So, here’s a mad idea for you.

This Halloween, instead of throwing on the usual black bin bag and calling it a witch costume, why not actually join a tribe? And not just any tribe. We’re talking zombies, vampires, werewolves…. even gargoyles.

This is all part of the Dragon of Shandon Samhain Parade 2025, which is Cork’s biggest and most gloriously bonkers night-time spectacle. The brilliant people at Cork Community Art Link are making it easier than ever to get involved this year.

They’ve put together these free downloadable Dragon Tribe DIY Kits, basically step-by-step guides with mythological backstories, crafty tips, and YouTube tutorials that’ll help you turn the contents of your hot press into a costume worthy of a parade.

 

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If you’re struggling, they’re even holding Tribe Clinics at The Lido in Blackpool throughout October, where you can get a bit of hands-on help. And there’s an initiation ceremony on October 25th at 3pm to get you into character before the big parade night on Halloween, Friday 31st.

Look, it’s a bit of craic, it’s free, and it’s something different. You get to dress up, make a show of yourself, and be part of something massive in the city. Bring your mates, drag along the kids (though if they’re under 18 they’ll need an adult with them), and just go for it.

You can download the kits now at corkcommunityartlink.com/dragon-tribe-diy-kits. And honestly, if you’ve ever secretly fancied yourself as a werewolf, this is your year.