Pumpkinanza takes a Norfolk carving twist
Great Yarmouth is staging its first Pumpkinanza celebrating all things Halloween at locations across the borough for a week-long festival. - Credit: Archant
Glowing gourds carved with scenes relating to Norfolk past and present will form the spooky centrepiece of a new pumpkin-themed festival.
Aylsham artist Mik Richardson will create 23 pumpkins that will be dotted around pubs, restaurants and tourist attractions in Great Yarmouth as the town stages its first week-long ‘Pumpkinanza’ for Halloween.
Organisers hope it will add to the resort’s out-of-season offer and become an annual draw, stirring a cauldron of delights with talks, shows, competitions and ghost walks.
It is being supported by Greater Yarmouth Tourism and Business Improvement Area (GYTABIA).
Events being laid on between October 24 and November 1 include a pumpkin trail and pumpkin parade with food and craft related events going on at businessess throughout the borough.
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Among the highlights of the Autumn festival is the carving competition and fireworks display on the Golden Mile on October 28 when carved contributions will be lit by electric tea lights casting a spooky glow along the seafront.
Prizes include a short break for four at Vauxhall Holiday Park.
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Mr Richardson, who was involved in June’s Skip Art event, as well as the Maritime Festival, said: “The pumpkin carvings will be taking a different angle to the usual spooky carvings. They will show aspects of Norfolk past and present. I have produced many carvings during my time in the British forces and working overseas in the American communities during the Halloween season, so am looking forward to my Pumpkinanza pumpkin carving challenge.”
James Gray, GYTABIA director and owner of Lost World Adventure Golf, Hemsby, said: “GYTABIA is very keen to support events and activities that extend the season. I really hope the first Pumpkinanza is the start of a regular annual event in October half term.
“The pumpkin trail will encourage visitors and local residents to get around the borough, have fun and see the full range of what we have to offer in Greater Yarmouth. I would particularly like to thank Vauxhall Holiday Park for providing fantastic prizes for both the trail and pumpkin carving competition.”
Pumpkinanza leaflets, which include entry forms for the pumpkin trail and pumpkin carving competition, can be picked up at various locations including Great Yarmouth Tourist Information Centre on the seafront.
