Spooky venues across Totnes are hosting hair-raising spectacles to celebrate the scary season this Halloween.

Paul Liengaard and his NPD Circus troupe have teamed up with local artists to stage an All-Hallows’ extravaganza full of mystery, magic and superstition, in the heart of the town.

Get ready for an afternoon and evening of ghostly treats including pumpkin carving and lantern making workshops, a ghoulish procession, a journey of souls across the River Dart, spine-tingling performances, light installations, plus seasonal song, sculpture and dance.

Paul has joined forces with the historic St Mary’s and St John’s Church, the town and district councils, Jamming Station, and a host of local artists and volunteers to stage the Halloween bonanza on Sunday October 31 from 2pm to 10pm.

Circus director Paul said: “The veil is thinning and the separation between the living and other worlds is becoming blurred.

“We’re so excited to share this community event taking place in partnership with many many amazing local organisations, artists and performers.

“It’s completely free, no ticket required but we do ask that you dress up and come in costume.”

Events kick off at 2pm at St John’s Church, Bridgetown where you can make headdresses, carve pumpkins and prepare lanterns with Imajen Artworks and Participate Arts, ahead of a procession to Steamer Quay.

Gather at the Ghost Galleon at Steamer Quay between 5pm and 6.30pm where the Old Gaffers will sing sea shanties as the Goddess Styx, who forms the boundary between earth and underworld, looks on.

After some pumpkin soup catch a ride with the ferryman across the River Dart to the underworld (Vire Island) where Glorious Chorus will entertain with choral songs set against a backdrop of spooky light installations.

Then follow the Halloween trail up to The Mansion in South Street, passing through a ghost grotto and haunted alley for pizza, music, dance and insect decorating with Daisy Nursey.

As darkness falls, head for the Gathering of the Souls in St Mary’s Churchard from 8pm to 10pm where luminous installations will shine an eerie light on dance performances, circus acts, unearthly sculpture, supernatural art installations and live musicians.

And as you wander through the town don’t forget to keep an eye out for spectral decorations throughout Bridgetown and the town centre thanks to Totnes Carnival’s Halloween Window Wanderland event also taking place over the weekend.

Carnival chairwoman Claire Allford urged residents and businesses to sign up to the Window Wanderland, happening on Saturday and Sunday October 30 and 31.

“There is still time to sign your house or business up for our Halloween Window Wanderland event,” she said.

“The Mansion, Totnes Air Ambulance shop and Totnes Library are taking part, as well as houses so far this year 

“Last year we had 94 windows, so far this we have less than 20. It has cost us £150 to sign up to the special website to do this and we haven’t been able to do much fundraising over the last 18 months so it would be great if people supported this event.

“It’s completely free to sign up and to see the amazing creations.”

For more information and to sign up to be added to the route, visit www.windowwanderland.com/event/totnes-2021