Doncaster shopping centre forced to change Halloween plans after town put into Tier 3 lockdown

Lakeside Village hoped to host a Monsters Ball trail on October 31, when there was going to be storytelling, a party where guests could make their own paper pumpkins, dancing skeletons and four ‘spooky themed areas’.

Doncaster and the rest of South Yorkshire was put into the highest restrictions last Saturday and is expected to remain there for more than 28 days.

A spokesman from Lakeside Village speaking about the revised plans said: “We’ll still have visits from Dracula, Mavis, Maleficent and Mr and Mrs Pumpkin throughout the day to add a spooky atmosphere to the centre and our special visitors will be giving out pumpkins and carving kits to families for free.

"Our special guests will be popping up across the centre and will be happy to see all of our young shoppers and hope to bring a spooky smile to your faces with their pumpkin gifts.

“We’re sorry it’s not the Monster’s Ball that we had planned but we need to ensure that we are all working together to stem the spread of the virus.

“We hope you can make the most of your free family pumpkin and don’t forget to post a picture on our Facebook page of your carving, you never know, you could win a prize.”

The centre has safety measures in place including a one-way system, extra cleaning and sanitising stations, while face coverings must be worn inside.

The spooky visitors will be onsite at Lakeside Village on October 31 from 11am.

All of the public parks in Doncaster that have won Green Flag Awards that you should visit for a time out

In these confusing and worrying times, local journalism is more vital than ever. Thanks to everyone who helps us ask the questions that matter by taking out a subscription or buying a paper. We stand together. Nancy Fielder, editor.