As the rest of the British Isles prepares to celebrate Halloween, the village of Cregneash gets ready for a wonderful weekend of Hop tu Naa celebrations starting at 10am on Saturday 29th October, with ‘Jinnie the Witch and Friends’ and Traditional Hop tu Naa on Sunday 30th October. This year, families can board the Hop tu Naa Express Train to Port St. Mary with a special shuttle bus to these special events at Cregneash from the station. This week (up to Friday 28th) children can ‘Turn up for Turnips’ at Cregneash, open 11am to 4pm. Every child visiting Cregneash will receive a free turnip to take home and carve for Hop tu Naa. Standard entry fees apply, ACE cardholders free. For a magical mix of activities join the most famous Hop tu Naa character Jinnie the Witch, at Cregneash on Saturday 29th for storytelling, ‘Cast a Spell Face Paints’ and witch themed craft activities. Jinnie’s friends will also share with you traditional tales about witches and some of their real remedies and magic potions. On Sunday find out more about the customs of Manx Hop tu Naa, with Hollantide Cooking and Hop tu Naa supper, children’s crafts and a Manx Farmers market selling local produce. The grand Turnip Lantern Parade at 4pm will mark the end of the special events and by tradition celebrate the end of summer and a safely gathered harvest! Both events will feature the Turnip Barn, a special Hop tu Naa Shop and a new Hop tu Naa trail! Learn the Hop tu Naa song and dance and enjoy refreshments from Apple Orphanage to compliment a delicious Hog Roast. Entry is ?4 for adults, half-price to the Friends of Manx National Heritage and children. Local school children and students go free with their ACE card, kindly supported by Conister Bank. Hop tu Naa Express packages include train, shuttle bus and entry to Cregneash for ?15 per adult and ?5 per child. Tickets are available from the Welcome Centre (662525) and Douglas Railway Station (673623) when trains are running. We hope it’s a perfect autumn weekend but visitors are advised to wrap up warm and are informed that most of the activities will take place under cover at Cregneash, so the event goes ahead whatever the weather. ENDS