Spalding’s annual Pumpkin Festival is returning this autumn with pumpkin sculptures, creative activities, competitions and seasonal market attractions planned across the town centre.
The event will take place on Saturday, October 3, from 11am to 3pm. Visitors can expect attractions in Spalding town centre, with Hall Place and Sheep Market among the key locations for the day.
Competitions and activities at Hall Place
Jonathan Nicholls will return with his pumpkin sculptures, giving visitors another chance to see his large-scale creations. People aged over 13 can also enter the pumpkin decorating competition, which will be judged at Hall Place at 1.30pm.
Families and other visitors will have several craft and entertainment options during the festival. Transported Arts will run pumpkin-themed craft activities, while Lincs66 will provide balloon modelling and Cook Stars will host biscuit decorating.
A Harvest Fancy Dress competition will be judged at Hall Place at 12.30pm, giving visitors an earlier competition to take part in before the pumpkin decorating judging.
Market activities and town-centre displays
Sheep Market will feature seasonal stalls and events alongside the usual Saturday market. The programme is intended to bring an autumn theme to the town centre while supporting the regular market activity.
Spalding businesses are also being invited to take part in a Pumpkin Festival Window Display competition. The competition is being run by the Spalding Business Improvement District, with entries to be judged in large, medium and small display categories.
There will also be highly commended awards and a people’s choice award. Local people will be invited to choose the window display they like best.
Deadline for businesses
Businesses wishing to enter have been asked to email [email protected] or call Rachel on 07386 446232 by September 25. Displays must be ready for judging by October 2.
“We are encouraging businesses in the town centre to get involved to help make the town feel really festive and attractive throughout October.”
Spalding BID manager Sarah Fletcher said the competition would help create a festive atmosphere beyond the festival day itself. She also outlined the public voting element of the competition.
“Any business interested in entering need to email [email protected] or calling Rachel on 07386 446232 by September 25, their window display needs to be ready for judging by October 2. Competition entries will be judged against large, medium and small window displays with winners and ‘highly commended’ awards. We are also going to have a people’s choice award, inviting local people to tell us which window they like the best.”
With activities running from late morning through the afternoon, the October 3 festival will combine competitions, crafts, entertainment and seasonal market events in Spalding town centre.
