A Glasgow shopping centre is organising free events to help families struggling with rising costs.

The Forge in the city’s East End will host a Halloween party on October 29 and 30, and a Christmas lights switch-on in mid-November.

Jade Wilkie, marketing manager, said: “We’re all more than aware of the dire financial situation our nation is in right now.

"It’s difficult to go one day without hearing the term ‘cost-of-living crisis’. With that in mind, this year more than ever, we wanted to arrange family events that are positive, fun and, most importantly, free.”

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Live theatre and spooky characters will feature in the Halloween event, with spine-tingling performances at 10am, 11am and 12pm both days and the chance to meet the cast afterwards.

The Christmas lights switch-on weekend of November 12 and 13 will feature favourite children’s characters Peppa Pig and JJ CoComelon, plus real reindeers, free face-painting, free balloon modelling, and a live fireworks finale.

Ms Wilkie added: “Many local families simply cannot afford days out and paid attractions, so it means a lot to us to be able to do this for them.

“Of course, we’re not exempt from these price increases and the events are getting more expensive to run, but we’ll do what we can for as long as we can. Community is everything right now.”

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More details are available on The Forge’s website.