Paisley Halloween Parade 2025 – Witches, Folklore and History

The Paisley Halloween Parade has grown into one of the biggest celebrations of its kind in Scotland, drawing huge crowds into the town centre every October. With dazzling costumes, street performers and a carnival atmosphere, it’s become a highlight of Renfrewshire’s cultural calendar.

But this year, there’s an added layer of history. Just a short walk from the parade route, visitors will have the chance to step into Paisley’s darker past with a powerful new event from Paisley Tours.

The Paisley Witch Trials – Fear, Folklore and Memory

In 1697, Paisley became the site of the last mass witch hunt in Europe. Seven people were accused, tried and executed in one of the darkest chapters in Scottish history. The story has echoed through folklore ever since — from the curse of Agnes Naismith to the horseshoe at Maxwellton Cross.

This Halloween, Paisley Tours are presenting a sit-down illustrated talk, The Paisley Witch Trials: Fear, Folklore and Memory. Using rare images, archive maps and dramatic storytelling, the talk explores fear, injustice and memory in 17th-century Paisley.

Perfectly Timed with the Parade

The talks are scheduled to run before and after the Halloween Parade on Friday 24 and Saturday 25 October. That means you can enjoy Paisley’s biggest party in the streets, then step into Discover Paisley on County Place to uncover the history that still haunts the town.

Friday 24 October – 4:30pm & 8:30pm

Saturday 25 October – 4:30pm & 8:30pm

Limited Tickets

Each session is capped at just 25 seats, creating an intimate and atmospheric setting. In the first 24 hours, more than 30 tickets were already booked — so early booking is essential.

🎟️ Book your place here

Why This Matters

The witch trials are a key part of Paisley’s identity, but they sit alongside other stories that deserve equal attention — the legacy of the Coats and Clarks thread mills, the legal case of Margery Bruce, the role of William Wallace, and the royal burials in Paisley Abbey. Together, these threads make Paisley one of Scotland’s richest historical towns.

Events like the Halloween Parade and Paisley Tours’ illustrated talks are helping to bring those stories to wider audiences, supporting the town centre economy and putting Paisley back on the cultural map.