Visitors to Oakham Castle can look forward to a host of seasonal events and activities in the coming weeks, including the return of Rutland's popular Fairtrade Christmas market.

Councillor Lucy Stephenson, Cabinet Member for Culture and Leisure at Rutland County Council, says: "Oakham Castle is a truly unique building and one of the most popular free visitor attractions in our area. Now is a fantastic time to visit the Castle, with a wonderful line-up of fun, family-friendly events planned. Don't miss out. Stay up-to-date with the events that are coming up – many of which are free to enjoy."

Time: 4.00pm until 6.00pm

Booking: £2 per person entrance fee

The High Witch of Oakham will be at the Castle for this haunted Halloween event. Familiarise yourself with the latest potions in fashion and learn about the magical current affairs making the news – such as the recent broomstick speed restrictions. Then have fun creating your own spooky spiders and menacing masks. Prizes will be awarded for the best dressed witches and wizards – so make sure your outfit befits the occasion. Witches and warlocks of all ages welcome and face painting available.

Time: 10.00am until 1.00pm

Booking: No need to book for this drop-in event. £2 per lantern for cost of materials

Join in the lantern making workshop with Root and Branch Out CIC (the local Forest School providers). Then make your own lantern – which can be used at the Magical Lantern Walk on 10th November. All materials provided.

Time: 4:40pm

Booking: Free event, no need to book

Gather at All Saints Church for a wonderful lantern walk through the town before finishing at Oakham Castle in front of the Great Hall.

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Time: 7.00pm until 9.00pm

Booking: £15 per person, includes refreshments

Learn the fine art of needle felting, then put your skills into action as you create your own adorable felted penguin.

Time: 10.00am until 3.00pm

Booking: Admission is free, no booking required.

The popular Rutland Fairtrade Christmas Market returns with a variety of stalls offering an assortment of ethically traded products from around the world. This is a great opportunity to stock up on thoughtful gifts for Christmas, including festive decorations, food and clothes, as well as toys, hand-made crafts and aromatherapy products. Also available will be Fairtrade refreshments, homemade cakes and wine tasting from the Co-op Fairtrade range. Through buying Fairtrade products, visitors to the Christmas Market will be helping producers in some of the world's poorest countries to use trade as a means of improving their living standards.

To find out more about Oakham Castle and book tickets for special events, please go to the Oakham Castle website: www.oakhamcastle.org.