Wimbledon is putting on a pumpkin hunt.
South West London boroughs are offering plenty of options for anyone looking for a fun way to celebrate the spooky holiday.
From pumpkin hunts and fancy dress zumba to street markets and walking tours, SWL takes a look at some of the entertaining and light hearted events which are taking place in the area.
Wimbledon
Pumpkin Hunt
Business Improvement District ‘LoveWimbledon’ are putting on a Pumpkin Hunt which promises to be bigger and better than ever.
Beginning on Friday October 25 and finishing on Sunday November 3, the free event challenges residents to find five correct pumpkin locations to be entered into a winning prize draw.
Over 20 big and small pumpkins, some inflatable and some plastic, have been hidden around Wimbledon town centre in various locations.
With a large number of businesses involved ranging from local to big brand name companies and prizes such as a meal for four at Jimmy’s World Grill and Bar, goody bags from WH Smiths and a HMV gift voucher on offer, it’s worth keeping an eye open for the pumpkins- some of which are over a metre wide!
Danielle Cleobury, LoveWimbledon Marketing Executive, said: “LoveWimbledon hopes this event will be a fun activity for all the family whilst celebrating destinations and retailers within Wimbledon town centre.”
For more information please visit www.lovewimbledon.org
Children’s Workshops
The Polka Theatre are putting on a selection of children’s workshops over the half term for those looking to do something a little different to trick or treating this Halloween.
The workshops include ‘Halloween Scene’ where children make Halloween inspired stop frame animations, ‘Stage Fright’ where they are taught by a professional make- up artist how to create blood, wounds and scars for the stage and ‘Make a Monster’ which gives the chance to design monster themed shadow puppets.
As well as learning these practical new skills children will also be taught to use their imaginations and improvise, perform and create.
“All of which play a key role in developing the ability to problem solve, communicate, work with others and build confidence,” said Janna Feldman, Head of Creative Learning.
Spaces are limited and some of the workshops have now sold out. For more information please visit www.polkatheatre.com
Kingston Upon Thames
TheStockMKT
The successful night market will be taking place in Kingston Memorial Gardens on October 31.
Starting at 5.30pm the market will include live music, DJs, Kingston University ‘Trick or Treat’ sideshows and a pedal powered spooky cinema showing a mixture of short scary films and animations.
The market also has a huge variety of street food and drink and a plethora of arts and crafts stall traders showcasing their different products.
When asked what made the market so popular Alistair Turnham, co- founder of the StockMKT, said: “First and foremost it’s the atmosphere. The event is fun and inclusive and we get everybody from students to older people; families to foodies coming down. It’s also great value – entrance is free and the food and drink is cheaper than a night in the pub or at a restaurant and frankly they are much better.”
Haunted Walk
For the first time ever Cellar Door is offering a unique chance to discover the ghostly stories of the town on a spine- tingling guided walk.
Beginning at Market House at 6pm on the October 31, the tour will guide participants through the town’s best known areas where they will be regaled with intriguing tales of gruesome punishments, horrible hauntings, ghostly legends and the misdeeds of some of Kingston’s most infamous characters.
Tickets cost £5 per person. To book a place please visit www.kingstonfirst.co.uk/walkingtours
Croydon
Fancy dress Halloween Zumba
Anyone looking for a fun way to exercise and still enjoy Halloween should look no further. Zumba instructor Sophie Cass will be teaching a fancy dress zumba class at Warlingham Rugby Club at 8pm on the 31st.
The fun filled class will involve disco lights and a classic Halloween soundtrack including songs ‘Monster mash’ and ‘Thriller’.
Children dance for free and those taking part are free to choose any costume that they like, with prizes given out for the best one.
Halloween Hoot Bike Ride
Keen cyclists may enjoy this Halloween cycling special taking place at 7pm on Sunday 27th. At just under 10 miles, those taking part will start at Croydon Sports Arena Car Park before heading North to Ladywell. Fancy dress is encouraged!
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