A new festival launching at a nature reserve is aiming to get people into the autumnal spirit by championing all things pumpkins.

Pensthorpe Nature Reserve, near Fakenham, is gearing up to host its first-ever pumpkin fest over the October half-term.

With the site previously offering a smaller pumpkin carving event, this year's 10-day-long festival is scaling up the festivities.

The reserve has a new dedicated pumpkin patchThe reserve has a new dedicated pumpkin patch (Image: Pensthorpe) The reserve now has a new patch with thousands of squashes to choose from as well as several photo opportunities.

The festival will also offer a toffee apple station, marshmallow toasting and a dedicated carving barn.

READ MORE: Why this tiny Norfolk village is one of the country’s best secret spots

For younger ones, the event will have some spooky craft sessions and a themed trail around the reserve to explore.

Ben Marshall, managing director of Pensthorpe said: “We love this time of year when the season changes.

The event will have its own carving barnThe event will have its own carving barn (Image: Pensthorpe) The festival will run from October 25 until November 3The festival will run from October 25 until November 3 (Image: Pensthorpe) "We know our visitors loved the element of adding a pumpkin to their visit last year, that’s why this year we have upped the theme.

"They can even leave their creation in our new Pumpkin Creche to be looked after while they enjoy everything else we have on offer, ready to collect at the end of the day."

Tickets are available via the Pensthorpe website costing £15.95 for adults and £16.95 for children between three and 16, with under threes going free.