Pumpkins and Scarecrows Invade Castle Ward

Pumpkinfest is back! The hugely popular autumn spectacular returns to Castle Ward, Downpatrick, on Saturday 18 and Sunday 19 October.

Over 3,000 plump pumpkins are being grown, ready for delivery to the National Trust property, situated on the shores of Strangford Lough, for the annual festival that attracts crowds from across counties Down and Antrim.

Choose your favourite pumpkins, scoop out the insides and draw on your own unique designs before handing them to expert carvers to complete the perfect  pumpkin for you.

Create your own unusual and exciting scarecrow to enter the scarecrow pageant, which is sponsored by O2.

Scarecrows can be big and beautiful, small and elegant, themed or traditional, and should be dropped off at the sign-posted pageant location between 10am and 3pm for registration, ahead of judging.

Prizes for the scarecrow pageant are awarded in two categories each day; Under 12s, and Over 12s to Adult. Tags should be attached to scarecrows with the name, age and telephone number of the person entering  the competition.

Castle Ward’s 18th century mansion also plays host to the witch’s spooky cellar, where young and old can explore a world of eerie magic.

Live music is provided by Lawrence T & The Wolfmen and Cup O’Joe on Saturday, and Matt McCrum on Sunday.

Other activities running across the weekend include organic pumpkin soup sampling, an autumn trail, horse and carriage rides (weather permitting) and free-flow mansion tours from 12pm to 5pm (ground floor only, last entry 4pm).

Phil’s Farm is on site giving you the opportunity to get up close and personal with a range of farm and exotic animals, while children can also enjoy the adventure and woodland playgrounds, Victorian children’s playroom, and the Barn with its indoor and outdoor play areas.

Castle Ward’s resident crafters are displaying their work in the Farmyard area with the chance to buy handcrafted items direct from the makers, while the tea room, gift shop and second-hand book shop are also open.

A wide range of vendors offer themed hot food, tasty treats and crafts with an autumn twist.

Normal National Trust admission charges apply, while entry for members is free. If you become a member of the National Trust on the day you receive free admission  to the event.

For regular event updates on Pumpkinfest see www.nationaltrust.org.uk/castleward , www.facebook.com/NTCastleWard and follow CastleWardNT on Instagram .