Pumpkin festival to kick off spooky season

Weird and wonderful pumpkin sculptures will be on show at an annual festival ahead of Halloween.

Spalding Pumpkin Festival, on Saturday, will feature free family entertainment, including a pumpkin-carving competition, live music, a seasonal market and free fairground rides.

The Lincolnshire town has previously been called Britain's pumpkin capital because millions of the fruit are grown in the area each year.

Councillor Gary Taylor, of South Holland District Council, said the event, from 11:00 to 15:00 BST, would offer families "a fun day out in the town centre".

The festival was first staged in 2002. Activities will be held in Hall Place, Sheep Market and the Market Place.

Sculptor Jonathan Nicholls will be in Hall Place carving "amazing pumpkin sculptures", according to the council.

There will be a harvest fancy dress competition, along with face painting, balloon modelling and cake decorating.

In Sheep Market, there will be free rides on a traditional carousel, a ball run challenge and vegetable critter making.

The regular Saturday Market will also be held in Market Place.

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