shop staff. The shop is decorated for a festive occasion.
Crowd of people outside a Greggs bakery, some in costumes, with a character in a yellow bear suit interacting with children.
A child dressed as the Grinch, complete with green face paint, a red Santa coat, and a sack, standing on a cobblestone path surrounded by autumn trees.
View of a library entrance decorated for a Halloween event, featuring a large inflatable spider and cobwebs hanging from the ceiling. Several people, including adults and children, are gathered in the space, with bookshelves visible in the background.
A group of people dressed in Halloween costumes outside the Little Footsteps Boutique store, which sells baby and children's clothing. The shop has a purple sign with the name and details clearly visible.
A group of children and adults in Halloween costumes gathering outside a Specsavers store, with decorations visible in the shop window.
Exterior view of a shop named Hamilton's, which sells schoolwear and embroidery, with the Himalayan Kitchen restaurant nearby. A person is entering the shop.
A lively outdoor scene featuring a large inflatable haunted castle with purple turrets. Groups of people, some in costumes, are gathered around the entrance, while others are walking past a green gazebo. Nearby, two men in formal wear are interacting, and festive decorations are visible in the background.
A group of children and adults outside a decorated shop for Halloween, with costumes visible including a witch and a girl in a blue dress. The storefront features Halloween decorations and a sign indicating the event.
Exterior view of Stanton Cask micro pub with patrons lined up outside, dressed in a variety of costumes.
Exterior view of George's fish and chips shop, featuring a sign that reads 'first class Fish & Chips' and 'George's Tradition'.
Children and adults in Halloween costumes outside a shop decorated for Halloween, with orange pumpkins and caution tape.
A shopfront of 'Little Footsteps Boutique' with Halloween decorations, featuring two people in costumes engaged in playful activities outside. One person is dressed in a ghost costume, and another wears a colourful outfit with a cartoon character theme.
A crowd of people outside Kerry's Fish & Chips, a chip shop in Ilkeston, with a sign stating 'Voted Ilkeston Chip Shop of the Year'. The people are in casual clothing, some appear to be in costumes.
A Halloween-themed scene outside a tanning studio, featuring a spooky witch and a bright pumpkin decoration. Children are dressed in costumes, with one girl wearing a witch hat and a black and white checkered outfit. Smoke adds to the festive atmosphere.
A group of children in Halloween costumes standing in front of an inflatable decoration featuring a dinosaur with a skull head, surrounded by smoke effect and a tombstone that reads 'RIP'.
View of Stanton Cask micro pub, showcasing its distinctive building with arched windows and elegant brickwork. A group of people, including children, walk past the pub, with some wearing costumes, creating a lively street scene.
A crowd of people gathered outside 'Petal's Flowers' shop, with a child in an Iron Man costume walking by. The scene depicts a street with flower arrangements visible through the shop window, while some parents push strollers.
A family stands outside Premier Community store, with a child holding a bucket while an adult hands out treats. The shop features decorations for a festive occasion.
Group of four people in Halloween costumes outside a shop named 'DEAD ROCK'. Two young women are standing in the foreground with costumes and props, while a woman in a white dress with blood stains appears in the background. Halloween decorations, including pumpkins and themed items, are visible.
A vibrant storefront of 'Slightly Potty' with a colourful sign, decorated pumpkins in the window, and a crowd of people in various costumes gathered outside.
A child dressed in a colourful costume with bright red hair and spooky face paint stands in front of two ghostly decorations with skeleton heads, surrounded by cobwebs and festive lights.
A group of children in Halloween costumes gather outside The Aesthetics & Skin company, which has a decorative inflatable black cat with a witch hat. Two adults are visible inside the shop, and there's a 'Spooky Season' sign in the window.
Children in costumes gather around, including a Minion and an alien inflatable, as two adults hand out sweets on a brick street.
A group of children and adults, some in costumes, gather outside the OneBeyond store, with Halloween decorations visible around the entrance.
A bustling scene outside Little Footsteps Boutique, a baby and children's clothing shop, with people in various costumes, including a child dressed as a cowboy, and festive decorations visible in the store window.
A group of children in costumes gather outside the Mega Sun tanning studio, with a Halloween-themed clown and spooky decorations visible.
Exterior view of Premier Community shop, featuring a blue sign with the text 'Caring for your independence'. The storefront is decorated for Halloween with items like tombstones and a figure dressed as the Grinch interacting with customers.
Two children in costumes interact outside a shop named 'RAY'S', with one wearing a black and white striped dress and green hair, while the other is dressed in a patterned hoodie. An adult in casual attire stands nearby, and a child in black is also present in the scene.
A busy street scene during a festive event, where a large crowd, including families and children in costumes, gather around a black vehicle decorated for Halloween. Nearby shops display colourful signs, and participants hold pumpkin buckets.
A crowd of people, including children in costumes, gathers in front of a historic red-brick building, with some individuals pushing strollers, while a person dressed in an inflatable chicken costume stands nearby.
A stack of colourful candy tubs including 'Sweet Treats' and 'Quality Street', positioned near a doorway, with a decorative window in the background.
A group of people, including children, standing outside a shop with a yellow sign that reads 'Quality - Lowest Prices'. The scene shows a variety of people interacting, with some holding bags and a stroller.
A busy street scene during a festive event, featuring a crowd of people in various costumes, with shops lining the street and trees in the background.
A crowd of people in costumes gathered outside Renshaw Estates, a letting agency, with decorative Halloween-themed displays in the windows.
A group of people gathered outside a pub, with a St George's flag hanging above the entrance, under a tree with autumn leaves.
A busy street scene featuring a crowd of people in costumes for a festive occasion, with children carrying orange buckets. Several pubs and shops are visible in the background, and autumn leaves can be seen on the ground.
A crowd gathers outside a funfair attraction themed with Halloween decorations, featuring a clown entrance and people in costumes including a pumpkin and characters in elaborate outfits.
A busy street scene filled with people, including a child in a pumpkin costume, walking alongside adults. There are shops and autumn trees visible in the background.
Two girls dressed as elderly women with grey wigs and floral dresses, using inflatable walkers, stand on a bustling street. A child in a green shirt and black skirt holds a plush toy and a small pumpkin bag.
A crowded scene outside Birds Bakery, showing a varied group of people, some wearing winter clothing, and a person in a purple and black costume with a large horned headpiece.
A busy street scene with a large crowd of people, including children in costumes, during a festive event. A child in a black and white harlequin outfit stands facing an adult wearing a black jacket and patterned trousers.
Two individuals wearing black witch hats sitting on a bench, enjoying ice cream, with a crowd and buildings in the background.
A busy town square with a crowd of people walking, some children in costumes, and a van parked nearby with a plumbing company advertisement. The scene shows various shops and trees with autumn leaves.
A group of people outside a flower shop decorated for Halloween, featuring floral arrangements and spooky decorations.
A group of people, including children in costumes, gathering outside a wine bar with a marquee awning, some holding bags and a stroller, during an evening.
A person dressed as Mr. Potato Head stands in a doorway, while another person in a green army costume prepares to enter. Vibrant balloons in various colours and patterns are decorating the entrance.
A brightly lit bus displaying a Halloween message, 'happy HALLOWEEN', alongside festive decorations, with a church visible in the background and people gathered nearby.
Crowd gathered outside 'Sen Nails' shop, featuring bright green signage and decorated windows, showcasing nail art services.
A busy street scene outside 'The Aesthetics & Skin Co.' shop, decorated for Halloween. Children in costumes are interacting with a large inflatable black cat and a pumpkin. A woman appears to be engaging with the children, while others pass by in casual attire.
A group of children dressed in Halloween costumes receiving treats from the back of a van decorated with pumpkins and spooky items. The scene takes place in a town square with buildings in the background.
A large crowd of people gathered in a street with various shops, some individuals wearing costumes. A van in the foreground displays a business name. The atmosphere appears festive and lively.
A group of people walking near a Specsavers store, with some wearing costumes, in an urban setting during twilight.
A man in a black suit stands beside a classic black car in front of a church, with autumn leaves on the trees and a red poppy on a lamppost.
A group of people, including children in costumes, are exiting a building. One child is holding a bucket of sweets. A sign nearby advertises a Halloween event featuring a DJ show.
A queue of people outside a wine bar, with children in costumes, waiting to enter. The bar's signage and decorations are visible, creating a festive atmosphere.
A bustling street filled with families and children dressed in costumes, celebrating Halloween. People are carrying orange bags, with a church steeple visible in the background as the evening light begins to fade.
A busy street scene filled with a large crowd of people, many dressed in costumes, gathered around ice cream trucks. The Harrow Free House and Arena Hope buildings are visible in the background, with autumn leaves and a lively atmosphere.
A crowd of people in Halloween costumes gathered outside the Gladstonian Micro Bar, featuring spooky decorations and a sign saying 'Little bar of horrors'.
Children in costumes and adults gathered outside a decorated shop for Halloween, featuring a ghost and spooky decorations.
A group of people in costumes are gathered outside The Harrow Free House, with some kids dressed for Halloween. The pub has a large sign above the entrance and a person sitting on the steps.
A large crowd gathered in a market area, with various stalls and food trucks visible. Some people are dressed in costumes, indicating a festive event. An old black hearse is parked at the forefront, decorated with items, while balloons and people milling about create a lively atmosphere.
A crowd gathered outside Annie's Coffee Shop, featuring a mix of people in costumes and casual clothing, with a notable inflatable pumpkin decoration visible at the entrance.
Crowd of children in costumes outside Back Yard Bacon, a traditional British butcher shop, adorned with Halloween decorations, including skeletons and cobwebs.
A group of people, including children, dressed in various costumes, gather outside The Harrow pub, a red brick building. Some costumes include a minion and an alien, with several others in festive attire.
A busy street scene featuring a tattoo studio and a hair and beauty salon, with a group of people, including children in costumes, gathering in front for an event.
A group of people dressed in Halloween-themed costumes posing inside a cafe; a person in a queen-like dress, a man in a hat, and several characters inspired by Alice in Wonderland, including the Mad Hatter and the White Rabbit, surrounded by festive decor.
A crowd of people in costumes, including a girl wearing a party hat, gathered outside a store. Inside, a person dressed in a lion costume is visible behind bars, surrounded by Halloween decorations.
A bustling street scene during an evening event, with a crowd of people, including children in costumes, walking past shops. In the background, a tall church clock tower is visible, surrounded by trees and lampposts.
A woman dressed in a vibrant costume with a red and blue jacket and short skirt stands next to a child wrapped in white cloth, resembling a mummy. They are outdoors, with Halloween decorations visible in the background.
A woman in a brown hoodie interacts with a young child, offering a green bucket while standing in front of a promotional banner for a clinic and academy. The banner features a photo of the woman along with text about aesthetics services.
A group of children and adults in Halloween costumes outside The Aesthetics & Skin Co. shop, with decorations and staff in festive attire.
A busy street filled with people, including families and children in various costumes, gathered for a community event. A food truck and a decorated hearse can be seen in the foreground, with shops lining the street.
A man dressed in a blood-stained shirt holding a cleaver, with theatrical makeup resembling a gruesome injury, stands in front of a bus. A crowd, including children dressed in costumes, is visible in the background.
A group of children and adults gathered outside a shop, with a girl riding a large pink inflatable flamingo. The scene includes various costumes and a festive atmosphere.
A busy street scene outside a shop named Carter's Prestige, with people gathered, some holding shopping bags, and a decorative spider web visible in the shop window.
A young child wearing a bee costume with black and yellow stripes and butterfly wings, holding hands with an adult while walking among a crowd.
A bustling street scene outside a shop called D-I-BLOW, with a crowd of people including children and adults, some pushing prams. One child is dressed in a green outfit, and others are in various casual clothes.
Two people in inflatable animal costumes stand in front of a colourful shop named 'Slightly Potty'. The atmosphere appears festive with Halloween decorations visible.
A person wearing a clown mask with red hair and a black hoodie stands at a doorway, holding a bucket, while another person, partially visible, approaches from outside.
A busy scene outside Brew & Belong café, showcasing a group of people, including children in costumes, gathered along the pavement. The café's sign is prominently displayed, emphasising its community focus.
A lively street scene featuring a group of children and adults gathering outside shops, with some children dressed in costumes and holding bags, suggesting a festive occasion.
People outside the Card Factory store, with Halloween decorations on display.
Two children dressed in Halloween costumes; one wearing a ghost-themed dress and the other dressed as a gothic character, both holding treat baskets, with onlookers in the background.
A large crowd gathered on a street, featuring people of all ages, some in costumes, enjoying a community event. Nearby, an ice cream van and festive decorations are visible.
Two individuals in costumes stand outside KH Hair salon, one wearing a clown mask and the other a bear mask, holding a bucket filled with candy.
A person wearing a black witch hat stands in front of a decorated van, which is themed for Halloween with orange decorations and caution tape. A child is seen smiling in the background, participating in a trick-or-treat event.
A group of children and adults dressed in Halloween costumes waiting to board an orange bus decorated for the occasion, with a sign for 'trick or treat' visible.
A classic black Rolls-Royce car parked in a cobbled street, with a crowd of people and shops in the background during sunset.
A bustling street scene outside a photo shop with a sign reading 'MAX The Photo Expert'. Children in costumes, including a superhero and a character in a green outfit, are gathering with adults, some holding shopping bags in a busy environment.
A busy street scene in the evening featuring a crowd gathered around a yellow TrentBarton bus. The bus is displaying its route, and people are enjoying food from nearby stalls, with trees and buildings in the background and a sunset sky.
A child dressed as a witch walks past a woman in a patterned outfit who is handing out treats to another child dressed as a bumblebee at a venue decorated for a Halloween event.
A clown with red hair and face paint interacts with a child dressed in a black costume while a person in a grim reaper costume hands out sweets from the back of a van decorated for Halloween.
Two women dressed in Halloween-themed outfits stand outside a shop, one holding a skeleton prop. A child in a black coat stares up at them, while spooky decorations hang around the entrance.
A young girl in a spider-themed costume and face paint poses with a woman in clown makeup, both smiling and holding a green bag.
A crowd gathered outside a church, with a person in a ghost costume in the foreground. There is a large inflatable monster decoration in the background, and children in costumes can be seen among the people celebrating.
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