Gigantic Halloween monsters to take over Lincoln

Lincoln will be invaded by inflatable monsters ahead of a week of Halloween celebrations.

The 23ft-tall (7m) monsters will be taking over rooftops across the city until 1 November and will be illuminated at night so trick-or-treaters can see them after dark.

It is one of a number of Halloween events in the city centre and local parks, including parades from a "family of phantoms" along Bailgate, Eastgate and Minster Yard on Thursday.

The ghostly figures will pass through the streets "in illuminated, vibrant flowing capes, moving together like a drifting cloud", according to organiser Lincoln BIG.

The "phantoms" will set off from the Assembly Rooms at 13:30, 15:30 and 17:30 GMT.

On Friday, Waterside shopping centre will be holding a free pumpkin-picking event between 11:00 and 16:00, on a first-come, first-served basis.

Families will also be able to visit a "Monster Incubation Lab" at the Cornhill Market between Wednesday and Sunday, where children over the age of four will be invited to work with a "mad scientist" to make a pumpkin monster. The sessions will cost between £6.13 and £9.38, with visitors needing to book ahead.

Meanwhile, at Hartsholme Country Park, brave visitors can take on a creepy Halloween trail from Tuesday till Saturday.

No booking is required, but trail sheets cost £4.50 per child and can be picked up from the visitor centre between noon and 15:00.

Organisers from City of Lincoln Council have promised a "deliciously ghoulish treat" for anyone who makes it to the end.

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