Councillors storm out over decision to charge for future kids Halloween party

Tempers boiled over after a Welshpool Town Council committee voted in favour of charging for tickets to next year’s children’s Halloween Party.

The annual free bash has become a huge success since its introduction several years ago, but after events co-ordinator Kimberly Wright reported to the Events & Tourism Committee this week that only £2.80 was taken on the night in donations, the proposal of a charge for next year was floated.

But it was met with considerable hostility from several councillors with Cllr Billy Spencer saying that it was “something for the children of the town”, despite admitting that £2 of the total was his donation.

“I feel that if we start charging for tickets then this event could collapse with people taking their children trick or treating instead,” he said.

Cllr Sally Fitzgerald (right) was adamant that it should remain free and even offered to cover the cost of the event from her own pocket.

“A lot of families are struggling and I think it is ridiculous to start charging,” she said.

Ms Wright explained that there was a massive demand for the free tickets this year which created organisational issues, and she added that the Town Council already provides free events like the Carnival, Winter Festival and Fireworks display, which raised £2,981 in donations last week towards next year’s event.

And there was support in the chamber for a ticket fee to be introduced with the vote finishing 3-3, so committee chair, Chris Davies’s vote tipped it in favour of a charge.

Following the vote, a visibly distressed Cllr Fitzgerald stormed out, followed by Cllr Phil Pritchard.