Sowerby Bridge News

Spooky Goings-on At Ogden Water

There are lots of spooky goings-on at Ogden Water in the run-up to Halloween. The Boggart Festival runs until the end of October, culminating on Halloween, Saturday October 31st, with a haunting torchlit procession around the reservoir led by Ogden’ s ‘woodland wizard’.

The nature reserve, near Halifax in West Yorkshire, has a long and haunting history of being home to magical creatures known as Boggarts, and at this time of year visitors are invited to head off into the woods to search for the elusive, magical sprites.

According to legend, the Boggart festival takes place during September and October, when the Boggarts drink strong wines made from local berries and celebrate the scares they have given humans over the summer. They drink so much that they forget to hide during the day, and are turned to stone by magic in the morning light. Frozen in their stone form, they can be spotted sitting in tress or hiding under bridges around the woodland trails.

To take part, call into the Ogden Water Visitor Centre for a map, and then head out to see what you can find – if you dare! The centre is open daily from 10am to 4pm.

The popular Ogden Halloween lantern procession starts with fireworks at 7pm on October 31. Warm clothing and torches are a must and fancy dress is encouraged. The event is expected to attract over 2,000 people and visitors are warned to arrive early and use public transport as parking is limited. Please leave dogs at home. The event is supported by Total Awareness Promotions (a registered charity) and the Overgate Hospice. Entry is £1 per person, from which a donation is given to Total Awareness and the Overgate Hospice.

For more information, contact Ogden Water on 01422 249136.