Photo gallery: Fairies, witches and goblins at Fairyland Trust’s Real Halloween at Holt Hall

Family fun at the Real Halloween event, Held at Holt Hall at the weekend. Photo: Karen Bethell (Image: Archant)

Held for the fourth year running at historic Holt Hall, the Real Halloween aims to focus on the magic of autumn and encourages families to celebrate a 'non-plastic, natural Halloween'.

'I think people like the fact that we don't do anything scary, it is all about the season – the animals, the trees and the plants,' said Fairyland Trust committee member Abbie Panks.

'In terms of the events we run, this is the smallest, but, being more intimate, I think it really lends itself to the time of year.'

Youngsters, parents and grandparents from as far afield as Peterborough, Cambridge and London had a chance to take part in activities including lantern-making, clay modelling and wizard training, with other attractions ranging from storytelling, to musical mushrooms with folk duo Pennyless.

A games arena featured traditional autumn games including conkers and apple bobbing - as well as some more unusual challenges such as parsnip skittles and sugar beet shot put.

Visitors also had a chance to tuck into homemade cakes at the Crabapple café, with music provided by New Orleans-style busking band the He Hews.

Ms Panks thanked all those who had helped organise the two-day event, including a 50-strong team of Fairyland Trust members and supporters.

'People have come from as far away as Devon and London to help,' she said. 'The first day has gone amazingly well and the workshops almost sold out, which is wonderful.'

The Real Halloween, at Holt Hall, runs today from 11.30am-5pm. Tickets, which are only available via www.fairylandtrust.org, cost £10 adults, £8.50 children, under threes free. Parking is £2 per vehicle.