South Holland Flower Queen Rebecca Rayner and her pumpkin coach led the procession of excited youngsters – many in fancy dress – and their parents around the town centre.

A fun-packed day featuring music and entertainment culminated in a fantastic fireworks display which lit up the night sky.

Events began in the morning with charity stalls on a pumpkin theme, and the smells of various pumpkin delicacies made mouths water.

There were children's games and street entertainment and a fancy dress competition with a pumpkin theme was organised by Spalding Lions for children aged four to 11.

There was also a window dressing contest where local traders competed against each other to produce the best design with a pumpkin theme.
The winner is yet to be announced.

Spalding St Paul's Primary School pupils were congratulated for being the only ones who managed to grow their own pumpkin for the weigh-in competition.

One of those behind the event is leisure and tourism development
manager Vicky Thomson, who was delighted with its success.

She said: "It went very well and it was a good event. It was good to see so many families and children coming along to enjoy themselves and getting dressed up."

Youngsters dressed up in a variety of costumes and carried carved pumpkins, which were donated to schools by grower David Bowman, during the parade.

The event also included morris dancers, The Bourne Borderers, and a group of Hungarians who were visiting the area as part of the Four Seasons Exchange Scheme.

Among the day's attractions were pumpkin-themed stalls, children's fun fair, gardeners' market and street entertainers.

Market Place came alive with the sound of music when ceilidh group The Band from County Hell and rock band Zebra took to the stage.

The winners of the fancy dress competition were under-five, Lauren Fenwick, and over-five, Annie Wakefield.

The event was sponsored by Nationwide Produce PLC and was organised by South Holland District Council with support from Spalding Welland Centenary Rotary Club.