Hundreds of glowing pumpkin lanterns have taken over east London

Did you notice anything different about Dalston this weekend? If you happened to have been passing the Eastern Curve Garden you might have spotted a seriously spooky sight: 1,200 carved pumpkin lanterns glowing in the darkness. 

The ghoulish gourds are being lit each night for the rest of October as part of the Dalston Pumpkin Lantern Festival, an annual celebration timed to coincide with Halloween. Lovingly carved by children, young people and adults, the designs range from creepy faces to moons and stars, and abstract shapes. 

The gardens themselves have been dressed with glowing spiders’ webs to get everyone in the mood, while food comes courtesy of sourdough wizards Latto’s. Pumpkins and pizza – what’s not to love? 

The pumpkins are in place until October 31, so there’s still time to catch them. (If you’re missing out, don’t worry: they’ll almost certainly be back next year, as part of the garden’s tenth birthday celebrations.) There’s no charge for entry, although donations are appreciated. 

The sessions run from 6pm to 9pm – we’d recommend getting there early, as it can turn into a bit of a, erm... squash. 

Here’s how to make the most of pumpkin season in London.

These are the best autumn day trips from London.