With 2,500 pumpkins spoken for and the new 'Muncaster Express' starting its debut journey, the celebrations at this year's Halloween Family Festival held at the Muncaster Castle and Gardens from October 26 to November 3 kicked off with a bang at the weekend.
![It's a brilliant event for both young and old.]()
It's a brilliant event for both young and old. (Image: Muncaster Castle) Over the Halloween period guests are invited to visit the castle and take on a number of family-fun activities, including stepping into The Weapons Hall for taster sessions in medieval combat skills with a Halloween twist, enjoying the spectacle of giant, eerie puppets, and the Vampire Vanquisher Trail, where guests venture into the gardens, follow the clues, discover hidden items, and put their wits to the test to defeat the vampire.
![Pumpkin picking has been a real hit for guests this year.]()
Pumpkins have been a real hit for guests this year. (Image: Muncaster Castle) The Halloween Festival so far the castles owners say has been the 'biggest and best' to date, with booked out dates and a full weekend being the feature of this year.
The festival will take a spookier turn later this week, when the castle takes on 'Scarecaster' - a 'spine-chilling, adults-only fright fest, where nightmares reign' over three nights at the castle.
![Festival goers getting off the Muncaster Castle ghost train]()
Festival goers getting off the Muncaster Castle ghost train (Image: Muncaster Castle) Ewan Frost-Pennington, general manager at Muncaster Castle said: "Halloween is our biggest festival at Muncaster, and this year is proving to be the biggest and best yet.
"With all 2,500 pumpkins spoken for, Van Helsing’s Slayer Academy set up in the Weapons Hall, and The Muncaster Express making its debut journey, there’s a lot for families to enjoy.
![It was costumes all round at the festival.]()
It was costumes all round at the festival. (Image: Muncaster Castle) "My dad has taken on the role of Count Dracula in the Dracula Castle Show, which has been a real highlight, if a little embarrassing for me!
"We’re excited to see so many people here and look forward to the rest of the week and our super scary Scarecaster events on the evenings of 31st, 1st and 2nd.
"Do pre-book in advance as some days are selling out".
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