With Halloween and half term coinciding, what better way to keep the kids entertained than with some spooky-themed activities?
Brentwood Connected, the Business Improvement District (BID), is hosting three free Halloween events in and around Brentwood, Shenfield, and Ingatestone High Streets.
These involve face painting, mini discos and even some meet-and-greets with Halloween characters.
For more information about the events and to download trail maps, visit the Brentwood Connected website.
Hopefield Animal Sanctuary is also putting on a whole selection of Halloween activities, including a trail and pumpkin picking.
Festival of Frights - Saturday, October 26
On October 26, from 3pm to 6pm, a Festival of Frights will take place in Brentwood.
Visitors can get involved in fun Halloween activities and collect tasty treats at several exciting locations.
A trail from Ongar Road, through the High Street, and down to Kings Road will have spooky activities stationed outside businesses including Beresfords, Cafe 25a, Rossi, Superdrug, and The Peasants’ Revolt.
There will be entertainment with two Halloween Mini Discos at the Baytree Shopping Centre at 3pm and 4pm, performances from Essex students from Lorraine’s School of Dancing and Razzamataz Theatre Schools, and a Grand Finale fire performance in Crown Street.
Chicken and Frog Bookshop and Ridgewell and Boreham will also be hosting a series of spooky activities in Crown Street from 3pm to 6pm including a ‘Spooky Room’, candy floss, face painting, and Halloween games.
Natasha Radford, owner of Chicken and Frog Bookshop, said: "We are always up for a celebration at Chicken and Frog Bookshop, especially when it involves dressing up, and Halloween is an event the whole team looks forward to.
"This year is going to be even more special, with Brentwood Connected activities across the High Street area, spooky fun in Crown Street, and then the Grand Finale fire performance here at 5.30pm.
"The community always supports our events and we cannot wait to see all the outfits on show."
Shenfield Spooktacular - Thursday, October 31
On Halloween itself, from 3pm to 6pm, the Shenfield Spooktacular will take place in Hutton Road with an interactive trail experience for the whole family to enjoy.
There will be Halloween characters to meet and engage with, a performance from Razzamataz, and goodies to collect from trail locations including Green Power, Liquorice, Shenfield Wine Company, The Vault, Urban Edge, and Woody’s.
Trick or Treat Trail - Friday, November 1
On November 1, from 10am to 5pm, there will be a Trick or Treat Trail in Ingatestone High Street with Halloween characters and 12 places to visit, including Beresfords, Budgens, Co-Op, Ingatestone Community Centre, Kennadys, Patrick Green, Ravens Bakery, The Ginger Tree, The Lounge Wine Bar, and The Star Inn, to solve a spooky puzzle and collect Halloween goodies.
Families will also be able to enjoy free face painting on the day.
Costumes and fancy dress are encouraged at all Brentwood Connected Halloween events, along with something to collect all the treats on offer.
Haunted Halloween Festival - Saturday, October 26 to Sunday, November 3
Hopefield Animal Sanctuary is hosting a Haunted Halloween Festival from October 26 to November 3, from 10am to 3pm each day.
The event will feature a Trick or Treat Trail, Halloween arts and crafts, creepy crawlies, spooky character walkarounds, and a free pumpkin from the haunted barn.
Free return vouchers can be redeemed, but children wishing to participate in the Halloween activities will need to purchase a wristband for £4.
There are both indoor and outdoor activities, so the event will go ahead come rain or shine.
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