4 November 2026

 

MORE than 20 local businesses participated in the Trick or Treat Trail, welcoming families into their premises, while another 15 businesses joined the celebrations through Ghostford After Dark, offering evening activities and experiences across the CBD.

 

With vacant shopfront decorated and lit up will operating businesses opened their doors, the lucky ticket holders received a secret map location visiting businesses they didn’t even know existed in the CBD. The response extended well beyond the event itself, with hundreds of families taking to social media to share their delight, celebrate the experience and express their enthusiasm for seeing Gosford come alive. The comments and community response have reflected something bigger than a successful Halloween event: a renewed sense of pride in what Gosford can offer.

 

With brass band playing, flashmobs, Newcastle University makers space in the plaza, what began with an initial estimate of around 100 participants quickly grew into a sold-out event, demonstrating the appetite for inclusive, family-friendly experiences in the heart of the city. The Trick or Treat Trail reached capacity, but the wider community was still encouraged to visit Gosford, enjoy the decorated shopfronts, costumes and entertainment at William Street Plaza, and experience the atmosphere throughout the CBD.

 

Ghostford brought together local businesses, families, volunteers and the broader community in a shared celebration. It demonstrated the value of coordinated precinct activity, giving businesses an opportunity to participate in something larger than their individual storefronts and giving families a reason to explore Gosford.

Juan Iocco, Chair of Gosford Strip Precinct, said the community response had been particularly encouraging.

 

"We wanted to create something that brought families into Gosford, gave local businesses a reason to get involved and reminded people that our CBD can be a fantastic place to spend time. The response has been incredible. Seeing hundreds of families sharing their experiences and expressing how much they enjoyed Gosford is just as rewarding as the turnout itself.

 

"This is what revitalisation looks like. It is not just about infrastructure or investment. It is about creating reasons for people to come together, supporting the businesses already here and building a stronger connection between our community and its city."

 

Ghostford is one of three major activations being delivered by Gosford Strip Precinct through its $120,000 NSW Government Uptown Grant.

 

The success of Ghostford provides a strong foundation for future community events and demonstrates what can be achieved when local businesses and the community work together.

 

Gosford is not waiting for people to discover what its CBD could become. It is creating reasons for them to visit, participate and feel proud of it.

Name (First & Last):

Email:

Submitting Form...

The server encountered an error.

Subscription received.

SUBSCRIBE