Aberdeen’s unique panto-inspired pumpkin trail is set to spell out magical family fun for the October holidays.
Families can now pick up clue sheets with trail maps, ready to explore the enchanting Cinderella Pumpkin Hunt across the city centre, inspired by this year’s panto at His Majesty’s Theatre.
Participants follow rhyming riddles and hints to find secret letters at participating businesses then put them together to spell out a magical word, in the event devised by Aberdeen Performing Arts and supported by Aberdeen Inspired.
Once the word is revealed, those taking part return their sheet to be entered into a draw to win a family ticket to a performance on the opening weekend of Cinderella on Saturday, November 29.
And just to add to the thrill of the chase, participating venues will be offering “lucky dips” – there might be witches’ cauldrons involved.
Goodies to be won include £10 Aberdeen Gift Cards, panto merchandise, plus a chance to bag special discounts for APA’s eateries, Coda at the Music Hall and The Terrace at His Majesty’s, as well as other prizes.
Sheets can be picked up in person from this Saturday, October 11, at the Music Hall Box Office, as well as from the Trinity Centre.
They can also be downloaded online from the Aberdeen Inspired website from Saturday, October 11.
Adrian Watson, chief executive of Aberdeen Inspired, said: “The October holidays are all about families being together and having fun – and what better way to do that than by joining the Cinderella Pumpkin Hunt with its lovely mix of Halloween spookiness and Christmas panto magic?
“It will be a real joy to watch folk, young and old, coming into the city centre, puzzling out where to go, how to find the mystery letters and then working out the anagram to find this special word.
“The real magic will be for the local businesses taking part, as they see extra footfall and customers coming through their door to join in the adventure. And for families, it will give them a chance to have a great day – or days – out and discover all the great things the city centre has to offer people of all ages.
“But we don’t want to see anyone cheating by asking their Fairy Godmother for help – leave that to Cinders.”
Aberdeen Performing Arts Director of Programming and Creative Projects, Ben Torrie, said: “We all know how a pumpkin helped to transform Cinderella’s fortunes, and we hope this city centre pumpkin trail will take families on an adventure of their own, following the clues and perhaps discovering their new favourite local business along the way!
“With just seven weeks to go until Cinderella opens at His Majesty’s Theatre, we hope everyone has fun getting involved in some panto-inspired fun during the school holidays.”
The Cinderella Pumpkin Hunt will run from Saturday, October 11, to Sunday, October 26. All entries must be submitted by Tuesday, November 4, by dropping them in a pumpkin postbox at the Music Hall.
Cinderella is on at His Majesty’s Theatre from Saturday, November 29 to Sunday, January 4, 2026.
Scottish acting royalty and Strictly winner Joe McFadden and Shetland and Monarch of the Glen star Dawn Steele will lead the cast, with Joe stepping into the role of Prince Charming and Dawn taking on the role of the Fairy Godmother.
Joe and Dawn will be joined by beloved panto dame extraordinaire Alan McHugh, who once again writes and directs the production, returning as Baroness Heifer McHardup.
HMT stalwart Paul J Corrigan makes a welcome return as Buttons, and panto favourite Danielle Jam will take on the title role as Cinderella. Returning star Julie Coombe and acclaimed performer Helen Logan will team up as the Wicked Sisters.
The show is being staged by Crossroads Pantomimes, the world’s biggest pantomime producer, led by Michael Harrison and the team that have produced the His Majesty’s Theatre panto for over 20 years, with the usual abundance of comedy, lavish sets, fabulous costumes, and of course a few surprises in store.
Packed with all the traditional pantomime ingredients Aberdeen audiences expect, Cinderella features laugh-out-loud comedy, stunning scenery, beautiful costumes and plenty of boos and hisses.
Tickets are on sale now, available from www.aberdeenperformingarts.com, phone (01224) 641122 or visit the box office at His Majesty’s Theatre or the Music Hall.