INVERCLYDE is preparing for a feast of terrifying tales and spectacular stories as the annual Galoshans Festival rolls into town again.

Friday marks the official launch of this year's fright fest, which is now in its eighth year in Inverclyde.

The Galoshans team have assembled an amazing array of talented performers who will help people of all ages celebrate Halloween with a diverse array of shows across Inverclyde.

This year's festival partners, RIG Arts, CVS Inverclyde, Feral Arts, Beacon Arts Centre, Magic Torch and Trancnd, have built up a programme inspired by Scotland's Year of Stories 2022, with an emphasis on keeping local tales and traditions alive using the power of the arts.

Funding for the celebration, which will run until October 30, has been provided by Creative Scotland and Events Scotland.

From workshops, plays and spooky tours to street parties, huge outdoor performances and podcasts, there will be something for everyone.

Karen Orr of RIG Arts said: "This is the first time in the last few years that we've been physically able to get people together properly so it's going to be fantastic.

"There's so much going on for everyone.

"All the shows are very much rooted in Inverclyde.

"We've been inspired by the tradition of passing magical tales and fables down through the ages, preserving traditions and bringing stories and myths back into the heart of the Inverclyde community."

The festival will kick off with a spellbinding outdoor theatre show - Ghost Caribou - at Battery Park from 5pm on Friday.

In the 10 days following the launch, people of all ages can take in a whole selection of free shows in venues across Inverclyde.

A centrepiece of the celebration will be an arts and heritage exhibition at the RIG Arts studio in Greenock.

The festival will end with street parties in Greenock, Gourock and Port Glasgow.

Karen said: "We're going to see some really cutting edge outdoor performances in spaces we wouldn't normally expect to be used.

"We've made it really accessible for people of all ages and there are so many different things going on this year.

"It's going to be a real visual spectacle.

"It's brilliant to be able to provide these events for people and to see families getting together to have fun."

To find out more about what's on visit www.galoshansfestival.com