There will be ghoulish goings-on at the Curraghs Wildlife Park on Saturday 31st October when the annual Halloween Spooktacular takes place.

The event, at the start of schools’ autumn half term, promises creepy crafts, gory games and freaky face-painting plus many more attractions.

Children wearing fancy dress will be admitted free.

All the park’s attractions, including the Enchanted Wood play area, mini diggers, jumping pillow and the cafe, will be open. The miniature railway, run by the Manx Steam and Model Engineering Club, will have regular departures.

The park is running the event with charity Crossroads Care, which will benefit from the proceeds of a treasure hunt and crafts.

David Cretney MLC, Member of the Department of Environment, Food and Agriculture with responsibility for the park, said: ‘The Spooktacular promises a fun-filled day out for all the family, with extra attractions so even our frequent visitors will have something new to enjoy.’

Admission to the event is ?9 for adults and ?6 for children not wearing fancy dress (?2.20 for children aged two and under). Tickets can be booked online via the website www.curraghswildlifepark.im/ or purchased at the gate.

The park’s summer opening hours – 10am-5pm daily (last admission 4pm) – will continue throughout half term.

From Monday 9th November, the park reverts to its winter opening hours – 10am-4pm (last entry 3pm) on Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays and school holidays.

You can follow the park on Facebook via Curraghs Wildlife Park and Twitter via @LizWildlifePark.