Visitors to Basingstoke town centre can meet Shrek and Princess Fiona, build a Lego vehicle to race and watch as Market Place is transformed into a Jurassic Playground for dinosaurs and dino babies this half-term.

On Monday 24 October, children can meet and have a photo taken with Shrek, Princess Fiona and Donkey as characters from Basingstoke Amateur Theatrical Society (BATS) warm up for Shrek the Musical, being performed at the Haymarket Theatre in November.

Also from Monday, the frightfully free family trail launches offering the chance to reveal creatures in augmented reality. Along the trail visitors can try on selfie masks and make story choices to find out what happens next while exploring the town centre with www.HighStreetSafari.com.

Brick or Treat comes to the town centre on Tuesday with The Brick People challenge residents to build a vehicle to race down the Lego-built trackway, take part in speed building challenges or build a pumpkin. The action gets underway at 11am.

On Wednesday 26 October, children aged between seven and 12 can create their own comic book with comic artist Kevin Sutherland. Places are limited, so booking is essential by emailing towncentre@basingstoke.gov.uk.

Also on Wednesday, Bubbles Man of Basingstoke will be mesmerising people in Cross Street, from 11am. He will have a variety of bubble wands to entertain people of all ages.

On Thursday 27 October Market Place will be transformed into a Jurassic Playground. Scary dinosaurs will be roaming around with their dino babies and children can take part in fossil clay crafts.

From 10am on Thursday Robin Media Creative will be leading workshops to make a film in five hours. Children can try everything from pitching an idea to filming, and the learning about the different roles involved. There are two workshops running until 3pm open to ages 12 to 15 and 16 to 19. Places are limited so email towncentre@basingstoke.gov.uk to book.

At The Malls on Thursday from 11am shoppers can join the Jack O’Lantern Halloween workshop to make a Halloween lantern.

On Friday from 11am visitors to Market Place will find some spooky arts and crafts, where they will be able to create magic scrolls, potions and pumpkins with local artists.

On Saturday 29 October creepy Frankenstein and his Bride will be seen on stilts as they strut through The Malls.

In Festival Place the Halloween fun continues in THAT gallery from Sunday 23 to Sunday 30 October. From Friday 28 October until Sunday 30 October Children can join the School of Spells inside a magical castle in Porchester Square, where they can take a flight on a broomstick and make a unique magic wand.

Leader of Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council Cllr Simon Bound said: “We hope that residents and visitors will have a fang-tastic Halloween with all free activities to enjoy this half term for all ages across the town centre.

“Please come along and have some fun as there really is something for everyone, from arts and crafts, workshops and much more to get in the Halloween spirit.”

For the most up-to-date information on times and activities, visit www.lovebasingstoke.co.uk or follow @LoveBasingstoke on Facebook and Instagram and @LoveBstoke on Twitter. The website will be regularly updated as more activities are confirmed.

ENDS