VISITORS to Basingstoke town centre can mix a magic potion, get creative during a slime workshop and join in lots more Halloween-themed arts and crafts during the October half term.

On Monday, October 23, Pots2Paint will be in Market Place giving visitors the chance to paint their own pottery, which will then be fired and can be collected at a later date.

Spaces for this activity are limited, so those wishing to join in should visit the Love Basingstoke website to book a one-hour slot to avoid disappointment.

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Artists Rachel Davis and Jacky Purtill will also be leading some spooky-themed party decoration-making between 11am and 3pm in Market Place.

In Cross Street, children will be able to enjoy an exciting adventure of mischief and magic as part of interactive storytelling sessions with Routine Riots, which feature singing, dancing and drama on Tuesday, October 24. Sessions will take place on the hour between 11am and 2pm.

Aspiring alchemists will get the chance to mix and match different coloured bath dust powders to create a magical, fizzing, potion to empty into their next bath on Tuesday in Cross Street. Visitors can drop in any time between 11am and 3pm and get mixing with local company See Scents.

In Market Place, shoppers will speed across the solar system and beyond as part of a pop-up outdoor planetarium between 11am and 3pm.

With her box of tricks, Madam Pumpkin will be appearing across the Top of the Town throughout the day. Visitors can guess the creepy object, take a photo and collect a sticker.

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On Wednesday, October 25, children can follow Felicity Featherstone’s Potion Trail, searching the Top of Town to help the witch rebuild her library, between 11am and 3pm. The trail is perfect for those aged eight and under but potion hunters should be dressed for the weather.

Arts and crafts enthusiasts are also in for a treat on Wednesday as local artist Junk Jodie will be leading some Halloween recycled make and take sessions. These will take place on London Street between 11am and 3pm.

On Thursday, October 26, treasure hunters can pick up a map for the Multiply Trail starting at Market Place. Hunters taking part need to find the clues around the Top of Town to work out the answer.

There will also be more arts and crafts with local artist Louise Hight. Visitors to Market Place can have a spooktacular time creating tree hanging witches, ghosts and spooky beasties, between 11am and 3pm.

In the run-up to Diwali, those looking for something different can find a combination of puppets, drama and music which will bring stories on the theme of light to life on Thursday with storyteller Lizzy Price.

She will be in Market Place at 11am, 12noon, 1pm and 2pm. Kala The Arts will also be performing and running some arts and crafts activities.

On Friday, October 27 visitors to War Memorial Park will be able to pick up a trail map from The Orchard Community Café for the BVA Pumpkin Trail. From there they can find the hidden pumpkins and return to the café for a treat. The trail can be started from 11am until 2pm.

Getting into the Halloween spirit with some messy fun, children can get creative as part of the Creation Station's slime workshops. With space on the workshops limited, those wishing to join in should visit the Love Basingstoke website to book one of the seven slots. Workshops take place from 11am until 2.30pm in Market Place.

For face painting, visitors can head to Market Place from 11am to 3pm where they will find Routine Riots offering eye-catching transformations.

Cabinet member for sports, leisure and culture Cllr Kerry Morrow said: “There are lots of free activities for families in the town centre this half term, from arts and crafts to a virtual exploration of the universe.

“Whether you want to search for pumpkins in War Memorial Park, enjoy an interactive storytelling session or something messier, keep an eye on the Love Basingstoke social media channels for the latest updates.”

For the most up-to-date information on times and activities, visit LoveBasingstoke.co.uk or follow @LoveBasingstoke on Facebook and Instagram and @LoveBstoke on X, formerly known as Twitter.

The website will be regularly updated as more activities are confirmed.