Norwich's Spooky City Parade has been axed because it has grown so much, but council bosses say there will still be eerie entertainment in Chapelfield Gardens on Halloween.

Norwich Evening News: Sinister goings on at the Spooky City parade in 2014. Pic: DENISE BRADLEYSinister goings on at the Spooky City parade in 2014. Pic: DENISE BRADLEY (Image: Archant)

The city held its first Halloween Parade in 2013, with people donning fancy dress to join the paranormal procession as it snaked its way through Norwich's streets.

And it has taken place each year since, to the delight of thousands of families who joined in with the macabre march, which culminated in performances and events in Chapelfield gardens.

But Norwich City Council has confirmed that this year, the sixth Spooky City celebration, the parade element of the event has been dropped.

The parade has grown from 300 people in the first year to closer to 5,000, so council bosses have made the decision to run the event differently this year.

However, they say that there will still be free spooky fun in Chapelfield Gardens this Halloween and are urging people to get creative with weird and wonderful costumes, with prizes for the best ones.

There will also be a fire show, a special performance by The Garage and the chance to pay a visit to the 'world's smallest night club'.

Council bosses say that, as dusk falls, the park will be filled with atmospheric lighting and 'surprises around every corner'.

Alan Waters, leader of Norwich City Council, said: 'It's been another fantastic year for events in the city, and the return of the ever-popular Spooky City is not to be missed.

'I'm looking forward to seeing Chapelfield Gardens filled with families in their finest fancy dress, enjoying the spooky fun.'

The free Spooky City event will begin at 6pm on Halloween (Wednesday, October 31) in the middle of Chapelfield Gardens. It will run until 8pm.

• Another Halloween-themed event will take place later his month, as part of Norwich Science Festival.

The Norwich Pumpkin Rescue event will give people the chance to carve pumpkins and to find out about pumpkin-inspired recipes.

The UK sends 18,000 tonnes of pumpkin to landfill every year, so the idea is to ensure people make good use of the pumpkin 'meat', rather than throwing it away.

That event will run at The Forum in Norwich from 10am until 4pm on Saturday, October 20.