Light Party promises to be biggest one yet

Barrels of fun: The Light Party will entertain the whole family. Photo / File

This year's Light Party in Whakatane is set to be bigger and better than ever before.

The popular event, which provides primary school children and their families with a positive alternative to Halloween, will be on October 31.

Founded in New Zealand in 2000 by Wendy Reid, the Light Party promotes fun and family values in a safe environment, minus the witches, ghosts or scary things associated with Halloween, she said.

Since 2005 the number of those involved has grown from 650 to more than 5000.

The event is organised by "Kia Tahi" Whakatane Combined Churches, and is supported by local businesses and community organisations.

It will feature carnival style stalls, face painting, horse rides, local artists, bouncy castles, adventure games and more.

Children are encouraged to dress up and they will be given a free barbecue sausage, drinks, candy floss and a goodie bag when they arrive.

This year's event will also feature an official Guinness World Record breaking attempt to simultaneously snap the most number of light sticks.

The current record was set last year in the United States.

Light Party committee member Christine Ford said there was much planned. "What we have planned will provide every child with an exciting evening of fun," she added.

The Light Party will run from 5.30pm to 7.45pm at the Whakatane War Memorial Hall. Entry is by gold coin.