Spalding’s hugely-popular Pumpkin Festival takes place on Friday with organisers promising another spectacular day out.
The festivities – which have been a popular diary date for more than a decade – are organised by South Holland District Council, sponsored by Spalding firm David Bowman Pumpkins Ltd and supported by the Spalding and Welland Rotary Club, Spalding Lions, Tulip Radio and Transported.
Coun Gary Taylor, portfolio holder for community, said: “The festival is one of the highlights of our events calendar and always proves an enjoyable experience for people of all ages.
“I’m sure that this year’s event will be no exception and we look forward to welcoming many visitors.”
Local schools and groups are encouraged to take part in the build-up and festival itself.
David Bowman, who is Europe’s largest producer of pumpkins, has donated thousands of the fruit to schools and pupils can carve and decorate them before taking their creations along to the big day.
This year, music, costumes and dancers will add a fun carnival feel to the festival.
Transported and South Holland District Council have invited Caribbean Carnival arts company EMCCAN to create large scale carnival costumes and lanterns with John Harrox Primary School of Moulton and Spalding High School.
Visitors will be able to go to the Transported stand from 11am until 6pm to make their mark on the large pumpkin-themed banner.
Families can join the festivities in front of the stage at 4.30pm to enjoy interactive, scientific stage entertainment provided by ‘Mad Science’.
From 5.20pm the popular fancy dress competition takes place, where one lucky winner will lead the enchanting lantern parade in the magical pumpkin coach.
Entrants are asked to make sure their outfit reflects the event’s theme of pumpkins, harvest, orange and green.
There will also be a Samba band within the parade with dancers from the local schools and Elite group in Spalding. The procession will meet in Sheep Market for 6.20pm and set off 10 minutes later.
The festival will also feature a variety of daytime entertainment from 11am, including a charity market, activities and competitions.
Craft workshops by ‘Creation Station’ will enable visitors to produce a piece of pumpkin-themed artwork to wear, carry or wave in the parade.
The Transported team will be making lanterns during the day for the parade. Visitors will also be entertained by the antics of ‘Balloonatic’ and the ‘Flame Guys’.
In the evening, there will be live music from Revolver and singer Dennis Hannant.
With pumpkins taking centre stage, there will be cooking demonstrations throughout the day, giving visitors a chance to pick up recipes and cooking tips for soups, hotpots and cakes.
The climax of the night is a spectacular fireworks display from the top of the South Holland Centre at 7.30pm.
The following roads in Spalding will be closed between 11am and 10pm on Friday due to the Pumpkin Festival: Bridge Street, Market Place, Hall Place, Sheep Market, The Crescent, Priory Road, Haverfield Road, London Road, High Bridge, Broad Street, Red Lion Street, Station Street, Spring Gardens. Local diversion routes and access arrangements will be signposted.
