How Sunderland celebrated Halloween in 9 different decades from 1930s to 2010s

Dracula’s blood in a punch, witches handing out presents on broomsticks and a fright night film marathon

Dracula’s blood in a punch, witches handing out presents on broomsticks and a fright night film marathon. Guess what they have in common.

The answer is that they were all highlights of Halloween events in Sunderland over the years.

Wearside has been marking All Hallows' Eve in style for decades and we found all these highlights from 1933 to 2015.

Maybe you were there when the Arts Centre Washington held a marathon of Christopher Lee films 11 years ago.

Or when Boulevard in High Street West put on a party with a punch called Dracula’s Blood for people to drink, in 1990.

Further back in time, Lawrie McMenemy was the star guest when Cowies car dealers held a Halloween party in 1985, and in 1960, the Crowtree pub had its own spirited entertainment. Former landlady Ada was said to be haunting the place.

If we head even further back through the years, Washington Station WI held a party in the dark for Halloween in 1933.

Get in touch with your own memories of how you celebrated Halloween in years gone by.

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