Magic is taking over West Midland Safari Park

Young wizards can create their own nifty wands and put their spell-casting to the test at West Midland Safari Park.

Walter the Wizard will be welcoming guests into his workshop to show them how to put their spell-casting to the test.

Magic is taking over the attraction this year for its annual Spooky Spectacular, which kicks off on September 29.

the five-week-long festival includes a new Wizarding Workshop, where children will help Walter the Wizard cast an invisibility spell.

Decorated by the park’s creative artists, it features potions, spell books and vintage furniture – the perfect space for budding young wizards to conjure up the most magical enchantments, all under the watchful eye of wise Walter.

This year will see the return of the Trick or Treat Trail, with explorers helping Glenda the Good Witch to restore peace in the park by finding the missing clues and ingredients to her spell. After encountering creepy characters and mischievous witches along the way, successful explorers will receive a sweet treat for their efforts.

Braver guests are invited into Ice Age: Legend of the Dire Wolf, where strange things have been happening, including reports of what sounds like a howling wolf.

Holly Ashworth, events and marketing officer, said: “As my first year running the annual Spooky Spectacular, I’m incredibly excited about the event, particularly all of the new elements we have added to our fearsome festival. Our younger guests have the opportunity to make their very own wand and spell in our new Wizarding Workshop, where resident wizard, Walter, will be on hand to provide expert magical advice.

“Our brand-new Ice Age exhibit will also host our slightly scarier Halloween experience, where some of our Ice Age Keepers have been bitten by what looks to be a large wolf-like creature. As this experience takes place during the evenings only, guests should take extra care and report any sightings of roaming wolves immediately!”

The wizarding theme will be continued with the daily Halloween Sea Lion Show, this year aptly named Herring Potter and the Deathly Haddock. If this isn’t enough, the park will be decorated with over 600 pumpkins and 100 scarecrows, which are eerily illuminated after dark.

Opening hours will be extended until 8.30pm on weekends and during the October half-term holiday.

Further information and tickets see www.wmsp.co.uk or call 01299 402114.