TONIGHT locals will be shedding their everyday wear and transform into ghoulish characters for Halloween, which is becoming increasingly popular across the region.
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For local make-up artists and costume shop owners, the increase in Australians taking part in Halloween comes down to a cocktail of escapism and popular television shows, but dressing up is on the rise all year round – not just on this spooky evening.
Special effects make-up artist Melissa Atkins has a penchant for the macabre and said she received requests for scary makeovers all year round.
She enjoyed stretching her imagination and using prosthetics to recreate grotesque characters.
“In the past year I have turned people into human marionettes, pin-up zombies, orcs and many more,” she said.
“I know that Halloween is traditionally celebrated in America, but it’s just another way in which we can celebrate and have a few laughs by scaring our friends and dressing up like characters from your favourite stories.”
Though some lament the invasion of American culture on Tamworth streets, Aunty Jax owner Brian Stevens said the hallowed evening had Celtic roots.
“It’s the time when the veil between spirit world and physical world is the thinnest,” Mr Stevens said.