American themed market as families invited to take part in Swaffham Halloween fun

There will be a special theme for a town centre market this weekend to coincide with Halloween half-term.

Market traders and shopkeepers in Swaffham will be decking their stalls and shop windows with stars, stripes and spooky Halloween themed decorations.

The 'Stars and Stripes American themed day' was thought up by town councillor Lindsay Beech and will take place on Saturday.

People are invited to come along dressed to impress American style.

And children are being encouraged to dress up in their most ghoulish outfits whilst they shop with their parents in the town centre.

The High Sheriff of Norfolk, Lady Roberts will be in attendance to judge and present prizes for the best dressed market stall, shop window and fancy dress outfit.

Lady Roberts recently judged the Swaffham Covid Garden Competition in which people of all ages were invited to get creative with prizes on offer.

This Saturday will see Dereham Magpies entertain people for the American themed day. They are a cheer leading squad that started up during lockdown. Their Covid-secure dance routines will take place under the town's historic Buttercross.

The East Coast Pirates, a classic American car club, together with local American military cars and motorbikes, will be driving around the market place so shoppers can admire them, again from a safe distance.

Due to Covid-19, this will be the first time many classic car owners have been able to showcase their vehicles this year and Swaffham Town Council has said it is delighted to invite them to Swaffham on Saturday.

Planning has already started for the 2021 Swaffham Classic Car Show after this year's Recreation Ground event has been cancelled.

Ahead of the weekend, a town council spokeswoman said: "Swaffham Town Council is hoping to make sure that Halloween goes ahead safely in the town's Marketplace on October 31."