Things to do this weekend including Zippos Circus in Rochester and the chance to Pick Your Own Pumpkin in Kent

There's a definite autumnal feel to the weekend's events this week. And if you're looking to kick start your days off in style - take a look at the fantastic Festival of Light parade taking place on Friday evening.
All you need for a weekend with the family here...

Swale Fusion Festival Parade, Sittingbourne town centre

Friday, October 11

Kickstart your weekend with a visit to a Kent town's gorgeous Festival of Light. Children will lead the annual Swale Fusion Festival event alongside Bhangra dancers. The parade sets off at 6pm.

Dance troupe Four By Four, will provide the soundtrack to the parade by youngsters who have designed and made their own lanterns. The parade will snake towards Albany Park for fireworks at 7.10pm. The festival is a celebration of colour, light, music and art.

Zippos Circus, Jackson's Field, Rochester

Until Sunday, October 13

Watch acrobats, jugglers, Kenyan tumblers, knife throwers, contortionists, dancers and motorcycle stunt riders in the Big Top this weekend. There are two shows on each day over the weekend. For a complete running order and to book your tickets please click here.

Tunbridge Wells Puppetry Festival

Friday, October 11 until Sunday, October 13

Tunbridge Wells will be filled with puppetry in all its forms across this weekend. Performances, fantastic street theatre, talks and puppet making workshops from local, national and international artists will take place throughout the town for the whole family to enjoy. There are special events for very young children, those aged over five and those aged over 12. For a full run-down of events please visit twpuppetryfestival.org

Pick your own pumpkin, Pumpkin Moon, Maidstone

Saturday, October 12 and Sunday, October 13

It's opening weekend at Pumpkin Moon in Maidstone. The PYO pumpkin field will be open for the first time this autumn. Families can pick pumpkins between 10am and 4pm on each day.

If Pumpkin Moon is too far for your family see a round-up of other pumpkin fields opening ahead of Halloween by clicking here.

Wilmington Model Railway Exhibition, St Michael's Church Hall, Church Hill, Dartford

Saturday, October 12 and Sunday, October 13

If you've got a youngster who is train-mad whisk them along to Wilmington Model Railway Exhibition this weekend. There will be layouts, lots of displays to look at, trade stands, the chance to have a go, and refreshments to keep everyone refuelled. Tickets are £3 for adults, £1 for children and those under four are free.

Autumn Colour at Hever Castle

Saturday, October 12 and Sunday, October 13

Pull on those wellies and head for a walk amongst the crunching leaves at Hever. Visitors are being treated to some glorious autumnal colours, particularly as the Boston Ivy adorning the front of the castle turns to a vivid shade of red. As part of autumnal celebrations little ones can take on the Leaf & Seed Collection Challenge. If they collect different seeds and leaves from Anne Boleyn’s Walk and Lake Walk, they will be given a bulb to take home and plant. Visitors can also explore the Woodland Walk which is not normally open to the public. All the details here.

Apple Pressing fun day, The Tithe Barn, Maidstone
Sunday, October 13
Lenham Meadows Trust is hosting this fun event this Sunday which is free for families to enter. An apple press will be set up in the barn and visitors are welcome to bring their own apples (washed and ready for pressing) together with a container in which to take home fresh apple juice. There will also be live music, face painting, a barbecue, games for the kids and more. Further information here.