An annual north-east fright night spectacular went off with a bang last night as thousands of revellers descended on Aden Country Park for a Halloween festival.
Yet again Aden-een proved to be a bigger hit than the year before with hundreds of families from across Aberdeenshire dressing up in costumes and wellies for their trip to Mintlaw.
The theme this year revolved around Shakespeare as a means of marking the 400th anniversary of the Bard’s death.
The woods were filled with characters and scenes from the playwright’s most famous works and thousands of costumed visitors toured around the park.
Masked youngsters performed in astounding fashion with flaming batons; a display they practice throughout the year in Peterhead’s Drummers Corner.
Around 8pm, a huge fireworks display was also staged to mark Guy Fawkes night next weekend.
A spokesman for Modo said: “We wanted people to join a celebration of culture and community in the beautiful surrounds of Aden Country Park as young people, bursting with energy and enthusiasm, created an extravaganza of delight.”
Now in its eighth year, Aden-een is organised by performing arts group Modo and draws together volunteers and young people to set up and manage the event.
The festival is run in tandem with the Shell Firework Parade, Buchan’s first Guy Fawkes night celebration.
And, on the evidence of last night’s pyrotechnics, it is one shooting star with no signs of fizzing out.