A giant inflatable figure from the film Ghostbusters has appeared on a residential street in West Derby, attracting local attention. The display is part of a family's elaborate Halloween decorations and serves as a fundraiser for a Liverpool-based charity supporting young people's mental health.
The character, the Stay-Puft Marshmallow Man, was installed on Spring Grove, but the family has confirmed it will be temporarily taken down before making a full return in the week leading up to Halloween.
Key Takeaways
- A large inflatable Stay-Puft Marshmallow Man is on display in West Derby.
- The decoration is part of a family's Halloween celebration on Spring Grove.
- It aims to raise money for YPAS, a Liverpool youth mental health charity.
- The figure is scheduled to reappear for public viewing from October 25.
A Surprising Sight in West Derby
Residents in West Derby have been discussing the appearance of a very large, white inflatable figure on Spring Grove. The character has been identified as the Stay-Puft Marshmallow Man, a well-known figure from the 1984 film Ghostbusters.
The giant inflatable is the centerpiece of a local family's annual Halloween display. Its sudden appearance has generated conversation among neighbours and passers-by, many of whom have stopped to take photographs of the unusual sight.
While a popular attraction, the family has announced the character is currently "having a rest." This temporary removal is to ensure it is in perfect condition for the main Halloween festivities.
Supporting a Vital Local Cause
Beyond its role as a festive decoration, the display has a more serious purpose. The family is using the public's interest in the giant marshmallow man to raise funds and awareness for a local charity.
The chosen organisation is YPAS, which stands for Young Person's Advisory Service. Based in Liverpool, YPAS provides a wide range of support services and therapeutic interventions for children, young people, and families to help them cope with mental health and emotional wellbeing difficulties.
About YPAS
The Young Person's Advisory Service (YPAS) is a charitable sector organisation that has been operating in Liverpool for over five decades. It offers free, accessible, and confidential support for young people aged 5 to 25, as well as their families. Services include counselling, psychotherapy, and general support on a variety of issues affecting mental health.
The family hopes that visitors who enjoy the display will consider making a donation to support the charity's work in the local community. Information on how to donate is expected to be available when the display is fully reinstalled.
The Return of the Marshmallow Man
For those who have missed seeing the figure, the family has provided a clear timeline for its return. The Stay-Puft Marshmallow Man is scheduled to be re-inflated and on full display from October 25.
This timing is intended to coincide with the main week of Halloween celebrations, allowing families and children to see the display in the days leading up to October 31st.
The decision to temporarily remove the inflatable ensures it remains a special attraction for the peak Halloween period, building anticipation within the local community.
Ghostbusters Cultural Impact
The Stay-Puft Marshmallow Man first appeared in the 1984 movie Ghostbusters. Despite being a destructive force in the film's climax, the character's comical and non-threatening appearance has made it an enduring and popular culture icon, especially around Halloween.
Community Spirit and Festive Fun
The initiative on Spring Grove highlights a growing trend of elaborate home decorations for seasonal events like Halloween. Many families across Liverpool now create detailed displays for their neighbours to enjoy.
This particular display combines festive fun with community spirit, turning a simple decoration into a positive force for a local charity. The family's effort demonstrates how individual creativity can be used to support important services within the city.
As Halloween approaches, it is expected that more homes across the region will showcase their own creative and spooky displays, contributing to a festive atmosphere for local residents and families.