Stur the Cauldron 2026
Address
The Railway Garden,Sturminster Newton,
Dorset,
DT10 1BB
Dates & Times
Overview
THE CAULDRON IS BREWING…
Something spooky is stirring in Sturminster Newton… and we’re delighted to reveal the very first glimpse of Stur the Cauldron 2026!
This Halloween, Sturminster Newton is set to Stur the Cauldron with a week of spooky, family-friendly activities culminating in a big community Halloween celebration on Saturday 31st October, from 3pm–6pm, centred around the Railway Garden and The Exchange.
The event is being brought together through collaboration between a fantastic range of local community organisations, businesses and groups. The aim is to create a fun, welcoming Halloween celebration for children, families and the wider community, while linking together activities taking place across the town during half term.
Halloween Around the Town
The spooky fun will begin in the run-up to the main event, with activities taking place around Sturminster Newton.
Youngsters will be invited to take part in a Monster Hunt, following clues displayed in shop windows around the town. Local shops will also be encouraged to get into the Halloween spirit by displaying a carved pumpkin in their windows from Wednesday 28th to Saturday 31st October.
There will also be opportunities to meet a surprise guest and friends in the town, alongside a drawing competition and links with other Halloween and half-term activities taking place locally.
The Big Halloween Event – Saturday 31st October
From 3pm to 6pm, the Railway Garden and The Exchange will be transformed into a spooky Halloween playground, packed with activities, entertainment, competitions, stalls and plenty of surprises.
The Railway Garden – 3pm–5pm
Visitors can explore a Pumpkin Patch, try their hand at Apple Bobbing, and brave the Bug Tunnel, where they can see how many creepy-crawly creatures they can spot.
The Animal & Skeleton Graveyard will offer another spooky challenge, while the Story Tent will provide something a little less frightening, with Halloween-themed storytelling and a look at the history behind Halloween from 4pm.
There will also be opportunities to meet Spooky-Boo, take spooky photographs in the Halloween Photo Booth, and visit the Haunted Sisters Cauldron Station.
A food and drink station will provide refreshments throughout the afternoon, with further details to be announced.
The afternoon will also feature a series of Halloween competitions, including the results of the drawing competition and prizes for the best fancy dress:
• 5pm: Best Kids’ Costume
• 5.15pm: Best Adult & Family Costume
• 5.30pm: Scariest Pet
• 6pm: Winners announced
The Exchange – The Bug Fest and More
Inside The Exchange, the Lower Atrium will host The Bug Fest, giving budding bug enthusiasts the chance to get up close to some fascinating creepy-crawlies. Sessions will run throughout the afternoon between 3pm and 5pm, with booking required. Arrangements to be confirmed.
There will also be plenty of hands-on activities for families, including slime making, biscuit decorating, pebble painting, face painting and scary feel boxes.
Map
The Railway Garden, Sturminster Newton, Dorset, DT10 1BB
Parking
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