The ever-popular Spalding Pumpkin Festival will take place this weekend, celebrating local horticulture and harvest time with a vast selection of craft activities, interactive games, live entertainment and food and gift stalls for all to enjoy.
South Holland District Council has organised a jam-packed Saturday (8 October) starting at 11am in the town centre, with visitors able to take a stroll down ‘Pumpkin Street’ to see the incredible pumpkin-inspired sculptures on display from local artist Jonathan Nichols, before heading over to the main stage for live music and to shop at some of the local market stalls.
There will also be plenty for children to get involved with too, with the South Holland Centre broadcasting a one-off showing of the classic 1950’s Disney film – Cinderella at 10am, followed by the chance for children to meet the real-life Cinderella and have a picture taken with the Disney princess and her beautiful carriage!
Additionally, there will be ride-on pedal tractors for little ones, as well as a craft corner where you can decorate your own pumpkin.
Broad Street Methodist Church will also be joining in, with the opportunity to craft and relax at their coffee morning until 1pm.
Back in the town centre there will be a scarecrow competition, offering families the chance to win a group-ticket to December’s Cinderella pantomime, and goodies from fantastic market traders, the annual window display competition, street entertainment, fantastic food and lots of other games and activities on offer.
The Light Night event at Ayscoughfee Gardens, taking place on Friday (7 October), which is ticketed for safety reasons, has now sold out. For those still hoping to attend, the Council’s Communities team are operating a waiting list, which can be joined by emailing community@sholland.gov.uk with your name, number of tickets requested and an email address or contact number.
Councillor Gary Taylor, portfolio holder for communities and facilities, said: “It has been fantastic to see so many people wanting to attend and take part in this year’s Pumpkin Festival, and it looks set to be another great weekend of fun and activities for all ages. I look forward to seeing lots of people there across the two days, celebrating the District’s heritage of harvest and horticulture together.”
There will be a road closure in place for Spalding’s Market Place, Hall Place, Sheep Market and Gore Lane on Saturday 8 October from 7am till 6pm for the event to take place. The Sheep Market Car Park will be closed from 5.30pm on Friday until 6pm on Saturday.
