Witches, ghosts and ghouls are invited to celebrate Halloween this year at Comlongon Castle! The Monsters Ball, in its second ‘fangtastic’ year, is taking place at the historic venue on Saturday 29th October. It will be an evening of ‘fiendish’ fun and ‘spooktacular’ entertainment, with all proceeds from the event going to Macmillan Cancer Support.
Comlongon Castle have given the Monsters Ball team exclusive use of the venue for the event. “We are thrilled to be able to bring the Monsters Ball to such a perfect setting,” say the organisers. “Our very own haunted castle!” Comlongon is said to be haunted by the spirit of the tragic Lady Marion Carruthers, who in 1570 took her own life by jumping out of a window – her final, desperate, attempt to avoid a forced marriage to Sir James Douglas.
The Monsters Ball team are making the most of the castle’s ghostly connections – as part of a packed evening of entertainment, join local storyteller Susi Briggs in the castle keep, where she will be retelling the tragic tale of Lady Marion and singing songs of ‘wicked naughtiness and mirth’! But first, guests will be treated to a sumptuous hog roast banquet in the atmospheric oak-panelled banqueting hall, and be greeted with a choice of ‘creepy cocktails’ on arrival! Later, dance the night away to top function band Madison, two times finalists in the Scottish Wedding awards.
Keeping you entertained will also be medium Laura Montgomery, who will be offering mini tarot readings in the drawing room, and marvel at a bit of magic from magician Ryan Stokes! And of course, no evening of fundraising would be complete without a charity auction and raffle, and this year organisers have been bowled over by the generosity of the local businesses who have donated prizes. The star prize on offer in the auction is a 3 night weekend break in one of the Mull of Galloway Lighthouse Cottages, most generously donated by sponsors the Mull of Galloway Trust.
Dress code is fancy dress or evening wear, but guests are of course encouraged to join in the Halloween fun by coming in costume, and there will be a photobooth to capture you at your ghoulish best! You may even find yourself selected as nominees in the Fancy Dress Competition, where prizes will be awarded for the categories of Scariest Costume, Funniest Costume, Sexiest Costume (open to female and male!) and overall Best Costume!
Tickets are £45 and can be purchased online at www.dumfriesmonstersball.co.uk/buy-tickets or from the Midsteeple Box Office. Event updates and further information can be found on the event facebook page at www.facebook.com/dumfriesmonstersball.
A bus has been organised to transport guests to and from Comlongon Castle from the Whitesands for just £4 per person. A few seats are still available, but please contact the organisers as soon as possible to reserve your space. Accommodation is also available at the castle – Comlongon are offering Monsters Ball guests a special rate of only £99 per room (usually £119-£189), so why not stay the night and take the opportunity of staying in one their luxury suites.
Don’t miss this unique night of frightening fun and fundraising this Halloween – join us in going monstrous for Macmillan!
