Witches, superheroes and a whole town centre smiling: Ilkeston's Halloween Trail did it again

Ilkeston's town centre was packed on Friday afternoon as families in witches' hats, ghost costumes and superhero capes followed the town's annual Halloween Trail. Children moved from shop to shop collecting treats from local businesses, with new names joining this year alongside firms that have supported the trail for years, including bus operator trentbarton. Ilkeston Library and Erewash Museum joined in too, offering free activities for children and families. For many families the trail has become a much-loved annual tradition — and on a high street that hears plenty about decline, the afternoon was a reminder of what local shops still do best: bring a whole town together.