Thousands of pumpkins have transformed the grounds of Groot-Bijgaarden Castle near Brussels into a colourful autumn wonderland for the annualPumpkimania festival. This year's theme,“The Magic of the Forest”, features** towering sculpturesof foxes, owls and deer covered in pumpkins of every shape and size, sourced from Belgium, Germany and Portugal**.
The star attraction is a giant pumpkin weighing 772 kilograms, grown for the castle's traditional weigh-off on 26 September. Visitors can also watch** giant pumpkins being turned into makeshift kayaks** for rides across the castle lake.
Organisers expect around 50,000 visitors before the festivalcloses on 1 November. Families can take part in** pumpkin-carving workshops at weekends**, while the** Halloween programmewill see the castle open daily until 7pm from 24 October**. The festivities will end with a** giant pumpkin-smashing event**.
Despite a difficult growing season following a hot summer, the displays have filled the estate with thousands of pumpkins. Located inDilbeek, about 10 kilometres from central Brussels, the festival costs**€16 for adults** and**€9 for children aged 5 to 14**, with free entry for younger children.