Shops on Hamilton’s Queen Street are to take part in a Hallowe’en spectacular tonight aimed at children in costume.

The Boo Bash, organised by clothing store Daisy & Mac, will see several retailers open late and hand out candy and gifts to trick or treaters up to the age of 12.

Daisy & Mac owner Dawn Zuill said: “We wanted to hold an event that gave families a safe and easy way to trick or treat while enabling businesses to give something back to their customers.

“We are thrilled that so many of our neighbours on Queen Street have joined in and it’s not too late for others to take part.”

The event -modelled on similar US Hallowe’en parties held in US shopping malls and streets — is the first of its kind in Bermuda.

Among the shops taking part are the Bermuda Book Store, Pic A Pet, Leisure Time, Kolorz, Choices, Daisy’s and Daisy & Mac.

Restaurants, including Lemon Tree and KFC, will also be open.

The Boo Bash starts at 5.30pm and ends with a fancy dress parade at Lemon Tree at 7pm, when prizes will be awarded for the best costumes in a number of categories.

Daisy & Mac’s Kelly Gilmour said: “Originally, we thought we would hold Boo Bash on Hallowe’en night, but we realised that with Lemon Tree holding Nightmare on Queen Street and being the perfect location for the parade and prizegiving, that it made more sense to keep celebrating Hallowe’en for a second day — especially since it is a Friday night and many children are on half term.”

For more information, contact Ms Gilmour on 296 5627, e-mail marketing@daisyandmac.com or Bill Zuill on 296 5627, e-mail marketing@bes.bm.