PUMPKIN pandemonium hit Hyde Hall when scores of families visited the gardens to get arty with their Hallowe'en creations.
The Pumpkin Carving Day was filled with families, all helping to draw and carve the scariest face on their giant squashes.
Children of all ages, dressed as witches, aliens and ghosts, also made witch-shaped candles and listened to spooky stories, on October 27.
Among the crowded room was family, Patsy Barker, 8, Emily Naylor, 7, James Naylor, 5, Val Naylor and David Naylor, of Chelmsford.
"It's a mucky business. We've come here every year for the past four years, so there is nothing we do not know about pumpkin carving," said David.
"It is such a creative thing to do with the family, but I always get messier than the others because I am chief carver."
Emily added: "I am trying to draw my face on mine, but I got it a bit wrong.
"I did a smiley face because that is the same face that I have on my witch's wand, but I don't want that face anymore."
Another family enjoying the festive fun was, Isabel, 5, Laura, 33, and Wayne Nicholls, 32, of Wickford.
"We have loved today, we came last year with Isabel and she absolutely loved it."
"When I get home," said Isabel, wearing a bat witch dress, "I am going to put the pumpkin outside the house with little lights in it."
Organiser Claire Campbell, 40, of Chelmsford, said: "I have been at Hyde Hall for 12 years and I have been doing this event for probably the same amount of time.
"I love to see all the familiar faces coming back and the enjoyment of the children."
Retired volunteer Mazza Marston, who was helping at the witch candle stand, added: "Seeing the kids being creative, not in front of the TV or the computer, really is a joy to see.
"They are using their creativity and taking their creation home, I think it sends a very positive message to all families."
