A spooktacular Hallowe’en celebration

Our Riverside community once again proved what a fantastic place this is to live with our second annual Hallowe’en celebrations on Friday evening — a night full of fun and laughter for our youngest (and not-so-young) residents.

The excitement began a week earlier as entrances were transformed with festive decorations with a helping hand from some of our youngest Riversiders. It was wonderful to see carved pumpkins popping up everywhere, including an entire pumpkin family in Newton Court’s foyer!

On the big night, the fun kicked off at 5 pm at the concierge office where partygoers were greeted by Gandalf the Grey (aka Ian) and Red Riding Hood. From there, the parade of costumes began — a dazzling array of witches, devils, ghosts, skeletons, a tray of doughnuts, the Cat in a Hat and even a vampire dressed for a night at the opera!

Armed with maps, families set off to discover games and sweet treats around the estate. Trick-or-treating at the townhouses was followed by activities in the foyer of each apartment block — cookie decorating, face painting, temporary tattoos and plenty of games like apple bobbing, witches’ hat hoopla and ping-pong eyeball toss.

And there was something for everyone as the adults enjoyed a welcome stop at Darwin overhang where mulled wine was flowing and conversation was lively. After the little ones headed home, the fun continued as we set off to The Burleigh Arms for Thirsty Fri(ght)day drinks, rounding off the celebrations in true Riverside style.

It was wonderful to see so many families out enjoying the evening, chatting with neighbours and sharing in the community spirit. A massive thank you to everyone who organised, dressed up, handed out sweets or simply came along. You’re what makes this such a great place to call home.