Pumpkin festival to get underway in Cavan

Growers from around the world are gathering at the second annual Pumpkin Festival today.

Virginia, Co Cavan, will be plunged into darkness this evening for the traditional Lighting of the Pumpkins.

A street carnival will then kick off in the lakeside village with fire eaters and exotic dancers.

A spokeswoman for the Halloween festival said: “For three days Virginia will be the pumpkin capital of Europe.

“Pumpkin growers from all over Ireland and abroad will unveil their carefully-cultivated prize specimens and the winner of the largest pumpkin will be declared.”

The largest pumpkin will receive a €3,000 cash prize.

The festival will also include a Pumpkin Treasure Hunt, the selection of the king and queen of the Pumpkin Festival and a fire parade.

Other attractions include organic food stalls, crafts, cookery demonstrations and a children’s fancy dress Halloween party.

The festival will close on Sunday with a fireworks display over the nearby Lough Ramor.

Artists Sharon Shannon, Shane McGowan and Mundy will top the entertainment bill.