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 this half term.

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

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Brick or Treat comes to the town centre on Tuesday with The Brick People to 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, October 26, 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.

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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, October 27 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. 

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

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.”

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.

Over the weekend on Saturday, October 29 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, October 29 to October 30. From Friday, October 28 until Sunday, October 30 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.