Families enjoy a successfully spooky festival

The Halloween Pumpkin Festival at Bells Gardening Outlet got off to a scarily successful first weekend with two sell-out days.
Family pumpkin event at Bells Garden Centre. Danni Dalton and Darren Glan with Chloe Dalton 6 and Lexi Levitt 9. EMN-201019-102947005Family pumpkin event at Bells Garden Centre. Danni Dalton and Darren Glan with Chloe Dalton 6 and Lexi Levitt 9. EMN-201019-102947005
Family pumpkin event at Bells Garden Centre. Danni Dalton and Darren Glan with Chloe Dalton 6 and Lexi Levitt 9. EMN-201019-102947005

Organisers were delighted with the numbers and the way everyone was supportive of changes brought in to allow social distancing and Covid-safety.

The annual festival at the Bennington business continues this weekend and into next week during the half term holiday, but anyone wanting to go is advised to get online and book soon, as the weekend is already virtually full.

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Those visiting enjoyed the chance to pick their own pumpkin, go hay bale climbing and try an obstacle course and the ever-popular Maize Maze.

Family pumpkin event at Bells Garden Centre. L-R Nova Conway 3, Margot Assenza 3 and 18-month-old Giorgo Assenza. EMN-201019-103026005Family pumpkin event at Bells Garden Centre. L-R Nova Conway 3, Margot Assenza 3 and 18-month-old Giorgo Assenza. EMN-201019-103026005
Family pumpkin event at Bells Garden Centre. L-R Nova Conway 3, Margot Assenza 3 and 18-month-old Giorgo Assenza. EMN-201019-103026005

The outlet’s Halloween Shop is also open.

Holly Bell, director of retail for the outlet, said: “Numbers were very good this weekend. It was a really lovely atmosphere on the patch and we’ve had so much positive feedback on social media.

“We also had people stopping us on the patch and saying thank you for carrying on with it and how much they’d enjoyed it.”

She said that the event brought a sense of normality to those visiting. “I think it’s because once you’re in the patch it feels pre-Covid, and there’s not many places you can go at the moment and get that,” Holly said.

Family pumpkin event at Bells Garden Centre. Ethan Stock 11 and Evie Stock 9 of Ruskington. EMN-201019-103015005Family pumpkin event at Bells Garden Centre. Ethan Stock 11 and Evie Stock 9 of Ruskington. EMN-201019-103015005
Family pumpkin event at Bells Garden Centre. Ethan Stock 11 and Evie Stock 9 of Ruskington. EMN-201019-103015005
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“Because it’s an outdoor event you don’t have to wear masks. The kids were having an absolute whale of a time.

“Everyone was really, really respectful of the situation, because we’ve had to make a few changes. We were a bit concerned about people getting there and it being different, but I have to say that everyone was fine and really supportive and lovely.”

Newly appointed events organiser at Bells Zak Woodcock said: “We had a fantastic opening weekend for our Pumpkin Patch Festival, with customers enjoying all the activities we have on offer.

“We have a lot of exciting plans looking forward.”

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