We will once again hold our popular Pumpkin Fest this Autumn and we are encouraging people of all ages to join in on the fun.

We will be holding several pumpkin-themed events on Sunday 27 October in the grounds of the hospice, Woodford Green.

Starting off the Halloween celebrations will be the Chasing Pumpkins 10k or 5k run. The route will start from Haven House at 11am and will take runners around the beautiful Highams Park lake.

In the afternoon we have our Pumpkin Plod 2k or 5k family walks through the terrain of Epping Forest. Both walks begin at 2pm, with families encouraged to arrive from 12.30pm to enjoy all the pumpkin activities. Pumpkin paraphernalia will be decorated along the route with participants encouraged to get creative and dress up in their best Halloween costumes.

This year, children will receive their very own Pumpkin Passport to complete as they undertake their journey around Pumpkin Planet.

 Katie Jones, Events Fundraising Manager at Haven House, said - Our Pumpkin Fest is a favourite fixture in our calendar and provides family-friendly Halloween fun for all ages and is an amazing way to support Haven House.

Join us for an adventure trail through the beautiful forest, with pumpkin fun, challenges and treats. Every year, we are so grateful for the continuing support of local families and are delighted to see all the fantastic pumpkin costumes.

There will be a brilliant atmosphere throughout the day with music, fun warm-ups, barbecue and lots of Halloween family fun. Ticket prices start from £7 with each family or group receiving a pumpkin to take home and carve. All participants will receive a medal and treats.

We are encouraging participants of the walks and run to raise £50 in sponsorship. Money raised will go towards our specialist services, which support seriously ill children and their families.

 To book your tickets or to find out more visit: www.havenhouse.org.uk/pumpkin-fest-weekend