Pumpkin fest fun fills market place

There were a whole host of family activities as well as a stock of pumpkins to pick from in what was a successful half-term event on Saturday (October 24) in readiness for Halloween.

Neighbouring businesses took part, such as the Sleaford Funhouse which had their own scare fest and there were popular craft activities and colouring contest at Sleaford Library.

You could grab a selfie with the Wyvern and join in the Widdershins Witch Hunt at Cogglesford Mill.

Councillor Richard Wright, Leader of North Kesteven District Council, was at the pumpkin fest and said: “The event went amazingly well despite the challenging weather conditions. I was there at the start and it was great to see the youngsters lining up to get their entry forms for the scarecrow trail competition and to see so many families appearing as soon as the event was open.

“We saw a strong turnout from the start, with all 240 pumpkins claimed by early afternoon. Every visitor who received a pumpkin completed the trail visiting all seven participating businesses, helping to drive footfall through to the town centre.

“Between 11am and 3pm on the event day, footfall in Sleaford Market Place was recorded as 486. Compared with the average footfall of 160 during the same period across the previous three Saturdays, this represents a 204 per cent increase.

“We were pleased to deliver the full programme of activities, although some had to be scaled back or brought forward, later in the day due to the storm. We are also delighted to have already received some great feedback from visitors.”