NORTH EAST students are on hand to entertain little ghosts, ghouls and goblins this weekend, at a Halloween event for the whole family.
The Family Fright Fest returns to Lintz Hall Farm at Burnopfield on 26, 27 and 31 October, with a whole host of games and activities for little ones.
Scores of Gateshead College students will be joining the professional entertainers and adding an extra spooky touch to the event, helping out with everything from frightful face painting to scary storytelling.
Those studying a range of different courses including performing arts, media make up, production arts, digital media and early years and childcare will be entertaining families with Halloween street theatre, a selection of themed arts and crafts events and live music.
Elsewhere on the site, children can visit a wizard school where they can learn to ride a broomstick and make their own wands, pick their own pumpkin at the patch, brave a spooky maze and make the most of a range of fairground rides.
Fancy dress is strongly encouraged, with prizes for the best costume and a professional photography station to capture the moment – with the added bonus of a prize of tickets to a show of their choice at the Utilita Arena, courtesy of Metro Radio.
There will also be a huge food and drink village, showcasing a range of North East vendors, including Hatch 76, Geordie Bangers, Grillas and Parm-O-Rama.
Nigel Holliday, of 700 Acres Ltd, which organises the event in collaboration with Gateshead College and Metro Radio, is delighted to have the students involved.
“We’ve planned a whole host of activities for children to get stuck into at the Family Fright Fest and there really is something for all ages to enjoy,” said Nigel.
“We’re thrilled to have students from the college taking part in the entertainment to showcase their various talents and this really helps to keep the magic alive for the little ones.
“At the same time it gives the students who are interested in the various aspects of the performing arts as a career an opportunity to engage with a professional event.”
Deni Chambers, Assistant Principal at Gateshead College said: “This is an invaluable opportunity for our students to be involved in a live event and put the skills that they have learnt at college into practice. They are really looking forward to it and the event promises to be great fun for everyone attending.”
The Family Fright Fest offers a whole host of entertainment, including an enchanted tales tipi, a wizarding schools and arts and crafts session and takes place from 11am to 4.30pm.
Free entertainment is also part of the experience, with the main stage playing host to aerial artists, Zodiac the Illusionist and the Greatest Showman inspired show from Make It Magical.
Children under two go free, with tickets costing £7 for those aged two to 12 and £10 for anyone over the age of 13. A family pass for two adults and two children is also available, priced at £29.
Some of the attractions such as the fairground rides and the pumpkin patch have an additional cost.
For more information or to buy tickets, visit www.familyfrightfestuk.co.uk.