MORE than 100 scarecrows and 1,700 pumpkins will theme the month-long Halloween festival at West Midland Safari Park.

Spooky Spectacular, now in its sixth year, will open to visitors on Saturday (October 3) and new attractions this season will include dinosaurs illuminated after dark and a spell writing competition.

There will be specially themed live shows – all with new storylines – and animal encounters galore. Visitors will get the chance to join in with the Tale of Baron Snakenstein, Close Encounter of the Furry Kind, Ghastly Goblins and Creepy Critters, along with the Sea Lion, the Witch and the Waterhole.

To add to the atmosphere there will be some memorable characters to meet as well, such as Winnie the Witch, Goblins Zanzy Bog and Feezle, and Werewolves Lychan and Lupin.

Throughout the entire event, staff will be dressed in all kinds of guises to capture the essence of this spooky time of the year, and as the daylight fades, that is the time when the creepiest of all spooks are released. Visitors are also encouraged to dress up and take part in the Halloween season.

There are creepy competitions and eerie hands-on activities for the entire family to take part in which the chance of winning one of a variety of safari-inspired prizes.

An all new children’s activity booklet filled with puzzles, games and an exciting scarecrow hunt is the perfect way for even the youngest of spooks to enjoy the season. It is ghoulishly good fun for half term and takes in the creepiest of all days that is Halloween.

Opening hours will be extended until 9pm on weekends and during October half term throughout the Discovery Trail, Land of the Living Dinosaurs and the Theme Park, with the event finishing on Sunday, November 1.

More information and ticket booking is available from wmsp.co.uk.