Credit: Phoebe Anderson
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The nights are drawing in, there’s a proper chill in the air, and it’s time to swap park picnics for pub corners, but what if you could get the best of both? A bit of outdoor magic in the Autumn, that’s ideal for the spooky season too?
Well, you’re in luck, because a truly magical event has returned to the city, turning a beloved community space into a glowing wonderland of gourds.
An autumnal wonderland at the Dalston Eastern Curve Garden
London’s magical pumpkin festival is back, and it’s the ultimate autumnal night out. The setting is Dalston Eastern Curve Garden, which has been completely transformed for the season. There are around one thousand pumpkins, all carved with incredibly creative designs and lit from within.
This isn’t just a few pumpkins on a doorstep. Shelves upon shelves of glowing jack-o’-lanterns are dotted around the garden, creating a stunning and cosy glow. The creativity is top-notch; there are intricate cat silhouettes, spooky faces, stars, and all sorts of other patterns. A disco ball hanging above even adds an extra sparkle to the scene.
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But it’s not just a static display. The garden itself is buzzing with a lovely, chilled-out vibe. People are gathered around rustic tables, some covered in charming red-and-white gingham tablecloths, enjoying a drink and a chat. Pints and candles flicker on the tables, all underneath strings of twinkling fairy lights draped between the trees. It’s the perfect spot to catch up with mates on a crisp evening.
Humble beginnings
The Light Up Nights started 15 years ago with just 25 pumpkins, and has grown into a 5-day event, which runs from 27-31 October, with lanterns lit up from 6pm until around 9:30 pm. This year’s event also included a community pumpkin-carving weekend, which happened on 25-26 October.
The Secret London team were lucky enough to go down and take a stroll through the pumpkins:
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📍 Location: Dalston Eastern Curve Garden
🎟️ Entry: You don’t need to pre-book for the Light Up Nights and children go free. All visitors are asked for an ‘entrance donation’ between £3-5 per personand they accept cash or card payments.
Timings: The pumpkins will be lit from 6pm daily.
Visit the Dalston Garden website for more information.
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