A GIANT illuminated spider stalked its way through the streets of Basingstoke followed by a troop of the undead last week.

The apocalypse had not been confined to the town, but instead hundreds of people filled the street to witness the annual Day of the Dead celebrations.

Organised by Proteus Theatre Company on behalf of Basingstoke Together and Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council, the Top of The Town was transformed with dancing ghouls accompanied by Mariachi musicians on Friday, 27 October.

The vibrant parade started in Wote Street, where the giant spider rose, before making its way to Market Place where onlookers where invited to join in the dancing.

This is the third year that the traditional Mexican holiday has been celebrated in the town, and even Basingstoke’s favourite author got involved, with the bronze Jane Austen statue outside the Willis Museum decorated in traditional Mexican dress.

Mary Swan, chief executive at Proteus said: “It’s all about celebrating those we’ve lost and embracing the life we have – what could be better?”

The event offered plenty of fun for everybody, with art and craft activities and ethnic street food throughout the day with the parade the showpiece of the evening.

See this week's Gazette for the pictures in the gallery in print.