Mansfield town centre is set to be a hive of activity over the coming weeks with specialist markets and free activities.

Up first is the Halloween hunt during October half-term, which runs from 11am to 2pm on the Market Place, until Saturday. Families can search the market stalls for spooky characters and collect certificates and treats.

The activity, aimed at children aged three to 14, aims to enhance the shopping experience by providing the ‘fun factor’ to keep children entertained while adults shop and browse the market stalls.

On Saturday, 28 October, from 11am to 2pm, the Halloween theme continues with a free outdoor screening of the family-friendly film, Hotel Transylvania 2.

Meanwhile the Continental Market is currently running daily until Sunday, in West Gate, from 9am to 5.30pm. Peruvian crafts, Jamaican street fashion, bath bombs and garden furniture, as well as a wide selection of specialty foods, are on sale, in addition to the regular market.

At each of the events the public can also support the council’s Poppy Parade project by sponsoring a knitted poppy and attaching it to camouflage netting.

The poppy display will be hung from the Old Town Hall ahead of Remembrance Day on Sunday, 12 November and all money raised will be donated to the Royal British Legion.

In November, there will be another chance to find some unusual festive gifts at two specialist markets in the town centre: the Artisan and Craft Market on Sunday, 5th November, from 10am to 3pm, and the International Mini Market on Wednesday, 8th November, from 10am to 4pm.

Coun Dave Saunders, Portfolio Holder for Regeneration and Growth at Mansfield District Council, said: “There is plenty going on in Mansfield town centre over the next few weeks so be sure to head to town with the family and support your local market.”

To find out more about the market visit www.mansfieldmarket.co.uk