Petrifying pictures from Sunderland Halloweens of yesteryear

Halloween is here once again and we are dipping into our picture archives to see how the occasion was marked in years gone by.
Parkside children's Halloween Party  at Parkside Social Club
 October1995Parkside children's Halloween Party  at Parkside Social Club
 October1995
Parkside children's Halloween Party at Parkside Social Club October1995

The word Halloween comes from ‘Hallowed evening’ and is the day before All Hallows Day, which is also known as All Saints’ Day.

For years now there has been lots of organised events for adults and children, plus games and treats at local nurseries.

Thompson Park Nursery Halloween Party 28 October 1982 
Pictured left to right: Mark Anderson, Donna Umsworth, John Waddle and Kerry Nicholson.Thompson Park Nursery Halloween Party 28 October 1982 
Pictured left to right: Mark Anderson, Donna Umsworth, John Waddle and Kerry Nicholson.
Thompson Park Nursery Halloween Party 28 October 1982 Pictured left to right: Mark Anderson, Donna Umsworth, John Waddle and Kerry Nicholson.
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Do you recognise anybody here through the masks and make-up?

As you can see people kept themselves entertained by attending costume parties, playing Halloween games such as apple bobbing and playing tricks on family and friends.

Does anybody carve turnips anymore, or is it only pumpkins?

Who remembers the smell of the burning candle in the turnip and trying not to burn the handle made out of string?

Members of the Suffolk Street Over 60 Club at their halloween party.  Party organiser Mr Tom Hopper with some of the ghoulies. 29 October 1980Members of the Suffolk Street Over 60 Club at their halloween party.  Party organiser Mr Tom Hopper with some of the ghoulies. 29 October 1980
Members of the Suffolk Street Over 60 Club at their halloween party. Party organiser Mr Tom Hopper with some of the ghoulies. 29 October 1980

Did you meet your friends at the street corner, compare turnips before going home?

Did you buy costumes or were they all home-made?

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What about the infamous toffee apples and a visit to the dentist the following week?

Maybe you played it safe and just had the butcher’s sausages. And there was no American ‘trick or treat ‘phrase then.

We’d love to hear from you, so email your memories to [email protected]