Spooky squashes will light up Great Yarmouth seafront when a pumpkin competition puts a smile on the face of Halloween.

The family event is now looking for creative carvers to make the illuminated characters who are the stars of the show.

Pumpkinanza was launched last year and saw 70 entries for an event now hailed as Norfolk’s biggest pumpkin carving competition. The gallery of gourds is the centrepiece of an evening which also features a free fireworks display and “horrid history” tales as storytellers bring Yarmouth’s hidden heritage back to life.

The event, on Wednesday, October 26 is organised by Greater Yarmouth Tourism and Business Improvement Area Limited, whose events group chairman Lyndon Bevan said: “Halloween is a magical time for family fun and we hope our Pumpkinanza evening captures the spirit of the tradition.”

There are four age categories for the competition: Under 5, 5-10 years, 11-17 years and 18-plus, with all entrants receiving a specially-made stick of Pumpkinanza rock.

To enter download an entry form from the website www.great-yarmouth.co.uk

After designing and completing your creation bring it along to the Sea Life Centre Gardens between 4pm and 6pm. Tea lights will be provided so they can be displayed for all to enjoy.

Winners and runners-up in each category will be announced live on the Heart roadshow stage by Mayor Malcolm Bird shortly after 7pm.

There are prizes in all categories, with family passes to the Sea Life Centre and Thrigby Hall Wildlife Gardens. Adult winners also get two Classic race day tickets including afternoon tea; under 17s a family pass to Pleasurewood Hills, 5-10s a family gold pass to Joyland and under-5s a family pass to Pettits Animal Adventure Park.

There is also a Haven family short break prize for the two overall winners of the combined under-5s and 5-10 years and 11-17 years and 18-plus categories.

The “horrible histories” include stories of pirates and punishment and tales from the Tolhouse gaoler. They are told from 4.30pm to 6.30pm by Heritage Guides dressed as characters from the town’s past.

The Heart roadshow will also be on the Sea Life Centre gardens from 5.30pm until 7.30pm when a free firework display is set off.