Things are about to get spooky in Barnstaple Pannier Market this October half term!
Flourishing Barnstaple is excited to support a series of free Halloween-themed events in conjunction with Barnstaple Pannier Market, offering family-friendly fun for all ages. The events will take place from Wednesday, 30 October to Friday, 1 November, with something exciting each day to celebrate the spooky season.
On Wednesday 30 and Thursday 31 October, the Pannier Market will host pumpkin carving sessions. Visitors can purchase pumpkins from our market stall and enjoy expert carving tips from local pumpkin artist, Peter Stagg. Barnstaple Town Council will also be offering free creepy crafting sessions at the newly refurbished Guildhall, perfect for kids who love to get creative!
On Halloween itself, the Pannier Market will be transformed for a special Halloween Party from 4:30pm to 6:30pm. The event will include a fancy dress competition, disco, and a thrilling dance performance by local troupe DFA Switchframe at 5:45pm. Don’t forget to come in your spookiest costumes!
To wrap up the half-term celebrations, on Friday 1 November, there will be a free large projection screening of the popular children’s film Hotel Transylvania. The film starts at 6pm and families are encouraged to bring blankets and chairs, and settle in for an evening of entertainment.
All events are free (though pumpkins will need to be purchased for carving), but places are limited and will be allocated on a first-come, first-served basis. Please note, all children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult.
These events not only bring together the community, but also provide vital support to our local market traders. By taking part, visitors can explore the market's offerings and shop local.
Lee Baxendale, Cultural Producer at North Devon Council, said: "Our aim is to bring the community together through exciting cultural events, and what better time to do this than during Halloween? The Pannier Market is the heart of Barnstaple, and we’re thrilled to offer a range of activities that will appeal to all ages. From pumpkin carving to creepy crafts, and a family-friendly Halloween party, there’s something for everyone. We’re looking forward to seeing families enjoy these free events and make lasting memories"
These spook-tacular events are made possible by Flourishing Barnstaple, a North Devon Council initiative funded by the Cultural Development Fund and administered by Arts Council England.