A community festival is continuing to grow with record crowds, fresh attractions, and a full day of autumn fun for all ages.
The ninth Apple and Pumpkin Festival returned to Westhall on Saturday, October 3, with visitors of all ages enjoying a packed day of activities, food, and entertainment for little or no cost.
Launched in 2018, the event has become a seasonal staple in the village calendar and is organised by a dedicated team of volunteers.
The festival featured a display of tractors old and new, a restored living van, and a tractor-driven wood-splitting machine.
Crowds also enjoyed CPR training and Paramedic support, provided by EEAS Community First Responders.
Inside the village hall, visitors browsed craft stalls, homemade produce, and a seasonal artwork display by Ilkestshall St Lawrence school.
Entertainment included music from the Kitchen Band, caricatures by local artist Hugh, a tractor-pulling contest, an impressive array of locally grown pumpkins and squash, and a mouth-watering display of apples and juice courtesy of Clarke's Lane Orchard.
A new addition this year, a "doodle blackboard," proved especially popular with younger visitors.
Community groups including Westhall Table Tennis Club, Brampton Bowls, and Owlets Pre-School organised themed games and activities.
The nearby Racehorse pub also joined in the festivities, serving drinks and seasonal treats such as pumpkin soup.
The organisers said in a statement: "We love the idea that families have got somewhere to bring the kids for a fun time at minimal cost.
"The weather was very kind to us and we could have carried on until dusk with so many outside attractions to enjoy.
"We're keen to continue with this well-loved traditional event, with monies raised helping the community groups and donations to local charities and, with everyone's incredible support, we're looking forward to our 10-year anniversary next October."
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