Juice Festival and ¡VAMOS! present alternative Halloween celebration

Families looking for an alternative to the traditional Halloween experience can enjoy a Latin American twist as part of this year’s Juice Festival, www.juicefestival.co.uk. The annual festival for children and young people, which takes place from Saturday 24 October – Sunday 1 November, has partnered with ¡VAMOS! – NewcastleGateshead’s annual festival celebrating Spanish and Portugese speaking cultures – to present a special one-day event celebrating Latin America’s most popular holiday. Day of the Dead: Family Celebration takes place at ¡VAMOS! Social, Market Street, Newcastle on Saturday 31 October. The Latin American holiday honours the deceased with festivals, parties, food and music. Designed to celebrate people’s lives rather than mourn their passing, Day of the Dead is a vibrant holiday full of joy and celebration. The Juice Festival event will feature live music, food stalls, face painting and special performances from the North East’s regional youth circus, Five Ring Circus. Live music will come from local duo Hannabiell and Yilis and a DJ. Families can also try their hand at piñata making and other fun arts activities throughout the day. Chris Batstone, artistic director of Juice Festival said: “We’re really proud to be working with ¡VAMOS! on this event. Traditionally Halloween in this country has always been about ghosts and ghouls but we wanted people to experience how other cultures celebrate this time of year. Day of the Dead is all about joy and celebrating life, which is a really positive message to send to children and young people.” Nik Barrera, festival director of ¡VAMOS! said: “The Juice Day of the Dead event is the first big project at ¡VAMOS! Social and we can't think of a better way to celebrate this colourful Mexican tradition for all ages!” Juice – NewcastleGateshead’s festival for children and young people continues until Sunday 1 November 2015. The multi-arts festival in cultural venues, libraries and public spaces in Newcastle and Gateshead features dance, performance, exhibitions, workshops as well inclusive events for children, young people and families with additional needs. As well as the work created by children and young people, Juice Festival features work by regional, national and international artists. The theme for this year’s festival is Seen and Heard; presenting performances and events in unusual locations whilst reflecting the festival’s approach to showcasing the talents and creativity of local children and young people. Day of the Dead: Family Celebration takes place on Saturday 31 October from 11:00-17:00 at ¡VAMOS! Social, Market Street, Newcastle. Tickets are priced at £3 for children aged 5-16 (children under 5 go free) and £5 for young people and adults aged 16+. For more information about Juice Festival and to buy tickets, visit www.juicefestival.co.uk Follow Juice Festival on twitter @JuiceFestival or like the Facebook Page, www.facebook.com/JuiceFestival.NG